Entertainer Visa (興行)

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Entertainer Visa (興行)
Stay Length	3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years
Cost	COE free; 15,000 JPY single-entry sticker fee
Eligibility Timing	Typically 2+ years experience for certain categories
Work Rights	Restricted to entertainment and sports performance activities
Study Rights	Not stated in the source
Medicare / Health	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Not stated in the source
Citizenship Pathway	Not stated in the source
Family Sponsorship	Dependent visa for long-term contract holders
Visa Record	Residence Status (Zairyu Shikaku)
Processing Time	1 to 3 months
Renewability	Renewable indefinitely if requirements and contracts met

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Purpose & Overview

The Entertainer visa is intended for professional performers on paid engagements in Japan, including musicians, actors, dancers, athletes, models, circus performers, acrobats, and comedians. It allows artists to legally perform for the duration of a contracted engagement.

Eligibility Requirements

• Professional Status: Activities must be professional and remunerated; amateur or hobby performances do not qualify.
• Experience & Training: Demonstrated professional experience (typically 2 years or more for specific venues like restaurants or nightclubs) or relevant professional qualifications. High-profile performers may establish standing through contracts and reputation.
• Sponsorship / Host: An invitation or contract from a recognized Japanese promoter, production company, entertainment venue, or sports team acting as a guarantor.
• General: Valid passport with no serious immigration violations.

Costs & Fees

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application: Free.
• Visa Sticker Issuance Fee: 15,000 JPY (single entry, effective July 1, 2026).

Processing Times

• Overall Processing Time: 1–3 months.
• COE Review (From Overseas): Average 16.7 days (30-month average: 18.1 days).
• Change of Status: Average 36.1 days (30-month average: 24.3 days).
• Renewal / Extension: Average 31.0 days (30-month average: 30.1 days).

Rights & Conditions

• Permitted Activities: Limited strictly to contracted entertainment and sports performance activities.
• Rehearsals & Auditions: Rehearsals and auditions directly related to a contracted performance are permitted. Extended stays solely for auditions without a contract are not permitted.
• Family Provisions: Short-term performance stays do not typically involve family accompaniment. Spouses and children of performers on long-term contracts may apply for a Dependent (Family Stay) visa.
• Transitions: Long-term residents who meet the criteria may eventually transition to Permanent Resident status.

Obligations & Warnings

• Strict Scrutiny: Host organizations are screened strictly to prevent human trafficking and unauthorized labor.
• Short-Term Stays: Performers on short-term engagements must leave Japan when their performances conclude. Consider a Short-Term Stay visa (up to 90 days) if applicable.
• Hostess Work Prohibited: Working in hostess clubs without genuine performance credentials does not qualify and may constitute visa fraud.

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Performance contract from the Japanese promoter or venue
• Evidence of professional performance background (portfolio, recordings, programs, press clippings)
• CV/resume detailing performance history
• Invitation letter from the Japanese entity
• Schedule of performances
• Financial guarantee from the contracting party (if required)

How to Apply

1. Secure a Contract: Obtain a contract or invitation from a recognized Japanese promoter, venue, or entertainment agency.
2. Gather Evidence: Compile proof of professional performance history and credentials.
3. Apply for COE: The Japanese host organization submits the COE application at the relevant Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan.
4. Submit Visa Application: After the COE is issued, submit the COE and visa application to a Japanese Embassy or Consulate overseas.
5. Receive Visa & Travel: Obtain the visa sticker and enter Japan to perform according to the agreed schedule.

Official Source

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan – Entertainer Visa