When Filming Requires an Entertainment Visa
Japan is a popular destination for international film productions, TV series, commercials, and streaming content. When foreign talent participates in paid productions shot in Japan, the Entertainment Visa (興行ビザ) is typically required.
This applies to feature films, television dramas, reality shows, commercials, music videos, and digital content productions where foreign performers receive compensation.
Who Needs an Entertainment Visa for Productions?
- Actors and actresses in leading or supporting roles
- Voice actors for dubbing or original productions
- Models appearing in commercials or advertisements
- Musicians performing or recording for soundtracks
- Dancers and choreographers for music videos or shows
- Television personalities and hosts
- Reality show participants receiving compensation
Contracts, Roles, and Documentation
Production visa applications require clear documentation of the talent's role and compensation:
- Performance contracts: Clearly stating role, dates, and compensation
- Production schedules: Detailed shooting timeline in Japan
- Project overview: Synopsis, production company details, distribution plans
- Sponsor documentation: Japanese production partner or agency credentials
We review all documentation to ensure immigration requirements are met before submission.
Production Schedule Planning
Film and TV productions operate on tight schedules. Late visa approvals can derail entire productions. Our approach:
- Work backwards from your shoot dates to set application deadlines
- Identify potential documentation gaps early
- Coordinate multiple talent applications to arrive together
- Build contingency time for additional requests
Risk Controls for Short Shoots
Even brief shoots of just a few days require proper visa status when compensation is involved. For short-duration productions:
- Expedited document preparation when timelines are tight
- Clear go/no-go assessments based on available processing time
- Alternative scheduling recommendations when visa timing is uncertain
How We Work
- Initial consultation to understand your production needs
- Talent roster review and visa requirement assessment
- Customized documentation checklist for your production type
- Contract and schedule review for compliance
- Application preparation and submission
- Status tracking aligned to your production calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
What about crew members from overseas?
Crew members (camera operators, directors, etc.) may have different visa requirements depending on their specific role and compensation structure. We can assess each case individually.
Can we apply for multiple cast members at once?
Yes, we regularly handle bulk applications for productions. Unified submission often helps with processing consistency.
What if shooting dates change after visa approval?
Minor schedule adjustments within the approved stay period are generally fine. Significant changes may require additional documentation or extensions.