What is the Japanese “Digital Nomad” Visa? Exclusive Support Plans with Japanese Lessons Offered by Trust Administrative Scrivener Office

What is a “Digital Nomad”?

A “digital nomad” is someone who embraces a lifestyle of long-term travel while working remotely using IT tools. While remote work became widespread in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing employees to work from home instead of commuting to the office, digital nomadism takes it a step further. The key difference lies in the freedom to work from anywhere, not just at home.

For those wishing to work abroad, a visa is usually required to stay in the host country. Some countries in Europe and Asia have already introduced visas specifically for digital nomads.

Overview of the Digital Nomad Visa

Japan has introduced a new visa system for foreign nationals who can work remotely while staying in Japan. This status is known as Designated Activities (Digital Nomad).

Under this status, eligible foreign nationals can stay in Japan for a maximum period of six months while working remotely for foreign companies or clients outside Japan.

This visa is intended for people who can perform work online without being employed by or providing labor directly to a Japanese company.

What Are the Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa?

1. The Duration of Stay Must Not Exceed 6 Months

The period of stay under the Digital Nomad Visa is limited to six months. Unlike other long-term residence statuses, this visa is designed for temporary stays.

It is not intended for people who plan to live in Japan permanently or establish a long-term base of residence.

2. Applicants Must Be Nationals of Visa-Exempt Countries with a Tax Treaty with Japan

The applicant must be a national of a country or region that has a visa exemption arrangement with Japan and a tax treaty with Japan.

This means that not all foreign nationals are eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s nationality.

3. Annual Income Must Be at Least 10 Million Yen at the Time of Application

The applicant must have an annual income of at least 10 million yen at the time of application.

This requirement is intended to ensure that the applicant has sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Japan without relying on employment in Japan.

4. Applicants Must Have Health Insurance

Applicants must have medical insurance covering their stay in Japan.

The insurance must cover medical treatment for injury, illness, and death during the stay in Japan.

Families Can Join Too

Family members of a person staying in Japan under the Digital Nomad Visa may also be eligible to stay in Japan under a corresponding Designated Activities status.

Eligible family members generally include the spouse and children of the digital nomad worker.

Eligibility Requirements for Spouses and Children

1. Nationals of Visa-Exempt Countries

Spouses and children must also be nationals of countries or regions eligible for visa exemption arrangements with Japan.

2. Financial Dependence on the Nomad Worker

Family members must be financially dependent on the digital nomad worker.

3. Enrollment in Medical Insurance

Family members must also have medical insurance covering their stay in Japan.

Points to Note

• This visa is limited to a maximum stay of six months.
• It cannot be used as a path to long-term residence in Japan.
• Applicants cannot work for Japanese companies or receive income from Japanese sources in the same way as work visa holders.
• Eligibility depends heavily on nationality, income, insurance, and the nature of the remote work.

Documents Required for the Digital Nomad Visa Application

The required documents may include:

• Application form
• Photo
• Passport copy
• Documents proving annual income
• Documents explaining remote work activities
• Health insurance certificate
• Documents related to family members, if applicable

Want to improve your Japanese while staying in Japan?

Japanese language ability is not the main requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa, but practical Japanese can make daily life in Japan much easier.

If you would like to learn useful Japanese for daily life, communication, travel, and living in Japan, online Japanese lessons are also available.

Lessons are provided separately from visa support.

Explore Online Japanese Lessons →

Important Points to Note About the Digital Nomad Visa

• The Digital Nomad Visa is not the same as a work visa.
• It is not intended for employment in Japan.
• The maximum stay is six months.
• It is not renewable in the same way as long-term residence statuses.
• Applicants must maintain health insurance coverage.
• Family members must satisfy their own eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Digital Nomad Visa

Summary of Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa

• Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa is a Designated Activities status.
• It allows eligible foreign nationals to stay in Japan for up to six months while working remotely.
• Applicants must have annual income of at least 10 million yen.
• Applicants must have health insurance.
• Family members may accompany the digital nomad worker if they meet the requirements.
• This visa is temporary and is not designed for long-term residence.

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