Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) for Indonesians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
Japan's main skilled-work route for non-degree holders, covering 16 sectors including caregiving, food service, construction, agriculture and manufacturing. You must be 18 or over, pass a sector skills test and a Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 and above), then be sponsored by a Japanese employer. Exams run four to six times a year in Indonesia. On the Indonesian side you also need IPKOL registration and a SISKOP2MI/E-KTKLN migrant worker record — skipping this is what stops otherwise-qualified candidates at departure. Type 1 lasts up to five years with no family; Type 2 removes the cap, allows family and leads to permanent residence, but is not offered in every sector, so check before you commit to one.
Requirements for Indonesians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $30. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Choose your sector and confirm it is currently open
- Study for and pass the Japanese language test
- Pass the sector-specific skills evaluation test
- Register on IPKOL and in the SISKOP2MI system
- Verify any agency against the BP2MI licensed list
- Find a Japanese employer and sign the employment contract
- Complete health checks and prepare documents
- Employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
- Apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta or a consulate
- Complete E-KTKLN and pre-departure briefing
- Arrive, receive your residence card and register your address
- Plan your SSW Type 2 upgrade if your sector allows it
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) take for Indonesians?
- Typical processing time is 8–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $30. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indonesians need a job offer for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Japan is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other Japan visas for Indonesians
Japan visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.