Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW)for 🇹🇭 Thai citizens travelling to 🇯🇵 Japan

📋Required Documents7

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  Completed Japan visa application form
• ✓
  Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued by the Regional Immigration Services Bureau on behalf of the Japanese school
• ✓
  Employment contract with Japanese employer
• ✓
  Japanese Language Proficiency Test results (N4 or higher for SSW1 in most sectors)
• ✓
  Passport-size photograph (45×45mm, white background)
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  Specified Skilled Worker skills test results certificate (for the relevant sector)
• ✓
  Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

ℹ️What to Expect

To apply for a Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW), book an appointment at the nearest Japan embassy or visa application centre in your country. Submit the required documents in person or via a designated courier service. Processing takes approximately 60 days. The government fee is JPY 3000.00. Plan well ahead of your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any additional document requests from the consulate. Always verify current requirements at the official government portal before booking travel.

📎Supporting Documents (may strengthen your application)

• ○
  Employer's company registration documents and business licence

  Conditional — submitted by employer as part of CoE application (if applicable)

🌐Why Thai passport holders need a visa for Japan

Thai citizens require a visa to enter Japan based on the current immigration requirements set by Japan's government. Thai passport holders must apply through the Japan embassy, consulate, or a designated visa application centre before travelling. Requirements are subject to change, so always verify at the official government portal.

⚠️Common Reasons Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW) Applications Are Refused6

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  The applicant has not passed the required Japanese-language test and the relevant sector skills examination (or completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in a corresponding field).
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  The hiring sector is not one of the designated Specified Skilled Worker industry fields, or the accepting organisation does not meet the conditions to host SSW workers.
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  The employment contract does not meet the required standards (remuneration equal to a Japanese national, full-time direct employment) or the support plan for the worker is inadequate.
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  For SSW(i): the applicant has already reached the 5-year total cap on the status.
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  False statements or fabricated/altered documents, or qualifications/exam results that cannot be verified.
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  A prior overstay, deportation, immigration or criminal record, or other grounds for denial of landing.

Refusal grounds are at the discretion of the deciding officer and can change. This list is informational — always verify current requirements at the official government portal.

🔗More Japan Visa Options

• Japan Business Manager Visa →
• Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services →
• Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) →
• Japan Student Visa →
• Japan Tourist Visa →