SSW Visa Requirements Indonesia: BP2MI, Steps, and How to Apply

Indonesia is the second-largest source country for Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, and the process for Indonesian applicants has some specific requirements that differ from other nationalities. If you're planning to apply for an SSW visa from Indonesia, understanding the BP2MI system, the mandatory TB screening, and the government-mandated zero-fee policy will save you from costly mistakes.

How the Indonesian SSW System Is Structured

Japan and Indonesia operate the SSW program under a bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). This agreement means Indonesian workers must use the official government channel through BP2MI (Badan Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia — the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency) rather than going through private brokers independently.

BP2MI maintains the official registry of licensed recruitment agencies (PJTKI/P3MI) authorized to place Indonesian workers in Japan under SSW. Using an unlicensed agency — or going through a direct broker who isn't registered — puts you outside the protection of this system and almost certainly means you'll be asked to pay illegal fees.

The Indonesian government mandates a zero-fee policy for SSW recruitment: the employer pays, not the worker. Recruitment fees charged to workers are explicitly prohibited under both Indonesian law and Japan's agreement with Indonesia. In practice, illegal brokers in Indonesia still charge $3,000 to $5,000 to workers who don't know better. If anyone asks you to pay a placement or processing fee, that is a violation of the rules.

The Steps to Apply for SSW from Indonesia

Step 1: Pass the skills evaluation test for your industry.

Indonesia holds Prometric-administered SSW skills tests throughout the year. April and May 2026 test dates span more than 20 days per month across testing centers in Indonesia. Check the current schedule at ssw.go.jp. Fees range from $25 to $100 depending on the sector.

Available SSW industries include: construction, food manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, shipbuilding, automobile repair, industrial manufacturing, building cleaning, nursing care, accommodation, food service, and more.

Step 2: Pass a Japanese language test.

You need JFT-Basic (A2) or JLPT N4. The JFT-Basic is more practical — results are available the same day and it's offered more frequently than JLPT (which runs only twice a year in July and December). The JFT-Basic fee is approximately $30–$70.

Step 3: Verify your agency through BP2MI and OTIT.

Before signing any contract with a recruitment agency, check that:

• The agency holds a valid SIP2MI (recruitment permit) from BP2MI — verify at bp2mi.go.id
• The Japanese employer (Accepting Organization) is registered on Japan's OTIT portal at otit.go.jp

Both checks are free and take a few minutes. Skipping this step is the single biggest mistake Indonesian applicants make.

Step 4: Complete the JPETS tuberculosis screening.

Indonesia is one of six countries where Japan's mandatory Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS) applies. You must visit a designated Panel Clinic (listed at jpets.mhlw.go.jp), get a chest X-ray, and obtain a TB Clearance Certificate. This certificate is valid for 180 days from the X-ray date.

Without the TB clearance, the Japanese embassy cannot issue your visa. Plan this into your timeline — don't leave it until the last moment.

Step 5: The employer submits your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

Once you have a job offer from a registered Japanese employer, they submit the CoE application to the Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan. Processing typically takes one to three months. The CoE is then couriered to you in Indonesia.

Step 6: Apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Bring your CoE, test certificates, health checkup card, JPETS clearance, passport, and photographs. Visa issuance takes approximately five to ten working days. You must enter Japan within three months of the CoE issue date.

What Indonesian SSW Workers Actually Pay

Despite the zero-fee mandate, there are legitimate out-of-pocket costs for the applicant:

Total legitimate costs: approximately $250 to $900. Anything described as a "placement fee," "training advance," or "guarantee deposit" on top of this is not a legitimate SSW cost.

What to Do If You're Already in Japan as a Technical Intern

If you completed TITP (Technical Intern Training Programme) Type 2 in a designated SSW industry, you have a significant advantage. You are exempt from both the language test and the skills test when transitioning to SSW in the same industry. You will need your TITP completion certificate and proof of your training in that specific field.

The "TITP to SSW" transition allows you to build up to 8 years of total Japan stay (3 as an intern, 5 on SSW Type 1) before you qualify for the advanced SSW Type 2 visa — which has no cap on stay duration and allows your family to join you.

If you transition to SSW while already in Japan, you notify the ISA of your status change rather than applying from Indonesia. You must notify them within 14 days of your internship contract ending if you change employers.

SSW Type 2: The Long-Term Path

SSW Type 1 is capped at five years total. If you want to stay in Japan longer, the path is SSW Type 2, which:

• Has no five-year cap (unlimited renewals)
• Allows your spouse and children to live with you in Japan
• Counts your time toward Japan's 10-year permanent residency requirement

To qualify for Type 2, you need to pass an advanced skills test (covering supervisory-level competencies) and typically have two or more years of leadership experience in your SSW Type 1 role.

For Indonesian workers, the SSW pathway is one of the most structured and legally protected labor migration routes available. The government-mandated zero-fee policy and BP2MI oversight mean that if you go through official channels, the risks are manageable.

The Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa Guide covers every step in detail — from choosing your industry and preparing for the skills test to verifying agencies through BP2MI, understanding your worker rights in Japan, and planning your path to SSW Type 2.

See more Japan guides →