Visa Information
Visa Requirements and Application Process
Information about visa requirements and the application process for digital nomads in Japan.
Types of Visas
Japan offers a specific visa for digital nomads called the "Specified Activities (Digital Nomad)" visa, established in April 2024. This visa allows digital nomads to stay in Japan for up to 6 months, providing an opportunity to experience the country's rich culture while working remotely.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a national of a visa-exempt country (e.g., USA, Canada, EU countries).
- Have a stable annual income of at least 10 million yen at the time of application.
- Be enrolled in a valid health insurance plan during the stay in Japan.
- The stay period is within 6 months.
Who is eligible for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa is available to IT professionals, digital designers, remote secretaries, and managers of overseas businesses who plan to engage in remote work from Japan for up to 6 months. Eligible individuals must be nationals of one of the following 50 countries/regions:
- 🇮🇸 Iceland
- 🇮🇪 Ireland
- 🇺🇸 USA
- 🇦🇪 UAE
- 🏴 England
- 🇮🇱 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
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan
Application Process
- Enter Japan with a short-term stay visa.
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for the "Specified Activities (Digital Nomad)" status at the Immigration Bureau.
- Once the certificate is obtained, apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country.
Required Documents
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Photo
- Activity plan during the stay
- Proof of annual income over 10 million yen
- Proof of health insurance enrollment
Important Notes
- The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
- The visa cannot be renewed.
- Family members (spouse, children) can also apply simultaneously.
References
FAQ
1. What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
Japan's Digital Nomad Visa is a residence status called "Specified Activities (Digital Nomad)" targeting people who work remotely from overseas.
2. What are the eligibility criteria?
- Be a national of a visa-exempt country (e.g., USA, Canada, EU countries).
- Have a stable annual income of at least 10 million yen at the time of application.
- Be enrolled in a valid health insurance plan during the stay in Japan.
3. What is the duration of stay?
The stay period is up to 6 months from the date of entry. The visa cannot be renewed.
4. Can I apply with my family?
Yes, spouses and children can apply simultaneously.
5. What is the application process?
- Enter Japan with a short-term stay visa.
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for the "Specified Activities (Digital Nomad)" status at the Immigration Bureau.
- Once the certificate is obtained, apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country.
6. What documents are required?
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Photo
- Activity plan during the stay
- Proof of annual income over 10 million yen
- Proof of health insurance enrollment
7. Can I work in Japan?
The Digital Nomad Visa does not allow you to earn income from Japanese companies. You must work remotely based on an employment contract with a foreign company.
8. What about taxes?
If you stay in Japan for more than 183 days, you are considered a resident and subject to Japanese tax laws.
9. Where can I find the latest information?
The latest information can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Digital Nomad Association.