Introduction
The number of foreign amateur sports athletes who wish to join Japanese corporate or club teams, as well as their families, has been increasing in recent years. The status of residence “Designated Activities (Amateur Sports Athlete and His/Her Family)” is one of the categories where a lack of understanding of the legal framework and requirements can easily lead to non-approval or problems at the time of renewal.
This article explains the key points for amateur sports athletes and their family members to reside and engage in activities lawfully in Japan, referring to official information published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Outline of “Designated Activities (Amateur Sports Athlete and His/Her Family)”
The Immigration Services Agency describes “Designated Activities” as a status of residence granted by the Minister of Justice for activities that do not fall under any of the other existing categories.
Among these categories, “Amateur sports athlete” is one of the notified Designated Activities, and family members are covered by a separate category generally referred to as “family of amateur sports athlete” under the Designated Activities framework.
Activities Covered as an Amateur Sports Athlete
The Designated Activities for an amateur sports athlete are intended for participation in sporting competitions or events organized by Japanese public or private organizations whose main business is not sports entertainment, such as corporate club teams or school teams.
It is possible to receive compensation for engaging in such amateur sports activities, but if the activity is essentially professional sports conducted for entertainment or business purposes, the appropriate status of residence may be “Entertainer,” so it is important to choose the correct status based on the contract and purpose of the host organization.
Main Requirements for Amateur Sports Athletes
The official website provides details of requirements and necessary documents for “Designated Activities (Amateur sports athlete and his/her family)” for each type of application, such as Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, or extension of period of stay.
In practice, the following points are typically important:
- Existence of an employment or engagement contract with a Japanese public or private organization, clearly describing the content of activities as an amateur sports athlete.
- A level of compensation and treatment that can reasonably be regarded as equivalent to or higher than that offered to Japanese nationals engaged in similar activities (based on administrative practice).
In particular, very low compensation may be viewed negatively in the examination, as some Designated Activities categories set explicit minimum remuneration standards, and financial feasibility is always an important element.
Status of Residence for Family Members of Amateur Sports Athletes
Spouses and children who are financially supported by a foreigner staying as an amateur sports athlete may obtain a status of residence as “family of amateur sports athlete” under the Designated Activities category, which is positioned as item 7 in the Ministerial Notification.
The activities permitted under this status are daily activities as a spouse or child under the support of the amateur sports athlete, such as living together and attending school, and, in principle, full-time paid work or operating a business is not included.
Period of Stay and Extension
The general periods of stay for Designated Activities are “5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or a period designated individually by the Minister of Justice not exceeding 5 years,” and the actual period for amateur sports athletes and their families is determined based on contract length and activity plans.
When applying for an extension, immigration officers will review whether the sports activities are being continued as planned, whether there has been any substantial change in conditions such as remuneration, and whether the foreigner can continue to support himself/herself and the family, so it is advisable to prepare documents such as renewed contracts and records of activities.
Typical Documents Required
The Immigration Services Agency’s webpage for “Designated Activities (Amateur sports athlete and his/her family)” lists required documents for each procedure, including Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, and extension of period of stay.
Typical documents include the following:
- Application form for Certificate of Eligibility, or for Permission to Change Status of Residence / Extend Period of Stay
- Passport and Residence Card (for change or extension applicants)
- Copy of the employment or engagement contract specifying the nature of activities, remuneration, and term of contract
- Outline of the host organization (club team, school, etc.), such as brochures and financial statements, to show the reality and continuity of activities
- For family members, marriage certificates or birth certificates and Japanese translations to prove family relationships
Common Misunderstandings and Risks of Non-Approval
Typical problems in this category include cases where the actual activities are very close to professional, entertainment-oriented sports, although the application is filed as an amateur sports athlete, or where the compensation is so low that it is difficult to explain how the applicant and family will support their living.
For family members, it is also a frequent misunderstanding that they can work freely just like some holders of “Dependent” status; however, “family of amateur sports athlete” under Designated Activities is not intended as a status for unrestricted full-time employment, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
Illustrative Case
Consider a fictional case where a 25‑year‑old football player, Mr. A, graduates from a foreign university and signs a two‑year contract with a Japanese corporate club team, obtaining Designated Activities as an amateur sports athlete. His spouse and child obtain Designated Activities as family of an amateur sports athlete and attend nursery school and elementary school in Japan (all details are hypothetical).
If Mr. A stops playing for the team without renewing the contract or signs a new contract with a professional entertainment‑oriented club, the basic premise of his current status of residence will change, and he may need to change to another appropriate status or to consider returning home. In addition, if his spouse wishes to engage in full‑time employment, it may be necessary to review the status of residence, such as applying for another status that allows employment.
When to Consult a Specialist
It is particularly advisable to consult a specialist, such as an administrative scrivener, in the following situations:
- Where it is difficult to determine whether the contract should be treated as professional or amateur sports in terms of immigration law.
- Where the compensation is relatively low and careful explanation is needed regarding how living expenses will be covered.
- Where long‑term planning is required, including future change of status in consideration of the family’s employment and children’s education.
The contents of the Ministerial Notification and application forms are subject to revision, so it is essential to check the latest information on the websites of the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Services Agency before filing any application.
Conclusion
The status of residence “Designated Activities (Amateur sports athlete and his/her family)” is an important framework for foreign athletes and their families who wish to live and engage in sports in Japan, but misunderstanding the boundary between professional and amateur activities, the scope of activities permitted for family members, or the required level of remuneration may lead to non‑approval or problems at renewal.
Referring to official information provided by the Immigration Services Agency and carefully planning the overall strategy in line with the contractual terms, family situation, and future career plans, while consulting a specialist where necessary, will help ensure a legally stable stay in Japan.
