Japan Digital Nomad visa guide

The basics

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan lists Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad) among its newly introduced visas. Based on the ministry's visa page for this category, it is meant for people who want to work remotely in Japan for a limited period.

Stay per entry

6 months. The ministry page states no extension will be granted.

Where you apply

The Japanese embassy, consulate-general or consular office with jurisdiction over your place of residence, or an accredited agency, visa application centre or online where that mission allows. Applications cannot be made inside Japan.

Fee

Sources reviewed do not state a fee for this visa.

Validity

Sources do not state a separate visa validity period.

Who it's for

Official sources indicate the category covers individuals who want to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months, and a spouse or child accompanying them for the same period.

Eligibility depends on nationality. The ministry page refers applicants to the Immigration Services Agency list of eligible countries or regions. The agency publishes separate lists for the main applicant and for a spouse or child, and the two lists differ.

• Digital Nomad: remote work in Japan for up to six months.
• Spouse or child of a Digital Nomad: accompanying stay for up to six months.

How to apply

The ministry's general visa page says visas are issued at Japanese diplomatic missions abroad and cannot be obtained on arrival in Japan or while staying in Japan. It also says a visa does not guarantee entry, and that landing permission is granted by an immigration officer at the port of entry.

The same page says processing typically takes about one week if all requirements are met, though additional documents may be requested and some cases take longer.

• Check the Immigration Services Agency list of eligible countries or regions for your nationality.
• Optionally obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from a regional immigration bureau. The ministry says that if one is presented, some other documents can be omitted, but it does not guarantee a visa.
• Prepare the documents listed in the requirements section.
• Apply to the Japanese diplomatic mission with jurisdiction over your place of residence, using the method that mission specifies.
• The mission or accredited agency notifies you of the result.
• The JAPAN eVISA system, per the ministry, issues single-entry short-stay tourism visas. It is not described as an option for this visa.

Documents

The ministry page lists these documents for a Digital Nomad applicant. A Certificate of Eligibility, if presented, allows items 4 to 6 to be omitted.

• Visa application form (with a photo).
• Passport.
• Certificate of Eligibility (optional, as described above).
• Documents explaining planned activities and period of stay in Japan, using the form on the Immigration Services Agency site.
• Documents proving annual income of JPY 10 million or more, such as a tax payment certificate, income certificate, employment contract, or contract with a business partner stating the contract period and amount.
• Documents proving insurance against death, injury or illness during the stay, with compensation for medical treatment of at least JPY 10 million, such as a certificate of coverage and policy summary.
• Spouse or child: application form, passport, planned activities documents, insurance proof, documents proving the relationship to the Digital Nomad, and a copy of the Digital Nomad's passport. Family coverage under the spouse's or parent's insurance is addressed by providing documents confirming the scope of coverage.
• Requirements may vary depending on the local situation, so check the website of the mission where you will apply.

Stay and extensions

The ministry page states the period of stay is 6 months and no extension will be granted.

Sources do not state whether entering Japan on this status can be converted to another status, or whether re-applying is possible after the stay ends.

Things to confirm

• Whether your nationality is on the Immigration Services Agency list of eligible countries or regions (the main applicant list, and the spouse or child list if applying as a family member).
• The visa fee for this category at the mission where you will apply. Sources reviewed do not state it.
• Minimum passport validity. Sources reviewed do not state it.
• Visa validity, entry type and processing time at your specific mission.
• Whether a Certificate of Eligibility is advisable in your case.
• Rules on working for Japanese clients or employers. Official sources reviewed do not state them.
• Local requirements at the embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your residence.

Sources

Every claim above comes from these pages. Higher tiers carry more authority. How we tier sources.