How to Immigrate to Japan from Indonesia in 2026

Key Takeaway

Guide for Indonesians working in Japan in 2026. SSW visa, Technical Intern Training, EPA nurse/caregiver pathway, and salary data.

Last verified: March 2026. Visa focus: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), Technical Intern, EPA.

1. Overview

Japan hosts approximately 100,000 Indonesian nationals, a number growing rapidly as Japan's severe labour shortage drives aggressive international recruitment. Indonesia is a priority recruitment country for Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme — covering 16 sectors from nursing care to agriculture to manufacturing. The Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP), despite criticism, has been a major pipeline. The Japan-Indonesia EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) provides dedicated pathways for nurses and caregivers. In 2026, Japan is reforming its immigration system to create more attractive pathways, including SSW Type 2 with family reunification and permanent residence eligibility.

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Diaspora estimate: approximately 100,000 Indonesia nationals in Japan.

2. Key Visa Pathways

Visa Pathway Timeline Key Details
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1 2-4 months 16 sectors. Skills test + JLPT N4 (basic Japanese). 5-year maximum. No family.
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 2 After SSW1 experience Construction and shipbuilding (expanding to more sectors). Unlimited renewal. Family allowed. PR pathway.
Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) 3-5 years Training programme in specific industries. Being reformed into 'Ikusei Shuro' (Nurturing Employment) system.
EPA Nurse/Caregiver 6-12 months recruitment Bilateral programme. Indonesian nurses/caregivers train and work in Japanese facilities.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities 1-3 months For degree holders. Company sponsorship. Standard professional work visa.

3. Detailed Breakdown

3.1 Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1

Timeline: 2-4 months

16 sectors. Skills test + JLPT N4 (basic Japanese). 5-year maximum. No family.

3.2 Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 2

Timeline: After SSW1 experience

Construction and shipbuilding (expanding to more sectors). Unlimited renewal. Family allowed. PR pathway.

3.3 Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP)

Timeline: 3-5 years

Training programme in specific industries. Being reformed into 'Ikusei Shuro' (Nurturing Employment) system.

3.4 EPA Nurse/Caregiver

Timeline: 6-12 months recruitment

Bilateral programme. Indonesian nurses/caregivers train and work in Japanese facilities.

3.5 Engineer/Specialist in Humanities

Timeline: 1-3 months

For degree holders. Company sponsorship. Standard professional work visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SSW skills test for Indonesians?

The SSW skills test is sector-specific and administered by Japanese government agencies in Indonesia (typically in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities). Each sector has its own test covering practical skills relevant to the job. Additionally, you must pass the JLPT N4 (or equivalent JFT-Basic Japanese test). The N4 level requires approximately 300 hours of study — most Indonesians need 6-12 months of preparation. Study materials and preparation courses are available through the Japan Foundation and licensed sending organisations (LPK — Lembaga Pelatihan Kerja). The skills test + language test combination is the gateway to SSW — invest seriously in preparation.

What do Indonesians earn in Japan?

SSW workers: JPY 170,000-250,000/month (IDR 17,000,000-25,000,000) depending on sector and region. Technical interns: JPY 150,000-200,000/month (regulated minimum). EPA nurses/caregivers: JPY 180,000-250,000/month. Engineer/Specialist visa: JPY 250,000-450,000/month. Japan's minimum wage varies by prefecture: JPY 1,002-1,113/hour (2026). Income tax is progressive (5-45%), with social insurance contributions of approximately 15%. Net take-home for SSW workers is typically JPY 130,000-180,000/month after tax and insurance. This represents approximately 4-7x equivalent Indonesian salaries.

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