Japan Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [5 Steps]

This year is the year Asian countries officially welcome digital nomads and remote workers. By the end of March 2024, the official Japan digital nomad visa will launch, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to six months. 

Japan is one of the most digital nomad-friendly countries in the world, with internet cafes in Tokyo, a decent cost of living, and a thriving culture offering future-forward technology compared to countries in the West. 

Citizens from 49 countries with visa-free entry and double-taxation agreements will be eligible for the Japan digital nomad visa. 

Applicants may bring their spouse and children with them to Japan. 

The government clarifies that digital nomads with the Japan digital nomad visa will not be considered residents in Japan. They are not eligible to apply for a residence certificate or lease long-term accommodations. 

While the Japan digital nomad visa is not renewable, you may reapply for the visa six months after you have left the country.

By the end of this article, you’ll know the eligibility requirements and how to apply for the Japan digital nomad visa.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Digital nomad visas are temporary residence permits or visas that allow remote workers to live in a foreign country. 

These visas do not allow digital nomads or their family members to engage in local economic activity. To be eligible, you must work remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner for an entity established abroad. 

Applicants must meet set minimum income requirements, prove their status of remote work, and often obtain international health insurance to cover their stay. 

Japan Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

While we wait for more information to be released, this is what we know about the Japan digital nomad visa requirements so far. 

To be eligible for the Japan digital nomad visa, you must meet the following:

• Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport from a country that can enter Japan visa-free 
• Work Remotely – You must work remotely as an employee or freelancer for entities established outside of Japan
• Earn $68,300 USD per year – You must meet the minimum income requirement
• International Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage of at least 10 million JPY (or $68,300 USD) for the duration of your stay in Japan

List of Countries Eligible for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Citizens from the following 49 countries can apply for the Japan digital nomad visa.

• Argentina 🇦🇷
• Australia 🇦🇺
• Austria 🇦🇹
• Belgium 🇧🇪
• Brazil 🇧🇷
• Brunei 🇧🇳
• Bulgaria 🇧🇬
• Canada 🇨🇦
• Chile 🇨🇱
• Croatia 🇭🇷
• Czech Republic 🇨🇿
• Denmark 🇩🇰
• Estonia 🇪🇪
• Finland 🇫🇮
• France 🇫🇷
• Germany 🇩🇪
• Greece 🇬🇷
• Hong Kong 🇭🇰
• Hungary 🇭🇺
• Iceland 🇮🇸
• Indonesia 🇮🇩
• Ireland 🇮🇪
• Israel 🇮🇱
• Italy 🇮🇹
• Latvia 🇱🇻
• Lithuania 🇱🇹
• Malaysia 🇲🇾
• Mexico 🇲🇽
• Netherlands 🇳🇱
• New Zealand 🇳🇿
• Norway 🇳🇴
• Poland 🇵🇱
• Portugal 🇵🇹
• Qatar 🇶🇦
• South Korea 🇰🇷
• Romania 🇷🇴
• Serbia 🇷🇸
• Singapore 🇸🇬
• Slovakia 🇸🇰
• Slovenia 🇸🇮
• Spain 🇪🇸
• Switzerland 🇨🇭
• Thailand 🇹🇭
• Turkey 🇹🇷
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧
• United States 🇺🇸
• Uruguay 🇺🇾

The countries on this list can either enter Japan visa-free or have tax agreements with Japan.

How to Apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the Japan digital nomad visa involves visiting a Japanese embassy, consulate, or immigration center.

Step 1: Gather Documents

The longest part of applying for a digital nomad visa is collecting the necessary documents. We encourage you to do this the moment you decide to apply for the Japan digital nomad visa.

The documents required for the Japan digital nomad visa include:

• Copy of Passport
• Passport-Size Photos (45mm x 35 mm)
• Proof of Income (income statements, tax returns, or employment contracts)
• Document Explaining Planned Activities in Japan (Click on (Form)(Word) Attachment on this page)
• International Health Insurance Policy
• Proof of Relationship to Dependents (if applicable)
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – explained in Step 2
• Completed Visa Application Form

For applicants bringing a spouse or dependents, family members will need to present the following documents:

• Copy of Passport
• Passport-Size Photo
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Document Explaining Planned Activities in Japan
• International Health Insurance Policy of at least 10 million JPY coverage
• Completed Visa Application Form

Step 2: Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Before applying for the Japan digital nomad visa, applicants must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility.

To do so, you must complete the following COE application form.

You will need to also obtain the following documents:

• Passport-Size Photo Attached to Application (following photo requirements)
• Reply Envelope with Address Printed and Stamps
• Document Explaining Planned Activities in Japan
• Tax Payment or Income Certificate
• Bank Statements Showing Transactions
• International Health Insurance Policy

For spouses and dependents, to obtain the COE, they must also present an application along with the following documents:

• Passport-Size Photo Attached to Application
• Document Explaining Planned Activities in Japan
• Proof of Relationship
• International Health Insurance Policy
• Copy of Main Applicant’s Passport

You will submit your COE application form and documents to a Regional Immigration Control Office or Immigration Information Office.

If you are located outside of Japan, you can utilize the online application platform to obtain the COE.

Step 3: Schedule and Attend Visa Appointment

After obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility, which can take about three weeks, you can make your visa appointment at a Japanese consulate in your country of residence.

You will need to bring the CEO along with the required documents and completed visa application form with you to your appointment.

There will be a visa fee of either 3,000 JPY (or around $20 USD) for a single-entry visa or 6,000 JPY (or around $40 USD) for a multiple-entry visa. You will pay this in the currency of the country where the consulate is located.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

After you’ve submitted your application and attended your visa appointment, you will wait for approval. This timing can vary depending on the number of visa requests the consulate handles.

How to Visit without the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

If you want to visit Japan as a digital nomad without applying for the digital nomad visa, you can! You just won’t be able to stay as long as six months.

With a tourist or entry visa, you can stay in Japan temporarily and work remotely.

90-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens from EU countries, the UK, USA, Canada, Turkey, New Zealand, and Australia have visa-free access to Japan for 90 days. 

You can enter Japan and stay for up to three months if you do not want to wait for the Japan digital nomad visa. 

Singapore, South Korea, and Other Asian Countries

Citizens from Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. 

Citizens from Thailand and Indonesia can enter Japan visa-free for up to 15 days. 

Lastly, citizens from Brunei can enter Japan visa-free for up to 14 days. 

Entry Visa Required

While there are 67 countries that do not require an entry visa, the rest of the world will need to apply for a tourist visa before entering Japan. The length of stay is determined by your nationality, the reason for visiting, and the embassy issuing the visa. 

See more information about Japan entry visa requirements and exemptions here. 

As of July 2024, Japan launched its eVisa system, allowing citizens that require an entry visa living in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Taiwan to apply for an entry visa online.

Japan for Digital Nomads

Imagine merging your work life with an adventure in a place where ancient temples stand tall beside skyscrapers. That’s Japan for you—a perfect mix of old-world charm and futuristic vibes, all while you’re connected to super-fast internet. 

It’s the land of efficient trains, countless convenience stores, and vending machines that serve up everything from your morning coffee to quirky gadgets. This means less time worrying about the nitty-gritty of daily life and more time diving into your work or exploring the streets. 

Japan is also one of the safest countries for digital nomads. Walking home late after a midnight ramen run? No worries at all. This peace of mind is priceless, especially when you’re in a new city. 

Whether you’re updating your blog from a cozy café in Tokyo or taking a video call surrounded by Kyoto’s serene beauty, Japan’s tech game is on point, ensuring you’re always just a click away from the rest of the world.

Apply for Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide with Nomads Embassy

Applying for a digital nomad visa and moving to a new country isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes time, research, and navigating foreign bureaucracy. In many cases, digital nomads give up halfway through the application process!

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads changes that with our streamlined process, hand-selected local immigration lawyers, and innovative platform. 

We have scouted for the best, most reliable immigration lawyers worldwide to assist our members with their digital nomad visa applications. 

Ready to jumpstart your digital nomad visa application? 

Request our free digital nomad visa eligibility check today!