Performance Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Updated: July 2025, 11

Frequently asked questions regarding entertainment visas

Frequently asked questions regarding entertainment visas

①What kind of cases apply to the entertainment visa?

For example, if you are a musician, dancer, actor, professional athlete, performer, performer, performer, model, fashion show or other entertainment activity, or if you are employed to perform in a movie, TV, commercial, etc. Etc. This includes not only the performers themselves, but also activities that are inseparable from their box office activities. For example, an orchestra conductor or an athlete trainer.

②How long is the period of stay permitted under an entertainment visa?

There are five types of entertainment visas: 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, and 15 days. However, most people who receive a three-year or one-year entertainment visa are those with a proven track record, such as foreign sumo wrestlers and musicians. Basically, there are many cases where visas are renewed for 5 months or 3 months.

③ Is there anything I should be careful about regarding the performance facility?

The performance facility must be equipped with stage equipment suitable for the performance. In addition, other important points are whether the stage equipment is staffed and whether preparations are made for costumes, make-up, etc.

4Are there any particular restrictions regarding waiting rooms for performers?

The waiting room must be equipped with a general environment for resting, such as chairs, lockers, and mirrors.In addition, it must be located in the same building as the performance facility and cannot be seen by the audience. Please consult with us as the conditions are determined in detail.

⑤ I would like to invite a choreographer, but even if the choreographer does not perform in the performance, does this still apply to the performance visa? Also, I am planning to return to Japan before the performance date, will I be able to obtain one?

yes. Even if you do not directly appear in a performance, if you are involved in activities related to the performance behind the scenes, you will fall under the entertainer visa. As a choreographer, you don't necessarily have to be present until the day of the performance.

⑥In order to invite foreign musicians, is it necessary to have an exclusive management contract between the production company and the musician?

In addition to an exclusive management contract, contracts with each performance venue may also be required.

⑦How long is the examination period before permission is issued?

The review period is usually about one to three months, but if the venue and date and time of the performance have been concretely determined, the performance may be able to work backwards and take those conditions into consideration and issue permission in time. However, there is a high risk of applying just before the deadline, so it is better to apply as far in advance as possible.

⑧I am currently an international student, aiming to become a singer, and am planning to sign a contract with an entertainment production company after graduation. Is it possible to change my entertainment visa?

I think it's difficult just to have an exclusive contract with a production company. As a requirement for an entertainment visa, it is necessary to clearly indicate the specific location and schedule of the activity. Appearances on TV programs, performances at live houses, etc.)

⑨We would like to have an overseas performance group come to Japan and perform at a jazz bar, but our company does not have anyone with more than 3 years of experience in the entertainment business. Is there any way?

Although there are some conditions, if the period of stay of the foreigners performing this time is 15 days or less, and if the remuneration per day is 1 yen or more (total amount received by the organization), we will be able to perform for 50 years or more. You no longer need to meet the "experience" requirement. *Other requirements will be relaxed as the venue falls under the requirements of Item 3 (relatively large venues) rather than Item 1 (restaurants, relatively small venues, etc.).

⑩We are planning to invite overseas musicians to perform at a charity event (no compensation, only payment of accommodation expenses). In this case, do I need an entertainment visa instead of a tourist visa?

Cases like this are points where opinions are divided even at the Immigration Bureau. First of all, in addition to whether it is truly completely free and whether there is any box office revenue such as tickets or goods, the scale of the event and the venue are also important factors. In recent years, there have been cases where strict guidance has been given to foreign talents, artists, and management companies who have previously carried out these activities on tourist visas rather than entertainment visas. In some cases, your future activities may be affected, so we recommend that you obtain an entertainment visa.