How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (Japan Version): Duration of Stay, Required Documents, etc.

“How can I obtain a digital nomad visa in Japan?”
“What documents are needed to apply for a digital nomad visa?”
Do you have these questions in mind?

As of April 1, 2024, Japan has started issuing digital nomad visas. This visa is intended for foreign nationals working remotely, allowing them to stay for up to six months.
However, many people may still be unclear about how to actually obtain this visa and what documents are required. This article will provide an overview of the digital nomad visa, the application process, and the necessary documents.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a visa aimed at foreign nationals who work as “nomad workers,” meaning they are not tied to a specific location. The purpose is to attract international talent and stimulate the local economy.
The visa applies to individuals from 49 countries, and as of April 1, 2024, Japan is among the target countries. Spouses and children who are dependents of the applicant are also eligible, so it is possible to visit Japan together.

Benefits of Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa

The main benefit of the digital nomad visa is that you can continue working with a foreign company while staying in Japan for an extended period. Normally, when working in Japan, it is essential to have a host organization.
However, with a digital nomad visa, you can stay long-term in Japan without a host organization.
Another advantage is that spouses and children who are dependents can accompany the applicant to Japan.

Things to Note About the Digital Nomad Visa

One important note is that you cannot sign an employment contract with a Japanese company while on a digital nomad visa. You must be employed by a foreign company, and working for a Japanese company is not allowed.
Additionally, you cannot apply for permission to engage in activities outside your visa status, and accompanying family members are also not allowed to take part-time jobs or other forms of work.
Furthermore, a residence card, which is usually issued to medium- to long-term residents, will not be provided.

Overview of the Digital Nomad Visa

Let’s go over the basic details of the digital nomad visa, including eligibility, length of stay, and necessary documents.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Japan, we highly recommend using our “wagayaJapan” service. We have a specialized team dedicated to helping foreigners find housing, and with native-speaking staff on hand, even those who are not confident in their Japanese skills can use our service with ease.

Eligibility Requirements

Those who work remotely using devices such as a PC or smartphone while in Japan are eligible. Example professions include IT engineers, freelance writers, web designers, and more.
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• Annual income of 10 million yen or more
  The applicant’s personal income (not household income) must be at least 10 million yen at the time of application. You must prove that your income is 10 million yen or more at the time of application using documents such as a tax certificate or income statement from your home country.

• Enrollment in private health insurance
  You must be enrolled in private health insurance. This must include coverage for death, injury, or illness, such as overseas travel insurance (coverage provided by credit cards is acceptable).
  You need to provide evidence such as a copy of the insurance certificate or terms and conditions, or documentation proving your credit card’s insurance benefits.
  The insurance must provide at least 10 million yen in coverage for treatment of injuries or illnesses, and the coverage period must include your entire stay in Japan.

• Citizenship from a visa-exempt country
  Only those from visa-exempt countries are eligible for a digital nomad visa. As of now, 71 countries and regions are designated as visa-exempt.Some of these countries include:
  Indonesia, Iceland, Singapore, Ireland, Thailand, Andorra, Malaysia, Italy, Brunei, Estonia, South Korea, Austria, Taiwan, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Macau, Greece, North America, Croatia, USA, San Marino, Canada, Switzerland, Central and South America, Sweden, Argentina, Spain, Uruguay, Slovakia, El Salvador, Slovenia, Guatemala, Serbia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Suriname, Denmark, Chile, Germany, Dominican Republic, Norway, Panama, Hungary, Bahamas, Finland, Barbados, France, Brazil, Bulgaria, Honduras, Belgium, Mexico, Poland, Oceania, Portugal, Australia, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Malta, Middle East, Monaco, UAE, Latvia, Israel, Lithuania, Qatar, Liechtenstein, Turkey, Romania, Africa, Luxembourg, Tunisia, UK, Mauritius, Lesotho.

(Reference: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/visa/tanki/novisa.html)

• Dependent spouse or children
  Accompanying family members must be the spouse or children dependent on the digital nomad. Parents or other family members not financially dependent on the digital nomad are not eligible.

Duration of Stay

The duration of stay is six months, with no option for renewal or extension. However, you can apply again after six months if you leave the country and more than six months have passed since your previous stay.

Required Documents

The required documents differ for the digital nomad and their accompanying spouse or children.

For the Digital Nomad:

1. Visa application form (with a photo attached)
2. Passport
3. Certificate of Eligibility
   (*If you present this document, items 4-6 can be omitted.)
4. Documents proving your activities and duration of stay (specific form provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
5. Documents proving an annual income of at least 10 million yen
   (e.g., tax certificates, income statements, employment contracts, or contracts with clients showing payment amounts)
6. Documents proving enrollment in insurance covering death, injury, or illness during the stay
   (e.g., copies of insurance certificates, terms and conditions, or documents proving credit card insurance benefits)

For the Digital Nomad’s Spouse or Children:

1. Visa application form (with a photo attached)
2. Passport
3. Certificate of Eligibility
   (*If you present this document, items 4-5 can be omitted.)
4. Documents proving activities and duration of stay (specific form provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
5. Documents proving enrollment in insurance covering death, injury, or illness during the stay
6. Documents proving the relationship with the dependent (e.g., marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children)
7. Copy of the dependent’s passport.

(Reference: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/fna/pagew_000001_00494.html)

How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa

The general process involves preparing the necessary documents, coming to Japan for a short-term visit, and applying for a “Certificate of Eligibility for Residence Status” at the Immigration Bureau.
Since digital nomad visa applicants must be citizens of visa-exempt countries, a short-term visit to Japan can be done without a visa.
Once the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, you can apply for the digital nomad visa without leaving Japan.
It’s also possible to apply at an embassy or consulate in your home country, but processing time may be longer compared to applying in Japan.

Is It Possible to Rent a Property with a Digital Nomad Visa?

As the digital nomad visa is valid for up to six months, it may be difficult to rent a typical two-year lease property. Landlords usually prefer tenants who will stay for at least two years to secure stable rental income.

Ideal Housing for Digital Nomad Visa Holders

A suitable option would be a “furnished short-term rental property.” Popular choices include monthly apartments and serviced apartments.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The process of moving in is simpler than renting a regular property.
• The property comes furnished with appliances, which means you don’t need to buy your own.
• Payments are straightforward, often including utility bills in the rent, and you can often pay by credit card.

Cons:

• The rent may be higher than regular rental properties, but considering the benefits, such as not having to purchase furniture or appliances, it is a practical choice for a six-month stay.

If you are looking for housing in Japan, please make use of our “wagayaJapan” service.
This article has explained how to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Japan, including the requirements and necessary documents. If you are a foreign remote worker, please consider this information when planning your visit to Japan.

Moreover, many people who plan to stay in Japan for an extended period may face challenges in finding accommodation.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Japan, we highly recommend using our “wagayaJapan” service. We have a specialized team dedicated to helping foreigners find housing, and with native-speaking staff on hand, even those who are not confident in their Japanese skills can use our service with ease.