How to get a caregiver job in Japan from India
By Ganesh Seshan, Co-Founder & CEO, Care Giver Academy · · 3 min read
Short answer: Japan hires foreign caregivers through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa in the nursing care field. You must be at least 18, pass the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test and the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test, pass a basic Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4), and then get a job offer from an employer in Japan.
What the Specified Skilled Worker visa is
Japan created the Specified Skilled Worker visa to bring in trained workers for sectors short of staff, and nursing care is one of them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan explains the general process.
The tests you need to pass
| Test | What it checks | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test | Caregiving knowledge and practical skills | Offered in several languages, including English |
| Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test | Japanese used at work in care settings | Japanese only |
| JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 | Everyday Japanese | Japanese |
The nursing care tests are run as computer-based tests by Prometric. Check current dates and centres on their site before you plan.
Steps from India
- Learn caregiving first. Training and some hands-on experience make the skills test easier and make you a stronger candidate.
- Learn Japanese to N4 level. This is usually the longest step, so start early.
- Pass both nursing care tests.
- Find an employer in Japan, directly or through a registered recruitment agency.
- Apply for the visa with your test results and job offer.
Watch out for
- Agents who ask for large fees before you have a job offer
- Promises that you can work without passing the tests
- Rules that may have changed: always confirm on the official Japanese government pages
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Japanese to work as a caregiver in Japan?
Yes. You need to pass a basic Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4) and the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test.
Is there an age limit for caregiver jobs in Japan?
The minimum age for the Specified Skilled Worker visa is 18. Employers may have their own preferences.
Can I take the nursing care skills test in English?
Yes. The Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test is offered in several languages, including English. The Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test is only in Japanese.
Do I need a nursing degree to work as a caregiver in Japan?
No. The Specified Skilled Worker route for nursing care is based on passing the skills and language tests, not on a nursing degree.