Japan’s Japan Specified Skilled Worker 2026 visa — known as Tokuteigino in Japanese — covers 16 sectors with a workforce-shortage focus. Two sub-routes exist: SSW Type 1 (Tokutei Gino 1-go), which is renewable up to five years total, and SSW Type 2 (Tokutei Gino 2-go), which has no renewal cap and supports family reunification. Egyptian welders, Kenyan agricultural workers, Nigerian construction technicians, Ghanaian nursing assistants and Senegalese hospitality professionals are using this route to build careers in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Here is the 2026 playbook.
The 16 sectors covered in 2026
From the most recent Ministry of Justice expansion, the 16 sectors are: nursing care, building cleaning, machine parts and tooling, industrial machinery, electric and electronic information, construction, shipbuilding and machinery, automobile repair, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture, manufacture of food and beverages, food service, automobile transportation, railway, and forestry/wood-product manufacturing. Each sector has its own qualifying skill test and Japanese-language exam.
The sectors most receptive to African applicants right now are food service, accommodation, agriculture and construction. Nursing care has been expanding but typically requires JLPT N3 Japanese, which is a heavier lift. Manufacturing and shipbuilding hire heavily but candidates need ITAC or sector-specific technical training that is harder to access from Africa without a feeder programme.
SSW Type 1 versus Type 2 — the difference that matters
SSW Type 1 (Tokutei Gino 1-go) is the entry route. Family members cannot accompany the worker; the visa is renewable in one- and two-year increments up to five years total. Salary must match a Japanese national in the equivalent role. After five years, the worker either transitions to Type 2 (only in sectors that have implemented Type 2 — currently 11 of the 16) or returns home.
SSW Type 2 (Tokutei Gino 2-go) is the long-term route. Spouse and dependent children can accompany, and the visa renews indefinitely. Eligibility requires a higher skill test pass plus several years of supervisory experience. After roughly five years on Type 2 (ten years total in Japan with one year as a permanent resident-aligned spouse), permanent residence becomes possible. For African workers planning a long-term move with family, Type 2 is the strategic target — but most start with Type 1 and progress.
The skill test and Japanese language requirement
Two exams are required for SSW Type 1. First, the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) at level A2 or higher, or JLPT N4 or higher (N3 for nursing care). The JFT-Basic is administered at testing centres in Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Dakar, Pretoria and several other African capitals. Pre-registration is required and tests fill up months in advance.
Second, the sector-specific skill test (Tokutei Gino Hyoka Shiken). These are written and practical exams set by the sector industry body. Tests are held in Japan and in many African cities depending on the sector — food service and accommodation exams are now offered in Lagos and Nairobi annually. Pass rates vary by sector but typically run 35–55%. Most candidates need a structured 4–6 month preparation programme.
Considering the Japan SSW route but not sure which of the 16 sectors fits your work history? Send your CV through https://linktr.ee/travelexpore and we will tell you which sector exam you should prepare for.
The full application timeline
Realistic timeline. Months 1–2: pick a sector matched to your work history and start the JFT-Basic preparation. Month 3: take the JFT-Basic (or JLPT N4 if you have already studied Japanese). Months 4–5: prepare for and take the sector skill test. Month 6: with both passes in hand, work with a Japanese recruiter (or your Travel Explore consultant) to land a Japanese employer offer. Month 7: the employer submits the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to the Japanese Immigration Services Agency. Month 8: COE arrives; you submit the visa stamp application at the Japanese embassy in your home country. Month 9: visa stamped, you fly to Japan and register at the local ward office.
Costs run roughly USD 1,500–3,000 in exam fees, document translation and apostille fees, plus the international flight. Many African candidates use staffing agencies that front the cost in exchange for a recruitment fee deducted from the first year’s salary — verify the agency is licensed by both your country’s labour migration authority and Japan’s accredited support organisation list before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What level of Japanese do I need for the SSW visa 2026?
JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4 for most sectors; JLPT N3 for nursing care. Tests are held in major African cities including Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Dakar and Pretoria.
Can my family come with me on Japan’s SSW Type 1?
No. Family reunification is only available under SSW Type 2. Type 1 workers must travel without spouse or children. After progression to Type 2, family can join.
How long can I stay in Japan on the SSW visa?
SSW Type 1 is capped at five years total. SSW Type 2 has no cap and supports indefinite renewal, eventually leading to permanent residence.
Which sectors are most realistic for African applicants?
Food service, accommodation, agriculture and construction have the highest African intake. Nursing care requires JLPT N3 (a higher bar). Manufacturing and shipbuilding require sector-specific technical training that is harder to access from Africa.
Are there licensed Japan SSW recruiters in Africa?
Yes, but verify both ends: the recruiter must be licensed by your home country’s labour migration ministry AND listed on Japan’s Accredited Support Organisation registry. Unlicensed brokers are the main scam vector in this route.
Take the next step today
Travel Explore agents are online — drop us a note from https://linktr.ee/travelexpore and we will convert this article into a written plan for your case.
End-of-article cheat sheet
- 16 sectors covered; food service, accommodation, agriculture and construction are the most accessible for African applicants.
- SSW Type 1 caps at five years; Type 2 is the long-term route with family reunification and a path to permanent residence.
- JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4 plus a sector-specific skill test are mandatory — budget 4–6 months of preparation.
Related reads from Travel Explore
Share this story
- Japan’s SSW visa is the most accessible Asia route for African workers. Here is the 16-sector map.
- Type 1 vs Type 2 — the difference that decides whether your family can come to Japan with you.
- JFT-Basic A2 plus a sector test. The Japan SSW route is genuinely achievable from Lagos, Nairobi and Cairo.
Have a question about your case? Tap our team via https://linktr.ee/travelexpore and we’ll come back to you with a written next step.