Indonesia Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening Mandatory from Jan 4, 2027

Important news for those planning to bring employees or family members from Indonesia. Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening, which requires the submission of a “Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis” for applications for Certificate of Eligibility (COE), will also begin in Indonesia.

The Immigration Services Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revised their guidelines on September 25, 2026, and announced that for Indonesia, health check-up appointments at designated medical institutions will begin on November 2, 2026, and the mandatory submission of the Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis will begin on January 4, 2027 (both dates are tentative). The Immigration Services Agency’s guidance page has also been updated with the heading “For nationals of the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, and Indonesia.”

In our article on August 28, 2026, “Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening: 6 Target Countries and Exemption Rules,” we stated that the start date for Indonesia was “undecided.” This article provides an update, focusing on Indonesia, to clarify the schedule, scope, exemptions, handling of application dates, and preparations for businesses.

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1. Conclusion: 5 Key Points to Remember

• For Indonesia, health check-up appointments begin on November 2, 2026, and the mandatory submission of the certificate begins on January 4, 2027 (both dates are tentative).
• The target individuals are Indonesian nationals who intend to enter and reside in Japan as mid- to long-term residents (excluding those with a re-entry permit), among others.
• Specified Skilled Workers, nurses and certified care workers under EPAs with the target countries, etc., are exempt for the time being.
• The mandatory submission date is based on the application date. Submission is required for applications for Certificate of Eligibility (or visa applications) made on or after January 4, 2027.
• The certificate must be issued by a medical institution designated by the Japanese government, and its validity period is generally 180 days from the date of the chest X-ray examination. Designated medical institutions in Indonesia will be announced as soon as they are ready (as of October 1, 2026).

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2. Indonesia’s Start Date: Comparison with Other Target Countries

Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening is being implemented sequentially in target countries as arrangements are made. The schedule according to the guidelines revised on September 25, 2026, is as follows:

Target Country	Start of Health Check-up Appointments at Designated Medical Institutions	Mandatory Submission of Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis
Philippines・Nepal	March 24, 2025	June 23, 2025
Vietnam	May 26, 2025	September 1, 2025
Indonesia	November 2, 2026 (tentative)	January 4, 2027 (tentative)
Myanmar・China	Under adjustment for start	Under adjustment for start (to be announced as soon as decided)

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s announcement, Indonesia was originally included as a target country under the system, but until now, it was stated as “under adjustment, start date undecided.” This time, it is stated that operations will begin as the implementation system has been completed.

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3. Who is Covered and Who is Not

3-1. Who is Covered

The target individuals are nationals of the target countries, including Indonesia, who intend to enter and reside in Japan under any of the following categories:

• Mid- to long-term residents (excluding those with a Period of Stay of 3 months or less, and those with “Temporary Visitor,” “Diplomat,” or “Official” Status of Residence). However, those with a re-entry permit (including a special re-entry permit) are excluded.
• Designated Activities Notification No. 53 and No. 54 (digital nomads and their spouses/children)

For example, individuals newly coming to Japan under “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Student,” or “Dependent” Status of Residence are typical cases. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s FAQ, children and pregnant women are also covered (different procedures for examination are indicated for children under 5 years old and pregnant women).

3-2. Individuals Not Subject to the Screening (for the time being)

Even if an individual holds the nationality of a target country, the following individuals are exempt:

• Individuals whose current place of residence is outside the target country, as confirmed by a residence permit or similar document from their country of residence (the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s FAQ states that the duration of residence in the current place of residence is not questioned).
• Specified Skilled Worker.
• Nurses and certified care workers based on EPA with the relevant country.
• JET Program participants, JICA trainees (long-term/short-term), Japan Foundation (JF) mid- to long-term invitation program participants, JICA Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) international students, government-sponsored international students recommended by embassies, and commissioned projects for the education and training of international students.
• Designated Activities Public Notice No. 55 (Preparation for Specific Automobile Transport Business).
• Foreign Human Resources for Housework Support Acceptance Project (Article 16-4 of the National Strategic Special Zones Act).

These individuals are exempt for the time being, as they are subject to a health examination, including a chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening, before entry.

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4. Criterion is “Application Date”: Handling When Crossing January 4, 2027

The most common inquiry in practice is likely, “What happens if I apply before the deadline, but the issuance occurs after the deadline?” The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s FAQ and the Immigration Services Agency’s guidance clarify this as follows:

Application Timing	Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (or visa application) made on or after January 4, 2027	Submission required
Application for Certificate of Eligibility made before January 4, 2027, and issued without submitting the certificate. Visa application made after the deadline	Not required for visa application

In other words, even if the deadline passes during the screening process, additional submission will not be requested later. However, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare assumes this applies to cases where there are no subjective symptoms of tuberculosis (such as a cough or phlegm lasting for more than two weeks, or persistent low-grade fever or fatigue), and states that it is advisable to undergo a tuberculosis examination if symptoms are present.

Furthermore, if a valid certificate was submitted at the time of the Application for Certificate of Eligibility, it is not necessary for the certificate to be within its validity period at the time of subsequent visa application or Permission for Landing application, nor is it necessary to resubmit it.

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5. How to Obtain a Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis and its Validity Period

1. Undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray at a designated medical institution in Indonesia (if findings are present, a sputum test will be conducted at the doctor’s discretion).
2. If it is determined that tuberculosis has not developed, the Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis will be issued by the designated medical institution.
3. Submit it at the time of Application for Certificate of Eligibility (or at the time of visa application if applying for a visa at a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad without obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility).

Key points to note are as follows:

• Certificates from medical institutions other than designated ones are not accepted. Even if a general health certificate states “negative,” it cannot be used as a substitute.
• Submission can be a copy (including scanned data).
• The validity period is generally 180 days from the date of the chest X-ray. Under certain conditions, such as when a cohabiting family member has been diagnosed with infectious tuberculosis, it will be 90 days.
• The cost of the health examination is borne by the applicant and varies depending on the medical institution.
• Applicants are advised to keep their copy carefully, as it may be requested for presentation after entry.

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6. Documents to Submit When a Certificate Cannot Be Issued

According to the Immigration Services Agency, in the following cases, prescribed documents should be submitted instead of a Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis:

• For those whose current place of residence is outside the target countries: A copy (including scanned data) of the permit for stay in the country/region of current residence, etc., and a statement of explanation (forms available in Japanese and English).
• For those who cannot submit the certificate due to unavoidable special circumstances: A statement of reasons for not being able to submit the certificate (forms available in Japanese and English).

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s FAQ states that if a Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis is not submitted at the time of Application for Certificate of Eligibility, it will in principle result in denial. While it may be exceptionally granted only in cases where there are unavoidable circumstances and submission is expected at the time of visa application, such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Please do not assume that “submitting a statement of reasons will be sufficient.”

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7. What HR Professionals at Companies Should Prepare Now

Companies planning to hire from Indonesia can feel secure by incorporating the following points into their recruitment plans:

• Confirm application timing: Identify candidates whose Application for Certificate of Eligibility will be on or after January 4, 2027.
• Categorize by Status of Residence eligibility: Confirm for each candidate, such as Specified Skilled Worker being temporarily exempt, while Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and Technical Intern Training are subject.
• Confirm current residence: If a candidate resides in a third country, they may be exempt with a permit for stay, etc., and a statement of explanation.
• Calculate backward from the 180-day validity period: If the examination is too early, the validity period will expire by the time of application. Schedule the examination date to align with when all documents will be ready.
• Decide on cost burden: The medical examination fee is, by system, borne by the applicant. Decide internally whether the company will bear the cost and inform the candidate early.

Furthermore, regarding the Employment for Skill Development Program (ESD) starting on April 1, 2027, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s FAQ states that the results of chest X-rays from designated medical institutions can be treated as chest X-rays for the comprehensive health examination required for accepting Employment for Skill Development foreign nationals, and that simultaneous examinations are possible at designated medical institutions that can conduct comprehensive health examinations (for medical institutions in Indonesia where simultaneous examinations are possible, confirmation is required after the announcement of designated medical institutions).

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8. Impact on Foreign Nationals and Their Families

• Those already working in Japan who depart with a Re-entry Permit (including a Special Re-entry Permit) and return are not subject.
• If an Indonesian national residing in Japan calls their spouse or child in Indonesia to Japan under “Dependent” Status of Residence, etc., the family members being called may be subject. Children are also subject.
• Even if you have been diagnosed with tuberculosis in the past, if treatment is complete and you are currently not suffering from the disease, as confirmed by a designated medical institution, a certificate will be issued.
• If tested “positive,” follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment and undergo another examination at a designated medical institution after treatment is complete (a “Tuberculosis Treatment Completion Report” is required at that time).

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9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When will the Indonesian certificate be required?

It will be required for Application for Certificate of Eligibility or visa applications made on or after January 4, 2027 (scheduled). Medical examinations at designated medical institutions will begin on November 2, 2026 (scheduled).

Q2. I applied for a Certificate of Eligibility in December 2026, and it seems the issuance will be after January 2027. Do I need to submit an additional certificate?

According to the FAQ from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the deadline for mandatory submission is based on the application date. If an application was filed before the deadline and a certificate was issued without submission, then submission is not required at the time of visa application, even if the visa application is made after the deadline. However, it is recommended to undergo testing if there are any self-perceived symptoms of tuberculosis.

Q3. We are accepting an Indonesian national under Specified Skilled Worker. Is a certificate required?

Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals are currently exempt from pre-entry tuberculosis screening.

Q4. Can a health certificate from a general hospital in Indonesia be used as a substitute?

No, it cannot. Only a Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis issued by a medical institution designated by the Japanese government is accepted. Designated medical institutions in Indonesia will be announced as soon as they are ready.

Q5. Is it necessary to submit the original certificate to the Immigration Services Agency?

A copy (including scanned data) can be submitted.

Q6. What about nationals from Myanmar and China?

Myanmar and China are also target countries, but as of October 1, 2026, the start date is undecided. It will be announced once a decision is made.

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10. Summary: Calculate backward from the application date and validity period

1. For Indonesia, health check acceptance is November 2, 2026, and mandatory certificate submission is January 4, 2027 (scheduled).
2. The target individuals are those entering Japan as mid- to long-term residents, etc. Specified Skilled Worker and EPA nurses/care workers are currently exempt. Technical Intern Training is not on the exclusion list.
3. The criterion is the application date. For Application for Certificate of Eligibility filed before the deadline, subsequent submission will not be requested.
4. Certificates must be issued by designated medical institutions only. The validity period is generally 180 days, and submission of a copy is acceptable.
5. Designated medical institutions in Indonesia have not yet been announced. Decide where to undergo the examination after the announcement is confirmed.

The overall system and exclusion clauses for the six countries are explained in detail in “Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening: Target 6 Countries and Exclusion Clauses.”

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As an Administrative Scrivener Corporation in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, our office assists with residence procedures for inviting personnel and families from overseas.

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Authorized to File Applications on Behalf of Applicant) and verification of necessary documents, including Certificate of Non-Onset of Tuberculosis
• Consultation on application timing tailored to your recruitment schedule
• Consultation on procedures for inviting family members, such as Dependent

Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.

📩 Contact Us Here

📞 To book a phone consultation: 0985-68-0851

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of October 2026. The schedule for Indonesia has been announced as “scheduled” and may change. For medical matters concerning tuberculosis testing, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult a designated medical institution or doctor. The Immigration Services Agency determines the approval or denial of a Certificate of Eligibility based on individual circumstances. For actual applications, please refer to the official information from the Immigration Services Agency, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japanese diplomatic missions abroad (embassies/consulates), or contact our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama

Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office

Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Sources (Primary Information)

• Immigration Services Agency “【Important】Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening (for nationals of the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, and Indonesia)” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00219.html
• Immigration Services Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Guidelines for the Implementation of Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening” (Revised September 25, Reiwa 8) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001471575.pdf
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening to Start in Indonesia” (September 25, Reiwa 8) https://jpets.mhlw.go.jp/jp/doc/260925.pdf
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Pre-entry Tuberculosis Screening Special Site (JPETS) “FAQ” https://jpets.mhlw.go.jp/jp/faq/