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Japan Digital Nomad Visa 2024: How to Apply and Requirements
Obtaining a Japan digital nomad visa will allow you to live and work in this Asian country. We tell you how to obtain it.
With the rise of remote work, many countries are introducing new options for international workers looking to spend time working for employers or clients from abroad. One of them is Japan, which launched a new visa in March this year that offers the possibility to work remotely. Below, we explain everything you need to know about the Japan digital nomad visa, including its features and application process.
Japan offers a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, where centuries-old temples stand just streets away from towering skyscrapers. Exploring Japan’s rich cultural and historical heritage while working remotely promises an exciting experience. Take note, because here you will find everything you need to know to start your digital adventure in this Asian country.
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What is the Japan digital nomad visa and how does it work?
The Japan digital nomad visa is a response to the growing demand from workers looking to fulfill their jobs and enjoy the freedom to travel. Japan saw this trend as an opportunity to attract international talent, promote cultural exchange and stimulate its local economy.
Starting in late March 2024, travelers visiting Japan will have access to a new visa designed specifically for digital nomads. This visa is a type of residence permit that enables remote workers to live and work in Japan for an extended period.
Although it is a relatively new visa, it is backed by immigration laws that allow remote workers to reside in Japan while continuing their work activities. With the digital nomad visa, applicants can live anywhere in Japan, access essential services, work remotely, and fully immerse themselves in the local culture.
This visa is aimed at all remote workers or digital nomads who wish to spend a stay in the country, either alone or with their families, as long as they meet a series of requirements that we will detail in this post.
What are the features and main benefits of the digital nomad visa in Japan?
Do you know what are the benefits of having a digital nomad visa in Japan? It will surprise you to discover everything you can do thanks to it. Not only does it allow you to reside legally in one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries, but it also grants access to Japan’s exceptional internet infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, and the chance to explore its rich and diverse culture. In other words, this visa offers work flexibility and a unique cultural immersion experience.
These are the main benefits and features of the digital nomad visa in Japan:
- Legal Residency and flexibility. This visa provides a secure legal foundation for working remotely and living in Japan. As a digital nomad, you’ll have the freedom to reside in any city or town across the country, with the assurance that you’re fully compliant with local immigration laws and free from legal uncertainties.
- Cultural immersion. This way of life offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy Japan’s exotic and tasty cuisine, explore its landscapes and live in a safe and technologically advanced environment.
- Enjoy the country’s high quality of life. With a digital nomad visa in Japan you will have access to its excellent healthcare system, quality educational institutions and efficient public services. This will allow you and your family to enjoy a comfortable and safe living environment.
- Networking opportunities. During your stay in Japan you will have the opportunity to interact with the country’s business and technology communities. You will be able to connect with local entrepreneurs, collaborate with innovative startups, attend all kinds of business events and much more.
- Access to other Asian markets. Japan’s strategic location within the Asian continent allows easy access to markets in the region, such as China, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries. In other words, it is an ideal base or starting point for exploring other nearby lands.
- Work flexibility. Unlike other visas that are more focused on local employment, the digital nomad visa allows you to work with clients or companies in other countries.
- Internet connectivity and speed: Japan has one of the most advanced technological infrastructures in the world. Its high-speed internet reaches not only large urban areas, but also rural areas of the country. Cities such as Tokyo and Osaka operate 5G networks, ensuring fast and stable connections. In addition, many public spaces have free Wi-Fi access. In any case, with Holafly’s eSim you can connect from anywhere in the country and work without any problems.
In conclusion, the benefits of working remotely in Japan are many. Not surprisingly, more and more digital nomads are venturing into the country.
General requirements for applying for a Japan digital nomad visa
When thinking about obtaining a digital nomad visa in Japan, you will need to meet a number of requirements, which are listed below. Keep in mind that meeting each of them is crucial to getting your visa. Therefore, take the time to gather your documentation and see if you meet all the necessary requirements to be able to work remotely in Japan.
- Minimum income: This is one of the main requirements for obtaining a visa. You will need to demonstrate that you have a stable and sufficient source of income to cover your living expenses in Japan for the duration of your stay. The required value is a minimum of 10,000,000 yen per year, which is equivalent to approximately $67,000 per year.
- Health insurance: You must have international health insurance for the duration of your stay in Japan. This ensures that you are covered for any medical emergencies.
- Proof of remote employment: Another requirement is to provide proof of remote work. This can be contracts, proof of income or a letter of employment stating that you are working for a company based in a foreign country.
- Accommodation: Prove that you have a place of residence in the country. You can complete this through a rental contract or a long-term reservation in temporary housing.
- Criminal record: Finally, you will also need to present a certificate issued in your home country showing that you do not have a criminal record.
Documents required to obtain a Japan digital nomad visa
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Japan, you need to submit a number of documents to prove your status as a digital nomad. Please note that providing the requested documentation in a complete and orderly manner can help speed up the visa approval process.
Take note, as these are the documents you will need to submit when applying for your visa:
- Application form: The first step in the visa process is to submit a completed and signed application form. The application form is available on the website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at Japanese embassies and consulates in other countries.
- Valid passport: Valid for at least six months after the intended date of entry to Japan.
- Recent photographs: In passport size and with a plain background, meeting the specifications of the Japanese embassy or consulate.
- Proof of employment or freelance work: Employment contracts, letters from employers or clients, or bank statements showing regular payments.
- Proof of income: Bank statements or tax returns showing that you have sufficient income to live in Japan.
- Insurance policies: Against death, injury or illness. Compensation for medical service must be equal to or more than 10,000,000 yen.
- Accommodation reservation: Hotel reservation or rental contract showing where you will live for the duration of your visa.
- Criminal record certificate: Issued by the authorities in your home country.
What if I am traveling with a family member? In that case, they can also apply for a visa, as long as they present the corresponding documentation.
- Visa application form (with photograph).
- Passport valid for at least six months after the intended date of entry to Japan.
- Certificate of eligibility (the following two items may be omitted in this case).
- Insurance policies against death, injury or illness.
- Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the family member.
Where to apply for a Japan digital nomad visa?
You can apply for a digital nomad visa in Japan in person or online. In any case, it is best to check with Japanese embassies or consulates to confirm the requirements and specific documentation in each case.
- Online. You can consult the different online platforms in Japan to start the procedure. Remember to always check the official Japanese websites. That way, you can be sure to get up-to-date information on the application process.
- In person. You can also visit the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country to start the application process and learn what documentation is required. If you are already in Japan on another visa and wish to change your status to digital nomad, you can apply directly at the local immigration office.
Where to get personalized advice?
Applying for a visa for digital nomads in Japan can be a complex process, especially if you don’t know how the country’s immigration system works. For this reason, you can choose to hire a specialized consultancy service to help you make the process smoother.
Many of the companies that provide personalized visa advice tend to have flexible opening hours and a variety of communication channels, from emails and video calls to instant messaging services, facilitating communication with foreigners.
Some agencies that provide this type of service are:
- Visa JP Consulting: Specialists in visas for Japan, with services in several languages, including English and Spanish. They offer virtual consultations and step-by-step guides on how to go through the process.
- Japan Visa Services: Company with extensive experience in visa procedures. It has a multilingual team and support by email and telephone.
- Nomad Japan Advisors: Digital nomad specialists offer personalized advice, documentation assistance and translation services to facilitate the process.
- INS Global: Offers advice to companies and remote workers wishing to obtain their digital nomad visa in Japan. They provide guidance on documentation and visa application procedures, among other services that will help make your experience quicker and easier.
Frequently asked questions when applying for a digital nomad visa in Japan
You will need to follow a number of steps to apply for the Japan digital nomad visa. But, before you start the application process, make sure that you meet all of the above requirements. Once you have collected all the necessary documents and completed the required visa application forms accurately, you need to submit all these to the relevant Japanese consulate or embassy.
The next step is to pay the corresponding fees. Please note that the amount may vary depending on the country and the type of visa applied for.
Once the application is submitted, the Japanese authorities will review your case and validate the documentation submitted. When your visa is approved, you will receive a notification to pick it up at the embassy or consulate where you applied. Keep in mind that you may be asked for additional documentation.
When you arrive in Japan, you will need to present your visa and passport at immigration control. Don’t forget to have a copy of documents confirming your remote employment, income and health insurance on hand in case the local authorities ask for them when you enter.
The documentation review process can take between 1 and 3 months. This time may vary depending on the workload at the embassy or consulate.
No, the digital nomad visa in Japan is only intended for people working for foreign employers or freelancers. Therefore, you will not be allowed to work for a local company.
Yes, you can study Japanese for as long as your digital nomad visa is valid. As long as you do not exceed the hours allowed for formal studies.
It is not a requirement to speak Japanese to apply for the visa. However, having a basic knowledge of the language can make your stay in the country easier and more enjoyable.
Some cities in Japan are more suitable for digital nomads. For example, Tokyo is one of the best options, especially thanks to its many coworking spaces, excellent connectivity and wide range of entertainment options.
Other alternatives are Kyoto and Fukuoka (on the island of Kyushu). Fukuoka, in particular, is gaining popularity among digital nomads for its beaches, modern shopping centers, and a more relaxed pace of life compared to Tokyo.
Okinawa, meanwhile, also offers many coworking spaces and resorts suitable for remote working. Finally, Hiroshima is another of the most pleasant cities to live and work as a digital nomad in Japan.
If you’re planning to spend time working as a digital nomad in Japan, you’re in luck! It turns out, it is one of the safest countries in the world. The locals are respectful, friendly to foreigners and the crime rate is low.
Remember that for peace of mind (and as a visa requirement), you’ll need to purchase travel insurance. These can include Safety Wing and World Nomads, which are two great options for remote workers.
Depending on your situation, it is possible to change your visa status within Japan. If in doubt, be sure to consult an immigration specialist for more details.
