Can SSW Workers Bring Family to Japan? The Real Answer

Short answer: SSW-1 (特定技能1号) does NOT allow family sponsorship. SSW-2 (特定技能2号) does — but only in 11 specific sectors, and not all of them are open yet.

This guide explains the truth behind SSW-2 for Nepali workers, how to qualify, and what documents Nepal-side family needs.

SSW-1 vs SSW-2: What's Actually Different

SSW-2 Eligible Sectors (11 Sectors as of 2026)

SSW-2 is available in these 11 sectors:

How to Upgrade: SSW-1 to SSW-2 Steps

Processing time: 3–6 months. Apply early — do not wait until your SSW-1 is about to expire.

Nepal-Side Documents for Dependent Visa

Once you have SSW-2, your spouse and unmarried children under 18 can apply for a dependent visa (家族滞在ビザ) at the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Required documents (Nepal side):

• Marriage certificate (official Nepali government document) + Japanese-certified translation
• Children's birth certificates + certified translation
• Your SSW-2 residence card copy
• Proof of income: recent pay stubs + bank statements (must show ¥200,000+/month)
• Housing contract showing space for family (separate room required)
• Japanese embassy application form (downloadable from Embassy Kathmandu website)
• Passport-size photos per embassy specification

Important: All Nepali documents must be apostilled (ネパール外務省認証) before the Japanese Embassy will accept them.

Real Story: Dipesh, Saitama Construction Worker

"I came to Japan on SSW-1 in 2022 as a construction worker. My company supported my SSW-2 application after 3 years. The skill test was hard — it tests real site supervision knowledge. But now I have SSW-2, and my wife and daughter joined me in Saitama in March 2026. Total process from application to family arrival: 14 months."

— Dipesh, 34, Saitama (Construction sector, SSW-2 holder since 2025)

Dipesh's key advice: "The hardest part was the certified translation of our marriage certificate. Use a certified translator — do not DIY."

FAQ

1. Can I bring my parents to Japan on SSW-2?

No. The dependent visa (家族滞在) covers only spouse and unmarried children under 18. Parents are not eligible.

2. Does my family need to learn Japanese?

No language requirement for the dependent visa itself. But school-age children will need Japanese support — check your municipality's international education resources.

3. What if I'm in care work (SSW-1 介護)?

Care work is not eligible for SSW-2. To bring family long-term, you would need to switch to a different visa category such as the 介護ビザ (care worker permanent-track visa) or obtain PR through points-based systems. Talk to a licensed immigration lawyer (行政書士).

4. How much money do I need to show?

Immigration expects roughly ¥200,000+ per month in stable income to sponsor a family of 2–3. This is not a fixed rule but is the practical benchmark based on 2025–2026 approval patterns.

5. Can my spouse work in Japan on a dependent visa?

Yes — dependent visa holders can apply for a work permit (資格外活動許可) and work up to 28 hours per week.

6. What if my SSW-2 application is rejected?

You can reapply. Most rejections are due to insufficient employer sponsorship documentation or failing the skill test. Get written feedback from immigration and address each point. An 行政書士 (immigration administrative scrivener) can help.

Useful Nepal Tools on EasyNihon

• SSW Real Cost Calculator Nepal — total cost to come to Japan from Nepal
• JPY to NPR Salary Calculator — your Japanese salary in Nepali rupees
• Japan to Nepal Remittance Guide — best ways to send money home
• Shram Swikriti Tracker — track your Nepal work permit status