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Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)
JapanJapan•Asia
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Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)

Digital Nomad Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Live in Japan up to 6 months as a remote worker for an overseas employer or clients, with annual income of at least JPY 10M and private health cover.

Japan's Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities, Notification 53) lets remote workers live in Japan for up to 6 months while working exclusively for foreign employers or clients. Applicants must be nationals of one of 51 qualifying countries that hold both a visa exemption and a tax treaty with Japan.

A minimum annual income of 10 million JPY and private medical insurance covering at least 10 million JPY for injury/illness are mandatory. The stay is non-renewable; after 6 months, holders must leave Japan and wait 6 months before reapplying. Dependents may accompany on Notification 54 status but cannot work in Japan.

This visa is ideal for remote workers and freelancers employed by overseas companies who want a structured temporary base in Japan without needing a Japanese work permit or residence card.

Japan

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Eligible Nationalities (51)

United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab EmiratesAustriaAustriaAustraliaAustraliaBelgiumBelgiumBulgariaBulgariaBrazilBrazilBruneiBruneiCanadaCanadaSwitzerlandSwitzerlandChileChileCzechiaCzechiaGermanyGermanyDenmarkDenmarkEstoniaEstoniaSpainSpainFinlandFinlandFranceFranceUnited KingdomUnited KingdomGreeceGreeceHong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR ChinaCroatiaCroatiaHungaryHungaryIndonesiaIndonesiaIrelandIreland

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of a country/region with a tax treaty and visa exemption agreement with Japan (51 qualifying countries/territories).

Must be employed by a foreign company, self-employed, or a freelancer with clients based outside of Japan.

Must earn an annual income of at least 10 million JPY (approx. 65,000 USD).

Must hold private health insurance covering at least 10 million JPY for medical treatment, injury, and death.

Must not undertake employment from within Japan for Japanese companies.

Must hold a passport valid for the entire duration of stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

10,000,000 JPY/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Visa application form with photo

Planned activities document

Proof of income (at least JPY 10 million)

Proof of private health insurance (at least JPY 10 million coverage)

Certificate of qualification (optional)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Live and work remotely in Japan for up to 6 months
  • Spouse and minor children can accompany under Notification 54
  • No residence card needed; freedom to move between cities
  • Visa fee is low (JPY 3,000 single-entry / 6,000 multi-entry)
  • Tax exemption possible under tax treaty if stay <=183 days

Worth Knowing

  • Non-renewable; must leave Japan and wait 6 months before reapplying
  • Restricted to 51 qualifying nationalities with tax treaty + visa waiver
  • Cannot enrol in Japan public health insurance; private cover required
  • Accompanying spouse cannot take up employment in Japan
  • Annual income below JPY 10 million (approx USD 65,000)
  • Employment contract with a Japanese organisation or individual
  • No private medical insurance with >=JPY 10M injury/illness cover

Application Process

1

Verify qualification

Check citizenship from 51 qualifying countries and income requirement (at least JPY 10 million)

2

Prepare documents

Gather proof of income, private health insurance, and planned activities form

3

Apply at embassy

Submit visa application at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate

4

Pay visa fee

Pay the visa fee (approx. 3,000 JPY for single-entry)

5

Receive visa

Visa is stamped in your passport

6

Enter Japan

Receive landing permission with 'Designated Activities' status stamped in your passport (no residence card is issued)

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Digital Nomad Visa Application
Application for Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) Status
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