Nursing Care (Kaigo)
Qualified care workers employed to provide nursing/long-term care under a Japanese 'kaigofukushishi' certification.
The Nursing Care (Kaigo) is a Japanese work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Nursing Care (Kaigo) is for
Qualified care workers employed to provide nursing/long-term care under a Japanese 'kaigofukushishi' certification.
Renewable without a cap and allows dependants, so it counts toward permanent residence.
Nursing Care (Kaigo) - eligibility criteria
- Hold Japan's certified care worker (kaigofukushishi) qualification
- Employment contract with a care provider
- Sufficient Japanese-language ability for care work
- Salary at Japanese-national-equivalent levels
Nursing Care (Kaigo) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Nursing Care (Kaigo) (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Certified nursing-care work |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Renewable without a cap and allows dependants, so it counts toward permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Renewable without a cap and allows dependants, so it counts toward permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare SSW Type 1 · Specified Skilled Worker (i), Engineer / Humanities · Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Nursing Care (Kaigo) pitfalls we fix
Nursing Care (Kaigo) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Nursing Care (Kaigo) cost?
The Nursing Care (Kaigo) government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Nursing Care (Kaigo) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Nursing Care (Kaigo) lead to permanent residence?
Renewable without a cap and allows dependants, so it counts toward permanent residence.
Can I work on the Nursing Care (Kaigo)?
Work rights: Certified nursing-care work.
Who can apply for the Nursing Care (Kaigo)?
Qualified care workers employed to provide nursing/long-term care under a Japanese 'kaigofukushishi' certification.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority