Long term stay or working visa

Professor	Artist	Religious Activities	Journalist	Business Manager
Legal/Accounting services	Medical services	Researcher	Instructor	Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International services
Intra-Comapny transferee	Skilled Labour	Entertainer	Students	Trainee
Cultural Activities	Dependent	Spouse or Child of Japanese	Designated Activities	Long-term resident

Most of the applicants who wish to enter Japan under the categories of Employment/Working, General, Specified(Spouse or Child of Japanese) visas should obtain, in principle, a Certificate of Eligibility.
The Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan. In order to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, you are required to have a sponsor in Japan such as an employer, a school, relative etc. The sponsor in Japan must contact the local Immigration Office in order to apply for your Certificate. Once this has been issued, the certificate will be sent to you and you are then able to apply for a visa with the required documents listed below.
The application procedure for the Certificate of Eligibility is free of charge and generally it takes up to 3 months to process.
Please check the procedure chart for visas for work or long-term stays (Linked to MOFA)

Required documents for the applicants with Certificate of Eligibility

1. A valid Australian passport or a valid passport with a valid Australian visa
2. Visa application form (PDF format) duly completed and signed by the applicant (*application form sample)
3. One passport sized photo (taken within 6 months -photo requirements)
4. The original Certificate of Eligibility (Acceptance copy of COE starts 17MAR2023 -Immigration Services of Agency in Japan)

As noted on the Certificate of Eligibility, it is valid for three months from the date of issue. If you fail to enter Japan within three months, you may be refused your entry even with a valid visa.

Activities authorized to engage in: Activities to engage in theatrical performances, musical performances, sports, or any other show business (excluding the activities described under Investor/Business Manager visas). See more details below.
Period of stay: 1 year, 6 months, 3 months or 15 days
Must obtain a The Certificate of Eligibility to apply for this visa.

* Performance / Entertainer Visa

Members of rock bands or similar groups, including non-performing members accompanying the group (e.g. tour managers, sound technicians, etc.), must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for a visa. Entertainers who are traveling to Japan to dance must also obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for a visa. Classical musicians, members of symphony orchestras, theatre groups, opera singers, or professional sportsmen or women (golfers, tennis players surfers, etc.) , or professional car racers or motor bike riders including non-performing members accompanying the racers or riders (e.g. car mechanics, trainers, etc.) who have been invited to Japan either to perform publicly for remuneration or to participate in a competition must also obtain visas. These applicants, however, may, in the place of a Certificate of Eligibility, present the following documents to apply for a visa.
Please note that if an applicant is unsure as to what category he/she falls under, the applicant should contact the visa section directly to save time and avoid confusion. Application without Certificate of Eligibility.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. A valid passport with a valid Australian visa
2. Visa application form (PDF format) (Excel format) duly completed and signed by the applicant (*application form sample)
3. One passport sized photo (taken within 6 months)
4. Contract of employment
5. Letter of invitation from Japan
6. Letter of guarantee from the promoter or agent in Japan
7. Documents regarding the business operation of the promoter or agent in Japan:
   • transcript of corporate registration
   • certificate of payment of corporate tax
   • balance sheet and profit loss statement
8. Schedule of performances in Japan
9. A list of all visa applicants
10. Documents certifying the applicant's career or qualifications