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Digital Nomad Visa Digital Nomad Visa

Whilst Work Remotely in Japan: Apply for a Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad Visa

Want to work remotely in Japan? Now, you can apply for a Digital Nomad, Spouse, or Child of Digital Nomad Visa

The introduction of Japan's new Specified visa: Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad), hereafter referred to as The Digital Nomad visa in this page, offers remote workers and their families the chance to experience life in Japan for an extended period. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Japan invites digital nomads to immerse themselves in a culture like no other.

Issued by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, this new 6-month limited, non-renewable visa is ideal for digital nomad workers who can work remotely full-time. The visa also requires an annual income of a minimum of 10 million yen for the applicant's income.

Renowned for its rich natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine, Japan is known for its high level of public safety, a clean environment, and top-tier infrastructure. For remote workers, Japan provides the ideal environment, offering reliable high-speed internet, efficient public transportation, and high-quality workspaces.

Whether for work or leisure, Japan promises a unique and enriching experience for digital nomads seeking both adventure and productivity.

Visa Summary and Application Requirements

Here are the current details regarding the Digital Nomad Visa:

-Period of stay /  Six months (No extension will be granted)

-Eligibility and activity /  Individuals wishing to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months. 

-Spouse or child accompanying an individual wishing to stay in Japan for a period not exceeding six months while working remotely.

・You are a remote worker employed overseas.

For eligible countries or regions, please visit the Immigration Services Agency website (English) (PDF)

To find out which documents are required for the visa application, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

Enjoy life in Japan while working remotely

Once you receive the Digital Nomad visa, you can move to Japan and immerse yourself in its rich culture. Explore the country, savor its incredible cuisine, and enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences, all while staying on top of your remote work.

Here are some important factors to consider when moving to Japan:

Insurance for the duration of your stay – make sure that you have comprehensive international healthcare insurance before arriving in Japan to cover any potential healthcare costs during your stay.

・Wi-Fi

For most remote workers, a solid and reliable Wi-Fi connection is a must. Japan has wireless hotspots which are easily found in major cities. However, in more rural areas, renting a pocket wi-fi device is a convenient way to guarantee internet access wherever you are in Japan. These devices are also useful when working in transit, for example, on long-distance trains, or in public places without free Wi-Fi.

It's also a good idea to purchase a travel SIM card for your cellphone to avoid high data charges from your home country and make local phone calls if needed.

・Accommodation

Costs for accommodation vary according to location. As expected, an apartment in a major city like Tokyo will cost more than renting an apartment in a more rural part of Japan. Whilst it may seem easier to move to a major city, the experience of living in a more rural part of Japan is often a lot more rewarding as it can be easier to make deeper connections with nature and the community.

For digital nomads, there are several options for finding a short-term rental lease or accommodation:

   - Apartment Hotels or serviced apartments are accommodations that combine features of a traditional hotel with the space and amenities typically found in an apartment. They usually offer guests additional facilities such as kitchens within guest rooms, a small living area, and washing machines to do laundry. They are ideal for people who want the convenience of being able to self-cater but still want hotel services such as cleaning and front-desk support.

   - House shares can be a more affordable living option in bigger cities, offering private bedrooms within larger communal buildings. These setups often feature shared living areas, co-working spaces, kitchens, and bathroom facilities, allowing residents to enjoy a balance of privacy and community at a lower cost than traditional apartments. Many companies now specialize in providing these modern, flexible living spaces, which are ideal for digital nomads.

   - Workation facilities are becoming more popular in Japan, even in the most unexpected places. For example, it's now possible to find remote working facilities in temples, national parks, and campsites!

・Meals

Eating out in Japan is relatively inexpensive and there is a huge variety of cuisine to try, with every prefecture offering visitors their own unique specialty dishes .

In addition to eating out, supermarkets can be found easily all over Japan in towns and cities to pick up everyday food items and supplies.

The food halls of Japanese department stores, known as "depachika", are typically located in the basement and offer a vast selection of ready-to-eat dishes, bento lunch boxes, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. These gourmet wonderlands are perfect for sampling local delicacies, and they also often feature imported food items for those craving a taste of home.

Convenience stores are also great places to pick up snacks, hot and cold drinks, and ready-made meals that staff will heat up for you. Japanese convenience stores are famous for their high-quality food products. Some popular items with overseas visitors include onigiri (rice balls), cup noodles, and egg sandwiches!

Japan now offers a growing range of dining options across the country, with more restaurants providing dishes suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Traditional “shojin ryori”, the plant-based cuisine developed by Buddhist monks, also provides a flavorful and authentic way to experience Japanese food without animal products.

・Living expenses

Credit card payments are widely accepted in larger cities, and smartphone payment options are becoming increasingly common. Additionally, if you have an IC travel card, you can often use it for purchases at vending machines and convenience stores and even to pay for taxi fares, adding convenience to your daily transactions. When living in Japan, it's important to consider that, especially in rural areas, many businesses, such as independently run stores and small restaurants, only accept cash payments .

Whilst Japan does have an excellent public transportation network, it may also be necessary to use a car for getting around in some remote and rural areas.

・Language

While it's possible to enjoy life in Japan without knowing the language , learning even a few key phrases can significantly enrich your cultural experience, opening the door to more meaningful interactions with people, especially in areas less frequented by tourists. Though learning Japanese may seem intimidating initially, some aspects are surprisingly accessible for English speakers, such as its straightforward pronunciation and the growing number of English "loan words" commonly used in everyday conversation.

Stay up to date with the latest information

Whilst the visa information is correct at the time of publication, it may be subject to change due to amendments to laws and regulations. Be sure to check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other sources for the latest information.

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