Japan Introduces Digital Nomad Visas for 49 Countries

Remote workers may soon be eligible to head to Japan after the country plans to introduce the digital nomad visa program in late March.

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has confirmed that the country will offer six-month visas to digital nomads who earn ¥10 million ($68,300) or more, VisaGuide.World reports.

The program will permit citizens from a total of 49 countries to stay in Japan under the “specified activities” visa category.

Eligible for this scheme are nationals from countries and territories with which Japan has signed an agreement abolishing short-term visa requirements. These countries also include Singapore and Australia, among others.

According to a report from the Japan Times, the six-month period was chosen based on a survey of digital nomads, in which the majority noted that they would prefer to be eligible to stay for more than 90 days, and up to six months would be the best option.

The digital nomad visa allows internationals to remain in countries that offer such opportunities and work for companies or clients located outside the country.

Through the Digital Nomad Visa of Japan, internationals will be eligible to work from anywhere in the country without being required to be employed in this territory.

Among other requirements is also having health insurance. It has been confirmed that spouses and children will also be permitted to stay in Japan.

However, those living in Japan as digital nomads will not be provided with a residence card or a residence certificate, which gives them access to certain government benefits. The visa cannot be renewed; instead, digital nomads are required to reapply for the visa. This is possible only six months after leaving the country.

At present, more than 50 countries worldwide issue digital nomad visas. However, the rules and conditions to acquire this kind of visa differ among them.

Authorities in Japan have intensified their efforts to attract a larger number of internationals to the country.

Last month, authorities in Japan announced that the government would add new roles to its Specified Skilled Worker No.1 visa.

Such a decision was introduced as part of efforts to help the country fill in the labor shortage gaps noted in several industries, mainly in the transport industry.

Authorities in Japan said that the country wants to permit internationals working in railways, transportation, and forestry, among others, to qualify for the skilled worker visa, thus facilitating the pathway for work migration to this country.