SSW guide for Nepali people

Updated：2026/5/15

Nepali citizens need to check Nepal-side overseas work procedures in addition to Japan-side status of residence procedures. In particular, people newly going from Nepal to Japan are instructed to get an overseas labor permit from the Department of Foreign Employment under Nepal's Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security after getting a visa, and show it when leaving Nepal.

Systems and submission offices may change. This page is a guide to understand the order of preparation. Before applying, check the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency, the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, and the Department of Foreign Employment under Nepal's Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security.

Especially important in Nepal
  • In Nepal, official guidance says it is not required to use a sending organization certified by the Nepali government for SSW acceptance. Direct hiring is also an option.
  • A Japanese accepting organization may submit a job application through the Embassy of Nepal in Japan. Job information may be shared with job seekers on the Nepal side.
  • If leaving Nepal to work overseas, do not forget the flow to get an overseas labor permit after getting a visa. You may need to show it at the airport.
  • For Japan status of residence applications, documents proving completion of Nepal-side procedures are not required. However, this does not mean the Nepal-side procedures themselves are unnecessary.
Flow when going from Nepal to Japan
  1. Pass the skills and Japanese exams, or confirm successful completion of Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3
  2. Find a company and check the job duties, salary, housing, support details, and costs paid by the applicant
  3. Sign an SSW employment contract with the Japanese accepting organization
  4. The accepting organization applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
  5. After the COE is issued, the applicant receives the COE information
  6. Apply for an SSW visa at the Embassy of Japan in Nepal
  7. After getting the visa, apply for an overseas labor permit at the Department of Foreign Employment under Nepal's Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security
  8. Receive the overseas labor permit, show it when leaving Nepal, and enter Japan
2. If a person in Japan changes status to SSW
  • Students, technical interns, designated activities holders, and others in Japan apply for permission to change status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau after signing an employment contract with the company.
  • While staying in Japan, there is no visa application like for people entering from overseas.
  • If you return temporarily to Nepal after your change to SSW is approved and then re-enter Japan, Nepal-side procedures to get an overseas labor permit are explained. Before returning, check with the Embassy of Nepal in Japan or a Nepal-side office.
Checklist before application
  • The name on your passport matches the names on the COE, employment contract, and exam certificates
  • Read the employment terms in a language you understand, and checked salary, deductions, work location, overtime, and days off
  • You are not being asked for a deposit, penalty fee, or unclear referral fee
  • Confirmed when and where to apply for the Nepal-side overseas labor permit
  • Confirmed where to get help in Japan, the registered support organization, and the company contact person
Pages to see next
Official links