Digital Nomad Visa in Japan: Requirements, Terms, Restrictions

The digital nomad visa in Japan is issued as a residence status «Designated Activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad)».

Key characteristics:

• Duration of stay: up to 6 months.
• Work: only remotely for an employer or clients outside of Japan. Working for a Japanese company or local labor is not allowed.
• It is not a traditional work visa and does not provide a direct path to permanent residency.
• You can bring your spouse and children.

• Annual income: At least ¥10,000,000 (approximately $65,000–67,000 USD) from sources outside Japan.
• Medical insurance: Coverage for medical services, injuries, and death totaling at least ¥10,000,000.
• Citizenship or country: Only citizens of countries/regions included in Japan's list (approximately 49 countries). The list of countries is provided below.
• Duration of stay: Up to 6 months, no official extension is provided.
• Work: Remote work/freelance outside of Japan.

Additional conditions:

• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least two blank pages.
• If accompanied by spouse/children — relationship confirmation required (marriage, birth certificate)
• Possibility of obtaining a "Certificate of Eligibility" (COE) to simplify the process.

According to official information from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2025, the digital nomad visa (Designated Activities for Digital Nomad) is available to citizens and residents of 49 countries and regions with whom Japan has visa waiver agreements or mutual entry conditions.

This list includes states from Europe, Asia, both Americas, and Oceania. Citizens of these countries can apply for both the main digital nomad visa and a visa for family members (spouse and children).

Full list of countries and regions

Europe:
Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, North Macedonia, United Kingdom.

Asia and the Middle East:
Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Macao, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

America:
Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, United States of America.

Oceania and Africa:
Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Lesotho, Tunisia.

1. Consultation and compliance check
   Our agency conducts a preliminary assessment: checks income level (at least ¥10,000,000 per year), availability of medical insurance, remote nature of work, and the applicant's nationality.
   
   
2. Preparation and collection of documents
   Specialists help to properly fill out the application, prepare photos, passport, description of planned activities, proof of income and insurance. All documents are checked for compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
   
   
3. Preparation of additional documents (if necessary)
   If desired, the agency helps to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the Japanese immigration bureau — this speeds up the visa consideration process.
   
   
4. Submission of documents
   The agency independently submits the full package of documents to the embassy or consulate of Japan, and also tracks the status of the application. You do not need to visit diplomatic institutions personally.
   
   
5. Waiting for a decision
   The application processing time averages from 1 to 3 months. The agency informs the client about each stage of the process and notifies about the readiness of the visa.
   
   
6. Receiving the visa and traveling to Japan
   After approval, the agency organizes the receipt of the visa and advises on entry into the country. The digital nomad visa allows you to legally live and work remotely in Japan for up to 6 months.

Advantages of the digital nomad visa to Japan

• The opportunity to legally reside up to 6 months in Japan, work remotely while immersing in Japanese culture.
• High technological infrastructure, stability, good standard of living.
• The possibility to come with family.

Limitations of the digital nomad visa to Japan

• The visa is not extendable and does not transform into a work visa or permanent residency. After the stay, one must leave the country and only then can reapply.
• The requirement for a high annual income (10 million ¥) makes this visa not accessible to everyone. 
• Work exclusively outside of Japan (not for a Japanese employer).
• Potential nuances with opening bank accounts, renting housing, and tax residency considerations.

According to the available data, if you work remotely from Japan and receive income from abroad, and do not become a tax resident of Japan, then taxes on foreign income are generally not levied by the Japanese authorities. However, it is important to consult with a tax advisor as the situation may depend on the duration of stay, income structure, country of origin, and bilateral agreements.

• Make sure that the work is indeed remote for a company abroad or clients outside Japan — working for a Japanese employer is not allowed.
• Prepare documents confirming income: tax return, contract, bank statements.
• Purchase insurance covering at least ¥10 000 000 (≈ $65 000) in case of illness, injury, or death.
• Check the list of countries whose citizens can apply — Japan has a limited list of eligible countries.
• Plan housing and logistics in advance — rent for 6 months, familiarize yourself with the banking, transportation system, etc.
• Study the aspects of taxation both in Japan and in your country of tax residency.
• Have a backup plan: since the visa is not extendable, if you want to stay longer — look for other options (work visa, student visa, business visa). Our agency managers will help you with this and many other issues.