Here is everything you need to know about the Japan’s digital nomad visa, including application, costs, requirements, eligibility, and more.

Digital Nomad Visa FAQ

1. Where is the sources of the information?

Immigration Service Agency Website,  Decree published in the official gazette, Public Comments, Ministry of Foreign Affaiars of Japan website, and Personal emails with person concerned.

(updated 1.04.24)

2. Who is eligible?

Citizens from 49 countries with visa-free entry and double-taxation agreements will be eligible for the Japan’s digital nomad visa.

3. Is it possible to combine this visa with another short-stay visa?

You can switch from a Tourist visa to the digital nomad visa, which allows you the total of 9 months of stay in Japan. However, since you might need to leave Japan to switch visas, we recommend to double check whether you can change your visa status while you are in Japan or you need to apply at the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General in your country.

4. How can I apply for the visa?

You need to visit the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General in your current location including Japan. However, if you are not applying in your own country (region) or country (region) of residence, we recommend to call the Embassy/Consulate General and make an appointment to apply in advance.

*Currently, online applications for this visa are not accepted.

5. Which documents are needed?

The following are standard papers required for the digital nomad visa application, but there could be additional documents required in your country. We recommend to ask your embassy for the list of documents required. 

• Visa Request Form
• Passport
• A copy of your passport
• Photo 1 leaf
• Passport Picture (Photos that meet specified standards )
• Materials explaining the applicant’s activity schedule during his/her stay (reference format) [WORD]    [PDF] )
• Tax certificate or income certificate issued in the country where the applicant worked as a document proving annual income.
• Copy of private medical insurance enrollment certificate and terms and conditions that includes death, injury, or illness incurred while residing in Japan and covers 10 million yen or more.
• The validity period of proof documents such as tax certificates is 3 months from the date of issue, and visa-related information such as submission documents can be confirmed on the Immigration Service homepage and Ministry of Foreign Affaiars of Japan website .

6. How much does it cost to apply for the visa？

It’s FREE!

7. How long does it take for the visa to be delivered?

The visa should take about 5 business days after application to be fulfilled. The visa issuance period may vary depending on the applicant’s documentation, embassy conditions, etc.

8. Can I work in Japan with the digital nomad visa?

Travelers visiting under this visa cannot be hired in Japan or involved in any local profit-making activity during their stay. You can work for a company outside of Japan.

9. Do I need to be registered in a company out side of Japan to apply?

Yes, either as a company employee or as an self-employed freelancer. You can apply for the digital nomads visa if you are currently operating a business, and have proven income. Foreigners those who are not affiliated with any business outside of Japan cannot apply for the visa.

10. Will I have to pay taxes in Japan?

No.

11. What is the minimum income required to be elligible?

10 million yen ($66,000*) per year.

12. Do you get a resident card with the visa?

Unfortunatelly, no.

13. Is the visa valid right when it’s delivered or when I first enter in Japan?

The visa is valid from the day you entered in Japan. From that date, you can stay for up to 6 months, and there is no mandatory period of stay in Japan.

14. Can my spouse and I combine our salaries to apply? 

No. The minimum income has to be reached by one person. They can bring their spouse and children along Only when the applicant is eligible for the requirements above.

15. Do my partner and I need to be married to be considered as family/spouse?

You need a document proving the status of the relationship with the applicant’s spouse or children (marriage certificate, etc. ). We recommend checking for more details.

16. Can I bring my pet to Japan with me?

Please check with the quarantine authorities such as Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) to see if you can bring an animal into Japan.

17. What’s the official name?

The visa is officially called Residential status “Specified Activities” (digital nomads (those staying in Japan for the purpose of international remote work, etc.) and their spouses and children).

18. Do I need a digital nomad visa to come to Japan?

Not at all! Coming to Japan on a tourist visa is not difficult for most Digital Nomads. There are other types of visa, such as the Working Holiday Visa, the Startup Visa visa, or the Student visa etc., which can be applied by some Digital Nomad some digital nomads depending on their situations.

19. Why is the governement launching a digital nomad visa?

Currently, various countries are introducing residence systems to attract international remote workers, known as “digital nomads.” These digital nomads are gaining attention for their contributions to expanding local consumption and creating innovation through collaboration with local talents. Similarly, in our country, Japanese govorment aims to promote the attraction of digital nomads, anticipating that this will lead to economic benefits from increased inbound tourism and enhance innovation in Japan through exchanges between digital nomads and Japanese residents.

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