Guide
Japan's Digital Nomad Visa: Who Qualifies and the Catch
Since 2024 Japan lets remote workers stay up to six months on a digital nomad status. The income and insurance thresholds, who's eligible, and the limits that make it a trial — not a move.
Since March 31, 2024, Japan has offered a digital nomad status under "Designated Activities" for remote workers employed by — or serving clients of — companies outside Japan. It's a real authorisation to work remotely from Japan, not a tourist workaround.
Already in effect (since March 31, 2024). Treat it as a long trial of life in Japan, not a path to settling — the limits below are strict.
Who qualifies
- A national of one of roughly 49 countries/territories that are both visa-exempt for short stays and have a tax treaty with Japan (e.g. the US, UK, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and most of the EU). Check your specific nationality on the official list.
- Annual income of ¥10 million or more
- Private medical insurance covering death, injury, and illness in Japan, with coverage of at least ¥10 million
The catches
- Maximum six months, non-renewable. You then have to leave and wait six months before reapplying — it can't be chained into a longer stay.
- Remote work for non-Japanese employers only. No income from Japanese companies or clients.
- No residence card and no resident registration, because the stay is six months or under — so you don't get the everyday footing a work-visa holder has (easier bank accounts, full municipal services, and so on).
Your spouse and children can join you for the same six months.
What it means for you
This is a way to try Japan for half a year while keeping your overseas job — ideal for testing whether you'd want to move properly later (on a work, business manager, or highly skilled visa). If your goal is to actually settle, start with one of those instead.
Sources: MOFA — Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) · JNTO — Digital nomad visa.
Common questions
Can I keep renewing the digital nomad status?+
No. It's capped at six months and is non-renewable. You must leave Japan and wait six months before you can apply again, so it can't be stacked into a long-term stay.
Can I work for a Japanese company on it?+
No. It only authorises remote work for employers or clients based outside Japan. Earning income from Japanese companies on this status is not permitted — for that you need a work visa.