Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) for Indonesians

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.

This page covers Indonesians. For every nationality we track, see the Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW) overview.

Requirements for Indonesians

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 openJapan's Cabinet updated the accepted sectors in January 2026; the current list is on ssw.go.jp.
• Study for and pass the Japanese language testJFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or above; caregiving applicants take an extra care-specific Japanese test.
• Pass the sector-specific skills evaluation testHeld in Indonesia four to six times a year depending on the sector.
• Register on IPKOL and in the SISKOP2MI systemAdministered through BP2MI; creates the official record for departing as a migrant worker.
• Verify any agency against the BP2MI licensed listOnly BP2MI-licensed placement agencies are valid; check the licence with BP2MI directly.
• Find a Japanese employer and sign the employment contractThe employer or a Registered Support Organisation must give orientation, housing help and language support.
• Complete health checks and prepare documentsMedical certificate, passport, test certificates and your employment contract.
• Employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)Filed by the employer or support organisation at the regional immigration bureau in Japan.
• Apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta or a consulateBring the original CoE, passport, photo and form.
• Complete E-KTKLN and pre-departure briefingThe E-KTKLN migrant worker card and a BP2MI pre-departure orientation.
• Arrive, receive your residence card and register your addressResidence card issued at major airports; register your address at the municipal office within 14 days.
• Plan your SSW Type 2 upgrade if your sector allows itType 2 needs more experience and a higher-level skills test, and removes the five-year limit.

The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.

Frequently 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

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities

Japan visas for other nationalities

• 🇮🇳 Indians
• 🇵🇭 Filipinos
• 🇻🇳 Vietnamese citizens