Nursing Care Jobs in Japan for Foreigners
Japan's ageing population makes nursing care one of the most consistent sources of work for foreign residents. Employers include special nursing homes, rehabilitation-focused care facilities, group homes for people with dementia, day-service centres and home-care providers. Care workers support residents with meals, bathing, toileting, moving around and recreation, and keep daily care records. The work is physical and people-focused, and teams increasingly include staff from Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and other countries.
Several residence routes lead into care work. The Specified Skilled Worker nursing care field requires passing the care skills test, the care Japanese test and a general Japanese test. Nursing care has no SSW (ii) track; the long-term route is the separate Nursing Care status, available after becoming a certified care worker (kaigo fukushishi) through a care training school or practical experience followed by the national exam. Some people arrive through Economic Partnership Agreement programmes or technical intern training, and students can work part-time at facilities within their permitted hours.
A practical tip: care work uses a lot of spoken Japanese, including older residents' local dialects, as well as written care records. When comparing employers, ask about Japanese-language support, how night shifts are organised, and whether they help staff prepare for the certified care worker exam, since that qualification opens the door to a more stable status. Ask, too, how many foreign colleagues work there, as peer support makes the first months much easier.
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Frequently asked questions
What do I need for the Specified Skilled Worker nursing care field?
Generally you must pass the nursing care skills test, the nursing care Japanese language test and a general Japanese test such as JFT-Basic or JLPT N4. Completing related technical intern training can exempt you from some tests. The employer must also meet SSW requirements.
How can I stay in care work long term?
The main route is to become a certified care worker by passing the national exam, then apply for the Nursing Care status. It has no fixed upper limit on total stay and allows family members to join you, subject to immigration review.
Can international students work part-time at care facilities?
Yes, with permission to engage in activities outside their status, within the weekly hour limit. Part-time care experience is useful if you later study for the certified care worker qualification or move into the SSW route.