Immigration

Japan | Mandatory submission of “Tuberculosis-Free Certificate” for CoE/visa applications (updated March 25, 2025)

Summary

Effective June 23, 2025, certain nationalities applying for mid- to long-term residence in Japan must submit a “Certificate of Non-Tuberculosis” (TB-Free Certificate) during their Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) or visa application. This requires undergoing a “Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening” (JPETS) at a medical institution overseas designated by the Japanese government before applying for a CoE.

This rule will initially apply to nationals from the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and China. Affected individuals are advised to allow additional time for the new medical requirements when planning their move to Japan.

Details of the JPETS System

Background

Japan has introduced the JPETS due to a rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases among foreign nationals. Nationals from countries with high incidence of TB must provide proof of being TB-free before entering Japan for mid- to long-term stays.

Who is affected

The requirement applies to nationals from the Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and China, including Digital Nomad visa holders and their dependents newly arriving in Japan as mid- to long- term residents.

Exceptions:

• Individuals residing outside the eligible countries who hold a valid residence permit or similar documentation, regardless of the length of stay.
• Existing residents re-entering Japan with valid re-entry permits.
• Those entering Japan under visa programs that already mandate TB screenings, such as the Specified Skilled Worker visa.

Timeline

Nationality	Start Date for JPETS appointment	Date of implementation for mandatory submission of TB-Free Certificate*
Philippines Nepal	March 24, 2025	June 23, 2025
Vietnam	May 26, 2025	September 1, 2025
Indonesia Myanmar China	To be announced once decided	To be announced once decided

*If the CoE was issued based on an application submitted before this date without a TB-Free certificate, the entry visa may still be processed after the implementation date.

JPETS Screening Process

• Applicants must undergo a medical exam, including a chest X-ray, at a medical institution designated by the Japanese Government.
• A passport is required for identity verification.
• A TB-Free Certificate will be issued in English and Japanese in an official Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) form, including the applicant’s photo and passport details.

For the latest list of the designated medical institutions, visit MHLW’s website: https://jpets.mhlw.go.jp/emi/

Validity of the Certificate

• The validity period is indicated on the TB-Free Certificate based on the medical institution’s assessment.
• Generally, the TB-Free Certificate is valid for 180 days from the date of the X-ray.
• The validity period is reduced to 90 days if:
  • The applicant lived with a family member diagnosed with active TB within 2 months before the X-ray.
  • The applicant shared an enclosed space for a prolonged period with someone diagnosed with active TB within 2 months before the X-ray.
• The entry visa application and entry to Japan do not need to be done within the validity period of the TB-Free certificate, as long as the CoE application was submitted while it was valid.
• It may also be required upon entry to Japan and while residing in Japan, so applicants should retain a copy.

When is Submission Mandatory

The TB-Free Certificate (original or copy) must be submitted in these scenarios:

• During a CoE application in Japan → Failure to submit will result in application rejection.
• During an entry visa application at a Japanese consulate/embassy, only if:
  • Submission during CoE application was unavoidable, OR
  • The applicant is applying directly for a visa without a CoE.
• Exceptions are determined on a case-by-case basis by immigration authorities.

What this means

For employers:

• When planning for foreign nationals to work in Japan, employers must account for the additional time and cost required for the JPETS medical examination and issuance of the TB-Free Certificate.
• Stay updated on the latest information about eligible nationalities, residence statuses, and implementation timelines to avoid delays in onboarding employees.
• Ensure that employees have valid passports well in advance, as these are required for the JPETS medical examination.

For individuals:

• Plan your timeline carefully, factoring in the time needed to complete the JPETS medical examination and obtain the TB-Free Certificate.
• Ensure your passport is valid and ready for the medical exam at a government-designated institution.
• Keep a copy of the TB-Free Certificate after arrival in Japan, as it may be required.
• If you are applying for a CoE or visa after the implementation date, submission of the certificate is mandatory.

Employers and individuals should factor the new JPETS requirements into relocation timelines and prepare proactively to avoid delays.

How we can help

The JPETS system is set to launch in March 2025, but some details — such as the designated medical institutions for Indonesia, Myanmar, and China, and potential processing impacts — are still pending and will be updated on the MLHW’s website: https://jpets.mhlw.go.jp/index.html

Additionally, the potential impact of this system on application procedures, such as immigration processing timelines, remain unclear.

At Vialto Partners, we are closely monitoring updates as they become available and will provide more updates once the details are released.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Noriyuki Tominaga
Partner

Jia Ee
Director

Shiho Okada
Manager

Zoila Mundell
Associate

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