Three key points of this article
- Entertainment visa is a work visa for a wide range of activities [singers, actors, athletes, etc.
- No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8The types of facilities are subdivided into three categories, and the conditions vary depending on the activity and the size of the facility.
- 2023 legal reform eases some requirements, but remuneration and facility requirements remain strict
📑 Table of Contents
- What is an entertainment visa?
- Types of Entertainment Visas and Latest Criteria (No. 1, B, C - No. 4)
- Period of stay (latest version)
- Flow of obtaining an entertainment visa
- Required documents (latest version)
- Pre-Application Checklist
- Risks/Precautions (to avoid disapproval)
- Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Comments (Voices from the Field)
- case study
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- summary
- CTA (Contact Us)
What is an entertainment visa?
- Foreigners in JapanResident status for performing arts and sports entertainmentIt is.
- Examples of subjects include: singers, actors, models, dancers, professional athletes, martial artists, etc.
- Activities: Concerts, TV appearances, film shootings, recordings, game appearances, and promotional activities.
Types of Entertainment Visas and Latest Criteria (No. 1, B, C - No. 4)
| type | Main Target Activities | Conditions and Features |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1I | Shows at live music venues and small facilities with food and beverages | Some of the requirements are relaxed if the inviting institution has a proven track record. |
| 1st B of a sequence denoted by the iroha system | Also a small facility | Facility size, number of full-time staff, etc. must be confirmed. |
| No. 1 C | Small-scale box office with the strictest requirements | Detailed documentation of the contracting organization and proof of compensation is required. |
| No. 2 | Halls, schools, festivals, theme parks | There are scale criteria such as seating capacity of 100 or more, remuneration of 500,000 yen or more per day, etc. |
| No. 3 | Sports, Martial Arts, Circus, eSports | Remuneration must be equal to or higher than Japanese |
| No. 4 | Promotion, film production, commercial filming, recording | General entertainment activities. Schedule and activities clearly indicated. |
Source:. Immigration and Residence Management Agency, "Status of Residence 'Entertainer' Official Page"
Period of stay (latest version)
15 days / 30 days / 3 months / 6 months / 1 year / 3 yearsOne of the following.
The initial period is often short term and can be renewed for one to three years depending on performance.
Flow of obtaining an entertainment visa
- Sign a contract with the inviting organization
- To the Immigration and Immigration Bureau.Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Application for
- COE issuance (1-3 months)
- Visa application at the Japanese embassy/consulate general in home country (1-2 weeks)
- Entertainment visa issued → Permission to come to Japan and enter the country
*For short-term entertainment (30 days or less), also note whether or not a deemed re-entry permit is required.
Download Application Forms:. Download the application form" on the official website of the Immigration Bureau of Japan
necessary documents
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Photograph (3 x 4 cm, within 3 months)
- Certificate of registration and most recent financial statements of the inviting organization
- Copy of entertainment contract
- Facility drawings and photographs (seating, waiting room, exterior, etc.)
- Applicant's curriculum vitae and materials on activities (posters, newspaper articles, etc.)
- Performance itinerary and flyer
- Documents evidencing compensation (contracts, payroll ledgers, bank transfer records, etc.)
*The required documents presented here are,Common typical examples of entertainment visas (for COE applications)It is.
(In fact, theNo. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4and each type of document will require different additional documents).
Checklist by type
In addition to basic checks before application, we have compiled a list of points that should be especially checked for each visa type.
| type | Check Point |
|---|---|
| No. 1, Ro. Ha. | Are drawings and photographs of the facility complete? If a business license under the Entertainment Establishments Control Law is required, has it been submitted? Have you confirmed that the content of the performance does not constitute "entertainment"? |
| No. 2 | Does the venue seat more than 100 guests? Is the fee contracted at more than ¥500,000 per day? Is the venue's business license in order? |
| No. 3 | Does the contract clearly state that the player is a "professional player"? Can you prove that the remuneration is equal to or higher than that of Japanese players? Is there a clear itinerary of matches and tournaments? |
| No. 4 | Is there a filming schedule and promotional proposal? Does the performance contract or filming contract clearly state the amount of remuneration and payment method? Can you show that the activity falls under the category of "entertainment"? |
*If you cross-reference this checklist by type in addition to the basic checklist, you can avoid major omissions before you apply.
Risks/Precautions (to avoid disapproval)
In the screening process for an entertainment visa, a minor omission or misunderstanding can lead to a denial. The table below summarizes common risks and their countermeasures.
| Risk Details | Common Cases | counter-measure |
|---|---|---|
| Deficiency of contract | Although the amount of compensation is written, The time and method of payment is not specified. | Contracts.Amount of remuneration, payment method and payment dateBe sure to include |
| Facility-related discrepancies | The drawings and the business license are different, The number of seats in the auditorium does not meet the standard. | Keep facility documentation (drawings, photos, permits) up to date |
| Misconceptions about the Entertainment Business Act | Shows at clubs and bars. Determined to be an "act of hospitality." | Clearly stated activities, Explain that it does not constitute an act of entertainment |
| Lack of requirements for inviting institutions | Less than 5 full-time employees, Past history of inappropriate invitations. | Establish a system, If there are deficiencies, work with other reputable institutions |
| lack of results | At the invitation of the first time, Considered "lack of credit" by immigration authorities | Prepare materials on past performances, Or joint application with an organization with a proven track record |
*Knowing these "patterns that are likely to result in disapproval" will allow you to take preliminary measures prior to application. In practice, many cases of correction instructions are given in the contract or facility documents, so it is important to prepare carefully from the beginning.
Administrative Comments
Groups that are inviting foreigners for the first time are likely to get lost in the document preparation stage,Early consultation with a specialist is the best way to go.Please note that there may be cases in which the
Because the entertainment visa has many documents and the requirement check is detailed,I wouldn't know where to start."We feel that many people are troubled by this.
The disapproval rate is particularly high for No. 1 c. The performance, employee structure, and even past payment history of the contracting institution are thoroughly checked.
In Practice.Contract + evidence of payment (bank transfer records and receipts)The screening process may be smoother if you submit the following items in order from the beginning.
In the past, there have been cases of "application with only a contract → request for submission of additional documents → approval just before the performance," resulting in time loss and anxiety.
case study
The following is a summary of common patterns in entertainment visas. The table is organized to help you visualize which visa is required for each activity.
| case (e.g. receptacle, condition, event, legal action, letter style, etc.) | Activities | Applicable Visas | point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan tours of foreign singers | Hall performance (1000 people) | Entertainer Visa No. 2 | Must meet criteria for size of venue and amount of compensation |
| Participation of professional fighters | Participation in sports tournaments | Entertainer Visa No. 3 | It is important to prove that the remuneration is equal to or higher than that of the Japanese |
| Film Promotion | Stayed for a week for pre-release publicity. | Entertainment Visa No. 4 | Even short-term promotional activities fall under the category of "entertainment" and are not allowed with a tourist visa. |
| Live performance by K-POP group | 5-city tour (multiple venues) throughout Japan | Entertainer Visa No. 2 | Submit a schedule and facility documents for all venues together. |
| Shooting of international models | Visited Japan for commercial and magazine shooting (10 days) | Entertainment Visa No. 4 | Clearly presented schedule of activities and contract details |
*Because each case requires a different visa,Application based on activity."is important.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about entertainment visas. If you are a first time visitor, just reading this will give you an idea of the whole process.
Q1: How long does it take to get an entertainment visa?
A. It takes one to three months to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and one to two weeks for the Embassy to issue it. It is recommended that you apply for the COE well in advance.
Q2. what are the reasons for disapproval?
A. Incomplete contracts, unmet facility requirements, insufficient compensation standards, and past history of illegal employment are common. Please pay particular attention to the contract writing process.
Q3. Can I perform at events with a tourist visa?
A. In principle, it is not possible. Since individual confirmation is required, we recommend that you consult with a specialist when in doubt.
Q4. what has changed in the 2023 amendment?
A. For inviting institutions with a proven track record, some documents have been simplified. However, compensation and facility requirements have been rather clarified.
Q5. How do I apply for a multi-city tour?
A. A single application can be submitted with the performance schedule and a list of venues. However, all venues must meet the requirements.
Q6. what if my reward is paid via a sponsor?
A. Please specify the "source of payment, payment method, and bank account" on the contract. It is safe to submit the Sponsorship Agreement and the Performance Agreement as a set.
Q7: Can an overseas production company without a Japanese subsidiary apply?
A. You will need a corporation to serve as the inviting organization on the Japanese side. You can also go through an affiliated event company.
summary
- The entertainment visa isAn indispensable status of residence in the entertainment and sports fieldsIt is.
- No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8It is important to understand the difference between the two and to choose the right application for your activity.
- The 2023 amendments have eased some of the requirements for "inviting institutions with a proven track record," but the screening process remains rigorous.
- Careful examination of contracts, preparation of evidence, and confirmation of facility requirements are the most important points to avoid disapproval.
- When in doubt.Peace of mind with the support of an administrative lawyerCan be done.
The entertainment visa requires a lot of documents and professional judgment, though,Permits are fully possible with proper preparation.It is.
Many of you may say, "I don't know which type to choose," or "I'm not sure about the contract or facility documentation."
We recommend that you first organize your schedule and contract details, and then proceed with the support you need to feel comfortable.
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
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