Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa for Filipinos
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–20 weeks
- Government fee
- about $20
- Start preparing
- about 12 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 8–20 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
For designated sectors — caregiving, food service, construction, agriculture and more. Requires a sector skills test (offered at Philippine test sites) plus JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 Japanese; caregiving adds its own nursing-care language test. Type 1 allows up to 5 years without family; Type 2 renews indefinitely with family and a PR pathway. Pay must match Japanese workers in the role.
This page covers Filipinos. For every nationality we track, see the Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW) overview.
Requirements for Filipinos
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–20 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $20. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Pass the Japanese language testJFT-Basic or JLPT N4 minimum, plus the nursing-care Japanese evaluation test for caregiving.
- Pass your sector's skills evaluation testIndustry-specific written and practical exam, available at sites in the Philippines.
- Employment contract via a DMW-accredited routeMatched through a DMW-licensed agency or registered support organisation.
- Employer obtains the Certificate of EligibilityFiled at the regional immigration bureau with your test certificates and contract; no fee.
- Visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in the PhilippinesPassport, CoE, photo and form; fee about ¥3,000, usually issued within about a week.
- DMW processing & Overseas Employment CertificateIncludes the pre-departure orientation seminar; the OEC is checked at Philippine immigration.
- Travel — residence card at the airportYou register your address at the municipal office within 14 days.
- Track your path to Type 2Passing the higher skills test gives SSW Type 2, with indefinite renewals and a PR pathway.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa takes about 12 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa take for Filipinos?
- Typical processing time is 8–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $20. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Filipinos need a job offer for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Japan is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other Japan visas for Filipinos
Other destinations for Filipinos
Japan visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.