✈️ What Is Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Japan introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in March 2025, aiming to attract skilled remote professionals who want to live and work in Japan temporarily — without joining a local company.
It’s designed mainly for:
- Freelancers
- Remote employees
- Entrepreneurs working with clients outside Japan
Unlike the tourist visa (which lasts 90 days), this new visa allows you to stay up to 6 months — with potential renewals depending on your nationality and status.
💼 Who Can Apply?
As of October 2025, the visa is open to citizens of 49 countries, including:
- 🇺🇸 United States
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇪🇺 Most EU countries
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇰🇷 South Korea
- 🇸🇬 Singapore
Applicants must:
- Have a minimum annual income of 10 million yen (≈ $66,000 USD)
- Provide proof of remote or freelance work (contracts, invoices, employer letters)
- Hold valid health insurance that covers Japan
- Show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
🧳 What You Can and Can’t Do
✅ Allowed:
- Work remotely for non-Japanese clients
- Stay in Japan up to 6 months
- Bring dependents (spouse/children) if requirements are met
❌ Not allowed:
- Work for a Japanese company directly
- Extend your stay beyond 6 months (as of now)
- Apply for long-term residency through this visa
However, the government has hinted at reviewing extension possibilities depending on the first-year feedback.
🏙️ Where to Stay as a Digital Nomad
Popular destinations so far:
- Tokyo – Fast internet, coworking spaces, networking events
- Kyoto – Calm, historical, creative atmosphere
- Fukuoka – Emerging tech hub with affordable rent
- Okinawa – For those who want a tropical, relaxed lifestyle
💡 Tip: You can rent monthly apartments through sites like Sakura House, Oyo Life, or LeoPalace — many don’t require guarantors.
📄 How to Apply
- Prepare Documents
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Proof of income (tax documents, contracts)
- Proof of remote work
- Health insurance coverage certificate
- Accommodation confirmation
- Submit at Your Nearest Japanese Embassy
- Applications are currently handled outside Japan.
- Processing takes around 2–4 weeks depending on the country.
- Enter Japan and Register Residence
- Upon arrival, register at your local city office (within 14 days).
- You’ll receive a Residence Card valid for your visa duration.
🧠 Why Japan Is Opening to Digital Nomads
Japan has struggled with declining population and tourism revenue after COVID-19.
By inviting skilled, high-income nomads, the government hopes to:
- Boost the local economy
- Attract international talent
- Promote rural revitalization (especially in less populated prefectures)
This makes 2025 a great time to explore working remotely in Japan — legally and comfortably.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
The Digital Nomad Visa is still new, but it’s a huge step forward for Japan.
If you’ve ever dreamed of working from a Kyoto café, coding by Mount Fuji, or writing your next big project in Tokyo — this could be your chance.
Just remember: it’s temporary, not permanent.
But sometimes, six months in Japan can change your life forever.