The SSW (Tokutei Ginou) visa opens doors for blue-collar workers. We analyze the salary expectations and benefits for skilled workers in Japan.

Japan is facing a labor crisis, and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is the solution. It allows foreign nationals to work in 14 industries like construction, caregiving, and agriculture. But what is the Japan skilled worker visa salary?

Salary Expectations

By law, SSW workers must be paid the same as Japanese workers.

• Caregiving: 180,000 - 220,000 JPY/month.
• Construction: 200,000 - 300,000 JPY/month.
• Agriculture: 160,000 - 200,000 JPY/month.
• Restaurant: 180,000 - 250,000 JPY/month.

Key Benefits

• Direct Employment: Unlike the old "Technical Intern" program, you are hired directly by the company, not a broker.
• Switching Jobs: You are allowed to change employers (within the same industry).
• 5 Years: You can stay for up to 5 years (SSW-i).

👉 Compare: Japan Work Visa Application: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

SSW-ii (The Upgrade)

For Construction and Shipbuilding, you can upgrade to SSW-ii.

• Benefits: Bring your family, renew visa indefinitely, path to Permanent Residency.
• Requirement: Pass a difficult skills test and have years of experience.

Conclusion

The SSW visa is a massive improvement over the intern system. While the salary isn't "high" by IT standards, it provides a stable, legal path to life in Japan with fair labor protections.