Visa Kerja Jepang Untuk Orang Indonesia |  Japan Work Visa for Indonesians: A Step-by-Step Guide  

Waktu Pemrosesan Visa Jepang Indonesia | Processing Time to Get Your Japan Work Visa from Indonesia 

It will take 1-3 months to get your Japanese Work Visa from Indonesia. It’s essential that you start the process three months from when you need to be in Japan. Too late and you’ll run out of time, but too early and some of your documents’ validity might expire. All International talents looking to work in Japan for more than 90 days (3 months) need a Japan Work Visa before entering Japan. ^[1] 

Within the 1-3 months time frame, you will be able to process all the requirements needed to apply for a visa, apply for a visa, and receive your approved visa. This time frame, however, does not include the amount of time you need to secure a job offer which is essential for a Japanese Work Visa. You can find out more about that from our complete guide on how to look for a job in Japan as an Indonesian.  

Now, let’s drill down into everything you need to know about Japanese Work Visas! This comprehensive guide will walk you through start to finish—and beyond. We’ll also run you through the vital visa-related actions you need to do upon landing in Japan, renewing your visa, and key factors to know as early as possible if you’re interested in a permanent residence in Japan.  

Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a work visa for Japan: 

Step 1: Persyaratan Visa Jepang Indonesia | The Main Japanese Work Visa Requirement for Indonesians: Secure a Job Offer 

The first requirement to securing a work visa for Japan is to prove that you have signed an offer with a Japanese company. Your company will be acting as your sponsor guaranteeing that you will be able to afford living in Japan. You can learn more about getting a job in Japan as an Indonesian in our comprehensive guide.   

With some Japanese companies that are highly experienced with taking in foreign talents, they might do the whole process for you.  If not, the job agency (such as FAST OFFER International) you worked with may assist you with the visa application process.  

Typically, after signing your contract with the Japanese company, the HR department will guide you through the process. Your company will also help you get the visa that best fits your job description. There are 16 kinds of Japanese Working Visas based on job type and qualifications.^[2] 

Different kinds of work visas in Japan:  

• Professor (Examples: university professor, assistant professor, assistant, etc.)  
• Artist (Examples: composers, songwriters, artists, sculptors, craftspeople, photographers, etc.)  
• Religious activities (Examples: religious people such as monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.)  
• Journalist (Examples: newspaper journalists, magazine journalists, editors, news camera operators, announcers, etc.)  
• Business manager (Examples: company presidents, directors, etc.)  
• Legal/Accounting services (Examples: attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants, etc. certified in Japan)  
• Medical services (Examples: physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc. certified in Japan)  
• Researcher (Examples: researchers, investigators, etc. at research institutes, etc.)  
• Instructor (Examples: teachers, etc. at elementary schools, intermediate schools, and high schools)  
• Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services (Examples: scientific engineers, IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, etc.)  
• Intra-company transferee (Examples: people transferred to the Japanese branch (head office of the same company, etc.)  
• Nursing care (Example: certified care worker)  
• Entertainers (Examples: musicians, actors, singers, dancers, sportspeople, models, etc.)  
• Skilled labor (Examples: chefs specializing in the food of a foreign country, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, sommeliers, etc.)  
• Specified skilled worker (Work-ready foreign nationals possessing certain expertise and skills in certain industrial fields.)  
• Technical intern training (Examples: Technical intern)   

Step 2: Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for your Japan Work Visa as a (National) 

Processing time: 1-3 months.  

As soon as you sign with your company, their HR department will also give you a list of requirements for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Your employer in Japan typically applies for the COE on your behalf. The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau.^[3] It confirms that you meet the entry requirements to land and work in Japan and are not taking part in any fraudulent activity.  

It is important to submit your COE requirements as soon as possible. You need at least an e-mailed copy of this document by your scheduled visa appointment. ^[4]   

Required documents you need to submit to your company for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE):   

• A completed COE application form. There are different COE forms depending on your purpose. You can download a form for your category from the Japan Immigration Services Agency website. 
• A scanned copy of your passport. (Make sure your passport is valid!) 
• 3×4 cm photo taken within the past three months. Make sure you are not wearing glasses!  
• Signed Work Contract with your Japanese Company indicating  salary, position, contract length 
• Additional documents on a case-to-case basis: 
• Academic credentials (Transcript of Record, diplomas, and additional certificates mentioned in your resume ) 
• For Mid-career applicants, Certificate of Eligibility from all former employers to prove resume-cited work experience. It’s recommended that after you leave an employer, you get a copy of your COE right away.  

Step 3: Plikasi Visa Jepang Indonesia | Japan Work Visa Application from Indonesia^[5] 

• Processing Time: 5 working days after submission of requirements. 

Once you receive your COE, you can book your appointment to visit a Japan Visa Application Center. You can pay for the visa fee and processing fee online or at the center. If you miss your appointment on the scheduled day, you will need to book a new appointment, or you can enter as Walk-In. ^[6] 

You can process your work visa at the Japan Visa Application Centre under the correct residential jurisdiction (based on ID Card (KTP). ^[7] 

Biaya Visa Jepang Indonesia | Japan Work Visa Fee in Indonesia^[8]  

Japanese Work Visa Fee: IDR 330,000 Single Entry Visa Fee + IDR 230,000 per person. Agency Processing Fee ^[9] 

Payment for the visa fee will be made at the time of your scheduled appointment JVAC. The total cost of your “Single-Entry” Japan Work Visa depends on two factors: when you filed your application, if you pass the application process.  

The cost for Japanese visas changes with every Japanese fiscal year (April 1 – March 31 of the next year). Thus, the cost of your Japanese work visa will depend on when you start your application. However, you will be refunded for this fee if your visa is rejected or if you withdraw your application. The Agency’s Application fee is non-refundable and it includes taxes.  

The Embassy themself will NEVER ask for payment outside of official routes, If you receive a telephone call, an e-mail to verify your documents or expedite the process, this may be a fraudulent attempt. Do not respond to the request and instead report to the police and inform the embassy. ^[10]  

Required Documents for your Japanese Work Visa as an Indonesian ^[11] 

• Certificate of Eligibility (Original or photocopy) 
• Valid passport  
• Valid for at least 6 months from point of entry 
• With at least two empty pages  
• A filled-out Special Work Visa Form 
• A filled-out and signed visa application form.  
• Make sure to use Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out and print out the form. 
• Passport-sized photo 
• Size 4.5 X 3.5 cm 
• Taken in the last 6 months and  
• No background, not edited, and clear/not blurry 
• Job offer letter (if required) 
• Original and Photocopy of KTP 
• Kartu Keluarga (KK) 
• Print-out/hasil cetak E-KTLN (Kartu Tenaga Kerja Luar Negeri (SISKOTKLN) BNP2TKI 

Reminders for your Document Requirements   

Here are a few technical things to remember when gathering the required documents for visa application:   

• Additional documentation may be requested with your application, depending on your status or circumstances.  
• Print out a copy of your COE 
• Do not staple documents. 

Where to Apply for Your Japan Work Visa^[12] 

Once you receive your COE, you can apply for a work visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in Indonesia for a “Special Visa (Study/work/training/stay Within Specified Period)”. Once you’ve gathered all your requirements, you can book an appointment with VFS here.. 

Directory of Japan Work Visa Application Centers (JVAC) for Visa Application ^[13] 

^{List of Japan Visa Application Centres in Indonesia} 

Jakarta’s Japan Visa Application Centre

• Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 17:00 
• Extended Hours Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 16:30 – 17:00 
• Residential jurisdiction: Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Sumatera, Bangka Belitung, Bengkulu, and Lampung. 

Surabaya‘s Japan Visa Application Centre

• Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 16:00 
• Extended Hours Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 16:00 – 17:00 
• Residential jurisdiction: Jawa Timur, Kalimantan Timur, Kalimantan Utara, Kalimantan Selatan. 

Bali’s Japan Visa Application Centre 

• Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 16:00 
• Extended Hours for Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 16:00 – 17:00 
• Residential jurisdiction: Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara 

Medan‘s Japan Visa Application Centre

• Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 16:00 
• Extended Hours Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 16:00 – 17:00 
• Residential jurisdiction: Aceh Nangroe Darusalam, Sumatera Utara, Sumatera Barat, Jambi, Riau, Kepulauan Riau 

Makassar‘s Japan Visa Application Centre in  

• Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 16:00 
• Extended Hours Passport Collection: Monday to Friday, 16:00 – 17:00 
• Residential jurisdiction: Sulawesi Utara, Gorontalo, Sulawesi Tengah, Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Barat, Maluku Utara, Maluku, Papua (Irian Jaya), Papua Barat 

Reminders When Going to a Japan Visa Application Center^[14] 

On the day of your visa application appointment, here are things to remember: 

• Only applicants can enter the Visa Application Centre.  
• Mobile phones must be switched to silent or vibrate mode. They should be switched on before entering the Visa Application Centre. Devices that cannot be switched on cannot be taken into the Visa Application Centre. Mobile phones have to be put away when you are dealing with our staff. 
• Photography, filming, and audio recording are prohibited.  

Visa Application Centre Prohibited Items: 

• All bags such as travel bags, back packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, jute or cloth bags and zip folders. Only a plastic bag containing your application related papers would be permitted. (You may use our cloaking facility to store your items. You may ask the guards and receptionists regarding the cost of the facility). 
• All battery operated or electronic items such as cameras, tablets, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppies, laptops, or portable music players, hard disk drive (HDDs), spy devices, audio recorders, or other devices which can hinder the centre’s functioning. 
• Sealed envelopes or packages. 
• Any inflammable item such as matchboxes/ lighters/ electric cigarettes /fuel. 
• Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail filers. 
• Weapons, weapon-like objects or explosive material of any kind. 

What Happens After Your Work Visa Appointment? 

You Can Keep Track of Your Application^[15] 

The result of your application will be e-mailed to you. You can also get updates via SMS depending on the Japanese Visa Application Centre you are visiting. You can also check the status online using the reference number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service. 

Don’t Forget to Collect Your Passport Once You Get the Decision 

Once you have your result, you can pick up your passport with your official receipt and government ID at the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you for an additional fee. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your passport; they will need to present a letter of authorization signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre and their Government identification. 

Possible Work Visa Challenges  

Reasons for Visa Rejection  

Here are some of the possible reasons why a visa application can be rejected according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: ^[16]  

• Applications from persons holding Japanese nationality  
• The application is made to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General outside your country (region) of birth or country (region) of residence.  
• You currently hold a valid visa or re-entry permit.  
• Your previous visa application to visit Japan for a specific purpose was rejected and you reapplied to visit Japan for the same purpose within six months of the rejection.  
• The visa application is already being processed at a different Japanese Embassy / Consulate General.  
• The period of validity or the visa attachment space of your passport is insufficient.  
• The application is made by a person without the qualifications to make a proxy application.  
• An application for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility is still pending.  
• The applicant does not qualify for the status of residence due to insufficient income to live independently in Japan.  
• Documents failed verification of the applicant’s identity and the validity of his/ her passport.  
• Certificate of Eligibility was issued based on mistaken or fraudulent information.  
• No university degree or lack of work experience  
• Criminal records that fall within certain categories  
• Report incorrect information  

How to avoid a work visa rejection  

Could you imagine failing at the very last step? After all the effort of securing a job and sending in your requirements, you can still fail to get a visa due to factors out of your hands. There is a way though to lessen that risk dramatically.   

Before securing a job through FAST OFFER International, one of our talents was accepted as a teacher at a language school in Japan. However, the school was unable to help her secure a visa due to some technicalities outside of the talent’s control.   

Smaller companies often need to prove the need for foreign workers more rigorously than established companies. Bigger, more established companies have a better chance of securing a work visa. Working with an experienced agency to find a well-vetted Japanese company can make all the difference.  

Step 4: Travel to Japan & Get Your Residence Card ^[17]  

• Processing Time: same day, or a few weeks   

When and how to get your Japanese residence card  

After obtaining your visa, you can travel to Japan. Upon arrival, present your visa and COE at immigration, where you’ll receive a Residence Card. It is issued at the airport upon arrival.   

If you do not receive the card at your port of entry, it will be mailed to your permanent address later. 

Reminders About your Residence Card  

The Residence Card serves as your identification in Japan and must always be with you. Failure to present your residency card if asked to be seen by security, police, or immigration officers can lead to a 200,000 yen fine.^[18]  

Step 5: Register at Your Local City/Ward/Town Office ^[19]  

Registration deadlines and penalties  

Failing to register your local Japanese address in time can have big ramifications. Make sure you secure an address and register as soon as possible. City or ward offices are typically open from 9:00-17:00, Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed.  

Within 14 days (2 weeks) of arriving in Japan, you must register your address at the local ward or city office. Failing to submit your fixed residential address within two weeks can lead to a fine of up to 200,000 yen. Going beyond 90 days (about 3 months) without a valid reason may lead to the revocation of your residence status.   

A fixed address will also help you acquire your social security, SIM card, and bank account.  

Updating your registered details and requesting a new residence card  

You can notify your local immigration office if after registering you have a change of name, date of birth, gender, nationality/religion. This is also where you get your residence card renewed or reissued in case it is lost, stolen, destroyed, severely damaged, or defaced.  

Insurance registration (for those not covered by an employer)  

You can get your insurance registration at the same immigration office. If you are not covered by your employer’s insurance, after getting your residency card, you will also be registering for National Health Insurance. There is no joining fee. The insurance card and charges will be sent to your home later.   

Additional Visa Information You’ll Want to Know: Renewing or Upgrading Your Japanese Work Visa 

After completing the necessary registrations, you can legally start working in Japan. Following these steps will help Indonesians successfully obtain a work visa and embark on their careers in Japan.  

Renewing Japanese Work Visas ^[20]  

Work Visa Validity  

Work visas are valid for 3 months, 1, 3, or 5 years, and can be renewed.  

2-3 months before your work visa expires, you might get a notification from your company that your residence card is about to expire. To extend your stay in Japan by three or five years, you’ll need to renew your visa. If employed at a Japanese company, your employer or a company representative can apply on your behalf.  

When do you renew your Visa?   

You need to renew your work visa before it expires. You can start the renewal process as early as 2 months before your visa expires.  

Required Documents to renew your visa  

• A completed Extension of the Period of Stay Application Form (you can download it from the website of the Japan Immigration Services Agency) or get it here.  
• Your passport  
• Your Residence Card  
• Passport-size picture of yourself, with the following specifications:  
• Dimensions: 4cm x 3cm  
• Taken within the last three months  
• Plain and light-colored background, without any patterns and shadows  
• You must be staring straight ahead, with a neutral facial expression.  
• Your face must be fully visible.  
• The picture must be good quality (focused, clear, and sharp)  
• Proof you meet the financial requirements to continue living in Japan.  
• Proof of continued employment which states the details of your employment, such as the salary, position, and duration   
• The company’s registration documents   
• Proof of the annual income and tax payment  

Update related documents before they expire  

When you renew your visa, a new residence card is issued. Avoid getting your bank account locked by updating your details with your bank branch before your old residence card expires. As soon as you get a new residence card, update your bank branch with your new residence card in person.  

Qualifying for Permanent Residency  

Want to work in Japan indefinitely? You might qualify for permanent residency. ^[21]  

Types of visas who can apply for permanent residency:  

• Visa for highly skilled professional sub-categories  
• Visa for the spouse of a Japanese national   
• Long-term visa, or10 years of continuous residency in Japan  

PR Calculator for highly skilled professionals  

For highly skilled professionals, you can use this PR calculator to check if you qualify.   

You’ll be scored based on your age range, academic background, work experience, the organization you work for, annual salary, Japanese language ability, research achievements, and Japanese national qualifications.   

• For those who have worked in Japan for 3 years, you need to score at least 70 points.   
• For those who’ve only worked for a year in Japan, you need to score 80 points.  

You’re all set to go! Start your journey today by learning Japanese or signing up with FAST OFFER International and getting that job offer!   

REFERENCES 

1. Embassy of Japan in Malaysia. “Visa Information FAQ.” Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visainfo_faq.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
2. English Lawyers Japan. “Types of Visas for Foreigners in Japan.” English Lawyers Japan, englishlawyersjapan.com/types-of-visas-for-foreigners-in-japan/. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.    
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. “Frequently Asked Questions about Visas.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/faq.html. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.   
4. Ministry of Justice of Japan. “Immigration Services Agency Applications.” Ministry of Justice, www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/index.html. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.    
5. VFS Global. “What Happens at the Visa Application Centre.” VFS Global, visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/en/jpn/attend-centre/what-happens-at-centre. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
6. ^5  
7. VFS Global. “Japan Visa Information – Indonesia.” VFS Global, www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/indonesia/english/index.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024  
8. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. “Visa Application Procedure and Fees.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/procedure/fee.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
9. VFS Global. “Japan Visa Information – Indonesia.” VFS Global, www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/indonesia/english/index.html?_gl=1*r9pkp0*_gcl_au*MTQzMDM2Njg5NS4xNzMzMjQ1OTAw*_ga*NjQ5NjU2NDcuMTcyNjE0MjI3Mw..*_ga_Z8LKRKHHG4*MTczMzMyNzY4OS4xNS4xLjE3MzMzMjc5NzYuMTAuMC4w. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
10. Embassy of Japan in India. “Visa Information.” Embassy of Japan in India, www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
11. VFS Global. “Japan Visa Information – Indonesia.” VFS Global, www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/indonesia/english/index.html?_gl=1*ev3y6q*_gcl_au*MTQzMDM2Njg5NS4xNzMzMjQ1OTAw*_ga*NjQ5NjU2NDcuMTcyNjE0MjI3Mw..*_ga_Z8LKRKHHG4*MTczMzMyNzY4OS4xNS4xLjE3MzMzMjkzMjkuNTkuMC4w. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
12. VFS Global. “Book an Appointment for Japan Visa.” VFS Global, visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/en/jpn/book-an-appointment . Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
13. VFS Global. “Attend Visa Centre.” VFS Global, visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/en/jpn/attend-centre . Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
14. VFS Global. “Attend Visa Centre – Bali.” VFS Global, visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/en/jpn/attend-centre/Bali . Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.  
15. ^3  
16. ^3   
17. Ministry of Justice of Japan. “Immigration Services Agency Procedures.” Ministry of Justice, www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/index.html#midashi03. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.     
18. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. “Overseas Study Procedure.” KUFS, www.kufs.ac.jp/en/faculties/overseas/procedure.html. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.    
19. ^17  
20. Ministry of Justice. “Application Procedures for Status of Residence in Japan.” Ministry of Justice, www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00011.html. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.   
21. Juridique. “New Visa Information.” Juridique, www.juridique.jp/visa/new.php. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.