Quick answer
The Artist status of residence in Japan permits activities in music, fine arts, literature, or other artistic fields that generate income, excluding those under the 'Entertainer' status [1]. Examples include composers, painters, and writers [2]. To apply, you can submit an Application for Certificate of Eligibility if you are outside Japan [13], or apply for a change or extension of status if already residing in Japan . Required documents include the application form, photograph, and documents clarifying your activities and achievements [14][15][16][17]. All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by Japanese translations [9]. Note that submitted documents are generally not returned [10], and additional documents may be requested during examination [12].
Key facts
| Permitted activities | Income-generating activities in music, fine arts, literature, or other artistic fields (excluding Entertainer status)[1] |
| Examples | Composers, painters, writers[2] |
| Application types | Certificate of Eligibility, Change of Status, Extension of Stay[13] |
| Application forms availability | Application forms can be downloaded from this page and are also available at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus.[5] |
Am I eligible?
Change of Status of Residence
- Submit Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence.
- Attach a photograph meeting specified standards.
- Present passport and residence card.
- Submit one of the documents clarifying the content of the applicant's activities.
Acquisition of Status of Residence
- Submit Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence.
- Provide documents certifying nationality or reason for need.
- Present passport and residence card.
- Submit one of the documents clarifying the content of the applicant's activities.
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Requirements in detail
Activities must be in music, fine arts, literature, or other artistic fields that generate income, excluding those under the Entertainer status.
Provide a document clarifying the content, period, position, and remuneration of your activities if under contract, or a self-prepared statement of activities, period, and expected income if not under contract.
Submit a resume of your artistic history and evidence such as recommendation letters, media coverage, awards, or catalogs of past works.
Submit one photograph meeting specified standards, attached to the application form.
Present your passport and residence card when applying for change, extension, or acquisition of status.
For extension applications, submit a certificate of taxation (or non-taxation) of inhabitant tax and a tax payment certificate showing total income and tax payment status for one year.
Documents you'll need
Certificate of Eligibility
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence: 1 copy [14]
- Photograph: 1 sheet meeting specified standards [15]
- Return envelope with address and postage for registered mail: 1 envelope [16]
- Document clarifying content of activities: either contract-based or self-prepared statement [17]
- Resume detailing history of artistic activities: 1 copy [17]
- Documents clarifying achievements: letter of recommendation, media coverage, awards, catalogs, or equivalent [17]
General
- If documents are in a foreign language, attach Japanese translation [9]
Change/Extension
- Passport and residence card: present (for change/extension applications)
Extension
- Certificate of taxation (or non-taxation) of inhabitant tax and tax payment certificate: 1 copy each (for extension)
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Determine if you need a Certificate of Eligibility (for new entry) or a change/extension of status if already in Japan [13].
- 2
Prepare the required application form and supporting documents, ensuring all foreign-language documents have Japanese translations [9][14][17].
- 3
Submit the application to the appropriate Regional Immigration Services Bureau or through an authorized agent [5].
- 4
If applying for a Certificate of Eligibility, include a return envelope with postage for registered mail [16].
- 5
Wait for the examination; be prepared to provide additional documents if requested [12].
Frequently asked questions
What are the required documents for a change of status of residence application?
The required documents include the Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence, a photograph meeting specified standards, passport and residence card, and one of the documents clarifying the content of the applicant's activities.
What notifications are required for those residing under this status?
Notifications such as notification of place of residence after new landing, notification of change of place of residence, and notification of change in items other than place of residence on the residence card are required.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
| Period of Stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months - [Application for Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence](#midashi01) - [Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence]
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months from the date of issuance
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
※ Persons under 1 year of age on the date of issuance of the residence card are not required to submit a photograph (prior to June 13, 2026, only persons under 16 years of age were exempt from submitt
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
In addition, photographs are not required for persons who are not mid- to long-term residents applying for an extension, or for those applying for an extension of a period of stay of 3 months or less
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Activities permitted under Artist status
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Examples of artists
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Application for Certificate of Eligibility
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Required documents for COE
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Application for Change of Status
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Application for Extension of Stay
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Translation requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
Documents cannot be returned
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
Additional documents may be requested
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
Application forms are available for download and at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
Photograph requirements for change of status application
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
Documents clarifying activities for change of status
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Documents clarifying activities for acquisition of status
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [18]
Notifications required for those residing under this status
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Japan's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Japan's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.