How to Engage in "Theater, Performing Arts, and Sports" in Japan? －Entertainer Visa

Requirements for “Entertainer” Visa

Allowed activity and eligibility requirements

• Engage in paid entertainment activities, such as theater, performing arts, singing, dancing, musical performance, and sports.
• If daily remuneration is less than 5 million yen, one of the following is required:

o Major in a relevant activity at a foreign educational institution for two years or more

o Have at least two years of work experience

• For remuneration as high as 5 million yen or more per day, the educational and occupational requirements are relaxed.
• Have a “entertainer contract” with a Japanese agency which is inviting the applicant that provides a monthly salary of 200,000 yen or more.

Legal Standards for the Inviting Organization (Organizer/Facility)

• Experience/Personnel

• A manager or administrator with at least 3 years of combined experience in the entertainment industry.
• At least five full-time staff members.

• Legal Compliance (within the last 5 years):

• No history of human trafficking, fraudulent means, aiding illegal entry, violation of the Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business, or association with anti-social forces (Anti-Social Forces Act).
• No unpaid remuneration to foreign nationals in the past 3 years.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

• Facility Standards:

• A facility open to the general public
• No entertainment services for audiences and no food or beverage sales at seats
• Stage: 13 square meters or larger, Waiting Room: 9 square meters or larger (expandable depending on the number of performers)
• At least five full-time staff members

 Types of “Entertainment” (Standard Classification)

The “Entertainer” status of residence is classified into the following categories:

• Standard 1 (a), (b), (c): General entertainment activities such as singing and dancing, subdivided according to the size of the facility, remuneration, and length of stay.
• (a) and (c): Small to medium-sized (e.g., live music restaurants), remuneration of ¥500,000 or less per day, seating less than 100 people, etc.
• (b): Large-scale concerts, etc., seating more than 100 people, daily remuneration of ¥500,000 or more, and performances lasting less than 30 days.
• Standard 2: Non-theatrical activities such as professional sports tournaments, martial arts, and large-scale events.
• Standard 3: Non-theatrical activities such as modeling, photography, recording, and promotion.

Application Process

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The Japanese host organization (organizer) gathers and submits documents including information such as the activity details, contract, compensation, and facilities, to the Immigration Bureau. This should be submitted approximately 3 months before arrival.

Apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate

Obtain COE➡The applicant submits passport, photograph, application form, COE, contract, etc.➡Receive passport with the visa sticker affixed ➡ Enter Japan

Upon entry, the period of stay will be approved for three months, six months, one year, or three years.

Key Points

– The activities must be a legitimate “entertainment” (e.g., not illegal labor).

– Compensation must be equivalent to or higher than that in Japan.

– The facility size and the track record of the recruiting and hosting organizations must meet the requirements (especially items 1(b) and 1(c)).

– The organization’s structure should fulfill the requirements (e.g., five or more full-time employees, a track record of paying compensation, etc.

Difficulty and Time Required for the Review Process

• The review process is very strict, and the system has been tightened due to past cases of fraudulent employment and insufficient track record.
• It usually takes about one to three months from application to approval, but this may vary depending on the status of the documents and the track record of the inviting organization.

Required Documents (e.g., Standard 1-a)

• COE Application Form, Passport Photo
• Applicant’s CV, Performance/Contract Certificate, and Compensation Certificate
• Hosting Agency’s Registration Certificate, Financial Statements, and Contracts
• Performance Facility Overview, Schedule, Promotional Materials, etc.

*Document requirements vary depending on the standard category, so we recommend having a professional handle this.

 Summary

1. “Entertainer” is a status of residence for remunerated performing activities, covering a variety of activities, including theater, sports, and filming.
2. It is classified into 3 categories (Standards 1-3) depending on the type of activity, facility, and remuneration.
3. There are 2 steps: COE application → Visa application at embassy (Consulate) → Arrival in Japan.
4. The screening requirements are detailed and strict, and incomplete documentation or a weak invitation may result in denial.
5. The application period generally lasts one to three months. Thorough preparation increases the chances of approval.

“Entertainer” visas are complex and strict, but can be obtained if you accurately meet the requirements. The key to success is professional support, such as administrative scriveners, in preparing your COE and adjusting your period of stay.

We are Yanagi group, who have the offices in Osaka (Abeno and Tennoji) and our affiliated offices in Tokyo (Shibuya and Ebisu) are also available for on-site consultation. We have handled many applications for permanent residence permits, naturalization permits, work visas, college student visas, management visas, etc., as well as visa renewal procedures related to status of residence with the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) as a one-stop service. Our experienced administrative scriveners are also available to help you with any problems you may have. We also have staff members who can speak each of the native languages and can assist you in obtaining a visa.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your status of residence or visa, even if they are trivial.

Reference:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/entertainer.html