I have always dreamed of working and living in Japan. And when I heard the news about a digital nomad visa, I immediately searched about it.
The government of Japan launched a Digital Nomad Visa effective April 1, 2024, for qualified foreign visitors to remotely work and stay in Japan.
This visa is perfect for digital nomads who yearn to experience Japan’s unique culture while continuing to work online. With the surge in remote work, this visa presents an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of Japan while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
What is a Japan Digital Nomad Visa?
The Japan Digital Nomad Visa is a special visa that allows visitors to live and work remotely in Japan for up to 6 months (must not exceed 6 months within a year). It also grants the same privilege to bring your dependents (legal spouse and children) to stay in Japan.
Who can apply for this type of visa?
1. Digital Nomad:
- Must be a citizen of the eligible countries or regions listed below.
- Applicant must have an annual income of at least 10 million yen at the time of application.
- Must work remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner for a company registered outside Japan, using information or communication technology – e.g., IT professionals, software developers, web developers, virtual assistants, single proprietors for business management of foreign entities, etc.
- Must hold private medical travel insurance with death, injury, and illness coverage during your stay in Japan (accident and health benefits must be 10 million yen or more per person).
2. Dependents of the digital nomad:
- Must be a citizen of the eligible countries or regions listed below.
- The spouse must be legally married to the digital nomad visa applicant, and the child must be a biological or legally adopted child of the digital nomad visa applicant.
- Must hold private medical travel insurance coverage with death, injury, and illness coverage during your stay in Japan (accident and health benefits must be 10 million yen or more per person).
Eligible Countries List for Japan Digital Nomad Visa
A qualified remote worker and his or her dependents (legal spouse and children) can apply for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa if they are citizens of these countries and territories.
| Digital Nomad | Dependents of the Digital Nomad |
|---|---|
| Australia | Andorra |
| Austria | Argentina |
| Belgium | Australia |
| Brazil | Austria |
| Brunei | Bahamas |
| Bulgaria | Barbados |
| Canada | Belgium |
| Chile | Brazil |
| Croatia | Brunei |
| Czech Republic | Bulgaria |
| Denmark | Canada |
| Estonia | Chile |
| Finland | Costa Rica |
| France | Croatia |
| Germany | Cyprus |
| Hong Kong | Czech Republic |
| Hungary | Denmark |
| Iceland | Dominican Republic |
| Indonesia | El Salvador |
| Ireland | Estonia |
| Israel | Finland |
| Italy | France |
| Latvia | Germany |
| Lithuania | Greece |
| Luxembourg | Guatemala |
| Malaysia | Honduras |
| Mexico | Hong Kong |
| Netherlands | Hungary |
| New Zealand | Iceland |
| Norway | Indonesia |
| Poland | Ireland |
| Portugal | Israel |
| Qatar | Italy |
| Republic of Korea | Latvia |
| Romania | Lesotho |
| Serbia | Liechtenstein |
| Singapore | Lithuania |
| Slovakia | Luxembourg |
| Slovenia | Macao |
| Spain | Malaysia |
| Sweden | Malta |
| Switzerland | Mauritius |
| Taiwan | Mexico |
| Thailand | Monaco |
| Turkey | Netherlands |
| United Arab Emirates | New Zealand |
| United Kingdom | North Macedonia |
| United States | Norway |
| Uruguay | Poland |
| Portugal | |
| Qatar | |
| Republic of Korea | |
| Romania | |
| San Marino | |
| Serbia | |
| Singapore | |
| Slovakia | |
| Slovenia | |
| Spain | |
| Surinam | |
| Sweden | |
| Switzerland | |
| Taiwan | |
| Thailand | |
| Tunisia | |
| Turkey | |
| United Arab Emirates | |
| United Kingdom | |
| United States | |
| Uruguay |
How to Apply for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa (Step-by-step Guide)
1. Gather the required documents
If you are an international remote worker, prepare all the documents required for your digital nomad visa application. Likewise, be 100% sure that you meet all the criteria and conditions required by the immigration of Japan. Also, double-check your dependents’ documents if you have any.
2. Fill out the application form for a digital nomad visa
Accomplish the application form for a digital nomad visa carefully and accurately. Attach a recent photo of yourself and submit a detailed itinerary of your stay in Japan. Follow the format provided by the Japanese Ministry of Justice (Description of Intended Activities Format).
3. Attach proof of employment or income from your remote work
You must submit documents proving your annual income is 10 million yen or more. For employed applicants, you can submit a certificate of employment, employment contract, income tax return, pay slips, or client invoices. For single proprietors or applicants with businesses outside Japan, you can submit a business registration or permit, business contract, income statement, or tax returns.
Additionally, you can also submit a bank statement indicating your recent annual earnings of over 10 million yen or more.
4. Attach your insurance policy
Submit a copy of your certificate of insurance coverage. It must cover treatment and repatriation costs in case of death, injury, or illness while staying in Japan. The accident and health benefits should be at least 10 million yen per applicant.
5. Submit your application at the Japanese embassy
Apply and submit your application for a digital nomad visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. Pay the necessary fees and wait for the result and approval. You can also hire an immigration expert or lawyer to assist you with your visa application.
Living in Japan as a Digital Nomad
Japan’s transportation is top-notch and one of the best in the world. The punctuality and reliability of its trains are legendary, making them a preferred mode of travel for everyone.
Japan’s public transportation is also known for its cleanliness, safety, and convenience, with well-coordinated schedules and user-friendly interfaces. So, as a digital nomad, we can explore bustling metropolises or the picturesque countryside of Japan in our free time.
Living costs in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka can be higher, so budgeting wisely is crucial to sustaining our stay, especially if we have dependents who will stay with us in Japan. Housing is essential, so whether we choose an apartment or co-working space, we make sure it suits our work needs.
As a foreign remote worker, we must familiarize ourselves with the local customs and etiquette to respect Japanese culture. Language barriers may arise, so learning basic Japanese phrases can be beneficial for daily interactions.
Lastly, exploring the diverse culinary scene and embracing new flavors can enrich our cultural experience in Japan.
FAQ:
Can anyone apply for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, such as having a stable annual income of 10 million yen or more from remote work related to Information Technology outside Japan, having private health insurance, and being a citizen of one of the countries listed in the eligible countries list.
What is the main difference between Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa and a Tourist Visa?
The digital nomad visa allows you to stay and work remotely (designated for digital nomads) for 6 months, whereas a tourist visa restricts you from working during your visit and only allows visitors to stay for a shorter period in Japan.
How can I prove my eligibility for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
You must provide strong proof of your employment status, income stability from remote work, and proof of citizenship from one of the eligible countries listed by the Japanese government.
Is it possible to convert a tourist visa into a digital nomad visa while staying in Japan?
No, you cannot switch your visa status from tourist to digital nomad within Japan. You must apply for a specific digital nomad visa before entering the country. The visa expires after 6 months and cannot be extended.
Are there any restrictions on where I can work remotely while holding Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
You are free to work remotely from anywhere within Japan, but you are not permitted to work with or be employed by a company in Japan. You can choose your workspace locations as long as you comply with local laws and regulations regarding remote work activities allowed under the status of your visa.
I’m from the Philippines, can I apply for a Japan digital nomad visa?
No, the Philippines is not currently among the list of eligible countries for the digital nomad visa. Dependents of citizens of the Philippines are also not qualified as of now. However, you can apply for a tourist visa to travel Japan which will grant you a visit in Japan for tourism purposes.
Final Thoughts:
Living as a digital nomad in Japan offers a chance to experience a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and cutting-edge technology all in one place. This opportunity can broaden our horizons and create unforgettable memories. Start a new journey and make Japan your next digital nomad destination.
