Cultural Activities - Required Documents
The Cultural Activities visa status is for activities involving academic or artistic pursuits that do not generate income, or for conducting specialized research into culture or arts unique to Japan, or for learning such culture or arts under the guidance of experts.
| Applicable Activities | Academic or artistic activities without income, or specialized research and learning of culture and arts unique to Japan (excluding Student and Trainee) |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months |
Activity Types
The required documents for the Cultural Activities visa vary depending on the type of activity.
Type 1: Academic/Artistic Activities or Specialized Research
- Academic activities that do not generate income
- Artistic activities that do not generate income
- Specialized research into culture or arts unique to Japan
Type 2: Learning Culture/Arts Under Expert Guidance
- Activities involving learning culture or arts unique to Japan under the guidance of experts
- Examples: tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Japanese dance, Japanese cuisine, judo, kendo, aikido, calligraphy, Japanese music, Japanese architecture, etc.
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions about how to fill out application forms, required documents, etc., please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in screening 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
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, and clear.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Documents clarifying the specific activities in Japan, their duration, and an overview of the host organization
Submit the following documents:
- (1) A document prepared by the applicant or host organization clarifying the activities in Japan and their duration - 1 copy
- (2) Materials outlining the organization where the applicant intends to carry out activities (pamphlets, etc.) - as appropriate
5. Documents demonstrating academic or artistic achievements
Submit the applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Letter of recommendation from a relevant organization - 1 copy
- (2) Press coverage of past activities - as appropriate
6. Documents proving the ability to cover expenses during the stay in Japan
(1) If the applicant personally covers the expenses, one of the following:
- Certificate regarding scholarship payments specifying the amount and period of payment - 1 copy
- Bank deposit balance certificate in the applicant’s name - as appropriate
(2) If someone other than the applicant covers the expenses, the following documents regarding the financial sponsor:
- Residence tax assessment (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status) - 1 copy each
- If the financial sponsor resides overseas, a bank deposit balance certificate in the sponsor’s name - as appropriate
7. Documents demonstrating the career and achievements of the expert (Type 2 only)
Submit only when learning culture/arts under the guidance of an expert. Submit the applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Copy of license, etc. - 1 copy
- (2) Papers, collections of works, etc. - as appropriate
Application for Change of Status of Residence
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, and clear. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Documents clarifying the specific activities, their duration, and an overview of the host organization
Submit the following documents:
- (1) A document prepared by the applicant or host organization clarifying the activities in Japan and their duration - 1 copy
- (2) Materials outlining the organization where the applicant intends to carry out activities (pamphlets, etc.) - as appropriate
5. Documents demonstrating academic or artistic achievements
Submit the applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Letter of recommendation from a relevant organization - 1 copy
- (2) Press coverage of past activities - as appropriate
6. Documents proving the ability to cover expenses during the stay in Japan
(1) If the applicant personally covers the expenses, one of the following:
- Certificate regarding scholarship payments specifying the amount and period of payment - 1 copy
- Bank deposit balance certificate in the applicant’s name - as appropriate
(2) If someone other than the applicant covers the expenses, the following documents regarding the financial sponsor:
- Residence tax assessment (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status) - 1 copy each
- If the financial sponsor resides overseas, a bank deposit balance certificate in the sponsor’s name - as appropriate
7. Documents demonstrating the career and achievements of the expert (Type 2 only)
Submit only when learning culture/arts under the guidance of an expert. Submit the applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Copy of license, etc. - 1 copy
- (2) Papers, collections of works, etc. - as appropriate
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, and clear. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Documents clarifying the specific activities, their duration, and an overview of the host organization
Submit the following documents:
- (1) A document prepared by the applicant or host organization clarifying the activities in Japan and their duration - 1 copy
- (2) Materials outlining the organization where the applicant intends to carry out activities (pamphlets, etc.) - as appropriate
5. Documents proving the ability to cover expenses during the stay in Japan
(1) If the applicant personally covers the expenses, one of the following:
- Certificate regarding scholarship payments specifying the amount and period of payment - 1 copy
- Bank deposit balance certificate in the applicant’s name - as appropriate
(2) If someone other than the applicant covers the expenses, the following documents regarding the financial sponsor:
- Residence tax assessment (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status) - 1 copy each
- If the financial sponsor resides overseas, a bank deposit balance certificate in the sponsor’s name - as appropriate
6. Documents demonstrating the career and achievements of the expert (Type 2 only)
Submit only when learning culture/arts under the guidance of an expert. Submit the applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Copy of license, etc. - 1 copy
- (2) Papers, collections of works, etc. - as appropriate
Reference Links
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