Japan’s digital nomad visa is a hot topic among remote workers looking to come to the country. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? We take a look at the eligibility requirements, application process, and T&Cs.
What’s the “digital nomad visa”?
The digital nomad visa is a relatively new type of “specified activities” visa in Japan, good for up to six months of residence. It’s aimed at people who travel while working remotely. Post COVID-19, the number of digital nomads worldwide has spiked, and now all sorts of careers exist away from the office.
The Japanese government has set up the digital nomad visa to bolster the economy, by providing a way for wealthier nomads to work legally in Japan. While not granting full residence, it’s hoped this will help make Japan a popular destination for remote work.
Who is eligible for the digital nomad visa?
This is the big question — and there are a few requirements that might be a hurdle to many travelers:
- Applicants must have an income of at least ¥10,000,000
- You must be from one of the 49 designated countries that have the digital nomad visa option
- You must have private health insurance arranged
Pro tip: SafetyWing offers travel medical insurance policies for nomads.
Features of the digital nomad visa
For regular digital nomads, the biggest draws of this visa will be both the length and what it allows you to do. Previously, Japan only offered 90-day tourist visas to most visitors, whereas this new visa lasts six months and allows work.
Not only that, but the digital nomad visa also allows spouses and children to accompany the holder. They can stay as long as you’re in Japan and will also be able to work remotely, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Finally, although you can’t extend your digital nomad visa past six months, nothing that we have read suggests you can’t arrange a local job offer and then convert your visa type. If you meet the requirements, this visa could be great for getting your foot in the door here.
Drawbacks of the digital nomad visa
Unfortunately, there are also some serious limitations on the visa. We’ve already mentioned the ¥10,000,000 income requirement, which shuts out plenty of people.
Also, six months may be too short a time to really get to know Japan, and the visa has a strict no-extension policy. Currently, the government seems to be going for a “six months in, six months out” style of visa, so you won’t be eligible for another one for half a year after you leave.
One last issue is that you won’t have residency status in Japan while on the digital nomad visa. This means you won’t pay taxes in Japan, but you also won’t have access to national health insurance. This is why one of the requirements for the visa is having prearranged health insurance. Whichever way you do it, be sure you’ve got your insurance sorted before you apply.
Lack of residency status can cause a few other issues as well — particularly when it comes to housing. A conventional rental will be hard to find without residency, so you’ll be looking at short-term options like sharehouses or dedicated rentals for digital nomads. Read our guide to renting in Japan.
The application process
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has released a list of the documents you’ll need to apply. These include:
- Completed visa application form (with a photo)
- Your passport
- Certificate of eligibility (if this is submitted, the next three aren’t required)
- A form explaining your intentions while you’re in Japan
- Proof of income (showing that you make ¥10,000,000 or more)
- Proof of health insurance coverage of ¥10,000,000 or more
If your spouse or child is coming with you, they’ll need to submit their own versions of the above documents, except for the proof of income. They’ll also need:
- Proof of the relationship between them and you
- A copy of your passport with the approved visa
Japan digital nomad visa FAQs
There are plenty of questions about this visa. Here, we try to answer some of the most pressing ones.
Will finding housing on a digital nomad visa be difficult?
It might be challenging to get a traditional rental, since you don’t have residency under this visa. However, short-term housing is available in Japan, and specialized accommodation for digital nomads will likely be available. Check out our apartment rental guide for some places to begin your search, and consider easy rentals like Weave Living.
Why is there a health insurance requirement?
Under Japanese law, everyone in Japan is required to have health insurance. For residents, this is usually covered by their companies or under the National Health Insurance program. However, under a digital nomad visa, you aren’t given residency. Therefore, to comply with the law, you must arrange your own health insurance before applying for the visa.
What documentation will I need for proof of health insurance?
For health insurance, MOFA lists the certificate of insurance coverage and policy summary as relevant documents. They also suggest providing copies of any credit cards or documents that make up any additional insurance cover you may have.
Proof of income may be more complicated as a digital nomad, but according to MOFA, tax returns, income certificates, or employment contracts will suffice, provided they prove the required income level. And if you’re taking a child or spouse, a birth or marriage certificate is the easiest way to go.
What countries are eligible for the digital nomad visa?
At present, 49 countries are eligible for a digital nomad visa. MOFA has released a list of them in the left-hand column of this document. Note that spouses and children must hold a passport from one of the 70 approved countries in the right-hand column.
What work can and can’t I do in Japan?
Any remote work for a company outside of Japan is fine under the digital nomad visa. What you can’t do is either work for compensation from a Japanese company, or work for a foreign company based locally in Japan.
I’m in a LGBTQ+ partnership/marriage. Can I bring my partner as a spouse?
This is a thorny question, as Japan does not recognize same-sex marriage nationally. This means there’s a chance your spouse will not be allowed to accompany you, even if same-sex marriage is legal in your home country. Regardless, you can apply as long as you have the necessary documents. Just know that it may not be approved.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is in no way legal advice and should not be taken as such. Any questions about visas or other immigration matters should be referred to an immigration lawyer.
