Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities): Requirements, Benefits & Limitations
Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa is a new immigration status officially categorized as Specified Visa: Designated Activities (Digital Nomad). It allows eligible remote workers to stay in Japan for up to six months while continuing to work for non-Japanese employers or clients.
Key Features & Requirements
The visa targets high-income remote professionals and has strict rules for eligibility and stay length.
1. Duration and Renewal
- Maximum Stay: Six months (180 days).
- Non-Renewable: It cannot be extended while you are in Japan.
- Re-application: After expiry, you must leave Japan for six consecutive months before applying again.
2. Financial Requirements (High Threshold)
- Minimum Annual Income: Proof of at least JPY 10 million (≈ USD 65,000; exact USD varies by exchange rate) earned from outside Japan.
- Proof of Income Documents: Tax payment certificates, income certificates, employment contracts, or client contracts stating amounts and duration.
3. Eligible Applicants (Citizenship)
Open to citizens of 49 countries/territories that have both a visa-waiver arrangement and a tax treaty with Japan (e.g., U.S., Canada, most EU states, Australia, Singapore, etc.).
4. Work Source Restriction
- You must work remotely for an employer or clients outside Japan.
- Not permitted: Any paid work for Japanese entities while on this visa.
5. Health Insurance Requirement
- Private health insurance covering the entire stay is mandatory.
- Coverage must include death, injury, and illness with a minimum compensation of JPY 10 million (≈ USD 65,000).
Family Inclusion and Application
Bringing Dependents
- Eligible Dependents: Spouse and children may accompany the main applicant under the same visa type.
- Insurance for Dependents: Each dependent must hold private health insurance with at least JPY 10 million coverage.
- Work Restriction: Dependents are not allowed to work in Japan.
Application Process
- Gather Documents: Completed visa application, valid passport, proof of JPY 10M annual income, proof of JPY 10M insurance, and a description of planned activities/stay.
- Submit: Apply at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.
- COE (Optional): A Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency in Japan (via proxy/lawyer) can streamline consular issuance, though it is not strictly required.
Key Limitations (Important to Note)
The Digital Nomad Visa grants a Designated Activities status that differs from standard long-term work visas.
| Limitation | Impact on Daily Life |
|---|---|
| No Residence Card (Zairyū Card) | You will not be issued a Residence Card—this is the biggest restriction. |
| No Residency Status | Without a Residence Card, you are not recognized as a legal resident of Japan. |
| Banking & Contracts | Difficult or impossible to open a standard bank account, sign a long-term apartment lease, or obtain a long-term mobile contract. |
| Tax Status | With a stay capped at six months, you are generally not a tax resident. Typically liable only on Japan-sourced income (which should not apply if all work is for foreign entities). |
| No Path to PR | This visa is temporary and does not count toward the continuous residence period required for Permanent Residency. |
Always verify: Requirements and eligible nationalities can change. Check the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and your local Japanese Embassy/Consulate for the latest rules before applying.
