Japan Digital Nomad Visa

As of March 29, 2024, you can now work remotely from Japan for up to six months, through its new digital nomad visa. You are eligible for the Japanese digital nomad visa if you are from a country which has a visa-free agreement with Japan, or with which Japan has a tax agreement with.

Who Is Eligible for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

You can apply for Japan’s digital nomad visa if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You work remotely as a business owner, employee, or freelancer for a company registered outside Japan.
• You are from a visa-exempt country or a country which Japan has bilateral tax agreements with Japan.
• You have a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million (approx. $68,000) (pre-tax).
• You have private health insurance that covers treatment costs of up to JPY 10 million during your stay in Japan.

How to Apply for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

You have to apply for a Japan digital nomad visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Here is the step-by-step application process:

1. Gather the required documents. Before anything else, make sure you have all your documents in order. They are the most important aspect of the visa application process; if you have them all ready before doing any other steps, the rest of the application will go much smoother. See the list of documents under, “Documents Required for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa?”.
2. Complete the application form. Next, download the application form through this link and complete it truthfully and accurately. You can type in your information electronically or print it out and write with a black or blue pen. If you come across any fields that are not applicable to you, you can simply write “N/A” or “None.”
3. Book an appointment with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate or visit their website to learn whether they accept digital nomad visa applications. If they do, you can book an appointment via email or phone.
4. Attend the visa appointment. On the date of your appointment, arrive on time and make sure you have all the required documents. You might have to undergo an interview with the visa consular—be honest and provide the same answers as you write on your application form.
5. Pay the visa fee. During the appointment, you must pay a visa fee of JPY 3,000 (approximately $20). The payment method depends on the embassy or consulate in which you submitted your application.
6. Wait for a decision. If you have a certificate of eligibility (issued by the Immigration Bureau in Japan) the visa processing time is five business days; if you do not have one, it is still unknown how long you will have to wait for a decision.
7. Collect your visa. If your visa is approved, you are free to go get it. To pick up your visa, you must have your ID photo and visa fee receipt.

Documents Required for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa

When you apply for Japan’s digital nomad visa, you have to submit the following documents:

• A completed application form. You can write your information electronically or print it out and use a black or blue pen. Your signature must be written by hand.
• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you leave Japan and with two blank pages to stamp your visa sticker.
• A photo. Your photo must be 45mm x 35mm or 2in x 1.4in and taken within the last six months.
• Proof of remote work. You must prove that you are allowed to work remotely. You can do this by submitting an employment contract, employment letter, or client invoices.
• Certificate of eligibility (if applicable). The Immigration Bureau in Japan issues the certificate of eligibility, and it is valid for three months from the date of issuance. Keep in mind that this certificate does not guarantee the issuance of your digital nomad visa.

If you hold a certificate of eligibility, you do not need to submit the following documents.

• Proof of financial means. You must prove you have a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million (approx. USD 68,000). As proof, you can submit one of the following:
• A tax certificate.
• An income certificate.
• An employment contract.
• A contract with a business partner (showing the duration and amount of the contract).
• Health insurance. Your health insurance must cover illness, injury, and death for a minimum of JPY 10 million during your stay in Japan.
• Description of intended activities. This document is in Word format, and in it, you have to describe in detail the kind of work you will do in Japan, and provide your contact details and the duration of your stay.

Additional Documents for Family Members

If you are bringing your spouse or child with you to Japan, your family members will also have to apply for a visa alongside you. They need to provide the basic documents such as their passports, health insurance, and pictures. In addition, they also have to submit:

• Proof of relationship. Documents proving familial relationship eg., a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
• A copy of your They have to submit a copy of the personal information and visa sticker pages of your passport.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Japan

As a digital nomad, you do not have to pay income tax in Japan. You have to pay income tax only if you work for a Japanese-based company and you will live in Japan for longer than 183 days.

Naturally, you still have to pay income tax in the country in which you are permanently resident and where you are registered as a worker.

Cost of Living in Japan

The cost of living for a family of four members is around $3,000 (per month) without rent, whereas for one person, the monthly costs are $851 without rent. Other prices you will come across as a digital nomad in Japan are:

• Meal, inexpensive restaurant – $6.52
• Meal for 2 people – $39.11
• Milk 1l – $1.41
• Bread – $1.50
• One-way ticket – $1.43
• 1 bedroom apartment in city center – $550
• 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center – $363
• 3 bedroom apartment in city center – $1,120
• 3 bedroom apartment outside of city center – $720

Prices are taken from Numbeo

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