Digital nomad visa
Japan
Digital Nomad (Designated Activities)
Verified August 28, 2026 against official sources
Programme conditions
Status of Residence "Designated Activities" (for Digital Nomad) — short-term stay of up to six months, no extension
Who qualifies
Persons employed under contract with a foreign corporation/organization who remotely conduct that organization's business using ICT, or self-employed/business owners who provide paid services or sell goods to persons located abroad using ICT. Applicant must be a national of a country/region under Japan's visa-exemption arrangements (Temporary Visitor) and covered by Japan's tax conventions.
Working for local clients
Work under an employment contract or contractor agreement with a Japanese public or private organization, or with an individual in Japan, is not permitted.
Entries
If the holder temporarily leaves Japan intending to re-enter before the expiration of the period of stay, they may leave with re-entry permission or special re-entry permission and, upon returning before expiration, maintain the status, similar to "medium- to long-term residents."
Family
A spouse or child accompanying the Digital Nomad may obtain the "Designated Activities" status (for spouse/child of Digital Nomad) for the same period (6 months, no extension). Requires proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate), a copy of the principal applicant's passport, and proof of insurance coverage (own or family coverage under the principal applicant's policy).
Documents
- Completed Application form for Certificate of Eligibility (1 copy)
- One photograph meeting specified standards
- One reply envelope with address and required postage stamps for registered mail
- Materials explaining the applicant's activity schedule during the stay
- Tax certificate or income certificate proving annual income of at least 10 million yen
- Documents proving the applicant's current work status (employment contract, certificate of employment, etc.)
- Explanation of Coverage under Private Medical Insurance
- Copy of private medical insurance enrollment certificate and terms (covering death, injury, illness; treatment compensation of 10 million yen or more)
- Document proving relationship with the applicant's spouse or parent (e.g., marriage or birth certificate) — for accompanying family members
- Copy of passport of the applicant's spouse/parent residing or intending to reside in Japan under "Designated Activities (for Digital Nomad)" status — for accompanying family members
Applying & insurance
How to apply
Since there is no agent in Japan to act for the Application for Certificate of Eligibility for this status, an applicant outside Japan must apply for a visa directly at the embassy or consulate of the country where they are staying.
Insurance
Applicant must hold private medical travel insurance covering death, injury, illness during the stay. The amount of compensation for medical treatment of injury and illness must be 10 million yen or more; for death, compensation must include transportation of the body or an insurance payment (no stipulated amount).
Taxes & renewal
Taxes
Remuneration earned by a digital nomad for activities in Japan is eligible for tax exemption if it meets the requirements of the applicable tax convention, typically staying 183 days or less within the taxable year or any consecutive 12-month period (requirements vary by convention). Exemption does not apply if requirements are not met (e.g., exceeding 183 days, or salary paid by a Japan-resident employer) or if the applicant's country has no tax convention with Japan.
Renewal and residence
No extension of the period of stay is granted. After exceeding the maximum 6-month period, an applicant must wait six months before reapplying for the same status.
Frequently asked questions
What income or savings are required?
Applicant's annual income must be at least 10 million yen at the time of application.
Can I leave and re-enter?
If the holder temporarily leaves Japan intending to re-enter before the expiration of the period of stay, they may leave with re-entry permission or special re-entry permission and, upon returning before expiration, maintain the status, similar to "medium- to long-term residents."
Can family members join?
A spouse or child accompanying the Digital Nomad may obtain the "Designated Activities" status (for spouse/child of Digital Nomad) for the same period (6 months, no extension). Requires proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate), a copy of the principal applicant's passport, and proof of insurance coverage (own or family coverage under the principal applicant's policy).
Can I work for local companies?
Work under an employment contract or contractor agreement with a Japanese public or private organization, or with an individual in Japan, is not permitted.
Programme at a glance
- Duration
- up to 6 months, non-renewable (reapply after a 6-month gap)
- Income
- Applicant's annual income must be at least 10 million yen at the time of application.