Activities Permitted under the Status of Residence "Entertainment"

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the activities covered under this status of residence are as follows:

• Activities related to entertainment performances such as theatrical productions, variety shows, musical performances, and sports events (excluding management and administrative roles)
• Other show business activities

Examples: actors, singers, dancers, professional athletes, etc.

※ Please note that the ministerial ordinances related to the Status of Residence "Entertainment" were revised and came into effect on August 1, 2023. The required documents vary depending on the type of activity to be performed in Japan.

Types of Activities and Eligibility Criteria (For Theatrical Performances, Variety Shows, Singing, Dance, and Music)

To engage in entertainment activities such as theatrical performances, variety shows, singing, dancing, or musical performances, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Criterion 1-A: Activities performed under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan at a venue other than those specified under Articles 2(1)(1) through (3) of the Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business (e.g., live music venues and concert halls that do not fall under the category of entertainment businesses).
2. Criterion 1-B: Meets one of the following conditions:
   • Performances organized by national or local government bodies or special public corporations, or held at schools, vocational schools, or miscellaneous schools defined under the School Education Act
   • Performances organized by public or private organizations in Japan established with support from national or local governments or independent administrative agencies for the purpose of promoting cultural exchange
   • Performances held at facilities with a site area of 100,000 m² or more that regularly host entertainment by foreign nationals to attract tourists interested in foreign culture
   • Performances held at venues that do not charge for food/beverages in the audience area and do not provide customer entertainment services (limited to venues operated by non-profit organizations, or those with a seating capacity of 100 or more)
   • Performances for which the daily remuneration is 500,000 yen or more, and the stay in Japan does not exceed 30 days
3. Criterion 1-C: Cases that do not fall under either (1) or (2) above (please refer to the relevant page on the Ministry of Justice website for the required documents).

Please note that different criteria and required documents also apply to show business activities (such as commercial advertising, broadcast/film production, commercial photography, and commercial recording) as well as sports performances and other entertainment events. For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Status of Residence "Entertainment".

Period of Stay

3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or 30 days

Required Documents (Overview)

The required documents vary depending on the type of application (Certificate of Eligibility, Change of Status of Residence, or Extension of Period of Stay) and the applicable criterion (Criterion 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, etc.). The following is a general guide. Please always check the latest list on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.

Certificate of Eligibility Application (For new arrivals from abroad)

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility (1 copy)
• Photograph (1 photo, specified size)
• Return envelope (with stamps for registered mail)
• Applicant's resume and documents proving professional background related to the activities
• Documents related to the inviting/contracting organization: certificate of registered matters, copy of the latest financial statements, employee roster, and other materials clarifying the organization's profile
• Documents clarifying the outline of the performance venue: copy of business license, floor plan of the facility, photos of the venue (audience area, backstage, exterior, etc.)
• Copy of the contract related to the performance (may include entertainment contract, subcontract, or letter of consent for use)
• Documents proving the content, duration, position, and remuneration of the applicant's activities in Japan (copies of employment contract, performance agreement, etc.)
• Other reference materials: itinerary, performance schedule, advertisements, flyers, etc.

※ For Criterion 1-A, additional documents are required, including a statement certifying that the venue does not fall under the Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business, and a statement regarding the management and full-time staff of the contracting organization. Required documents vary by criterion.

Change of Status of Residence Application (For those changing to Entertainment status while in Japan)

• Application for Change of Status of Residence (1 copy)
• Photograph (1 photo, specified size) *May not be required for those under 16, etc.
• Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
• Applicant's resume and documents proving professional background related to the activities
• Documents related to the inviting organization (certificate of registered matters, financial statements, employee roster, etc.)
• Documents clarifying the outline of the performance venue
• Copy of the contract related to the performance
• Documents proving the content, duration, position, and remuneration of the activities
• Other reference materials (itinerary, performance schedule, advertisements, flyers, etc.)

Extension of Period of Stay Application (For those currently in Japan on an Entertainment Visa)

• Application for Extension of Period of Stay (1 copy)
• Photograph (1 photo, specified size) *May not be required in some cases
• Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
• Documents proving the content and duration of activities (certificate of employment, copy of employment contract, etc.)
• Copy of the contract related to the performance
• Certificate of resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status), 1 copy each
• If there has been a change in performance venue since the last application, documents clarifying the outline of the new venue
• Activity schedule (1 copy)

Important Note: Certificates issued in Japan must have been issued within 3 months of the application date. Documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Incomplete submission of required documents may result in delays or an unfavorable outcome in the screening process. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency — Status of Residence "Entertainment" (Criterion 1-B), Criterion 1-A, and Summary of the August 2023 Revision.