Home/Visa/Cultural Activities

Status of residence · 文化活動

Cultural Activities visa for Japan (文化活動)

For people who come to Japan not to earn money but to do unpaid research or art, study Japanese culture in depth, or learn from a master — tea ceremony, ikebana, martial arts. Who it suits, which documents you need and whether you may work.

Forms and documents

All Japan visas

Checked against the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on 6 October 2026

Period of stay3 y · 1 y · 6 months · 3 months

IncomeNone — side work only with permission

Kinds of activity2 ISA document lists

FamilyDependent visa possible

Who it is for

Research, art and Japanese culture — without earning

Under the Immigration Control Act, Cultural Activities covers unpaid academic or artistic work, specialized research on Japanese culture or arts, and learning them under an expert. Studying at a school or university is not included — that is the Student visa. Learning skills at a Japanese organization is a separate status, Trainee (研修).

ISA · Cultural Activities 1

Unpaid research and art

  • academic or artistic work for which you receive no income in Japan;
  • specialized research on Japanese culture or arts (ISA’s example: a researcher of Japanese culture);
  • you show your achievements.

ISA · Cultural Activities 2

Learning from a Japanese master

  • learning Japanese culture or arts under an expert;
  • ISA names ikebana, tea ceremony, judo, Japanese architecture, painting, dance, cuisine and music;
  • also arts not purely Japanese in which Japan played a major role, such as Zen and karate;
  • you add documents about the expert.

Unpaid internship for students of a university abroad. If you study abroad and come for an unpaid internship at a Japanese company for more than 90 days, ISA names Cultural Activities; up to 90 days, a temporary visit (visa-free or a short-term visa). A paid internship is Designated Activities No. 9. In each case the internship must be part of your studies — with credits and in your field.

What immigration checks

No degree or salary rule — a plan, achievements and money to live on

The landing criteria (上陸基準省令) set no separate conditions for Cultural Activities: no degree, no years of experience, no minimum amount. Immigration decides on the documents in ISA’s list.

A plan of your activity

What exactly you will do, where and for how long. You or the host organization write it; add a brochure or profile of the organization.

Your achievements

One of: a recommendation from a relevant organization, press coverage, awards and prizes, a list of papers or works. To learn from a master — documents about the master too.

Money to live on

The status gives no right to earn, so you show how you will live: a scholarship, savings or a sponsor. ISA names no exact amount.

Certificates issued in Japan must be no older than 3 months; documents in other languages need a Japanese translation. ISA warns that an incomplete set slows the review a lot or can lead to a refusal.

Forms and documents

Official forms and the documents you need

Choose the procedure and the kind of activity. Learning from a master adds documents about the master; for an extension both lists are the same. The CoE is free; a change of status or an extension carries a fee: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500) for applications received by 30 September 2026, from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥64,000 (3 years; online ¥56,000) depending on the period granted for applications received from 1 October 2026, and more if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued.

Two ways to get the status. From abroad, the organization, the master or a relative in Japan files a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and you then get the visa at a Japanese embassy. Already in Japan on another status — apply for a change of status.

Your activity:

unpaid academic or artistic work: ISA page Cultural Activities 1: academic or artistic work for which you receive no income in Japan, and specialized research on Japanese culture or arts — for example, a researcher of Japanese culture.

learning from a master: ISA page Cultural Activities 2: learning Japanese culture or arts under an expert — ikebana, tea ceremony, judo, Japanese architecture, painting, dance, cuisine and music, as well as Zen and karate. Documents about the expert are added.

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — you are abroad

In Japan it can be filed by a staff member of the organization where you will work, the expert you will learn from, or a relative living in Japan (Ordinance for Enforcement, appended table 4). With the CoE you get the visa at a Japanese embassy and enter Japan.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Return envelope with your address and stamps for registered mail 返信用封筒For paper applications.
  4. What, how long and where you will do it in Japan: description of the activity and its period + about the organization 日本での具体的な活動の内容、期間及び当該活動を行おうとする機関の概要を明らかにする資料You or the host organization write the description of the activity and its period. About the organization: a brochure or similar document.
  5. Proof of your academic or artistic achievements 学術上又は芸術上の業績を明らかにする資料Any one of: a letter of recommendation from a relevant organization, press coverage of your work, awards and prizes in competitions, a list of your papers or works, or a similar document.
  6. Proof of how you will pay your living costs in Japan 経費支弁能力を証する文書If you pay yourself: a scholarship certificate stating the amount and period, or a bank balance certificate in your name. If a sponsor in Japan pays: their resident tax and tax payment certificates (住民税の課税証明書・納税証明書) from the city office. A sponsor abroad: a bank balance certificate in their name.
  7. About the expert: their career and achievements 当該専門家の経歴及び業績を明らかにする資料learning from a masterAny one of: a copy of the expert’s license or diploma (免許), their papers or a portfolio of works, or a CV.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your future address or for the host organization’s address
Fee
Free
Standard processing period
1–3 months
Online
Possible if an organization in Japan or an administrative scrivener (行政書士) files
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Change of status — you already live in Japan on another status

You file yourself before your current status expires, or a representative accepted by ISA (for example an administrative scrivener, 行政書士). ISA asks you to apply as soon as you plan the new activity: if you are not doing the activity of your current status, it can be revoked.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status of residence 在留資格変更許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真Not needed for children under 1.
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. What, how long and where you will do it in Japan: description of the activity and its period + about the organization 具体的な活動の内容、期間及び当該活動を行おうとする機関の概要を明らかにする資料You or the host organization write the description of the activity and its period. About the organization: a brochure or similar document.
  5. Proof of your academic or artistic achievements 学術上又は芸術上の業績を明らかにする資料A letter of recommendation from a relevant organization, press coverage of your work, awards, a list of papers or works, or a similar document.
  6. Proof of how you will pay your living costs in Japan 経費支弁能力を証する文書A scholarship, a bank balance in your name, or — if a sponsor pays — their tax certificates from the city office or a bank balance certificate for a sponsor abroad.
  7. About the expert: their career and achievements 当該専門家の経歴及び業績を明らかにする資料learning from a masterA copy of the expert’s license or diploma, their papers or portfolio, or a CV.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
1–2 months
Online
Possible: yourself if you are 15 or older and have a residence card and a My Number card, or through an organization or an administrative scrivener (行政書士)
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Extension of period of stay — Cultural Activities

You file yourself before your period of stay ends; with a period of 6 months or more, from about 3 months before it ends. The document list is the same for both kinds of activity.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for extension of period of stay 在留期間更新許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真Not needed for an extension of up to 3 months or for children under 1.
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. What, how long and where you will do it from now on: description of the activity and its period + about the organization 具体的な活動の内容、期間及び当該活動を行おうとする機関の概要を明らかにする資料
  5. Proof of how you will pay your living costs in Japan 経費支弁能力を証する文書A scholarship, a bank balance in your name or the sponsor’s documents. If you arrived or moved recently and the city office cannot issue a tax certificate, ask the immigration bureau what to submit instead.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
2 weeks – 1 month
Online
Possible: yourself if you are 15 or older and have a residence card and a My Number card, or through an organization or an administrative scrivener (行政書士)
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Acquisition of status without entering Japan — for example after giving up Japanese nationality

If you became a foreign national while in Japan (for example by giving up Japanese nationality) and stay longer than 60 days, apply within 30 days (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-2).

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for acquisition of status of residence 在留資格取得許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Proof of the reason: on loss of Japanese nationality, a document on your nationality; in other cases, a document on what happened 国籍を証する書類 又は その事由を証する書類
  4. Passport — to show パスポート（提示）
  5. What, how long and where you will do it in Japan: description of the activity and its period + about the organization 具体的な活動の内容、期間及び当該活動を行おうとする機関の概要を明らかにする資料
  6. Proof of your academic or artistic achievements 学術上又は芸術上の業績を明らかにする資料
  7. Proof of how you will pay your living costs in Japan 経費支弁能力を証する文書
  8. About the expert: their career and achievements 当該専門家の経歴及び業績を明らかにする資料learning from a master

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Free
Standard processing period
File within 30 days of the event
Online
Possible through an organization or an administrative scrivener (行政書士)
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Work and side jobs

Can you earn anything?

  • The activity itself is unpaid. Cultural Activities belongs to the statuses that do not allow running a business or earning income without permission (Immigration Control Act, Article 19).
  • Side jobs only with permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted (資格外活動許可), to an extent that does not get in the way of your main activity. It is free — see part-time work permission.
  • Occasional fees for a lecture, advice, an article or a painting, or for taking part in an event, need no permission if this is not your business (Ordinance for Enforcement, Article 19-3).
  • If the same work is paid, you need a work status — for example Artist or Researcher. All options: work visas.

What comes next

Family and life on Cultural Activities

Family

Your spouse and children whom you support can get the Dependent visa (家族滞在): Cultural Activities is on the list of statuses that allow it. You submit proof of your means as the supporter.

Residence card and address

With a stay of more than 3 months you get a residence card. Register your address at the city office within 14 days of moving in and after every move. No notice to ISA about your organization is needed. All notifications.

Trips and extension

Trips of up to 1 year, within your period of stay, need no permit (special re-entry) — except with a 3-month status, which comes without a residence card: then you need a re-entry permit. You can extend while the activity continues; without the activity for more than 3 months and without good reason, the status can be revoked (Article 22-4).

FAQ

Cultural Activities visa questions

Can’t find your question? Write to us — a real person replies.

Ask us a question

Who is the Cultural Activities visa for?

For people who come to Japan not to earn money but to do unpaid academic or artistic work, to research Japanese culture in depth or to learn it from a master — for example tea ceremony, ikebana, judo or karate. ISA’s example is a researcher of Japanese culture. Studying at a school or university needs the Student visa, not Cultural Activities.

Yes, if you learn under an expert. ISA counts ikebana, tea ceremony, judo, Japanese architecture, painting, dance, cuisine and music as Japanese culture and arts, and also Zen and karate. You add documents about the expert: a copy of their license, their works or a CV.

The activity itself is unpaid, and you may not run a business or earn a salary without permission. You can ask for permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted (資格外活動許可) to the extent that it does not get in the way of your main activity; there is no fee for it. Occasional fees for a lecture, an article or a performance that are not your business need no permission.

ISA names no exact amount. You show how you will pay your living costs: a scholarship certificate with the amount and period, a bank balance certificate in your name, or a sponsor’s documents — tax certificates from the city office for a sponsor in Japan, a bank balance certificate for a sponsor abroad.

For students of a university abroad — yes, if the unpaid internship lasts longer than 90 days: so says ISA. Up to 90 days it is a temporary visit, and a paid internship is Designated Activities No. 9. The internship must be part of your studies — with credits and in your field — and the company must have the set-up and a supervisor for interns.

Yes. Your spouse and children whom you support can get the Dependent visa (家族滞在): Cultural Activities is one of the statuses that allow it.

3 years, 1 year, 6 months or 3 months. You can extend it while the activity continues, again with the activity plan and proof of living costs. If you do not carry out the activity for more than 3 months without good reason, the status can be revoked.

ISA requires no such notification for Cultural Activities. You do register your address at the city office within 14 days of moving in and after every move, and report changes on your residence card, such as a new name or nationality.

Learning a Japanese art? Learn the language too.

Japanese opens doors with any master or archive. We help you choose a language school and get your student visa — free.

Apply free
Students in yukata at a Japanese language school

Free for students