Confirm the preliminary requirements
The requirements vary according to whether the work is a performance, non-performance entertainment or another activity handled under this category. The following is a general summary rather than a substitute for an assessment of the current rules.
Performance engagements
Performance can include singing, dancing, theatre, musicals and comedy. An application may need to demonstrate the applicant's relevant education or professional experience, remuneration and the nature of the engagement.
Hiring organization
The organization may need to provide evidence about its operating history, staffing, payment record and compliance. Immigration authorities may also examine whether responsible people connected with the engagement have relevant criminal or immigration violations.
Performance venue
Venue-related criteria may address audience access, staffing, the applicant's duties, stage and preparation facilities, and the nature of the establishment. Different treatment may apply to performances organized by public bodies or schools and to certain short, highly compensated engagements.
Non-performance entertainment
For qualifying non-performance work, remuneration should be comparable to that paid to a Japanese national doing equivalent work.
Other covered activities
Advertising, film production, commercial photography and commercial sound recording may be handled within this category in appropriate circumstances. Comparable-remuneration requirements may apply.
Confirm the proposed activities
The actual work in Japan must be consistent with the status requested. Qualifying activities may include:
- Theatrical performance
- Musical performance
- Professional sport
- Other qualifying forms of show business
Contracts, schedules and descriptions of duties should use consistent language and accurately reflect the engagement.
Assemble supporting documents
The evidence depends on the activity, but an application commonly requires:
- A professional history and records supporting the applicant's career or qualifications.
- Information about the inviting or hiring organization, potentially including registration, financial and staffing records.
- Materials describing the entertainment venue or production.
- A copy of the relevant contract.
- Evidence of the position, activities, engagement period and remuneration.
- For other show-business work, material demonstrating relevant professional achievements.
Documents not issued in Japanese may require translations. Confirm the current document list and format before filing.
Coordinate tax and contract planning
Compensation, housing, travel and cross-border payment arrangements can have tax consequences. These matters should be reviewed before contracts and application records are finalized. See tax planning for foreigners working in Japan.
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
A Certificate of Eligibility, commonly abbreviated to COE, is issued by Japanese immigration authorities and supports the applicant's eligibility to undertake the specified activity.
In many cases, the COE procedure is completed in Japan by an eligible representative or organization. Filing arrangements and electronic options can change, so applicants should verify the current procedure with the relevant authority before submission.
Await the decision
Processing periods vary according to the application, filing location, workload and whether additional evidence is requested. Do not make non-refundable travel or performance commitments based on an assumed decision date.
Keep contracts, schedules and contact information current while the application is under review, and respond promptly to any request for further documents.
Obtain Entertainer status of residence
After the relevant approval, an applicant outside Japan will generally complete the visa process through the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for the place of application, then undergo landing examination when entering Japan.
An applicant already in Japan under another status should confirm whether a change-of-status application is permitted in their circumstances. Entry as a temporary visitor does not guarantee that a change can be completed in Japan. See the overview of the Japan visa waiver program.
Residence card
People granted a qualifying medium- or long-term status generally receive a residence card through the applicable procedure. The card records identity and status information. Holders must follow current rules concerning possession, address registration and notification of changes.
Review re-entry requirements
Before travelling outside Japan, confirm whether the special re-entry system is available and whether the intended absence fits its conditions. A standard re-entry permit may be appropriate when an absence could exceed the special re-entry period.
Both the permitted period of stay and re-entry authorization must remain valid. Check the current rules before departure rather than relying on older travel procedures.
After status is granted
Japanese tax
Payment arrangements may involve withholding and employer reporting, but some applicants will also need to file an individual return. Overseas income, multiple engagements and non-employment payments can alter the position. Tax compliance may also be relevant to future immigration applications.
Tax obligations outside Japan
Citizenship, residence and income sources can create filing obligations in another country. For example, United States citizens and green-card holders may retain US reporting obligations while living in Japan.
Preparing to leave Japan
Before departure, review final income-tax and local-tax obligations and determine whether a tax representative is required. Local inhabitant tax is commonly linked to residence on 1 January, but individual outcomes depend on the relevant tax year and facts.