Livida Sport: A Global Guide to Football Transfers - Second Edition - Manual / Resource - Page 70
Japanese
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Immigration Rules
The Entertainment Category is the main working visa for professional athletes and
coaches in Japan, available for durations of 15 days, 3-6 months and 1-3 years. There
are no nationality or age restrictions. Endorsement by the Japan Football Association
(JFA) is not required, though it is useful.
Player Requirements
A Certificate of Eligibility from the Ministry of Justice, which the club makes on
behalf of the player.
A salary that matches or exceeds that of Japanese national for the same activity.
An employment contract with a Japanese club.
Dependents
Dependents, including children under the age of 21, can accompany the player and
receive residence permits for the same duration. Dependents can study but must meet
minimum salary requirements to work.
Applications
Applications must be made outside of Japan at the Embassy/Consulate of the player’s
country of residence. They are usually processed in five working days, and the process
cannot be expedited. This visa can lead to permanent residency once the player has lived
in Japan for ten years.
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