work visa required documents artist

Artist - Required Documents

Artist - Required Documents

The Artist visa status is for activities in music, fine arts, literature, or other artistic pursuits that generate income.

Applicable ActivitiesArtistic activities involving income from music, fine arts, literature, or other arts (excluding activities falling under the Entertainer status)
Period of Stay5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months

Required Documents by Application Type

Important Notes Before Applying

  • For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
  • Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays or denial of permission.
  • All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
  • Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.

3. Return envelope - 1

Standard envelope with recipient address written and registered mail stamps attached.

4. Documents certifying the details of the activities

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • Certificates related to artistic activities issued by public institutions
  • Materials proving activity records such as list of works, performance records, award history, etc.
  • Invitation letter or activity plan from the affiliated organization (gallery, orchestra, theater company, etc.)
  • Copy of contract (performance contract, commission contract, or other activity-related contracts, if applicable)

5. Documents certifying achievements in artistic activities

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • Documents proving award history (copies of certificates, award certificates, etc.)
  • Photos/videos of past works, exhibition history materials, copies of publications, etc.
  • Articles, reviews, critiques from newspapers/magazines, and other third-party evaluation materials
  • Recommendation letters or membership certificates from art-related organizations (associations, societies, etc.)

Application for Change of Status of Residence

1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.

3. Passport and Residence Card

Please present at the counter.

4. Documents certifying the details of the activities

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • Certificates related to artistic activities issued by public institutions
  • Materials proving activity records such as list of works, performance records, award history, etc.
  • Invitation letter or activity plan from the affiliated organization (gallery, orchestra, theater company, etc.)
  • Copy of contract (performance contract, commission contract, or other activity-related contracts, if applicable)

5. Documents certifying achievements in artistic activities

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • Documents proving award history (copies of certificates, award certificates, etc.)
  • Photos/videos of past works, exhibition history materials, copies of publications, etc.
  • Articles, reviews, critiques from newspapers/magazines, and other third-party evaluation materials
  • Recommendation letters or membership certificates from art-related organizations (associations, societies, etc.)

Application for Extension of Period of Stay

1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 or for extensions of 3 months or less.

3. Passport and Residence Card

Please present at the counter.

4. Documents certifying the details of the activities

Submit the applicable documents from the following:

  • Certificates related to artistic activities issued by public institutions
  • Materials proving activity records such as list of works, performance records, award history, etc.
  • Invitation letter or activity plan from the affiliated organization (gallery, orchestra, theater company, etc.)
  • Copy of contract (performance contract, commission contract, or other activity-related contracts, if applicable)

5. Resident Tax Taxation (or Non-taxation) Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate - 1 each

Must show total income and tax payment status for one year. Can be obtained from the municipal (city/ward/town/village) office.

Need to apply for or change your status of residence in Japan?

Easily create your Japanese status of residence application.

Try it