How to Immigrate to Japan from Bangladesh in 2026
Verified guide to Japan work visa from Bangladesh 2026. Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, requirements, costs, Japanese language test, and step-by-step
Published by wheretoemigrate.io | Data-verified immigration authority
1. Executive Answer
Bangladeshi nationals seeking to work in Japan in 2026 have two primary pathways: the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW/Tokutei Gino) visa and the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP), which is being replaced by the new Ikusei Shuro training and employment system from 2027. The SSW visa covers 16 designated sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, food service, construction, and nursing care. Workers must pass sector-specific skills tests and a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic). Japan and Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) for the SSW programme. Processing takes 3-6 months end-to-end. Monthly salaries range from JPY 180,000-280,000 (BDT 145,000-225,000). BMET clearance is required. Japan has approximately 25,000 Bangladeshi nationals, a number growing rapidly under the SSW programme.
| Visa Category | Duration | Salary | Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSW Type 1 | Up to 5 years | Japanese minimum wage+ (sector-based) | 16 sectors (manufacturing, food, nursing, etc.) |
| SSW Type 2 | Renewable indefinitely | Higher than SSW 1 | Construction, shipbuilding, and expanding sectors |
| Technical Intern Training (TITP) | Up to 5 years | Japanese minimum wage | Manufacturing, agriculture, construction |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities | 1-5 years (renewable) | JPY 250,000+/month typical | IT, engineering, business, translation |
2. Step-by-Step Process
Option 1: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) — Type 1
Who it's for: Bangladeshi workers with skills in one of 16 designated sectors who pass the required skills and language tests.
Phase A — Test Preparation and Examination (Bangladesh)
1. Skills test: Sector-specific exams administered by designated testing organizations in Bangladesh.
2. Japanese language test: Either JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic. Tests are held periodically in Dhaka.
3. Register via the SSW matching system or find an employer through a licensed recruitment agency.
Phase B — Application Process
1. Japanese employer submits Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) application to the Regional Immigration Bureau.
2. CoE processing: 1-3 months.
3. Upon CoE approval, worker applies for SSW visa at the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka.
4. BMET registration and Emigration Clearance Certificate required.
5. Embassy visa processing: 1-4 weeks.
Phase C — Arrival in Japan
1. Arrive at designated airport. Present CoE and visa.
2. Receive Residence Card (Zairyu Card) at the airport.
3. Register at local city/ward office within 14 days.
4. Open a Japanese bank account.
5. Enroll in National Health Insurance and National Pension.
Option 2: SSW Type 2 (Advanced)
Who it's for: Workers who have completed SSW Type 1 and pass the Type 2 skills assessment. Type 2 is expanding to all 16 SSW sectors. Type 2 holders can bring family members and renew indefinitely, providing a pathway to Permanent Residence.
Option 3: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Who it's for: Bangladeshi professionals with a university degree or 10+ years experience, working in IT, engineering, business, or translation. Provides a direct path to PR after 10 years (or 1-3 years with HSP points).
3. Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Skills test fee | JPY 3,000-8,000 (BDT 2,500-6,500) |
| JLPT / JFT-Basic test fee | JPY 6,500 (BDT 5,200) |
| Visa application fee | JPY 3,000-6,000 |
| BMET + agency fees (BD side) | BDT 50,000-200,000 |
| Flight (Dhaka-Tokyo/Osaka) | BDT 50,000-80,000 |
| Initial settlement costs (Japan) | JPY 100,000-300,000 |
| Total estimated cost | BDT 200,000-500,000 (JPY 300,000-750,000) |
4. Processing Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Skills + language test preparation | 2-6 months |
| CoE application processing | 1-3 months |
| Embassy visa processing | 1-4 weeks |
| BMET clearance | 1-2 weeks |
| Total (from test to arrival) | 3-6 months (excluding test prep) |
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