Japan digital nomad visa

The status is open to nationals of countries and regions that both have a short-term visa exemption with Japan and a tax treaty with it. The ISA list includes the EU states, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, Türkiye and others. Your work must be done with information technology for a foreign employer under an employment contract, or as a freelancer selling services or goods to people abroad; activities that require being in Japan are excluded.

You need at least JPY 10 million in annual income at the time of application and private medical insurance covering death, injury and illness for the whole stay, with medical cover of at least JPY 10 million. Credit card insurance is accepted if it meets these levels and you document it. Accompanying family members need the same insurance cover but no separate income.

You can apply directly for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate for your place of residence with the activity plan, income proof and insurance documents. Alternatively a representative in Japan can obtain a Certificate of Eligibility first; with the certificate the embassy no longer needs the income, plan and insurance papers. No residence card is issued, so you do not register an address as a resident.

The six months cannot be extended or converted into another status in principle. After the maximum period you must leave and wait six months before applying for the digital nomad status again. Japanese tax residency rules may apply to long stays, so check your tax position before you go.