If you’re dreaming to start a new life outside your country or you are a skilled professional looking for a better job with high payment and benefits, Japan is where you should be thinking of, as there are lots of job offers for both skilled and casual workers. Japan’s growing population has spread its arms to embrace foreign workers so as to boost their economy and fill up labor shortages in key sectors.
All you need to know about high demand jobs, industries that are hiring now, application process and how to go about them are all in this guide.
Japan is Hiring Foreign Workers in 2025
Are you still looking for a country where you migrate to for a good paying job? The Japanese government is seeking for ways to solve the country’s labour shortages in sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and agriculture, to solve this solve this, and they have brought out ideas and policies that will attract foreigners. This have been made possible by the introduction of visa sponsorship programs.
Japan has one of the fastest aging population and with declining birth rate. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have come out to say that, the country is in need of over 500,000 foreign workers by 2030. To actualize this, Japan is amending some of her immigration policies to make migration for foreign workers easy and lessen stress, this is done through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa. The Specified Skilled Worker Visa allows foreigners to work in 12 designated sectors.
Urgent Jobs in Japan With Visa Sponsorship
We have gathered information about the top job sectors that are in need of foreign workers, and we will be bringing them to your notice as you read through, it’s interesting to know that, these job offers comes with visa sponsorship. Below are the sectors offering visa sponsorship in Japan:
- Caregiving and Nursing
There’s an urgent need for caregivers and nurses, this have opened doors for foreigners with basic Japanese language skills to apply by virtue of the Nursing Care Specified Skill Visa (SSW-1), and this is because of the aging population and labour shortage Japan is experiencing. As a caregiver there are certain roles expected of you to carry out, below are the job roles for caregivers and nurses:
- Elderly caregivers in nursing homes
- Home care assistants
- Certified nurses (with qualifications)
We will be listing the basic requirement you need to have to get this job, below are the requirements:
- Basic Japanese proficiency (JLPT N4 or equivalent)
- Nursing/caregiving certification (or willingness to train)
- Willingness to undergo cultural and job-specific training
- Average Salary: ¥180,000 – ¥250,000/month
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes (employer-supported under SSW visa)
- Construction Workers
Japan’s infrastructural development requires a lot of construction workers which have raised high demand for human labour. As a construction worker, there are specific job roles that are required of you, such roles include:
- General laborers
- Scaffolders
- Machine operators
- Welders
Basic requirements needed as a construction worker:
- Physically fit and capable of manual labor
- Basic understanding of tools and safety procedures
- JLPT N5 or job-specific Japanese communication
- Average Salary: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000/month
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes, under SSW or Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)
- Factory and Manufacturing Jobs
Due to labour shortages, factories in Japan are in serious need of foreign workers, workers that will work in production lines in food processing, electronics, automotive and textile industries. As a factory worker, you have a job role to carryout which are:
- Machine operators
- Quality control assistants
- Assembly line workers
Basic requirements needed as a factory worker:
- Basic Japanese skills (some employers provide training)
- Willingness to work shifts or long hours
- Physically fit and alert
- Average Salary: ¥180,000 – ¥250,000/month
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes, under SSW and TITP
- IT and Software Development
Japan’s tech sector is rapidly growing, and the demand for IT professionals is growing. If you’re a software engineer, data analyst, or developer, Japan is offering high paying jobs with fast track visa sponsorship. As an IT or software developer you have a job description to meet which are:
- Software engineers
- Web developers
- Cybersecurity experts
- AI & machine learning specialists
Basic requirements as a Software engineer:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- English speaking is okay (Japanese language helps)
- Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS, Java, Python, etc.)
- Average Salary: ¥350,000 – ¥600,000/month
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa)
- Agriculture and Farming
The migration from rural town to urban cities of Japan have seen the rural towns depopulating, this have seen the agriculture industry suffer great loss for lack of workers. Foreign workers are been encouraged to apply for seasonal and full time farm work. For those that are interested, below is the specified job role:
- Crop harvesters
- Greenhouse workers
- Livestock caretakers
Basic requirements as an Agriculture worker:
- Physically fit
- Willing to work in rural areas
- No formal education needed
- Average Salary: ¥160,000 – ¥220,000/month
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes, under SSW or TITP
- Hospitality and Cleaning
Foreigners can apply for jobs in hospitality, housekeeping, and food services as Hotels, restaurants, and resorts across Japan, especially in tourist areas, are facing acute staff shortages. However, there are specific job roles for interested workers:
- Hotel receptionists
- Housekeepers
- Kitchen staff
- Waiters/Waitresses
Basic requirements for a House keeper:
- Basic Japanese (JLPT N4 or on-site training)
- Politeness and customer service orientation
- Flexible working hours
- Average Salary: ¥180,000 – ¥250,000/month
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes, under SSW or hospitality programs
What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?
Earlier said in this guide, in order to solve the existing problem of labour shortage, the Japanese government had to introduce a new program to attract immigrants to fill up the lagging sectors. This SSW Visa program is a program solely designed for foreigners to take up jobs in 12 sectors facing labor shortages. There are two types of SSW Visas and they are:
SSW-1: For workers in 12 designated fields this can be renewed after 5 years.
SSW-2: For more skilled workers with possibility of permanent residency
To get any of these visas there are basic eligibility criteria you must meet, below are the criteria:
- You must be 18 years and above as at the time of applying.
- You must have knowledge of the Japanese language (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic)
- You must pass skills test for specific job field
- Have a sponsoring employer in Japan
How to Apply for Jobs in Japan with Visa Sponsorship
If you are not properly guided you may make mistake that can risk your chances of getting a visa sponsored job in Japan, in this guide we are here to guide you on how to apply for visa sponsored jobs. Below are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
These documents includes:
- Valid passport
- Updated CV (English and Japanese preferred)
- Educational certificates or training records
- Proof of Japanese language (if required)
Step 2: Search for Jobs
To avoid scam, make sure you use trusted websites and agencies like:
- Japan Work Exchange
- Hello Work Japan
- GaijinPot Jobs
- com
- NihonJobs
- Official SSW Portal: https://www.ssw.go.jp
Step 3: Apply Through Accredited Employers
This step is very necessary, you should only apply to companies licensed to sponsor foreign workers under SSW or TITP.
Step 4: Pass Language and Skill Exams
For SSW, pass the:
- Japanese Language Test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4)
- Skill test for your job category
Step 5: Receive a Job Offer & COE
It is the employer who applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), the COE is a prerequisite to getting your work visa.
Step 6: Apply for the Visa at the Japanese Embassy
Once you receive your COE, submit it to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country to get your visa.
Tips for Job Seekers
- Try to know the basic Japanese language as this can increase your chances of getting a job in Japan.
- When writing your resume, use a Japanese style resume (called Rirekisho) for applications.
- Late application can be detrimental as some jobs fill up quickly, especially during seasonal demand, you should try to apply early.
- Beware of scams, only apply through licensed recruiters or direct employers.
- Stay informed by following official immigration updates on www.moj.go.jp
Summary of High-Demand Jobs in Japan
For a better and clearer understanding we will be putting both Job sector, Avg monthly salary, Visa sponsorship and language requirement in a tabular form.
| JOB SECTOR | Avg Monthly Salary | Visa Sponsorship | Language Requirement |
| Caregiving | ¥180K – ¥250K | Yes | JLPT N4 |
| Construction | ¥200K – ¥300K | Yes | Basic/N5 |
| Factory Work | ¥180K – ¥250K | Yes | Basic/N5 |
| IT & Tech | ¥350K – ¥600K | Yes | English/Japanese |
| Agriculture | ¥160K – ¥220K | Yes | Minimal |
| Hospitality | ¥180K – ¥250K | Yes | Basic/N4 |
Navigating Japanese Workplace Culture: What to Expect
If working in Japan has been your dream, there are few things you need to know, understanding their work place culture is very essential to the Japanese employer, these culture includes, working as a team, punctuality and being dedicated with work.
In this guide, we have done well to give a breakdown of the key cultural points which is as follow:
- Coming to work on time is seen as a sign of respect and professionalism.
- Age and experience are highly respected.
- Decisions are often made collectively, you must learn how to work with other colleagues
- Always show proper etiquette with superiors and coworkers.
- Expect longer hours compared to Western norms, though this is slowly changing.
Pro Tip:
Attend cultural orientation sessions often offered by employers or agencies. This can help you adjust smoothly.
Preparing for Language and Skills Tests
To qualify for a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa, you’ll need to pass both a Japanese Language Proficiency Test and a skills test in job you are applying for. The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT) focuses on basic daily Japanese conversation and it is globally accepted while the JLPT N4 or N5 is the official Japanese language proficiency test and it is offered twice a year in most countries.
Companies in Japan Currently Offering Visa Sponsorship (2025)
Like we promised you from the beginning, that we are going to list the top companies and sectors who are hiring foreign workers. Below are real examples of employers and sectors in Japan hiring foreigners with active visa sponsorship programs:
- Pan Pacific International Holdings: They are into retail and are looking to hire store staffs and logistics personnel’s. They offer accommodation support and visa sponsorship.
- Nippon Care Solutions: They are into elderly care and looking to hire caregivers and home attendants, they offer long term employment and paid training, the JLPT N4 proficiency test is required.
- Hitachi Transport System: They are into Logistics and Factory work, looking forward to hiring Forklift operators and warehouse staff, the basic Japanese language is required.
- TechJapan (Tokyo-based startups): They are into software development, and looking forward to hiring Full stack developers and mobile engineers, they do not issue the SSW Visa but Engineer or Specialist Visa. Knowing how to speak the Japanese language is a plus, knowing how to speak the English language is also accepted.
Best Recruiting Agencies for Foreign Workers in Japan
Recruitment agencies can simplify your application and guide you through the visa process. Below we will be listing the trusted recruitment agencies, we are going to put both the agency name, Services offered and website in a tabular form for a better and clearer understanding.
| Agency Name | Services Offered | Website |
| Interac | English teaching & support jobs | www.interacnetwork.com |
| Hello Work | Government job listings & SSW support | www.hellowork.go.jp |
| Globridge Japan | Hospitality and food industry | www.globridge.co.jp |
| IM Japan | Technical training and internships | www.im-japan.org |
Testimonial: “How I Got a Visa Sponsored Job in Japan”
Name: John, 27
Country: Nigeria
Job: Elderly caregiver in Osaka
“I applied through Hello Work after watching YouTube videos on caregiving in Japan. I took the JFT-Basic test and passed. The agency helped me get an interview with a nursing home. After three months, I received my Certificate of Eligibility, and today I’m living in Osaka with a stable income. The language was challenging at first, but the training helped a lot.”
Cost of Living vs. Salary in Japan
To give a breakdown of the cost of living and the salary in Japan which is a major concern for foreign workers who are more concerned about how their salary will stretch, we will put both the city, Monthly rent, Food, Transport and average salary in a tabular form.
| City | Monthly Rent (1 bed) | Food | Transport | Average Salary |
| Tokyo | ¥70,000 – ¥120,000 | ¥30,000 | ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 | ¥250,000 – ¥600,000 |
| Osaka | ¥50,000 – ¥90,000 | ¥25,000 ¥10,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥220,000 – ¥500,000 |
| Rural Areas | ¥30,000 – ¥50,000 | ¥20,000 ¥5,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥180,000 – ¥250,000 |
Tip: Many jobs with visa sponsorship include accommodation or discounted housing support, especially in caregiving or factory roles.
Conclusion
If you have been thinking of looking for a visa sponsored job then an opportunity is open for you in Japan, Japan is one of the most foreign friendly country in 2025. Whether you’re a caregiver, factory worker, IT expert, or farmer, there’s a spot for you in Japan’s growing labor market. All you need is preparation, basic Japanese, and determination to succeed.
The government provision of the SSW Visa have made it possible for foreigners without university degrees can get respectable jobs with visa sponsorship, with the unavailability of labour in major sectors, the doors are open for foreigners to fill up those spaces.