Compensation Models for Athletes under the Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa
- We plan to sign a contract with an overseas professional golfer and apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) under the status of residence “Entertainer (Kogyo).” There is a requirement that remuneration be “equal to or greater than that of Japanese nationals,” but because the invitee is a professional athlete, compensation would be prize-money based rather than a fixed salary. Will this be an issue for the application?
-
The Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa is intended for foreign nationals who will perform or compete in entertainment or sports in Japan. One of the requirements concerns income and compensation.
However, in the sports industry, in addition to fixed pay, it is common for athletes to receive compensation in the form of prize money tied to performance.
Monthly remuneration: A fixed amount paid under a pre-agreed contract at set intervals (e.g., monthly or annually). This is common for players under a formal contract with a team or a professional league.
Prize money: Compensation paid according to results at tournaments or events. In individual sports such as tennis and golf, athletes often receive payments based on rankings or performance.
While there is indeed an expectation that remuneration be “equal to or greater than that of Japanese nationals,” immigration reviews take into account the professional nature and realities of the sport. For professional golfers, it is not typical to rely solely on a monthly salary like a company employee; many earn primarily via prize money.
Accordingly, the absence of a monthly salary does not, by itself, preclude approval. Applications with prize-money-based compensation can be approved, provided the overall remuneration framework is reasonable and clearly documented in the contract and supporting materials.
Entertainer Visa Q&A Index
For a 3-day event, Entertainer Visa or Temporary Visitor?
What counts as “artist credentials” for the Entertainer Visa?
Can you change from a Student visa to an Entertainer visa?
Entertainer Visa vs. Designated Activities Visa
Who qualifies for the Entertainer visa?
Remuneration structures under the Entertainer visa
Relaxation of Entertainer Visa criteria: changes to “Entertainer” 1–4 effective August 1, 2023
Related Service Page:
Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa Application
This status of residence is required when foreign models, singers, actors, actresses, dancers, artists, and professional athletes carry out concerts, events, or other entertainment activities in Japan.
Since 1986, ACROSEED has specialized in immigration and visa services for foreign employees in Japan. For nearly 40 years, we have advised corporate HR teams on compliance, procedures, and workforce planning.
Consultations are available via phone, email, online, or in person. English-language support is always available.
