Moving to a new country can feel intimidating, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to keep your remote job while navigating foreign laws. You might be dreaming of sushi lunches in Tokyo or weekend trips to Kyoto temples, but you’re probably also worrying about the logistics: Is it legal? How do I get health insurance? What about taxes? You aren’t the only one looking for answers. Thousands of remote workers have been waiting for Japan to open its doors to the digital nomad community.
Here is the good news: Japan finally launched its specific Digital Nomad Visa (officially called the “Specified Visa: Designated Activities”) in April 2024. This allows remote workers from 49 eligible countries to live and work there for up to six months.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know. I’ll break down the requirements, costs, and a few “insider” tips that most guides miss, like why you won’t get a residence card and how that changes your housing plans.
What is Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
After hearing the rumors, you probably want the specifics. Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa is a special status that allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to six months (180 days). Unlike a standard tourist visa, which forbids working, this visa explicitly permits you to work remotely for a company based outside of Japan or as a freelancer with foreign clients.
However, there is a catch you need to know upfront: this visa does not allow you to take local jobs. You cannot be hired by a Japanese employer or receive a salary from a Japanese source.
While tourists usually get a 90-day “temporary visitor” stamp, this visa doubles that time. It gives you a full half-year to experience life in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka without the dreaded “visa run.” It opens doors for people who want to test-drive expat life without committing to a complex, long-term immigration process.
Another key requirement? You must have private health insurance for your entire stay. Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) is generally off-limits for this specific visa type, so you’ll need a solid policy from home.
Quick Facts About the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
Japan created this visa to attract global talent and tech-savvy travelers. Before you start filling out forms, here are the non-negotiable facts you need to know.
- Eligible Citizens: Open to nationals of 49 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and most EU member states.
- Duration: Strict limit of six months (180 days). There is no option to renew this visa while in Japan.
- Income Requirement: You must prove an annual income of at least 10 million JPY. Depending on current exchange rates, this is approximately $65,000 to $68,000 USD.
- Employment Status: You must work for a company outside Japan or be self-employed with non-Japanese clients.
- Family Friendly: Your spouse and children can join you! They will need to apply for their own “Designated Activities” visas as dependents.
- No Residence Card: Unlike long-term residents, you will NOT receive a Zairyu Card (Residence Card). This is a crucial detail for renting apartments and opening bank accounts.
- Insurance: You must have private health insurance that covers injury and illness up to 10 million JPY (approx. $68,000 USD) for the entire stay.
- Cooling-Off Period: If you want to apply again, you must leave Japan and wait six months before re-applying for the same visa.
Benefits of the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
Why choose Japan over Bali or Portugal? Aside from the incredible food, there are specific advantages to choosing Japan for your next remote work chapter.
Opportunity to live and work in Japan
For years, people had to sneak in work on tourist visas (which is technically illegal) or struggle to get sponsored by a local company. Now, you have a legitimate, stress-free way to live locally. You can soak up the neon lights of Shinjuku, enjoy the quiet temples of Kyoto, or find inspiration near Mount Fuji, all while legally keeping your current job.
This visa offers the perfect “workcation” balance. You get the stability of your home income while exploring one of the safest and most fascinating countries on earth.
Imagine starting your Tuesday at a quiet kissaten (traditional coffee shop) and ending it with friends at an izakaya. Your daily life blends productive work hours with cultural immersion, making every week feel like a fresh adventure.
Access to Japan’s high-quality infrastructure
For remote workers, reliable infrastructure is non-negotiable. Fortunately, Japan ranks among the best in the world for connectivity. You can count on lightning-fast fiber optic internet in most Airbnbs and hotels.
Public transport is legendary for its punctuality. The Shinkansen (bullet train) can whisk you from Tokyo to Osaka in about 2.5 hours with zero stress, allowing you to explore the country easily on weekends.
Daily conveniences are also unmatched. Convenience stores (Konbini) like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are open 24/7, offering high-quality meals, ATMs that accept foreign cards, and even package delivery services. “Life feels easy here, all the basics just work,” is a common sentiment among expats.
Cultural and travel experiences while working remotely
Living here for six months lets you see sides of Japan that tourists miss. You might catch the Gion Matsuri festival in Kyoto in July or see the autumn leaves turn gold in Nikko in November. Each season brings specific foods, events, and scenery.
You have time to discover local gems, like a favorite ramen shop where the owner knows your order, or a quiet park for lunch breaks. On weekends, you can take short trips to places like Nara Park to see the bowing deer or visit the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
The mix of ancient tradition and futuristic tech is endless. You can visit a 1,000-year-old shrine in the morning and a robot cafe in the afternoon. The adventure never really stops.
Eligibility Criteria for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa
Japan is known for being strict with paperwork, so you need to make sure you tick every box before visiting the embassy. Here are the three main hurdles you need to clear.
Minimum income requirements
The biggest barrier for many is the income floor. You must show proof of an annual income of at least 10 million Japanese Yen. Because exchange rates fluctuate, you should check the current rate, but this generally hovers around $65,000 to $68,000 USD.
To prove this, you will need official documents. Tax returns from the previous year are the best proof. If you are a freelancer, bank statements showing consistent deposits or signed contracts with stated values may also work.
Crucially, this income requirement covers your whole family. You do not need to show extra income for a spouse or child, provided your main income meets the 10 million yen threshold.
Proof of remote employment with a foreign company
You must prove you are working for someone outside of Japan. The immigration officer needs to see that your money is coming from abroad.
- For Employees: A certificate of employment or a letter from your HR department stating your remote status and salary.
- For Freelancers: Contracts with clients, invoices, or a business license that proves your self-employed status.
This ensures you aren’t competing with locals for jobs. Keep these documents organized and translated into Japanese or English if they aren’t already.
Health insurance coverage
You cannot use Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) on this visa. Therefore, strict proof of private insurance is required. Your policy must cover injury, illness, and death for the entire six-month period. The coverage amount must be at least 10 million yen (approx. $68,000 USD).
Many nomads use specialized providers like Genki or SafetyWing because they are designed to meet these exact visa requirements. Don’t forget to print out the policy document (often called a “visa letter” or “certificate of insurance”) to submit with your application.
Family Members and the Digital Nomad Visa
One of the best features of this visa is that you don’t have to leave your family behind. Spouses and children can join you, but they have their own set of rules.
Spouse eligibility
Your legally married spouse can apply for a “Designated Activities” visa to accompany you. They do not need to meet an income requirement themselves, but they are not allowed to work for a Japanese company.
If your spouse also works remotely and wants to work while in Japan, it is often safer for them to apply for their own Digital Nomad Visa if they meet the income criteria. If they enter as your dependent, their ability to work remotely is a bit of a gray area, so check with your consulate. Most importantly, they must have their own private health insurance policy.
Child eligibility
Children under 18 can also join as dependents. You will need to provide birth certificates to prove the relationship. Like your spouse, every child needs their own private health insurance coverage for the full six months.
A Critical Warning for Parents: Because you are not a registered resident, your children are generally not eligible to enroll in local Japanese public schools. You will need to rely on homeschooling or expensive international schools that allow short-term enrollment.
Limitations of the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
This visa is fantastic, but it isn’t perfect. There are some serious limitations that can trip up even experienced travelers if they aren’t prepared.
| Feature | Standard Work Visa | Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Status | Resident (Mid-to-Long Term) | Not a Resident (Short Term) |
| Residence Card | Issued (Zairyu Card) | NOT Issued |
| Bank Account | Can open standard accounts | Cannot open standard accounts |
| Rental Contract | Standard 2-year lease | Short-term / Monthly mansion only |
The “No Residence Card” Reality
This is the most important “insider tip” in this guide. Because your stay is only six months, Japan does not issue you a Zairyu Card (Residence Card). You simply get a sticker in your passport.
Why does this matter? Without a Zairyu Card, you cannot sign a contract for a standard cell phone plan, rent a regular apartment through a Japanese real estate agent, or open a bank account at a Japanese bank (like JP Bank or MUFG). You will need to rely on services specifically for foreigners, such as Sakura Mobile for data and Wise or Revolut for banking.
Six-month validity period
The clock starts ticking the moment you land. You have exactly six months, and there are no extensions. You cannot switch to a tourist visa without leaving the country first.
If you arrive in April for cherry blossom season, you must leave by October. This strict limit means you can’t really “settle down” fully. It is a long-term travel experience, not a permanent move.
Non-renewable nature of the visa
Once your six months are up, you must leave. If you love Japan and want to come back on the same visa, you have to wait for a six-month “cooling-off” period outside of Japan before you can reapply. It’s designed for a season of life, not a lifetime.
How to Apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
The process is relatively straightforward compared to other Japanese visas. You generally apply directly at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Contacting the Japanese embassy or consulate
Your first step is to check the website of the Japanese embassy nearest to you (e.g., in New York, London, or Sydney). Requirements can vary slightly between locations. Some consulates require you to make an appointment online, while others accept walk-ins during specific hours.
Gathering required documents
Start collecting these documents early. A missing paper can delay your application by weeks.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least the duration of your stay.
- Visa Application Form: Downloadable from the MOFA website, filled out and signed.
- Photo: A high-quality passport-style photo (45mm x 35mm) taken recently.
- Proof of Income: Tax returns, bank statements, or employment contracts showing 10 million yen+ income.
- Proof of Insurance: Certificate showing coverage amount and period.
- Itinerary: A simple document outlining where you plan to stay and what you plan to do (e.g., “Work remotely from Tokyo and visit Kyoto”).
Submitting the application
Take your documents to the embassy. The staff will review them and may ask a few questions about your job (“What is your role?” “Who are your clients?”). Once submitted, you will leave your passport with them. They will give you a receipt with a collection date.
Cost and Processing Time for the Digital Nomad Visa
Compared to many other countries, Japan’s visa fees are very reasonable.
The Cost: The visa fee is usually around 3,000 JPY (approx. $20 USD) for a single-entry visa. Depending on your nationality, this fee might even be waived (for example, US citizens often pay nothing due to bilateral agreements, but check your specific consulate).
Processing Time: Most embassies process the visa in 5 to 10 business days. However, if they need to verify your documents, it can take up to a month. It is smart to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Living in Japan as a Digital Nomad
Once you land, the real fun begins. But since you don’t have a residence card, you’ll need to know where to look for housing and workspaces.
Finding housing without a Residence Card
Since you can’t rent a regular apartment, look for “Monthly Mansions” or share houses. These are fully furnished apartments that are rented by the month and include utilities and internet.
- MetroResidences and Hmlet: Higher-end, stylish apartments in Tokyo.
- Sakura House and Oakhouse: Affordable share houses and apartments, very friendly to foreigners.
- Blueground: Premium furnished apartments for longer stays (30+ days).
Finding coworking spaces and networking opportunities
Tokyo is a coworking paradise. You’ll find high-speed Wi-Fi and quiet zones everywhere.
- .andwork Shibuya: A popular hotel/coworking hybrid in the center of Shibuya.
- The Hive Jinnan: A stylish space with a great community vibe and terrace.
- WeWork: Locations all over Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sendai).
- Blink Community: Great for networking with international startups.
Japan runs on respect and rules. A few quick tips will help you fit in:
- Quiet Trains: Never talk on the phone on the train. It’s considered very rude.
- Cash is (Still) King: While cards are accepted more often, many ramen shops and ticket machines still only take cash. Always carry 10,000 yen with you.
- Trash Rules: You must separate burnable, non-burnable, cans, and bottles. It’s strict, and your neighbors will notice if you do it wrong!
- Language: Download Google Translate. The camera feature is a lifesaver for reading menus and washing machine buttons.
Wrapping Up
Ready to trade your home office for a view of the Tokyo skyline? The new Japan Digital Nomad Visa is a game-changer for remote workers who have always wanted to experience this incredible country for more than just a quick vacation.
While the requirements, like the $68,000 income and private insurance, are strict, they open the door to six unforgettable months of culture, food, and adventure. Just remember the “insider” reality: plan for housing that doesn’t require a residence card, and get your SIM card sorted early.
Gather your documents, check your passport, and get ready. Your laptop and a steaming bowl of ramen are waiting for you!
