Last updated: November 2024

With remote work setting new waves in today's work culture, Japan joined the list of countries that introduced a Digital Nomad Visa for remote professionals from anywhere in the world. Famed as an ultra-modern yet traditional country, Japan is now opening its doors to foreign remote workers to come and live in and work in the country for quite a period. 

Overview of the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

The government has just developed a visa for the so-called "Digital Nomads," a visa designated for people who could work remotely and had other locations for performing their professional work. This new initiative reflects recognition by Japan of this population of digital nomads who do not mind working from any location around the globe, exploring new cultures. The visa allows qualified professionals to live in Japan and continue with their remote work for foreign employers.

Key Benefits of Japan's Digital Nomad Visa

Here are the key benefits of Japan's Digital Nomad Visa:

• Longer Stays: The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay longer in Japan-6 months and up to a year, options for renewal.
• Japanese Culture: The holder can indulge in Japanese culture regarding its food, history, traditional festivals, art, and architecture.
• Modern Infrastructure: With leading technology in Japan, and fast, reliable Internet, it's the perfect destination to work remotely, providing a stable working environment and fast connectivity.
• Ease of Access to Major Cities and Rural Areas: Japan's excellent transportation system enables digital nomads to work in bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka or retreat to quieter areas in the Japanese countryside.
• Remote Work-Friendly: Ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and digital content creators who earn income from clients based outside Japan.
• Safety and Quality of Life: Japan is known for its safety, cleanliness, and high quality of life.

Eligibility Requirements

General qualifications that are required from all applicants for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa are as follows:

• Remote Employment: The applicant needs to be employed remotely by a company or client abroad other than from Japan.
• Income Requirements: Proof of income that is sufficient to support themselves during their stay in Japan is required. While exact income thresholds vary, many visa policies in Japan do call for financial independence.
• Remote Work-Friendly: Ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and digital content creators who earn income from clients based outside Japan.
• Safety and Quality of Life: Japan is known for its safety, cleanliness, and high quality of life.
• Digital nomads have to get health insurance covering them in Japan for the entire period of their stay.
• Proof of Work and Experience: Additionally, some documents may be requested, confirming employment; contracts or freelance agreements can be requested to confirm an applicant's status as a remote worker.

How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa

If you're currently residing outside of Japan, here's how you can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa:

• Prepare Required Documents: Get documents such as proof of income, remote work contracts, health insurance coverage, and a valid passport ready.

• Application Submission: Applications can be submitted at the nearest consulate or embassy; some applicants may also be able to apply online.

• Approval and Issuance of Visa: The selected candidate will be issued with the Digital Nomad Visa, which will give them an entry to Japan to work remotely.

How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa When You're Already in Japan

If you are already in Japan, this is the way to go about getting your Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Prepare all documents required for your application, including proof of employment and income, health insurance, and your passport.
2. Go to the nearest immigration bureau to where you reside.
3. Submit your application with all the supporting documents to the officer in charge.
4. Get the Certificate of Eligibility: In case of approval, a Certificate of Eligibility will be issued.
5. Change of Visa Status: With this CoE, you will apply to the immigration bureau for a change of visa status from a tourist to a digital nomad.

Eligible Countries for Japanese Nomad Visa

Japan's new nomad visa offers a six-month stay for remote workers from 49 countries, including the US, Canada, UK, EU nations, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. This visa allows spouses and children to join, making it family-friendly. It's a chance to experience Japan's culture and contribute to its economy, especially in tech sectors.

Here’s a list of countries eligible for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa:

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Canada

Chile

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Malaysia

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

South Korea

Romania

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Switzerland

Thailand

Türkiye

United Kingdom

United States

Uruguay

Digital Nomad's Life in Japan

From high-energy cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Yokohama to idyllic and serene places like Hokkaido and Okinawa, Japan offers a little bit of everything to the digital nomad. Certain hotspots for digital nomads include shared workspaces and cafes with Wi-Fi options that appeal to the working requirements of remote workers. Prices vary by location, with cities being on the more expensive side, but Japan has options ranging to suit your basic needs of accommodation and workspace as a digital nomad.

Conclusion

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa is an exciting new route for remote workers who want to experience beauty, technology, and tradition that only Japan has to offer. Japan is tapping into an increasingly large global workforce of people able to work remotely, opening the country up to cultural exchange and contribution. For people who are willing and want to balance professional obligations with enriching experiences, it is also a great opportunity to be able to live and work in one of the most unique places in the world.