Inviting a DJ from overseas: when should preparation for the 「興行」 visa start?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 8 January 2026　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Answer

Starting preparation 3 to 4 months before the day of the event is ideal. The length of stay depends on what the artist will do, but for a one-off event 「15日」 or 「30日」 is usual. Count back from the event, allowing for the screening period for the 在留資格認定証明書 (Certificate of Eligibility) and for the days needed until the visa is issued at the embassy in the artist's own country.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from an event organiser who is inviting artists from overseas, about the schedule and the length of stay for the 「興行」 visa.

Subject: a new application (bringing someone in from overseas)
Application type: 在留資格認定証明書交付申請 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility) for the 在留資格「興行」 (Entertainer)
Situation: the enquirer is a Japanese national living in Hokkaido. He runs a club and produces events in the prefecture, and wants to invite DJs and dancers from overseas to an event at the club he runs. This is his first visa application.
Question: when is it usual to apply when bringing a DJ or a dancer in from overseas? Also, what kinds of length of stay are granted under the 「興行」 visa?

The procedure for the 「興行」 visa calls for schedule management that counts back from the date of the event, where being late is simply not an option.

What kinds of period of stay are there for 「興行」?

3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, 30 days and 15 days. For a one-off event, 30 days or 15 days is usual.

The period you may stay in Japan under the 「興行」 visa is decided on the basis of the performance contract and the schedule of performances that you submit with the application.

3 years / 1 year　Granted to professional sportspeople on annual contracts, and to performers with a stable track record over a long period
6 months / 3 months　Granted for national tours running over several months, long-term residency contracts and the like
30 days / 15 days　The periods most often granted for a one-off club appearance, taking part in a festival, live shows over a few days and so on

For a first invitation, or where the artist will perform only 1 to 2 times, permission is in most cases given for a period of 「15日」 or 「30日」 to begin with.

What schedule should I follow?

Start preparing 3 to 4 months before the day of the event, and file the application for the 認定証明書 2 to 3 months before.

3 to 4 months before: start preparing　Sign the contract with the artist and secure the venue. Gather the artist's CV and material showing their track record (follower numbers on social media, videos of past appearances, articles and so on).
2 to 3 months before: apply for the 在留資格認定証明書　Screening for the 「興行」 visa usually takes about 2 weeks to 1 month. However, if there is anything missing from the documents, dealing with requests for further material may make it take more than 1 month.
1 month before: the 認定証明書 (COE) is issued and sent overseas　Once permission is given, send the original or the electronic certificate to the artist overseas.
2 weeks before: the visa is issued at the embassy or consulate　The artist has the visa put in their passport at the Japanese embassy in their own country. This takes about a few days to 1 week.
1 week before: arrival in Japan

It is important to plan the performance dates with a good deal of room to spare. Start by settling the performance dates and the terms of the contract with the artist you want to invite.

What are the "3 months" time limits to watch?

The validity of the 認定証明書, and the validity of the visa itself, are each 3 months.

There are 2 figures of "3 months" in the procedure, and they are easy to confuse.

Validity of the 認定証明書 (COE)　Once issued, the 認定証明書 becomes invalid unless the artist enters Japan within 3 months of the date of issue. Applying too early therefore needs care as well
Validity of the visa　The visa issued by the embassy is itself usually valid for 3 months

Is there anything to check on the venue side?

It is a basic precondition that the venue holds the right licence for 特定遊興飲食店営業 or 風俗営業.

When you invite a DJ to a club, it is a basic precondition that the venue properly holds the licence for 特定遊興飲食店営業 (a food and drink business providing late-night entertainment) or 風俗営業 (an entertainment business). Floor plans are also required, so make contact with the venue early.

Another tip for preparation is to draw up a schedule with room to spare, covering promotional activities during the stay as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start preparing the 「興行」 visa?

3 to 4 months before the day of the event is ideal. You sign the contract, secure the venue and gather the CV and track record material 3 to 4 months before, then apply for the 在留資格認定証明書 (Certificate of Eligibility) 2 to 3 months before.

How many days can the artist stay for a one-off club event?

「30日」 or 「15日」 is usual. For a first invitation, or where the artist will perform only 1 to 2 times, permission is in most cases given for one of these periods. For a tour of several months or a long-term residency contract, 6 months or 3 months is granted.

Once the 認定証明書 is issued, by when must the artist enter Japan?

Within 3 months of the date of issue. It becomes invalid after that period, so applying too early needs care as well. The visa issued by the embassy is itself usually valid for 3 months.

What should I check about the venue in advance?

It is a basic precondition that the venue properly holds the licence for 特定遊興飲食店営業 or 風俗営業. Floor plans are also required, so please make contact with the venue early.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.