Who this is for
- Actors, singers, dancers, and musicians performing in Japan
- Foreign nationals taking part in professional sports or commercial filming, among other activities
- Organizers, contracting organizations, and venue operators inviting foreign nationals
Main application and consultation offices:Regional Immigration Services Bureau, etc. In general, Certificate of Eligibility applications are handled by the office with jurisdiction over the location of the receiving organization, while change and extension applications are handled by the office with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence. Confirm who may apply and how to submit the application.
Activities covered and the criteria applicable to each activity
Stage performances such as plays, variety performances, singing, dancing, and musical performances fall under Criterion 1; other entertainment activities, such as sports, fall under Criterion 2. Artistic activities involving advertising products or businesses, producing broadcast programs or films, taking commercial photographs, or making commercial audio or video recordings fall under Criterion 3. Do not determine the applicable criterion from the job title alone; check what the contract requires the person to do in Japan.
For filming and production activities under Criterion 3, explain the person’s track record in artistic activities, the conditions of their engagement, and an overview of the receiving organization. The period of stay for Entertainer is 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or 30 days, but the requested period is not necessarily granted as requested.
Criterion 1(i), 1(ii), and 1(iii) are separate from the categories
Criterion 1(i) covers stage performances under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, held at venues other than business establishments covered by Article 2, Paragraph 1, Items 1 through 3 of the Entertainment Business Act. Documents must explain the experience of the contracting organization’s managers and other relevant personnel, the suitability of its employees, and remuneration payments made over the preceding three years.
Criterion 1(ii) includes performances organized by public institutions or held at schools, among others. For venue-based classifications, check that no food or drink is served to customers for a fee in the audience seating area and that no customer service of the specified kind is provided, as well as conditions such as operation by a nonprofit organization or audience seating capacity of at least 100. A separate classification applies to engagements with remuneration of at least ¥500,000 per day (the total amount for a group) and a period of stay of 30 days or less; this remuneration requirement does not apply to every performance. For stage performances that do not fall under 1(i) or 1(ii), check the specific criteria for 1(iii).
Categories 1 and 2 are classifications of organizations that determine which supporting documents must be submitted for a Criterion 1(i) Certificate of Eligibility or change application. Category 1 covers organizations previously issued a Certificate of Eligibility based on meeting Criterion 1(i); Category 2 covers all other organizations. If a Certificate of Eligibility application is refused because the organization did not meet the organizational requirements, the next application must be made under Category 2. A previous issuance does not guarantee that current requirements are met or that permission will be granted, and document exemptions are subject to conditions.
What to Explain in COE, Change, and Extension Applications
When coming to Japan from overseas for the first time, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. If you are already in Japan and wish to switch from another status of residence to this activity, apply for a change of status. A Certificate of Eligibility is not a visa or permission to enter Japan. Check what activities your current status of residence permits, and if a change is required, do not proceed on the assumption that you may perform before permission is granted.
For an extension to continue entertainer activities, prepare documents showing the planned activities and their duration, the contract relating to the entertainment activities, and a schedule of activities, as well as documents confirming income and tax payment status. If the performance venue or other details have changed, provide an updated overview. For Certificate of Eligibility and change applications under Criterion 1(iii), also specify the timing and method of remuneration payments and the amount and basis of any expenses to be deducted.
Checking required documents and where to obtain them
The documents listed are representative examples. Required materials vary depending on the type of application, such as an application for a Certificate of Eligibility, change, or extension, as well as your current status of residence, affiliated organization, nationality, and family relationships. Additional materials may be requested for individual cases.
Main documents to be prepared by the applicant
Application form, photograph meeting specifications, passport, etc.
- Purpose
- Confirms the applicant’s identity and the application details.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Application form: Immigration Services Agency of Japan official website. Passport: issuing authority in the applicant’s country. Residence card: Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
- Points to check
- Use the form for the relevant application type: Certificate of Eligibility, change, or extension. For change and extension applications, present your passport and residence card. For postal delivery of a Certificate of Eligibility, prepare a return envelope. Exemptions from the photograph requirement may apply based on age, a short period of stay, and other conditions.
Resume, performance history, and documents showing a record of artistic activities
- Purpose
- Shows experience and achievements relevant to the planned activities.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The applicant prepares the resume. Examples include employment history certificates from the affiliated organization, materials from past performances, and published articles.
- Points to check
- Prepare documents according to the applicable criteria for the Certificate of Eligibility or change application. For Criterion 3, examples of supporting materials include posters and CD covers. For Category 1 under Criterion 1(i), some documents are generally not required.
Resident tax taxation and tax payment certificates, etc.
- Purpose
- For extension applications, confirms total income and tax payment status for one year.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- In principle, the municipality with jurisdiction over the applicant’s address as of January 1.
- Points to check
- If one certificate includes both sets of information, either certificate alone is acceptable. If a certificate cannot be issued, such as immediately after entering Japan, check with Immigration Services. Nonresidents should prepare separate documents certifying tax payment on Japan-source income and income received.
Main documents to be prepared by the contracting organization or organizer
Employment contract, performance consent, entertainment contract, etc.
- Purpose
- Shows the activity details, period, position, remuneration, and contractual relationship.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The parties to the contract: the applicant, contracting organization, organizer, and venue operator.
- Points to check
- For Certificate of Eligibility and change applications, explain the planned terms; for extension applications, explain the activities to be continued. Also check any performance contract with the venue operator. For Criterion 1(iii), include an explanation of the payment method and any planned expense deductions.
Certificate of registered matters, financial statements, staff list, etc.
- Purpose
- Shows the substance and operating status of the contracting, inviting, and receiving organizations.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Certificate of registered matters: Legal Affairs Bureau. Financial statements, lists, and brochures: the respective organizations.
- Points to check
- Prepare applications for Certificate of Eligibility and change of status according to the applicable criteria. Even under Category 1 of Criterion 1(i), some documents may be omitted only if there have been no changes since the previous application. For extensions, it is not necessary to resubmit all documents for the organization across the board.
Documents evidencing the experience of managers and others / statement / documents showing payment of remuneration
- Purpose
- Explain the eligibility of the contracting organization and the payment of remuneration.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Obtain experience certificates from the relevant organizations. The organization prepares the statement using the Immigration Services Agency’s prescribed form. Payment records are provided by accounting staff or others responsible.
- Points to check
- Prepare documents according to the applicable conditions for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, and other procedures under Criteria 1(i) and 1(iii). For performance contracts under Criterion 1(iii), check requirements such as a list of at least five full-time employees and documents showing full payment for the past three years. Do not apply this employee-number requirement uniformly to other criteria.
Main documents to be prepared by the facility operator and production staff
Facility business license, floor plans, photographs, and other documents
- Purpose
- Show the actual performance venue and the facility’s relevant conditions.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The facility operator’s business license, floor plans, photographs of the facility, and other records kept by the operator.
- Points to check
- Requirements for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status vary according to the activity criteria. Under Criterion 1(i), also check the statement that the facility is not a business establishment covered by the Entertainment Business Act. Criterion 1(iii) also requires documents such as a list from the facility-operating organization. For an extension, prepare an outline of any changes to the facility or other relevant matters.
Schedule of stay, performances, and activities; advertisements and project materials
- Purpose
- Show that the performance dates, locations, content, and contract period are consistent.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The organizer, receiving organization, and production staff.
- Points to check
- For a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status, prepare these as reference documents specifying the planned activities. For an extension, prepare a schedule of activities. For Criterion 2, including sports, check the dedicated list of required documents via the official general information page.
Consultation and application preparation process
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2. Determine the application type and who will prepare each document
Distinguish between applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, and extension, and allocate the documents to be prepared by the applicant, organization, and facility operator. For Criterion 1(i), also check the category and any changes since the previous application.
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3. Cross-check the contract, schedule, and supporting documents
Check that the remuneration and performance period in the contract match the schedule. Use certificates issued in Japan within three months of the application, and attach Japanese translations of documents in foreign languages.
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4. Submit the application and respond to requests for additional documents
Check the competent office and method of submission before applying, and provide any supplementary documents requested. For an extension, check the deadline and explain any changes to the facility or activities since the previous application.
Points to check before applying
- The documents shown here are the main documents, not a complete list of requirements common to every case. Including Criteria 1(ii) and 2, check the latest list for the applicable criterion and application type via the official general information page.
- Document exemptions based on category do not guarantee permission or a particular examination period. Each case is examined based on the current activity, organization, facility, and remuneration requirements. Do not assume that a performance can go ahead merely because an application has been submitted.
This page provides general information about the system and does not determine individual cases or guarantee permission or approval. Required documents and requirements vary depending on individual circumstances. When applying, check the latest official information and consult an administrative scrivener about the procedures suited to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a foreign national making their first performance in Japan in Category 2?
The category is not determined by the individual’s first performance. Under Criterion 1(i), the category is based on the contracting organization’s history of having a Certificate of Eligibility issued. Also check the organization’s current requirements and the conditions for omitting documents.
Supporting materials:[2]
Do I need to check the Entertainer status of residence for a shoot lasting only a few days?
A short duration alone does not mean it is unnecessary. Artistic activities such as commercial photography, film, and advertising may fall under Criterion 3, so check the specific role and contract.
Supporting materials:[4]
Can I apply for an extension using only the contract?
Not necessarily. You may also need to check the activity schedule, income and tax documents, and documents concerning any changed performance venue. During examination, additional documents not listed here may also be requested.
Official Immigration and Legal Affairs Sources
Check the following official pages for application forms and the latest required submission materials. Official materials are displayed in Japanese or other languages provided by each organization.
- [1] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of Residence “Entertainer” — information on required documents by activity
- [2] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of Residence “Entertainer” (Criterion 1(i)) — Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, and extension
- [3] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of Residence “Entertainer” (Criterion 1(iii)) — Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, and extension
- [4] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of Residence “Entertainer” (Criterion 3) — Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, and extension