DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Japan, the land of contrasts, fascinates with its ancient temples as much as with its ultramodern megacities. Each year, it attracts millions of travelers who come to admire the cherry blossoms, relax in onsen hot springs, or immerse themselves in its unique culture. Now, the country is going even further: it is opening its doors to digital nomads thanks to a visa specially designed for them.

Since 2024, it has become possible to live and work in Japan for up to 6 months while continuing remote activities for companies or clients based abroad. This is a historic first for a country long known for being strict when it comes to visas. The program reflects a global trend: remote work is no longer reserved for a few privileged individuals but has become a lifestyle adopted by millions of freelancers and teleworkers.

Whether you are a web developer, graphic designer, consultant, or entrepreneur, this visa is a unique opportunity to combine professional experience with cultural immersion in one of Asia’s most fascinating countries.

Duration and Validity

The Japanese Digital Nomad visa is a new initiative designed to attract remote workers while strictly regulating their stay. It responds to the growing interest in Japan as a temporary expat destination but comes with specific conditions that must be understood.

• Valid for a maximum stay of 6 months.

• Not immediately renewable: you must leave the country after expiration before considering a return.

• Does not grant a residence card, so it cannot be used as a pathway to long-term settlement.

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum annual income: 10 million yen (around €65,000).

• Mandatory health insurance covering illness and accidents within Japan.

• Exclusively intended for nationals of about 49 countries, including France, Canada, the United States, and most European countries.

Permitted Professional Activities

• Freelance work or assignments for companies based abroad only.

• Strict prohibition against working for a Japanese company or carrying out paid activities in the local market.

Limitations and Constraints

• No residence card, which makes opening a local bank account or subscribing to long-term phone contracts complicated.

• Housing options limited: often short-term rentals such as Airbnb, serviced apartments, or expat residences.

• Not a gateway to permanent residency or a traditional work visa.

Benefits and Perspectives

• Opportunity to live in Japan for up to 6 months while continuing international work.

• Ability to explore the country’s contrasts:

  • Tokyo and Osaka for the energy of modern cities.

  • Kyoto, Nara, or Kanazawa for a more peaceful, tradition-rich setting.

• Ideal for digital nomads seeking cultural immersion, Japanese quality of life, and modern infrastructure (fast internet, safety, efficient transportation).

This visa sits somewhere between an extended travel permit and a legal framework for digital nomads. It appeals to those who want to discover Japan beyond simple tourism but without long-term professional settlement.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Confirm that your nationality is among the ~49 eligible countries (including France, Canada, the U.S., most EU countries).

• Ensure you meet the minimum annual income requirement: 10 million yen (≈ €65,000).

• Prepare proof of international health insurance covering illness and accidents in Japan.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

The most common required documents include:

• Completed and signed visa application form.

• Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining validity).

• Recent passport-sized photos.

• Proof of income: remote work contract, recent bank statements, tax certificates, or income statements.

• Valid health insurance proof covering the length of stay.

• Letter explaining your project: remote activity, duration, and reasons for staying in Japan.

• Possibly an approximate itinerary or initial accommodation details.

Step 3: Submit the Application

• File the application with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

• Some applications may require an interview or additional supporting documents.

• Average processing times: 1 to 4 weeks depending on the country.

Step 4: Approval and Entry into Japan

• If approved, the embassy issues the visa stamped into your passport.

• Upon arrival in Japan, you will enter under a special temporary status linked to the Digital Nomad visa.

• The maximum authorized stay remains 6 months with no immediate extension possible.

Practical Life in Japan

Housing

Available options: Airbnb, serviced apartments, long-term guesthouses, and expat residences.

Traditional leases usually require a residence card and a guarantor, which are difficult to obtain with this visa.

Banking and Money

No direct access to Japanese bank accounts without a residence card.

Recommended solutions:

• International bank cards (Wise, Revolut, N26).

• Frequent withdrawals via 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs.

Telephony and Internet

Long-term contracts (SIM + devices) are difficult without resident status.

Alternatives:

• Prepaid SIM cards (limited data).

• Monthly pocket Wi-Fi (ideal for nomadic use).

• Coworking spaces or cafés with unlimited Wi-Fi.

Health

Private health insurance is mandatory: proof must be presented if checked.

Healthcare in Japan is excellent, but costly without insurance.

Daily Life

• Transport: Trains and subways are very convenient, monthly passes are available.

• Nomad community: Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka have numerous coworking spaces and events for international freelancers.

Strategic Tips

• Plan your accommodation in advance, especially in major cities with high demand.

• Keep all income proofs well translated (English or Japanese).

• Combine this visa with other stays (South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam) if you wish to stay longer in Asia.

• Use this visa as a trial immersion before applying for a work or student visa for longer settlement.

Renewal and Duration

• The visa is not immediately renewable: after the 6-month stay, you must leave Japan and wait 6 months before applying again.

• No extension procedure exists on-site: each entry requires a new application via the embassy or consulate.

• It does not provide a pathway to residency or permanent residence.

Visa Fees

Official fees (2025):

• Single-entry visa: 3,000 JPY (≈ 20–22 USD).

• Multiple-entry visa: 6,000 JPY (≈ 40–43 USD).

Additional costs may apply (translations, apostilles, mailing of documents).

👉 This framework is designed for temporary stays, not long-term settlement.

✅ Conclusion

With this new visa, Japan clearly shows its willingness to adapt to the profound transformations of the working world, where flexibility and remote work play a central role.

The Digital Nomad visa provides a legal and secure framework that allows freelancers and remote employees to temporarily live in Japan while pursuing their international activities.

For digital nomads, it represents a unique opportunity to combine professional life with cultural immersion in a fascinating country where ancient traditions coexist with cutting-edge modernity.

This visa also opens the door to a high-quality environment: modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, strong safety, and a comfortable lifestyle. The chance to join a vibrant international community and network with both Japanese and foreign professionals enriches the experience on both a professional and personal level.

In short, Japan’s Digital Nomad visa symbolizes the shift to a new era where work and travel intertwine, offering professionals worldwide the chance to live a unique, productive, and culturally immersive adventure in one of Asia’s most iconic countries.

❓ FAQ – Japan Digital Nomad Visa and Consular Procedures

How to obtain a Digital Nomad visa for Japan?

To obtain a visa, applicants must fill out the official form through Japanese consular services or the general consulate in their country of origin. The applicant must provide a passport photocopy, proof of income, health insurance covering the entire validity period, and possibly a letter of invitation. Some embassies also offer an e-visa system to simplify visa applications.

What is the validity period of the Japan Digital Nomad visa?

The visa is issued for a maximum of 6 months. Unlike a tourist visa or a transit visa, it is not designed for short tours or holidays, but for an extended stay with remote professional activity.

Do I need a Schengen visa to apply for the Japan Digital Nomad visa?

No. The Schengen visa only applies to the Schengen area. For Japan, a different type of visa is required. European nationals must apply for a specific visa through the Japanese consulate or embassy.

Which nationals must obtain a visa?

Nationals of countries such as France, Canada, Australia, the United States, or Hong Kong can obtain the Digital Nomad visa. Some benefit from visa exemption for short tourist stays, but for this program they must obtain a specific entry visa.

Can applicants request a multiple-entry visa?

No. The Digital Nomad visa does not allow multiple entries. It is a single-entry visa, valid only for the authorized period. To return, a new application must be submitted after leaving Japan.

Can this visa be converted into a long-stay visa or residence card?

No. The Digital Nomad visa does not lead to a residence card or a long-stay visa. Unlike the working holiday visa, it cannot be extended or converted to another status (such as student or work visa).

What are the entry requirements into Japan with this visa?

At entry into the territory, you must present a valid passport, the entry visa, a copy of the visa, proof of hotel reservation or accommodation, and a return flight ticket. Like with a tourist visa, it is crucial to respect the validity period. In case of violation, immigration authorities may proceed with repatriation.

Is the Digital Nomad visa comparable to visas in other countries?

Yes and no. Like a visa for Russia, a Russian visa, or a visa issued in Dubai, it requires a strict procedure through consulates. But unlike some countries that demand a prior visa, Japan offers a more straightforward process. This type of visa is closer to the working holiday visa in terms of experience, though with higher income requirements.

Can this visa be used for transit or simple tourism?

No. The Digital Nomad visa is not a transit visa nor a tourist visa. If your goal is only tourism or passing through Japan on the way to a destination country like Australia, Hong Kong, or Dubai, you should apply for a tourist visa or check if a visa exemption applies.

How can I apply for a visa to Japan as a Digital Nomad?

To apply for a visa, you must submit your application through the Japanese consular services or Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in your home country. The visa requirements include a valid travel document (passport), proof of income, international health insurance, and sometimes an invitation letter or a letter from a host organization.

What is the validity of the Japan Digital Nomad visa?

The visa is issued for a maximum short-stay of 6 months. After expiration, foreigners must leave the country before any reapplication. Unlike a residence permit, this visa is temporary and does not allow conversion to long-term status.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan as a Digital Nomad?

Yes. Most travellers and foreigners will need a visa, even if some nationalities benefit from a visa-waiver for tourism. The Digital Nomad visa is a separate category from a visitor visa or business visa and has stricter visa information requirements.

Is this visa similar to a travel visa or visitor visa?

No. A travel visa or visit visa is usually for tourism or family visits and may last only 90 days. The Digital Nomad visa is designed for remote work, lasting up to 6 months, and requires higher income thresholds.

Can nonimmigrant visas or visa-on-arrival options cover Digital Nomads?

No. The Digital Nomad visa is not available as a visa-on-arrival or nonimmigrant tourist visa. Applicants must get a visa in advance, with full authorization and issuance from Japanese embassies or consulates.

What are the documents required to apply?

Typical travel documents include:

• Completed application form.

• Valid passports with at least 6 months remaining.

• Proof of income (employment contract, bank statements).

• Invitation letter or letter from a company (if applicable).

• Health insurance certificate valid for the full processing time and stay.

What is the processing time and visa-fee?

The average processing time is 1–4 weeks depending on the applicant’s home-country and workload at the consular office. Official visa-fees are around 3,000 JPY for single-entry and 6,000 JPY for multiple-entry visas, with possible extra costs for translations or notarizations.

At which port of entry can foreigners use this visa?

At the port of entry, travellers must present their travel documents: valid passport, visa, return flight, and proof of accommodation. Foreigners entering without the proper authorization risk refusal of entry or departure orders.

Can Schengen countries’ citizens apply?

Yes. Citizens of Schengen countries are among the eligible nationalities. However, unlike within the EU’s visa-waiver agreements, they must obtain a visa from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or consulate before traveling.

Is there a waiver or exemption available?

No waiver or exemption applies to the Digital Nomad visa. Even if your citizenship qualifies for short visa-waiver stays in Japan, you must apply for a visa to be authorized to live and work remotely for 6 months.