In 2024, Japan launched a digital nomadic visa that will allow remote workers to live and work in the country for 6 months. Find out what are the requirements for expats and what is the procedure for issuing a document

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In the spring of 2024, the Japanese government launched a new Digital Nomad Visa that allows you to travel around the country and work remotely. Both seasoned digital nomads and those looking for a work-life balance in an exotic country can apply for a permit.

The introduction of this permission was a real gift for digital nomads, because for most remote workers, Japan is at the top of the list of places to visit.

Everything you wanted to know about the Japanese visa for digital nomads, we tell you in this article.

Foreigner requirements for a Japan digital nomad visa

To obtain a Japanese visa for digital nomads, a foreigner must meet a certain number of requirements:

1. Be a citizen of a country whose representatives are allowed to issue a digital nomad visa.

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to receive a Japanese visa for digital nomads: Iceland, Ireland, USA, United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Indonesia, Uruguay, Estonia, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Qatar, Canada, Croatia, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Thailand, Czech Republic, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Turkey, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Brazil, Bulgaria, Brunei, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Malaysia , Mexico, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Luxembourg, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

2. Have a valid passport, valid for at least 6 months.

3. Submit a package of documents that would confirm the type of activity you planned to engage in during your stay in Japan.

4. Confirm that your annual income exceeds 10 million yen (US$62,166).

5. Work remotely as a business owner, employee or freelancer in a company registered outside of Japan.

It is important that your work involves activities using IT technologies, for example, positions of IT specialists, digital designers, remote secretaries or those who manage overseas business.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

List of documents for obtaining a Japanese visa for digital nomads

In order to be eligible for a Japanese visa for digital nomads, the applicant must provide the following package of documents:

- Visa application form with photo.

- Valid passport.

- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that proves you are eligible to work remotely in the country.

- Document confirming your planned stay in Japan.

- Documents confirming financial stability - employment contracts, tax declarations or customer invoices.

- International medical insurance.

- Birth and marriage certificates.

How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Japan?

If you have read all the requirements and are sure that you meet them, you can consider the step-by-step procedure for applying for a digital nomadic visa in Japan

Step 1 – Contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate.

Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate to arrange an application appointment. Also, here you can learn in detail about the requirements and features of submitting an application.

Step 2 – Collect the documents.

Prepare a package of documents according to the list above.

Step 3 – Submit your application.

When you have prepared all the documents, submit the application to the embassy or consulate.

Step 4 – Wait for the visa to be processed.

The embassy or consulate will keep you informed of the status of your application and may request any additional information that may be required.

How long is a Japanese visa for digital nomads valid?

The Japanese digital nomad visa is valid for a maximum of 6 months and is non-extendable.

Can a digital nomad move to Japan with his family?

Your wife/husband, who is officially married to you, as well as children have the right to move to Japan. However, in this case, the health insurance policy must also cover family members.

In addition, it will be necessary to provide documents confirming the family relationship, for example, a marriage or birth certificate.

Do digital nomads have to pay taxes in Japan?

 When you go to Japan on the basis of a digital nomadic visa, you do not receive a residence permit. Also, according to the terms of the permit, you do not receive any income in Japan. It also exempts you from the tax that "non-permanent residents" have to pay. That is why you do not have to pay any taxes in Japan.

In addition, the Japanese nomadic visa is only valid for citizens of countries with visa-free entry and double taxation agreements. Therefore, a Japanese digital nomad visa does not make you a taxpayer.

Moving to Japan for remote work with the new Digital Nomad Visa is an exciting adventure, as well as a chance to get to know Japan's unique culture, learn more about its IT community and enjoy the combination of tradition and modern life.

We will remind you! Visa Business Manager – work and residence permit in Japan for expats who plan to open a business in the country. We have already told who has the right to obtain this permit and which package of documents is required for registration.