Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer from a registered Japanese employer in one of the 16 designated industries
- Pass the Japan Foundation language test (JLPT N4 minimum) or Japan specific skills test
- Pass the occupation-specific skills evaluation test in Japan or in Bangladesh (TITP pathway)
- For SSW Category 1: up to 5 years cumulative, no family permitted
- For SSW Category 2: no cumulative limit, family members can join
- Age 18 or older, no criminal record
Required Documents
7 mandatory documents Β· 0 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredPassport valid throughout intended stay in Japan.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
RequiredIssued by the Japanese immigration authority at your employer's request. This is the primary approval document. Your employer handles the COE application.
Job Offer / Employment Contract
RequiredFormal employment contract from the Japanese employer specifying role, salary (must meet minimum wage standards), and work conditions.
Japanese Language Certificate
RequiredJLPT N4 or higher, or Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) pass certificate.
Skills Test Certificate
RequiredPass certificate from the designated skills evaluation test for your specific industry (e.g., food service, construction, nursing care).
Educational Certificate
RequiredHighest degree certificate with Japanese translation.
Health Certificate
RequiredMedical certificate from a registered doctor confirming fitness for work.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Pass Language and Skills Tests
Study for and pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N4) or Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic). Also pass the specific skills evaluation test for your target industry. Tests are conducted periodically in Bangladesh through Japan-registered test centers. Register via the official Japan SSW test portal.
Find a Japanese Employer
Register with Japan-Bangladesh bilateral recruitment agencies registered with both governments. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and registered sending organizations in Bangladesh connect workers with Japanese companies in 16 designated industries including: food manufacturing, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, nursing care, hospitality, fisheries.
Employer Obtains Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Your Japanese employer applies to the regional immigration bureau for a COE on your behalf. The COE confirms your visa category and eligibility. Processing takes 1-3 months.
Apply for Work Visa at Japan Embassy Dhaka
Take the COE and all documents to the Japan Embassy Dhaka and apply for the Specified Skilled Worker visa (status of residence). Processing at the embassy typically takes 5-10 working days.
Travel to Japan and Register
Travel to Japan with your visa. Within 14 days of moving to your residence, register at the local municipal office. Your employer will help you get a My Number card and complete other registrations.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change β confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Work Visa Application Fee | ৳ 2,900 |
| Skills Test Fee | ৳ 3,500 |
| JLPT Examination Fee | ৳ 2,900 |
| Recruitment Agency Fee | β |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
COE processing by Japanese immigration takes 1-3 months. After receiving COE, Japan Embassy Dhaka processes the visa in 5-10 working days. Language test registration to final departure is typically a 6-12 month process including preparation time.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Japan Embassy Dhaka, Plot 5-7, Sector 7, Uttara, Dhaka. Apply in person with your COE. Japan conducts bilateral agreements with Bangladesh for Specified Skilled Worker recruitment. Beware of unlicensed agencies - only use registered sending organizations.
Interview Tips
Japan Embassy visa interviews for work visas are brief and administrative. The consular officer verifies your documents and COE. Be prepared to state your employer name, job role, and when you plan to travel. Have all original documents organized and ready.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- COE not obtained before embassy application
- Language test score below N4
- Skills test not passed for the target industry
- Documents incomplete or inconsistent
- Employer not registered for SSW program
- Previous Japan visa violations
Frequently Asked Questions β Japan Work Visa
Q1. What are the 16 industries open to Specified Skilled Workers from Bangladesh?
Japan designated 16 industries: Nursing Care, Building Cleaning, Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, Electric/Electronics/Information, Construction, Shipbuilding/Marine, Automobile Repair, Aviation, Accommodation, Agriculture, Fisheries, Food/Beverage Manufacturing, Foodservice, Material Processing, Casting, Forging. Construction and food manufacturing are most common for Bangladeshi workers.
Q2. How much can I earn as a Specified Skilled Worker in Japan?
Minimum wage in Japan varies by prefecture (JPY 900-1,100/hour). Most SSW positions pay JPY 180,000-250,000/month (approximately BDT 140,000-195,000). Overtime is paid separately. Living costs in Japan are significant but many employers provide accommodation.
Q3. Is the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) different from SSW?
Yes. TITP is the older program (3-5 years) where Bangladeshi workers come to Japan for technical training. After completing TITP, workers can now convert to SSW Category 1 without retaking skills tests. Japan is transitioning away from TITP toward the SSW system. New TITP enrollments are being phased out in favor of a new Specified Skilled Training visa system.
Q4. Can I bring my family to Japan on an SSW visa?
SSW Category 1 does not allow family accompaniment. SSW Category 2 (higher skill level, available in specific industries) allows family members to accompany you. Many workers complete Category 1 and then upgrade to Category 2 to bring family.
Related Visa Guides
Other Japan Visas
Work Visa for Other Countries
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