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SSW guide for Sri Lankan people

Updated：2026/5/15

Sri Lankan citizens need to check overseas labor registration with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) in addition to Japan-side status of residence procedures. When newly going from Sri Lanka to Japan, the flow is to get the COE and visa, then register with SLBFE before departure.

Especially important in Sri Lanka
  • Use of sending organizations is optional. Whether directly hired or using an employment agency, check the employment terms and costs.
  • For SLBFE overseas labor registration, official guidance says to register passport number, ID number, employer company, employment terms, employment period, and other details online.
  • Sri Lankan people in Japan may also need SLBFE overseas labor registration when changing to SSW. After change permission is granted, check whether registration is needed and how to do it.
  • For Japan status of residence applications, submission of a certificate proving Sri Lanka-side procedures is not required. However, this does not mean home-country registration can be skipped.
Flow when going from Sri Lanka to Japan
  1. Check eligibility through skills and Japanese exams or good completion of Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3
  2. Check the company, job duties, salary, housing, deductions, and support details
  3. Sign an SSW employment contract with the Japanese accepting organization
  4. For unclear points, I checked with the accepting company, registered support organization, or 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 Sri Lanka
  7. After the visa is issued, complete overseas labor registration with SLBFE
  8. Check the registration details and employment terms, then enter Japan
Checklist before application
  • The passport number, ID number, and company information used for SLBFE registration match the employment contract
  • Confirmed in writing the breakdown of fees paid to a sending organization or introducer
  • Checked salary, deductions, dorm fees, meal costs, overtime, and days off in a language you understand
  • People in Japan checked with the embassy whether SLBFE registration is needed after changing status
Pages to see next
Official links