Japan SSW Visa Cost, Salary & Skill Test for Nepalis (2026 Breakdown)

Japan work visa, Nepali passport (2026): processing 5–7 working days AFTER COE issued (COE itself takes 1–3 months), stay 1 / 3 / 5 years. Apply through Embassy of Japan — Kathmandu / VFS Japan Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu. Carry certified English translations and a consistent flight + hotel…
Key takeaways
- Fee varies by visa class — confirm on the official portal.
- Processing time: 5–7 working days AFTER COE issued (COE itself takes 1–3 months).
- Allowed stay: 1 / 3 / 5 years.
- Apply at: Embassy of Japan — Kathmandu (VFS Japan Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu).
- Certified English translations are mandatory for Nepali-language documents.
Japan work visa for Nepali citizens (2026). Japan SSW Visa Cost, Salary & Skill Test for Nepalis (2026 Breakdown) — verified against Embassy of Japan — Kathmandu and updated when the rules change. processing 5–7 working days AFTER COE issued (COE itself takes 1–3 months); allowed stay 1 / 3 / 5 years. Below: the official figures, the document checklist, proof-of-funds guidance, the embassy contact, and the mistakes that get Nepali files refused.
How much does the Japan work visa cost from Nepal?
The headline government fee for the Japan work visa is Varies by visa class — confirm on the official portal. Budget on top of that for the Nepal-side extras every applicant pays: passport-size photos, a notary-certified English translation of any Nepali-language document, bank-statement printouts and, where required, the visa-centre service charge. Convert the embassy fee to NPR on the day you pay — rates move, and most missions collect in USD or the destination currency.
Japan Work Visa (Engineer / Specialist / SSW / Skilled Labour) — key facts
| Visa class | Japan Work Visa (Engineer / Specialist / SSW / Skilled Labour) |
| Government fee | Varies by visa class — confirm on the official portal |
| Processing time | 5–7 working days AFTER COE issued (COE itself takes 1–3 months) |
| Allowed stay | 1 / 3 / 5 years |
| Validity | 90 days entry; convert to Status of Residence (Zairyū Card) on arrival |
| Entries | Single visa; multi on Zairyū Card |
| How to apply | Japanese employer obtains COE at regional Immigration Bureau -> COE sent to applicant -> visa stamped at Embassy Kathmandu |
Documents Japan asks Nepali applicants for
- Passport, photo
- Original COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
- Employment contract
- Education / professional qualifications (attested)
- JLPT N4+ (E/H) or JFT-Basic + skills test (SSW) (if applicable) — Per category.
- Police clearance
- TB chest X-ray
- DoFE labour permit + PDO + SSF + insurance
Proof of funds for the Japan work visa
As a Nepali applicant, show a 3–6 month bank statement plus income proof matched to your source: salary slips and an employer/leave letter if you're employed, business registration (PAN/VAT) and tax clearance if self-employed, or a sponsor's bank statement and a notarised sponsorship letter if someone funds your trip. Money that lands suddenly just before you apply is a common refusal trigger — keep the balance steady for months.
Processing time, validity & extension
Plan for 5–7 working days AFTER COE issued (COE itself takes 1–3 months) once Japan has a complete file. The visa is valid 90 days entry; convert to Status of Residence (Zairyū Card) on arrival and lets you stay 1 / 3 / 5 years (Single visa; multi on Zairyū Card). Apply at least 3–4 weeks before departure; festivals and embassy holidays in both countries can stretch the window. If you need longer in Japan, ask about the in-country extension rule before your stay expires — overstaying jeopardises every future application.
Before you apply: the Nepal-side prep
Every Nepali-language document — citizenship certificate, birth or marriage certificate, property papers, income proof — must be submitted with a notary-certified English translation. Workers need the employer demand letter and, for many destinations, a Nepal-government labour approval plus a medical (GAMCA/Wafid) certificate. Carry the original plus one photocopy of each, and make sure your name is spelled identically everywhere: passport, ticket, hotel booking and bank statement. A single mismatch is enough to trigger a query.
Why Japan files get refused — and how to avoid it
- Inconsistent funds — a balance that jumps right before applying.
- Missing translations — Nepali documents submitted without certified English versions.
- Mismatched dates — the flight, hotel and itinerary don't line up.
- Weak ties to Nepal — no job, study, property or family pull to return to.
- Wrong visa class — applying as a tourist for a work or study purpose.
Where Nepalis apply
Embassy of Japan — Kathmandu
Panipokhari, Lazimpat, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 264)
Phone: +977 1 4426680
Email: [email protected]
Official site: https://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp
Visa centre: VFS Japan Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu, 3rd Floor, Chhaya Center, Amrit Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu. Operated by VFS Global since 2024 — handles short-stay tourist + business; long-stay (work / study / family) via Embassy direct.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Japan work visa cost from Nepal?
The government fee varies by visa class — check the official portal, plus Nepal-side costs (photos, certified translations, bank statements, and any visa-centre charge).
How long does the Japan work visa take for Nepali citizens?
Allow 5–7 working days AFTER COE issued (COE itself takes 1–3 months) from a complete submission. Apply 3–4 weeks before travel to absorb peak-season and document-request delays.
What documents do Nepalis need for the Japan work visa?
Passport (6+ months), photos, bank statements / proof of funds, a confirmed flight and hotel, and purpose-specific letters — with notary-certified English translations of Nepali-language documents.
Where do Nepali citizens apply for a Japan visa?
Embassy of Japan — Kathmandu, Panipokhari, Lazimpat, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 264), or the visa centre VFS Japan Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu. Online: https://www.vfsglobal.com/japan/nepal (VFS Japan Nepal) · https://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp (Embassy Kathmandu).
Get your supporting documents ready
Most Japan visa files need a confirmed onward flight, a hotel reservation and, for tourist and visit classes, a day-by-day itinerary — with dates that match across all three. Generate embassy-ready documents in minutes:
- Dummy flight ticket for your Japan visa — a verifiable reservation PDF.
- Dummy hotel booking for the accommodation proof.
- Travel itinerary document for proof of tour.
- All visa guides for Nepali citizens →
About Sandeep Kumar Chaudhary
Founder, Yatra For Fun Pvt Ltd
Sandeep Kumar Chaudhary founded Yatra For Fun in Kathmandu after a decade running visa applications for Nepali pilgrims, students, and business travellers. He writes the visa-document guides personally and verifies every fee and process before publication.
Full profile →Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Update log
- factualInitial publication from embassy_info — Sandeep Kumar Chaudhary

