Working as a digital nomad provides you with the incredible opportunity to work virtually anywhere in the world doing what you love. Depending on which country you want to work in, it’s important to understand the dynamics of what’s required when applying for a digital nomad visa.
At Remitly, our team has created an in-depth guide on getting Japan’s upcoming digital nomad visa when it becomes available. Read on for helpful information about Japan’s unique requirements, including the application and renewal process, the benefits of being a digital nomad in Japan, and more.
What is Japan’s digital nomad visa?
Japan is a dynamic country with endless opportunities, making it one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. The country is preparing to offer a digital nomad visa valid for a maximum of six months, and it’s likely to come out in spring 2024.
This new visa is designed for remote workers who want to spend half a year or less working from the country. Forty-nine nations and territories are eligible for this visa, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the EU.
It’s important to note that only certain workers will be considered eligible. Japan’s digital nomad visa is geared toward contract workers who work for foreign public or private companies. Sole proprietors and freelancers must provide a copy of a contract with a non-Japanese private or public company to be approved.
What are Japan’s digital nomad visa requirements?
Japan’s digital nomad visa is a brand-new offering that will allow people to work and live in the country for up to six months. Let’s take a closer look at some of Japan’s digital nomad visa requirements.
Age requirements
Japan’s new digital nomad visa has yet to launch, so there’s no word on official age requirements. However, it’s safe to assume that most people applying for a digital nomad visa in Japan should be at least 18 or older.
Citizenship and passport requirements
Everyone who applies for Japan’s digital nomad visa must have a valid, current passport that’s up to date. As for citizenship requirements, Japan says that it’s welcoming applicants from the following countries:
- Citizens of the United States and Canada
- People from all 27 EU member states
- Citizens of the UK and Australia
- Singaporean and South Korean citizens
- People from European border countries, including Armenia, Norway, Belarus, Iceland, Turkey, Serbia, Switzerland, Georgia, Moldova, Monaco, North Macedonia, and Lichtenstein
Employment requirements
Japan’s digital nomad visa is mostly geared toward high-earning IT and tech workers. However, anyone can apply if they can prove they work for a foreign public or private company outside of Japan. Individuals who are business owners or freelancers must show a valid contract indicating proof of the company they’re doing business with.
Financial requirements
The financial requirements for Japan’s new digital nomad visa are rather strict. All applicants must show a fixed annual income of at least 10 million Yen or more. This equates to approximately $66,500 U.S. dollars annually or around 52,500 British pounds sterling annually. You may provide tax statements or paystubs as proof of income.
If you don’t meet the financial requirements, you may live in Japan visa-free for up to 90 days — but you aren’t allowed to work there during your stay. Japan also offers several other working visas that you can consider.
Health insurance requirements
Anyone who is approved for Japan’s digital nomad visa must have valid private health insurance. If you bring a spouse and/or children, they must also have health insurance during their stay.
Application process
You may apply for the Japan digital nomad visa once the Immigration Service Agency announces that the application form is available. In the meantime, gather the following important documents so you’re prepared when it’s time to apply:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months of validity
- Proof of work, which may include an employment letter, client invoices, or a signed employment contract
- Income statements (bank statement, recent tax return) showing at least 10 million yen of annual earnings from non-Japanese entities
- Passport-size photos that have been taken within the last six months
- Proof of private health insurance showing that you are actively insured
- Birth and/or marriage certificate, if applicable
Living and working in Japan
Here’s some helpful information about living and working in the beautiful country of Japan.
Finding accommodation
Many websites offer help finding accommodation for foreign residents, including best-estate.jp, which provides housing searches, free consultations, property viewings, and help with rental contracts online. Oyo Life provides short-term rental listings; you can sign the contract online from anywhere. Oak House offers support for shared housing and apartments, and Suumo has many up-to-date properties that you can search for using various criteria.
Internet connectivity
Internet and Wi-Fi are readily available and reliable throughout most of Japan. Plenty of Internet cafes and coworking spaces are available where digital nomads can connect, do work, and meet their fellow nomads.
Navigating daily life
In Japan, people believe in hard work but also that you should take time to relax and enjoy life. Most communities are kind and welcoming, and you might be surprised at how many citizens speak English. Public transportation is abundant in almost every major city, and there are clean public restrooms, restaurants, shopping, cafes, and more.
Safety
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world regarding crime. However, you should know about certain natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes. Overall, Japan is a safe place to live and work as a digital nomad.
Renewal and extension process
Here’s some important information about the current renewal and extension process for the Japan digital nomad visa.
Visa duration
Japan’s brand-new digital nomad visa will be valid for a maximum of six months. You will not be eligible to apply for residency while holding the digital nomad visa.
Reporting changes
If you need to make any changes to your visa, you must notify the nearest immigration office as soon as possible. An application for a “change of visa status” must be submitted if you’re a student or dependent visa holder who found full-time work. You must also apply for a change of status if you change jobs to a different category or industry.
Exiting and re-entering
If you want to exit and re-enter the country, you’ll need a valid passport. However, you cannot apply for an extension of the digital nomad visa. If you want to return and work in Japan after your visa expires, you must live outside the country for at least six consecutive months before you re-apply.
Benefits of being a digital nomad in Japan
There are several incredible benefits to getting your Japan digital nomad visa. Let’s review some of the key reasons why working in Japan is such an incredible experience.
Amazing cities
If you enjoy city life, then living and working in Japan is a great choice. Tokyo was recently voted number eight on Time Out’s annual list of the 50 Best Cities in the World.
Most of Japan’s cities are impeccably clean, safe, and full of cultural wonders. The country also has some of the best restaurants in the world. From efficient public transport to a tech-savvy culture, digital nomads find Japan’s metropolitan areas particularly appealing.
Reasonable cost of living
When compared to other cities like Los Angeles and New York, Japan’s cities have much more affordable living costs. From monthly rent to food prices, Japan is generally more affordable than many other nations overall.
Osaka and Tokyo are approximately 50% cheaper in terms of cost of living, including rent, when compared to New York City. Japan’s cost of living is around 24% cheaper than France’s.
Incredible food and culture
Not only does Japan offer a uniquely distinct culture, but it’s also known for its exceptional food. Explore an abundance of new flavors and foods during your visit to help expand your culinary horizons.
Most digital nomads also find Japan’s people helpful and friendly. Others note that even in large cities, the country is extremely clean and quiet overall, making it the perfect place for them to work and play. Japan has excellent, reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of coworking spaces scattered throughout, so digital nomads can connect with others and work remotely.
Get the most out of your trip with Remitly
From beautiful landscapes to a fascinating culture, Japan is an incredible place to live and work. Thanks to the new digital nomad visa, you may have the chance to find out what it’s like to work in this amazing country. If you need to send money to or from Japan, download the Remitly app to help make the process easy.
More about digital nomad visas:
- Digital Nomad Visa 101: How to Work Remotely in a New Country
- Your Guide to How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
- How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal
- How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia
- How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica
- The Digital Nomad Visa in Italy: What it is and How to Get One