Three key points of this article
- Clear understanding of the occupations covered by the Art Visa and the differences between the "Entertainment Visa" and the "Cultural Activities Visa".
- Administrative scrivener explains specific points for screening, such as required documents, income requirements, letters of recommendation, etc.
- Total understanding of the procedures and where to renew, change, and consult
1. what is an art visa? Who is eligible?
Art visa (status of residence "Art") is a visa that allows you to live in Japan withPerform artistic activities while earning an incomeThis is one of the work visas for It is sometimes commonly referred to as an "artist visa.
Eligible applicants are those who create and teach in the following areas
| classification | Examples of specific job titles |
|---|---|
| creative activity | Composers, painters, sculptors, craftsmen, writers, photographers, etc. |
| Artistic Guidance | Instructors of music, art, literature, photography, theater, dance, film, etc. |
▶︎, that is, both those who create on their own and those who direct artistic activities.
The official definition is Immigration and Residence Management Agency｜Arts for more information.
Difference from entertainment visa and cultural activities visa
| Visa Type | Main target | Income | concrete example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Visa | Artistic activities such as creating and teaching | Income Yes | Composer, photographer, art teacher, etc. |
| entertainment visa | Theater, music, sports and other entertainment | Income Yes | Dancers, actors, singers, etc. |
| Cultural Activities Visa | Non-income-generating artistic and academic research | No income | Pro bono creation, Japanese cultural research, etc. |
For example, if a photographer sells his/her work at a solo exhibition, it would fall under an artistic visa; if he/she only exhibits without payment, it would fall under a cultural activities visa.
3. 3 points that are emphasized in the immigration examination for an art visa
(i) Artistic achievements.
It is of utmost importance that you can prove your track record as an artist. Examples of accomplishments:
- Prize-winning or Honorable Mention in competitions (e.g., national and international art fairs)
- Participation in exhibitions (e.g., JETRO-registered events, etc.)
- Media coverage and critical articles
- Letters of recommendation (from relevant organizations or clients)
- Inventory and portfolio of works
Administrative Comments:
There is no need to give up and say, "I have never won an award. A careful summary of your past activities and a systematic presentation of your work are sufficient to be evaluated.
(ii) Stable income from artistic activities
It is required thatIncome from artistic activitiesIs. Part-time income and remuneration from other jobs are not included. Although monetary criteria are not specified, "a stable income sufficient to live in Japan" is required.
If there are multiple contracts, they can be combined. A sample contract can be found here.
(iii) Concreteness and independence of artistic activities
- If there is a contracted party:The contract specifies the activities, remuneration, and duration.
- For individual activities:Submit a written plan of activities (content, duration, and estimated income).
There is no problem even if you do not have an organization to which you belong. You can also apply as a freelance artist.
List of documents required to apply for an art visa
| classification | Documents to be submitted |
|---|---|
| basic documents | Application form for Certificate of Eligibility, photo (4 x 3 cm), passport copy |
| Certification of Activity | Contract or activity plan (estimated income and duration) |
| certification of one's biographical details | Curriculum vitae of artistic activities, letters of recommendation, catalog of works, awards received, etc. |
| Other | Family register and ID card, if necessary, and certificate of non-tuberculosis (in eligible countries) |
* For more information. Immigration and Residence Management Agency｜Application for Certificate of Eligibility for more information.
5. procedural flow (when applying for the first time)
- Prepare necessary documents
- Apply for Certificate of Eligibility at the Immigration Bureau
- examination
- Issuance of Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Visa application at a Japanese embassy abroad
- Art visa issued → Enter Japan
The request process at Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office is this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker) for more information.
6. renewal and change procedures
The period of stay for an art visa is5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 monthsOne of the following.
Continued stay is possible if you apply for renewal before expiration.
- Renewal applications: Accepted 2 to 3 months prior to expiration date
- Application for change: When the activity has changed (e.g. cultural activities visa → art visa)
Related Link: Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau Update Page
Administrative Comments:
The immigration office will check the details of your activities. It is important to clearly explain whether the focus is on creation or instruction.
7. frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I get an art visa even if I have a period of unpaid activity?
A. No problem, but you will need to explain your future income prospects. Initially, it is possible to change the visa status from Cultural Activities Visa to Art Visa.
Q2: Can I apply if I do not have an affiliated organization?
A. Yes, it is possible. You will submit a plan as an individual activity.
Q3. which visa if you are both teaching and performing?
A. If your main activity is performing, you should obtain an entertainment visa; if your main activity is teaching, you should obtain an art visa.
Q4. if I want to sell my own painting, is it an art visa?
A. Yes, an artistic visa is applicable for activities that involve the sale of creative works.
Q5. How can I compensate for a low track record?
A. A well prepared letter of recommendation, catalog of works, etc., and a detailed explanation of your activity history will be sufficient to cover your needs.
8. message from Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer
The arts visa has a wide range of activities and overlaps with the entertainment visa and cultural activities visa. Since it is difficult to determine performance and income, professional support can help ensure accurate and secure processing.
Artistic activities take different forms for each person. We will propose the most suitable residence status while respecting your artworks and activities. Please feel free to consult with us without worrying alone.
▶ See our office introduction page
Consultation via email, LINE, kakao, or Zoom is also available.
We can respond from anywhere in the country.
Reference:Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Agency｜ (Japanese) Agency for Cultural Affairs｜ JETRO
Inquiry / Access
Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Gyoseishoshi Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
Access:
5-minute walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
8-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line
12-minute walk from Okubo Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines
▶ See our office introduction page
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