Caregiver & Nursing Jobs in Japan for Indians (2026)
Japan's biggest labour shortage is in care work — and Indian nurses and caregivers are well placed to fill it. Salaries, requirements, and how to apply.
June 23, 2026
Of all the ways to work in Japan, care work is the single biggest opportunity — and it fits India's strengths perfectly. Japan's population is ageing fast, with an estimated shortage of over 300,000 caregivers by 2035, while India produces a large pool of trained nurses (ANM, GNM, B.Sc. Nursing) every year. The result is a clear, growing demand for Indian caregivers under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa.
Who can apply. You do not need to be a registered nurse. Nursing graduates (ANM, GNM, B.Sc. Nursing) are a natural fit, but freshers and non-nurses can also qualify after proper training. The core requirements are:
- Japanese language — JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (A2). Care work also has a care-specific component, so practical Japanese matters. See JFT-Basic vs JLPT N4.
- The nursing-care skills test for the SSW care field.
- Age 18+, good health, clean record, and a sponsoring employer.
What you'd earn. SSW caregiver salaries typically run ¥160,000–¥250,000+ per month (roughly ₹90,000–₹1,40,000), plus night-shift and weekend allowances. By law, your pay must match what a Japanese worker in the same role earns. Contracts are often around three years, renewable, and employers frequently provide or subsidise accommodation.
What the work involves. Supporting elderly residents with daily life — help with bathing, dressing, meals, and mobility; monitoring vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration); assisting with medication and appointments; and working alongside nurses and doctors. It's physically and emotionally demanding, but stable, respected, and in genuine long-term demand.
How to get there:
- Decide on the care field and start Japanese now.
- Reach N4 / JFT-Basic A2 — see JFT-Basic exam in India.
- Pass the nursing-care skills test.
- Find a sponsoring employer and follow the SSW application process.
Start free: build your foundation with Komichi's N5 and N4 decks, then the Japanese for caregivers phrases. Background reading: how to work in Japan from India · SSW requirements.