Migration lane
How to Immigrate to Japan from Indonesia in 2026
Japan has 16 immigration routes in our catalog. The biggest groups are work & career, family & partner and investment & independent means routes. Which of them are open to you depends on your nationality, age, savings and job situation — the free check matches your profile against every Japan route we track.
- Work & career9 routes e.g. Trainee (研修)
- Family & partner2 routes
- Investment & independent means2 routes e.g. 経営・管理（Business Manager）
- See all Japan routes →
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.
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.