Working in Japan
The largest demand, the clearest ladder
Japan is Indonesian candidates' number-one work destination: an aging population creates huge demand for caregivers, manufacturing, and construction workers. The SSW (Specified Skilled Worker/Tokutei Ginou) scheme grants official work status with local-equivalent pay and a clear renewal path.
Updated: Juli 2026 · Figures are indicative and subject to change — always verify with official sources/partners before making financial decisions.
1Legal Schemes & Duration
SSW / Tokutei Ginou
Official work status for 12+ sectors. Requires passing a sector skills test + JLPT N4 (or JFT-Basic). Local-equivalent wages.
⏳ 5 years (SSW-1), extendable to SSW-2
Magang (TITP)
Technical intern training via training centers to Japanese receiving organizations — an entry door for beginners, upgradable to SSW after completion.
⏳ 1–3 years
2Available Job Types
3Indicative Pay & Costs — Who Pays?
Indicatively ¥160,000–¥220,000/month before tax/dorm deductions, varying by prefecture and sector.
On official schemes, placement costs are borne by employers/receiving organizations. Candidates typically only cover personal documents (passport, medical check-up) and language training. Beware anyone asking tens of millions to 'smooth the process' — that's a broker red flag.
Figures are indicative and subject to change — always verify with official sources/partners before making financial decisions.
4Language Requirements
JLPT N4 / JFT-Basic for SSW; internships generally need basic N5 at departure (trained at the center).
5Documents to Prepare
- Passport (≥ 18 months validity)
- Language certificate: JLPT N4 / JFT-Basic (SSW) or N5 (internship)
- SSW sector skills test result (for the SSW route)
- Diploma & transcript + sworn translation
- Medical check-up (MCU) from an appointed clinic
- Police clearance (SKCK) & photos per format
- Japanese-format CV (rirekisho) — IEGS mentors help
6How Long Does It Take?
- 1
Assessment & profile mapping
Week 1
- 2
Language & culture training (N5→N4 target)
4–8 months
- 3
Apply to openings + employer interview
1–2 months
- 4
Contract, visa & agency processing
2–4 months
- 5
Depart & start working
Total ± 8–14 months
Life in Japan
7Key Contacts & Citizen Protection
Register via Peduli WNI (peduliwni.kemlu.go.id) upon arrival. Indonesian missions: Embassy in Tokyo and Consulate-General in Osaka. Keep a copy of your contract, hold your own passport, and contact the KP2MI hotline or the embassy for contract/wage issues.
8Common Questions
Do I need Japanese before applying?
No — apply first; the gap analysis shows what's missing, then IEGS modules & mentors help you reach the JLPT target while the process runs.
How long are contracts, and are they renewable?
SSW-1 up to 5 years; certain sectors continue to SSW-2 (unlimited, family allowed). Internships run 1–3 years and can upgrade to SSW.
Is there an age limit for working in Japan?
SSW has no official upper limit (18+ minimum), but employers typically look for ages 18–35. TITP internships usually accept 18–30. Older candidates still qualify with strong sector experience.
Can I bring my family?
SSW-1 and internships don't allow dependents. SSW-2 (certain sectors, after leveling up) allows spouse & children — one reason to build a long-term SSW career.
How much can I realistically save per month?
After tax, insurance, and dorm deductions, many workers save ± ¥50,000–100,000/month depending on city, overtime, and lifestyle. Indicative — plan your finances from training onward.
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