Entertainer - Required Documents
The Entertainer status of residence is for activities related to theatrical performances, entertainment shows, singing, dancing, musical performances, sports, and other entertainment activities, or other artistic performance activities.
| Applicable Activities | Activities related to theatrical performances, entertainment shows, musical performances, sports, and other entertainment activities, or other artistic performance activities (excluding activities falling under Business Management) |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, 15 days |
Activity Types
Required documents vary depending on the intended activities in Japan. First, check which activity type applies to you.
Type 1: Entertainment such as Theater, Shows, Singing, Dancing, Musical Performances (Standard 1, Category Ro)
Applicable if any of the following conditions are met:
- Entertainment hosted by national or local government agencies or special corporations, and those held at schools
- Entertainment hosted by organizations established with the support of national, local government, or independent administrative agencies for the purpose of contributing to cultural exchange
- Entertainment held at facilities with a site area of 100,000 m2 or more that regularly feature entertainment by foreign nationals to attract tourists, with themes related to foreign scenery or culture
- Entertainment held at facilities that do not provide food or drinks for a fee in the seating area and do not serve guests (limited to those operated by non-profit organizations or those with a seating capacity of 100 or more)
- Entertainment where the remuneration is 500,000 yen or more per day and the stay does not exceed 30 days
Type 2: Entertainment such as Theater, Shows, Singing, Dancing, Musical Performances (Standard 1, Category Ha)
Other entertainment such as theater, shows, singing, dancing, and musical performances that do not fall under Type 1
Type 3: Sports and Other Entertainment (Standard 2)
Entertainment other than theater, shows, singing, dancing, and musical performances (sports, etc.)
Type 4: Artistic Performance Activities (Standard 3)
Applicable if engaging in the following artistic performance activities:
- (1) Activities related to advertising products or businesses
- (2) Activities related to producing broadcast programs or films
- (3) Activities related to commercial photography
- (4) Activities related to recording on commercial records, videotapes, or other media
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
- Required documents vary significantly depending on the activity type. Please check the Activity Types above first and prepare the documents for the applicable type.
- For questions about application forms, required documents, etc., please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination 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)
Required documents vary depending on the activity type. Please check which type applies to you.
- Type 1: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ro)
- Type 2: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ha)
- Type 3: Sports and Other Entertainment (Standard 2)
- Type 4: Artistic Performance Activities (Standard 3)
New - Type 1: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ro)
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Applicant’s resume and documents proving activity history - as appropriate
5. Documents regarding the inviting organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Other documents clarifying the overview of the inviting organization - as appropriate
- (4) Employee list - 1 copy
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the entertainment venue
- (1) Copy of business license - 1 copy
- (2) Floor plan of the facility (showing layout, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Photographs of the facility (seating area, waiting room, exterior, etc.) - as appropriate
7. Copy of contract related to entertainment - 1 copy
In addition to the entertainment contract, this includes contracts related to performances between the contracting organization and the performing venue operator. If the inviting organization is subcontracting the entertainment, submit a copy of the subcontracting agreement. If using a venue licensed under the Entertainment Establishments Control Law, submit a copy of the usage approval document.
8. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan - 1 copy
Submit copies of employment contracts, performance approval letters, or equivalent documents.
9. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, entertainment schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the performance content, etc. - as appropriate
New - Type 2: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ha)
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Applicant’s resume and documents proving activity history - as appropriate
5. Documents regarding the contracting organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Other documents clarifying the overview of the contracting organization - as appropriate
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the entertainment venue
- (1) Copy of business license - 1 copy
- (2) Floor plan of the facility (showing layout, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Photographs of the facility (seating area, waiting room, exterior, etc.) - as appropriate
7. Copy of contract related to entertainment - 1 copy
In addition to the entertainment contract, this includes contracts related to performances between the contracting organization and the performing venue operator.
8. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan - 1 copy
In particular, documents proving remuneration must specify the timing and method of payment. If there are expenses to be deducted from the remuneration or expenses expected to be paid after receiving remuneration, submit documents specifying those amounts and the basis for calculation.
9. Additional documents when engaging in entertainment activities based on an entertainment contract
- (1) List of the contracting organization’s manager (or administrator) and full-time employees (minimum 5 employees required) - 1 copy
- (2) Documents proving that the contracting organization’s manager (or administrator) has a total of 3 or more years of experience in entertainment-related business - as appropriate
- (3) Written oath (a document in which the manager and full-time employees of the contracting organization declare that they do not fall under prescribed grounds for disqualification) - 1 copy
- (4) Documents proving that the contracting organization has paid the full amount of remuneration owed to foreign nationals residing under the Entertainer status based on entertainment contracts concluded over the past 3 years:
- Copies of contracts related to entertainment - as appropriate
- Receipts or bank transfer records (copies) proving that the foreign nationals received remuneration - as appropriate
- Payroll records and other accounting books (copies) proving payment of remuneration - as appropriate
- Tax-related documents such as income tax withholding calculation statements (payment slips) for income of non-residents and foreign corporations - as appropriate
- Financial statements and copies of corporate tax returns - as appropriate
10. Documents regarding the organization operating the performing venue
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Other documents clarifying the overview of the operating organization - as appropriate
- (4) List of the operating organization’s manager and full-time employees engaged in business related to the performing venue (minimum 5 employees required) - 1 copy
- (5) Written oath (a document in which the manager and full-time employees of the operating organization declare that they do not fall under prescribed grounds for disqualification) - 1 copy
11. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, performance schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the performance content, etc. - as appropriate
New - Type 3: Sports and Other Entertainment (Standard 2)
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Applicant’s resume and documents proving activity history - as appropriate
5. Documents clarifying the overview of the inviting organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Employee list - 1 copy
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the entertainment venue
- (1) Copy of business license - 1 copy
- (2) Floor plan of the facility - 1 copy
- (3) Photographs of the facility - as appropriate
- (4) Employee list - 1 copy
- (5) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (6) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
7. If the inviting organization is subcontracting the entertainment, copy of subcontracting agreement - 1 copy
8. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan
- (1) Copy of employment contract - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of performance approval letter - 1 copy
- (3) Documents equivalent to (1) or (2) above - as appropriate
9. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, entertainment schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the entertainment content, etc. - as appropriate
New - Type 4: Artistic Performance Activities (Standard 3)
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Documents proving the applicant’s track record in artistic performance activities - as appropriate
Documents such as qualification certificates or career certificates issued by affiliated organizations, CD jackets, posters, magazines, newspaper articles, etc. that prove the track record in artistic performance activities.
5. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan
- (1) Copy of employment contract - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of performance approval letter - 1 copy
- (3) Documents equivalent to (1) or (2) above - as appropriate
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the receiving organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Employee list - 1 copy
- (4) Brochure (pamphlet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (5) Documents equivalent to (1)-(4) above - as appropriate
7. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, activity schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the activity content, etc. - as appropriate
Application for Change of Status of Residence
Required documents vary depending on the activity type. Please check which type applies to you.
- Type 1: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ro)
- Type 2: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ha)
- Type 3: Sports and Other Entertainment (Standard 2)
- Type 4: Artistic Performance Activities (Standard 3)
Change - Type 1: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ro)
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, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Applicant’s resume and documents proving activity history - as appropriate
5. Documents regarding the inviting organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Other documents clarifying the overview of the inviting organization - as appropriate
- (4) Employee list - 1 copy
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the entertainment venue
- (1) Copy of business license - 1 copy
- (2) Floor plan of the facility (showing layout, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Photographs of the facility (seating area, waiting room, exterior, etc.) - as appropriate
7. Copy of contract related to entertainment - 1 copy
8. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan - 1 copy
9. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, entertainment schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the entertainment content, etc. - as appropriate
Change - Type 2: Entertainment such as Theater (Standard 1, Category Ha)
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, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Applicant’s resume and documents proving activity history - as appropriate
5. Documents regarding the contracting organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Other documents clarifying the overview of the contracting organization - as appropriate
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the entertainment venue
- (1) Copy of business license - 1 copy
- (2) Floor plan of the facility (showing layout, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Photographs of the facility (seating area, waiting room, exterior, etc.) - as appropriate
7. Copy of contract related to entertainment - 1 copy
8. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan - 1 copy
In particular, documents proving remuneration must specify the timing and method of payment. If there are expenses to be deducted from the remuneration or expenses expected to be paid after receiving remuneration, submit documents specifying those amounts and the basis for calculation.
9. Additional documents when engaging in entertainment activities based on an entertainment contract
Same as item 9 of New - Type 2.
10. Documents regarding the organization operating the performing venue
Same as item 10 of New - Type 2.
11. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, performance schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the performance content, etc. - as appropriate
Change - Type 3: Sports and Other Entertainment (Standard 2)
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, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Applicant’s resume and documents proving activity history - as appropriate
5. Documents clarifying the overview of the inviting organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Employee list - 1 copy
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the entertainment venue
- (1) Copy of business license - 1 copy
- (2) Floor plan of the facility - 1 copy
- (3) Photographs of the facility - as appropriate
- (4) Employee list - 1 copy
- (5) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (6) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
7. If the inviting organization is subcontracting the entertainment, copy of subcontracting agreement - 1 copy
8. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan
- (1) Copy of employment contract - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of performance approval letter - 1 copy
- (3) Documents equivalent to (1) or (2) above - as appropriate
9. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, entertainment schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the entertainment content, etc. - as appropriate
Change - Type 4: Artistic Performance Activities (Standard 3)
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, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Documents proving the applicant’s track record in artistic performance activities - as appropriate
Documents such as qualification certificates or career certificates issued by affiliated organizations, CD jackets, posters, magazines, newspaper articles, etc. that prove the track record in artistic performance activities.
5. Documents proving the applicant’s specific activities, duration, position, and remuneration in Japan
- (1) Copy of employment contract - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of performance approval letter - 1 copy
- (3) Documents equivalent to (1) or (2) above - as appropriate
6. Documents clarifying the overview of the receiving organization
- (1) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (2) Most recent financial statements (profit and loss statement, balance sheet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (3) Employee list - 1 copy
- (4) Brochure (pamphlet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (5) Documents equivalent to (1)-(4) above - as appropriate
7. Other reference materials
Stay itinerary, activity schedule, advertisements/flyers announcing the activity content, etc. - as appropriate
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
The following documents are common to all activity types (Types 1-4).
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, facing front, without hat, plain background, clear image. 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 proving specific activities and duration
Submit one of the following:
- (1) Certificate of employment - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of employment contract - 1 copy
- (3) Documents equivalent to (1)-(2) above - as appropriate
5. Copy of contract related to entertainment - 1 copy
In addition to the entertainment contract, this includes contracts related to performances between the contracting organization and the performing venue operator.
6. Certificate of municipal tax assessment (or non-taxation) and tax payment certificate - 1 copy each
Must show total annual income and tax payment status. Issued by the ward/city/town office of the municipality where the applicant resides as of January 1. If a single certificate shows both total income and tax payment status, only one needs to be submitted.
For non-residents, submit tax payment certificates related to domestic source income for non-residents (such as income tax withholding calculation statements for income of non-residents and foreign corporations) and documents proving income.
7. If there are changes to the performing venue, documents clarifying the overview of the new performing venue - as appropriate
Only applicable if there have been changes to the performing venue since the previous application.
8. Activity schedule - 1 copy
Reference Links
- Immigration Services Agency - Status of Residence “Entertainer” (Japanese)
- Standard 1, Category Ha (Entertainment such as Theater - General) Details (Japanese)
- Standard 1, Category Ro (Entertainment such as Theater - Exemption) Details (Japanese)
- Standard 2 (Sports and Other Entertainment) Details (Japanese)
- Standard 3 (Artistic Performance Activities) Details (Japanese)
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