If you dream of building a career in Japan, the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) Visa offers a golden opportunity to live and work in the Land of the Rising Sun. This program allows skilled foreign workers to fill labor gaps across industries like caregiving, manufacturing, and food service. One of the most common questions applicants ask is, “What is the age limit for the SSW Visa in Japan?” In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know from age eligibility, requirements, salary, and application process to how TLS – The Japanese Language School can help you achieve success.
For a complete overview of eligibility, application steps and visa types, check our detailed guide: Navigating Your Career in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa – your one-stop resource for the SSW Visa in Japan.
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa is a special program introduced by the Government of Japan to welcome skilled foreign professionals into its workforce. Designed to address Japan’s growing labor shortage, this visa opens doors for individuals with practical expertise to work across 14 essential industries, including:
With an SSW Visa, you can legally live and work in Japan, gain valuable international experience, and even build a pathway toward long-term residency. For many, it’s not just a job it’s the start of a rewarding career and cultural journey in Japan.
For detailed eligibility criteria and documentation, check our complete guide on SSW Visa Japan Requirements
Officially, Japan does not set a fixed age limit for the SSW Visa. However, the ideal age range is between 18 to 35 years, depending on the employer’s preference and job sector.
Here’s the detailed breakdown:
| Age Group | Eligibility Status |
| 18–30 years | Highly preferred; most employers hire within this range. |
| 31–35 years | Eligible; needs stronger skills or experience. |
| 36 years | Possible, but less common; depends on industry and company needs. |
So, if you are wondering “Can I work in Japan over 30?” — Yes, you can! As long as you meet the skill and Japanese language requirements, age is not a strict barrier.
Explore the full breakdown of Japan’s SSW visa program here: SSW Japan Visa 2025: Complete Guide for Skilled Workers
For most Japanese work visas, including SSW, the minimum age is 18 (to be legally employed).
There’s no official maximum age limit, but practical hiring trends favor younger applicants due to the physically demanding nature of jobs in sectors like construction, caregiving, and agriculture.
Tip: Focus more on your JLPT/NAT Test score and technical skills, as they matter more than your age!
For a complete India-focused guide on Japan visas, check out “Japan Visa for Indians: Complete Guide 2025
Worried that your age might stop you from working or living in Japan? The good news is several Japanese visas have no strict age limit, allowing individuals of all ages to pursue opportunities based on skills, experience, or personal circumstances. Here are the main options:
While these visas offer flexibility, the SSW Visa remains the most practical and accessible route for skilled workers from India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, and Indonesia who want to start their professional journey in Japan quickly.
Want to study Japanese abroad? Check our complete guide: “Student Visa for Japanese Language Schools.
Applying for an SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) Visa may seem complex, but with the right preparation, you can smoothly complete the process and start your career in Japan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Pro Tip: Get trained and certified with TLS – The Japanese Language School to prepare for your JLPT/NAT exams and SSW skills tests making your visa application faster and smoother.
For a detailed walkthrough on studying in Japan, check the guide: “Japan Student Visa Guidance for Indian Students.
Start your SSW journey today — Join TLS – The Japanese Language School and prepare for your NAT or JLPT exams!
To qualify for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa in Japan, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Japanese government. These requirements ensure that workers are skilled, healthy, and capable of adapting to Japan’s work environment. Here’s what you’ll need:
These qualifications ensure that candidates are fully prepared to work safely and effectively in Japan’s professional industries.
Pro Tip: Enroll with TLS – The Japanese Language School to get complete guidance for language exams, skills test preparation, and visa documentation under one roof!
Planning to move to Japan long-term? Start with our detailed guide: “Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Japan – Complete Guide.
One of the biggest attractions of the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) Visa is the opportunity to earn a competitive salary while working in Japan’s fast-growing industries. Under the SSW Visa, workers enjoy the same pay and benefits as Japanese employees in similar roles making it a fair and rewarding career choice.
On average, SSW workers earn between ¥180,000 and ¥250,000 per month (approximately ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,40,000 in Indian currency). Your actual salary depends on your skills, experience, and job sector.
| Industry | Estimated Salary (¥) |
| Caregiving | 180,000 – 200,000 |
| Food Service | 190,000 – 230,000 |
| Agriculture | 180,000 – 210,000 |
| Construction | 200,000 – 260,000 |
| Manufacturing | 200,000 – 250,000 |
Beyond a stable income, SSW employees often receive free or subsidized accommodation, transportation support, and bonuses depending on the company and contract terms.
Want to earn a Japanese salary? Enroll in TLS’s SSW Preparation Course today!
Start your journey with our complete guide on “Japan Student Visa for Language Schools”.
If you’ve already gained valuable work experience in Japan under the SSW Type 1 Visa, you can take your career to the next level with the SSW Type 2 Visa a prestigious upgrade that offers more stability, freedom, and long-term opportunities.
The SSW Type 2 Visa is designed for skilled workers who have demonstrated excellence in their field and wish to continue living and working in Japan for an extended period. This visa opens the door to incredible benefits such as:
To qualify for the SSW Type 2 Visa, you must:
Once approved, the SSW Type 2 Visa allows you to build a lasting career and life in Japan, turning your short-term work opportunity into a permanent dream.
Upgrade your Japanese skills with TLS – The Japanese Language School to qualify for SSW Type 2!
For details on how long the process takes, check our guide: “Japan Student Visa Processing Time for Indian Students”.
For aspiring professionals in India, the SSW Visa program has opened an exciting gateway to work and settle in Japan. With Japan facing a growing demand for skilled workers, the Governments of India and Japan have signed a bilateral agreement to facilitate the legal recruitment of Indian talent under the SSW system.
This partnership allows qualified Indian candidates to build stable, high-paying careers in sectors like caregiving, food service, construction, and manufacturing while experiencing Japan’s world-class work culture.
At TLS – The Japanese Language School, we provide complete support to help you qualify and succeed:
With TLS by your side, you can turn your dream of working in Japan into reality faster and smarter.
Looking for SSW visa assistance from India? Visit TLS at our Laxmi Nagar center today!
To understand the financial proof you’ll need for studying in Japan, read our in-depth guide on “Bank Balance Required for Japan Student Visa”.
Applicants from the Philippines must go through POEA-accredited agencies and pass both:
After that, the visa process is similar — once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply at the Japanese Embassy in Manila.
Contact TLS to know how we help international applicants prepare for the SSW visa process!
Before applying, you must undergo a medical test that includes:
Passing the medical test ensures you meet Japan’s health standards for foreign workers.
Book your SSW visa consultation with TLS today and get complete medical test guidance.
When it comes to building your career in Japan, TLS – The Japanese Language School stands out as one of India’s most trusted and result-oriented institutes for NAT, JLPT, and SSW visa preparation. With expert trainers, personalized guidance, and proven results, TLS has helped hundreds of students achieve their dream of living and working in Japan.
At TLS, you don’t just learn Japanese you build a successful international career with full support from language to visa processing.
Visit Us:
2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092
Call Us: 91 8700956038
Email Us: tls@teamlanguages.com
There’s no official upper age limit. However, most employers prefer candidates aged 18–35 years.
Yes, you can. As long as you have language skills (N4 level) and technical experience, your age won’t stop you from working in Japan.
The minimum age is 18 years. No maximum age limit is specified by the Japanese government.
The Highly Skilled Professional, Investor, and Spouse visas have no age limit.
You must pass the NAT or JLPT exam, clear the skills test, secure a job offer, and then apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
The average salary ranges from ¥180,000 to ¥250,000 per month depending on the job sector.
The SSW Visa Japan is one of the best ways to work, earn, and build a future in Japan especially for young and skilled candidates from India, the Philippines, and other Asian countries.
If you’re serious about building your career in Japan, start with language training and SSW visa guidance from experts.
Join TLS – The Japanese Language School today and take the first step toward your dream job in Japan!