Japan Digital Nomad Visa: All You Need to Know

Considering a move to Japan while working? You can now work remotely in Japan with their new Digital Nomad Visa that was launched in 2024. 

Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or a digital nomad seeking an exotic work-life balance, you can consider applying for the new Japan Digital Nomad Visa.

This article is your guide to living and working in Japan.

How to Become a Digital Nomad in Japan

Japan has a new visa for digital nomads, but there are some eligibility criteria you need to meet for that.

• Be citizens of the listed countries/regions.
• Have a valid passport for at least six months.
• Provide documentation stating the activities you plan to do during your stay in Japan and the duration of your travel.
• Prove that your annual income is 10 million JPY (62,166 USD) or more.
• Work remotely as a business owner, employee, or freelancer for a company registered outside Japan.

Additionally, your work should include activities that use ICT to conduct business “under an employment contract of a foreign organization.”
If you meet these main criteria, you can apply for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa, which is valid for six months. See the eligible countries/regions here.

Condition for Spouse and Child of Digital Nomad

Your legally married spouse and children can also be with you during your stay in Japan as a digital nomad. In this case, your health insurance must also cover your spouse and child.

You also need to submit documents proving your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

What are the Limitations?

Many digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers were waiting for the Digital Nomad Japan Visa.

However, you should keep in mind that the visa has some restrictions:

• This visa is valid for six months, and there is no extension. 
• They do not issue Residence Cards to Digital Nomad Visa holders. 
• There are restrictions on certain activities, such as opening a bank account or renting long-term accommodation.

Documents Required for Applying for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Obtaining the Japan Nomad Visa requires some key documents. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

• Visa application form with a photo.
• A valid passport. 
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE). It verifies that you are eligible to work remotely in the country. 
• A document showing your planned stay in Japan.
• Documents that demonstrate financial stability, such as employment contracts, tax returns, or customer invoices. 
• International health insurance. It should also cover your spouse and child.
• Birth and marriage certificates.

Benefits of the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Here’s why Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa might be perfect for you:

• Japan offers advanced infrastructure and internet connectivity, which is crucial for remote workers.
• Japan is a big player in the tech world. Being there lets you meet other people who do cool things online and can bring new collaborations.
• By staying in Japan for six months, you can gain the opportunity to learn its culture in detail.
• Your spouse and children can enjoy Japan with you.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa Tax

First, when you go to Japan on a Digital Nomad Visa, you do not have a Residence Permit. 

Additionally, you will not earn any income made in Japan because there is already a requirement to work (or own) a company outside Japan as an application requirement. This also exempts you from the tax that “non-permanent residents” must pay.

Therefore, you do not have to pay taxes covering them.

Also, the Japan Nomad Visa is only valid for citizens of countries with visa-free entry and double taxation agreements. Thus, the Japan Digital Nomad Visa does not make you a taxpayer.

Since this visa is a new visa, regulations, and details made by the Japanese authorities may change this situation.

How to Apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Let’s say you’ve reviewed the Digital Nomad Visa Japan requirements and met the criteria.

Now let’s plan your Japan Digital Nomad Visa 2024 application step by step:

Step 1:  Contact Your Local Japanese Embassy or Consulate

Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate to make an appointment to submit your application. Also, you can learn the latest application process, specific requirements for your situation, visa application fee, etc.

Since this visa is new, this step is important for you to act according to up-to-date information and a smooth process.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Collect the documents mentioned above, such as the completed visa application form, valid passport, income proof, etc. These documents vary depending on your situation. 

Step 3: Submit Your Application

When you have prepared all the documents, submit your application to the embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing

The processing time for visas can vary, so be patient. The embassy or consulate will keep you updated on the status of your application and may request any additional information they might need.

Other Working Visas Japan Offer

Japan has many different visa types. Finding the visa that best suits you will help you have a smooth application process.

Here are the “Working Visas” Japan offers:

• Professor (University professor, assistant, etc.)
• Artists (Composers, songwriters, artists, sculptors, photographers, etc.)
• Religious Activities (Monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.)
• Journalists (Newspaper journalists, editors, news cameramen, announcers, etc.)
• Business Manager (Company presidents, directors, etc.)
• Legal/Accounting Services (Attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants, etc., certified in Japan)
• Medical Services (Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc. certified in Japan)
• Researcher (Investigators, etc. at research institutes, etc.)
• Instructor (Teachers, etc., at elementary schools, intermediate schools, and high schools)
• Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services (Scientific engineers, IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, etc.)
• Intra-company Transferee (People transferred to the Japanese branch, etc.)
• Nursing Care (Certified care worker)
• Entertainers (Musicians, singers, dancers, sportspeople, models, etc.)
• Skilled Labor (Chefs specializing in the food of a foreign country, pilots, sports trainers, etc.)
• Specified Skilled Worker (Work-ready foreign nationals who possess certain expertise and skills in certain industrial fields)
• Technical Intern Training

The documents required for these work visas are as follows:

• Passport
• A visa application form
• A photo
• Certificate of Conformity

An important note: Depending on your nationality, they may request additional documents. For this reason, it would be beneficial to get detailed information from authorities such as consulates/embassies or benefit from a consultancy service.

What are Other Digital Nomad Visas in Asian Countries?

Asian countries, which are also very popular among digital nomads, open their doors to exciting experiences. In addition to Japan, many other Asian countries also offer digital nomad visas for remote workers.

Here are some of those countries:

Malaysia

The Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa allows digital nomads to stay in Malaysia for up to 12 months. This visa is renewable for up to an additional 12 months. 

• The minimum income requirement is $24,000. You must prove your income. 
• You must have a clean criminal record.
• The application fee is MYR1,000.00 (main) and MYR500.00 (dependent).

This visa lets you bring your spouse and children. Also, citizens of all other countries can apply. People working in the following fields can apply for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa:

• IT,
• Digital marketing,
• Content creation,
• Software development,
• Cybersecurity
• UX – UI,
• Blockchain,
• AI, etc.

Malaysia is also offering the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which gives digital nomad visa holders privileged access to co-working spaces and other services for digital nomads.

South Korea

South Korea is among the countries that recently launched the Digital Nomad Visa.

With a South Korea Digital Nomad visa, you can enjoy South Korea while working remotely for a company based in a different country. South Korea hopes to stimulate the economy and have the opportunity to promote their culture and country with this visa.

With the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa:

• Digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers can stay in South Korea for two years.
• You can extend it for one year.
• You can bring your spouse and child.
• After the trial period, the permit may be considered to become permanent.

Of course, this visa also has some eligibility criteria:

• Be over 18.
• Have at least one year of experience in your field (provide the certificate in your field, etc.).
• Have health insurance coverage of at least 100 million KRW.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Proof of 84,96 million KRW annual income (provide account statement, etc.)

The Philippines

The Philippines has launched a digital nomad visa program to attract remote workers and increase tourism revenues. Although the details are not yet clear, some general information is available.

The Philippines Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 12 months. There is the possibility of a one-year extension.

• The exact income requirement to apply for this visa has not yet been determined, but you must prove that you have a stable income. (Usually, the minimum income requirement is set as twice the minimum wage.)
• You must have health insurance.
• You must present a clean criminal record.
• Your income must be from a source outside the Philippines.

And here is the good news: Once you have a Philippines digital nomad visa, you will not be a taxpayer in the Philippines. You will only need to pay tax for the country of source.

With its low cost and tropical weather, the Philippines’ digital nomad visa will attract attention among digital nomads.

Conclusion

Moving to Japan to work remotely with the new Digital Nomad Visa is an exciting adventure. This visa is your chance to live in Japan’s unique culture, connect with its tech community, and enjoy the blend of ancient traditions and modern life while continuing to work.

Although there are certain criteria and some limitations, digital nomads who meet the criteria can live in Japan for six months.

Before starting this unique journey, do not forget to check your documents and get consultancy help when necessary. Also, pay attention to extra requirements, such as health insurance that covers your spouse and children.

If your plan is to become a digital nomad but you are in search of various countries, you can also check our article: “Digital Nomad Visa Countries”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do digital nomads pay taxes in Japan?

If you have a Japan Digital Nomad Visa, you will not pay income tax in Japan because your income comes from a company outside Japan (it is included in the application requirements), and your stay is less than one year.

Can I live in Japan as a freelancer?

Potentially, but it depends on your visa status. 

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa is designed for working remotely with foreign companies. It is not ideal for freelancers who will be working directly with Japanese clients.

If you will be working with Japanese clients or are sponsored by a Japanese company, for example, other visa options may be more suitable for living in Japan as a freelancer.

If you want to learn about visa opportunities in other Asian countries, you can read our latest article “Thailand Elite Visa“.

You can also discover other digital nomad visa countries if you are interested in this topic.