Artist Visa of Japan

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Criteria for applying for a Japan “Artist Visa”
Artistic visa appeal
Foreigners staying in Japan on Artist visa
Highlights of Artist Visa
Documents required for the application
Noted Matters
Our office makes each case on a case-by-case basis.
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Criteria for applying for a Japan “Artist Visa”

To engage in artistic activities in Japan. The “Artistic activities” are as follows.
- Composers, lyricists, painters, sculptors, craftspeople, writers, realists, etc. as Creative activities by artists.
- The activities of music, art, literature, photography, theater, dance, film, or other artistic instructors.
As a professional artist, you have a stable income from art activities in Japan (art activities without income can apply for “Cultural activities” visa).
Have received national or international awards, been selected for national or international exhibitions, etc. Have a significant track record.

Artistic visa appeal

It is possible to engage in related artistic activities in Japan with financial gain.
After a certain number of years, you can apply for permanent residence visa according to the Japanese Immigration Law.
Spouses and children can also apply for a Dependent visa to come and live in Japan together.

Foreigners staying in Japan on Artist visa

According to the Ministry of Justice, the total number of foreigners holding an artist visa as of June 2020 was 477 people.

Highlights of Artist Visa

If you are applying for an art visa, here are two things to focus on to prove.

The artist’s track record
Objective evidence of the artist’s income activities since coming to Japan.

First, as an artist, you should have your own biography and show your own performance. If you haven’t participated in an exhibition or received an award, you almost have no hope of passing. If you have not received a prestigious award, but have participated in many exhibitions (preferably Solo exhibitions), we have worked on your behalf.

Artists do not need any requirement of educational background. This is also the advantage of art visa.

Another important point is the income plan in Japan. If you have a lot of highly rated work, but no revenue activities in Japan, you cannot get an artist visa. An artist visa is also a kind of working visa, and you do not have enough money to meet the visa criteria.

This is similar to the business plan you prepare when applying for a “Business manager visa”. The artist must sign a contract with a Japanese gallery and have a channel to sell artworks in Japan, etc. Objective explanations are required. Our office can provide support such as Contract template between the artist and the Japanese agent (gallery).

Documents required for the application

In fact, the List of Required Documents used by our firm is the equivalent of 5 pages in WORD file. The documents submitted with the application are often up to 100 pages long.

Application Form
Proof photo (vertical 4 cm x horizontal 3 cm)
(If you have a contract with an organization in Japan to engage in artistic activities) A document issued by the organization that proves the content, duration, status and remuneration of your work
(If you do not have a contract with an organization in Japan and are engaged in artistic activities on your own) A document (in any format) from the applicant stating the specific details of the activities, the duration and the estimated amount of income in Japan
Personal resume detailing the applicant’s experience in artistic activities
Recommendation letter from an arts organization such as a relevant association
Records of media coverage, etc.
Record of award-winning performance, etc.
Catalogue of past works, etc.

Noted Matters

Although engaged in arts activities, arts education at the university should qualify for a Professor visa.

A teacher of tango or flamenco in a dance studio should be eligible for an Artist visa.

To participate in specific concerts, concerts, competitions, you should be eligible for the Entertainer (Talent) visa. So, for example, an artist who travels to Japan to perform in an orchestra recital, to participate in a costume show, or to act in a TV show, does not meet the requirements for an Artist visa.

Our office makes each case on a case-by-case basis.

The Immigration lawyer at our office is dedicated to providing the best possible service.

We are dedicated to listening to your situation, helping you suggest the best solution, and creating individualized application forms and schedules and other documents. None of the documents are the same.

In addition to traditional painting artists, our office has extensive experience in handling cases of modern artists.

If you come to our firm and apply for a paid consultation, we will provide you with a detailed list of required documents in Japanese, English and Chinese. We look forward to hearing from you.