Japan digital nomad visa: Everything you should know

Remote work has unlocked opportunities for professionals to live and work from anywhere, and Japan’s digital nomad visa is one of the latest innovations in this growing trend. This new visa, designed to attract international talent, supports global mobility and positions Japan as a hub for remote workers.

The program makes it easy for digital nomads to explore Japan’s unique and rich culture while continuing their careers. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Japan’s digital nomad visa, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and tax guidelines. 

Understanding Japan’s digital nomad visa 

Japan’s digital nomad visa offers the opportunity to spend up to six months living and working in one of the world’s most iconic countries. Formerly known as the Japan Remote Work Visa, it’s meant for professionals employed by companies outside of Japan, allowing them to continue working while experiencing the Japanese way of life. 

While it’s not renewable, eligible individuals can reapply to work remotely in Japan after spending six consecutive months outside the country. This allows employees to expand their global perspective and explore new opportunities in Japan while employers benefit from an internationally minded workforce.

Japan’s digital nomad visa requirements

Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for Japan’s digital nomad visa. These criteria ensure that remote workers can support themselves while living in the country. Here are six key eligibility requirements to consider: 

1. Employment outside Japan: Applicants must work remotely for an organization or clients outside Japan. Individuals currently employed by a Japanese entity are not eligible for this visa. 
2. Specified nationality: Only citizens of countries with tax treaties or reciprocity-based income tax exemptions with Japan can apply. These agreements aim to avoid double taxation.
3. Minimum annual income: Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least JPY 10 million (approximately USD 65,000), supported by documents like bank statements and tax certificates. This ensures that remote workers will be financially stable throughout their stay. 
4. Comprehensive insurance coverage: Proof of insurance for medical expenses, injury, or death is mandatory. This safeguards the applicant within Japan’s healthcare system.
5. Fixed duration: The visa is non-renewable and permits a stay of up to six consecutive months. After this, nomads must leave the country for six months before they can reapply.
6. Professional focus: The nomad’s work should involve digital tasks, like design, information technology (IT), or consulting, aligning with the global shift toward remote-friendly roles. 

Documents for applying for Japan’s digital nomad visa

To successfully apply for Japan’s digital nomad visa, applicants must gather and submit a list of required documents. Here’s what’s needed: 

• Visa application form and photo: A completed copy of the official visa application form and a recent passport-sized photo.
• Valid passport: A passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least two blank visa pages for processing. 
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE): While this form isn’t mandatory, it can streamline the digital nomad visa application. It confirms the applicant’s eligibility to work remotely under the visa. 
• Proof of planned stay: A detailed document outlining the applicant’s intended activities, accommodations, and duration of stay in Japan. 
• Evidence of financial stability: Supporting documents like employment contracts and bank statements to demonstrate sufficient annual income.
• International health insurance: Proof of insurance with a minimum coverage of JPY 10 million. 
• Marriage and birth certificates: Certified copies of documents verifying the applicant’s relationship with any accompanying spouse or children. 

How to get a visa for Japan: remote work 

Applying for Japan’s digital nomad visa is a straightforward process. Applicants must follow these five steps:

1. Contact a local Japanese embassy or consulate: Contact the nearest embassy or consulate to confirm the specific requirements for applying and, if required, schedule an appointment. This is a crucial first step because it ensures that the applicant has the most up-to-date information. 
2. Gather documents and fill out the application: Gather all required documents and fill out the digital nomad visa application. All of the materials you need can be downloaded online. For printed application materials, contact a Regional Immigration Services Bureau. 
3. Submit the application: Submit the application to the Japanese consulate or embassy. This can be done at an in-person appointment or online through Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. Pay the JPY 3,000 processing fee (approximately USD 20). 
4. Wait for processing: Visa processing times vary depending on your location and the volume of applications. Be patient and prepared to provide additional information if requested. 
5. Receive the visa: Once your visa has been approved, prepare for your stay in Japan. The processing time is typically around six weeks. 

Japan’s digital nomad visa tax

Japan’s digital nomad visa offers a tax-friendly structure for remote workers. Visa holders are not considered tax residents as their income originates from businesses or employers outside Japan. This classification exempts remote workers from Japanese income tax obligations.

Japan’s tax treaties with specific countries protect eligible individuals from being taxed twice on their foreign earnings. These agreements align with the visa’s purpose of facilitating global mobility without imposing unnecessary financial burdens.

How to support employees applying for Japan’s digital nomad visa

Employers are crucial in supporting team members applying for Japan’s digital nomad visa. Here are three ways organizations can support team members through the visa application process: 

• Assist with document preparation: Employers can streamline the process by helping employees gather the required documentation, including employment contracts, income verification, and letters confirming remote work arrangements. Ensuring that these documents are accurate and complete can save time and reduce application delays. 
• Provide necessary employer records: Offering timely access to essential employer documentation like proof of income is critical for meeting the visa’s financial stability requirements. Organizations should ensure that these records are formatted according to Japan’s visa standards, and translated where necessary.
• Offer guidance on embassy or consulate appointments: Employers can advise their workers to contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. Guiding employees on this step helps ensure that they follow up-to-date procedures and deadlines. 

Scale your team globally with Oyster

Scaling a globally distributed team requires the right tools and support, and Oyster is here to help. An employer of record in Japan or a global employment platform like Oyster can simplify the complexities of hiring and paying employees in this country and worldwide. While Japan is a challenging country to hire in, our team understands everything from visas to local compliance and hiring costs. 

Learn how Oyster’s Employer of Record and Talent Mobility solutions can empower your organization today. 

Frequently asked questions 

Does Japan offer other types of working visas?

Japan provides a range of working visas tailored to different professions and skills. For example, the Highly Skilled Professional Visa is designed for individuals with advanced education, high income, and extensive work experience. The General Working Visa covers educators, journalists, and medical practitioners. Each visa has specific eligibility requirements and durations, allowing professionals from many backgrounds to contribute to Japan’s economy. 

What is the Golden Visa for Japan?

The Japanese Investor/Business Manager Visa, often called the “Golden Visa,” is for entrepreneurs and investors. To qualify, applicants must invest at least JPY 5 million (approximately USD 46,800) in a Japanese business, provide a viable business plan, and have relevant experience. This visa allows individuals to manage business operations in Japan, making it a pathway for foreign investors seeking long-term engagement in Japan’s market. 

What other digital nomad visas are available in Asia?

A range of Asian countries have introduced digital nomad visas to attract remote workers: 

• South Korea: This visa offers a stay of up to two years for remote professionals earning at least KRW 88 million (USD 64,000) annually.
• Taiwan: Remote workers with this visa can stay in Taiwan for up to six months. Income requirements vary based on the applicant’s age, starting at USD 20,000 annually.
• Thailand: The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is valid for up to five years. It allows multiple entries with a maximum of 180 days per visit. Applicants must demonstrate savings of at least THB 500,000 (USD 14,500). 
• Malaysia: The DE Rantau Nomad Pass offers a 12-month stay with the option to renew. It requires a minimum annual income of USD 24,000 for tech professionals and $60,000 USD for other workers. 
• Indonesia: The Remote Worker Visa allows a one-year stay, renewable for up to an additional year, with a minimum annual income of USD 60,000. 
• Philippines: The Philippines’ Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SSRV) is open to people as young as 35, combining flexible residency with work privileges. Applicants must prove that they have a pension or deposit a minimum of USD 20,000 at a local bank. 

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