Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) for Vietnamese citizens
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
Japan's main route for skilled non-degree work, open across 16 sectors including caregiving, construction, food service, agriculture and manufacturing. You pass a sector skills test plus a Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or above), then an employer sponsors you. Type 1 runs up to five years without family; Type 2 removes the renewal cap, allows family and opens permanent residence, so the sector's Type 2 availability matters for your long-term plan. Vietnamese applicants must also obtain a DOLAB recommendation certificate — applications get rejected without it. Note the Technical Intern Training Program ends on 1 April 2027 and is replaced by Ikusei Shuro, which will feed into this route.
Requirements for Vietnamese citizens
| 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 8–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $30. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Choose your sector and check Type 2 availability
- Study for and pass the Japanese language test
- Pass the sector-specific skills evaluation test
- Register with a DOLAB-licensed sending organisation
- Find a Japanese employer and sign the employment contract
- Obtain your DOLAB recommendation certificate
- Employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
- Apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- Complete pre-departure orientation
- Arrive and receive your residence card at the airport
- Register your address at the city office within 14 days
- Plan your SSW Type 2 upgrade
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) take for Vietnamese citizens?
- Typical processing time is 8–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $30. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Vietnamese citizens need a job offer for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Japan is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other Japan visas for Vietnamese citizens
Japan visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.