What counts as 'income from outside Japan'?

Published guidelines specify that income must be from a company, organization, or clients registered outside Japan. This includes salary from a foreign employer, freelance payments from international clients, business income from a company registered abroad, and investment income from foreign sources. Any income generated through activities within the Japanese market — including consulting for Japanese companies or selling services to Japanese clients — does not meet this requirement.

Can I freelance for multiple international clients?

Yes, according to published guidelines, freelancers and independent contractors are eligible as long as total annual income from foreign clients exceeds ¥10 million. Provide contracts, invoices, and bank statements from at least your 2–3 largest clients as documentation. The key requirement is that all clients are based outside Japan.

Why is no residence card issued?

The digital nomad visa falls under the designated activities category with a 6-month non-renewable duration. According to published guidelines, residence cards are not issued for stays under certain designated activities statuses. This means digital nomad visa holders may face practical challenges: difficulty opening bank accounts, signing phone contracts, and renting standard apartments. Plan for these limitations with international banking, prepaid SIM cards, and short-term housing solutions.

Can I reapply immediately after my 6 months end?

No. Published guidelines require a minimum gap of 6 consecutive months outside Japan before you can submit a new digital nomad visa application. This means the maximum time in Japan under this visa is 6 months out of every 12-month period. There is no limit on the number of times you can reapply, provided you meet the gap requirement each time.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Published guidelines allow the primary applicant to include their spouse and children in the same application. Dependents receive the same 6-month stay period and do not need to meet separate income requirements. Include marriage certificates and birth certificates (with Japanese translations) in your application. Dependent family members cannot work in Japan without obtaining separate visa status.

Which countries are eligible for the digital nomad visa?

As of 2026, eligible countries include the United States, Canada, most European Union and Schengen Area countries, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Most Asian countries including China, India, and the Philippines are currently not on the eligible list. The country list is subject to expansion — always check the current MOFA website for the most up-to-date list.

Can I transition from a digital nomad visa to a work visa in Japan?

No. Published guidelines indicate that the digital nomad visa is a closed system with no direct transition pathways to other visa types. You cannot change your status to a work visa, business manager visa, or any other category while in Japan on the digital nomad visa. If you wish to obtain a different visa, you must leave Japan and apply through the standard process (COE from employer, then embassy application).

What type of health insurance is accepted?

Published guidelines require private health insurance covering medical treatment for injury and illness up to at least ¥10,000,000. Travel health insurance policies are typically accepted if the coverage amount meets the threshold. Japanese national health insurance is not available to digital nomad visa holders. Verify your policy amount in writing with your insurance provider and include the confirmation in your application.

Can I open a bank account in Japan with this visa?

Practically, this is very difficult. Without a residence card, most Japanese banks will not open an account for you. International digital banks (Wise, Revolut) with multi-currency accounts, or keeping your existing foreign bank accounts and using international ATM withdrawals, are the most common solutions used by digital nomad visa holders.

What happens if my income drops below ¥10 million during my stay?

The income requirement is evaluated at the time of application based on your previous income history. Published guidelines do not indicate ongoing income monitoring during the 6-month stay. However, if you reapply for a subsequent term and your most recent income falls below the threshold, your new application may be denied.

Can I reapply for the Digital Nomad visa?

Yes, but you must spend at least 6 consecutive months outside Japan before submitting a new application — there is no workaround for this gap requirement. There is no limit on the number of times you can reapply, provided you meet the gap requirement and income threshold each time.

What practical limitations come with not having a residence card?

No residence card is issued for the digital nomad visa, which limits your ability to open bank accounts, sign phone contracts, and rent standard apartments in Japan. Most Japanese banks require a residence card to open an account. Plan ahead with international banking solutions (Wise, Revolut), prepaid SIM cards, and furnished apartments or co-living spaces that accept short-term residents without a residence card.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa (特定活動デジタルノマド)

6-month remote work visa for high-earning digital professionals

At a Glance

Duration

6 months

Fees

¥0–¥3,000

Processing Time

2–4 weeks from completed application submission

Max Stay

6 months per stay

Annual income of at least ¥10,000,000
Remote work for a company or clients registered outside Japan
Private health insurance with minimum ¥10,000,000 coverage
National of an eligible country (USA, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong)
Clean criminal record and no immigration violations

Key Requirements

Annual income ≥¥10 million from a foreign employer + private health insurance ≥¥10 million coverage

RequiredAnnual income of at least ¥10,000,000
Published guidelines require applicants to demonstrate annual income of at least 10 million yen from sources outside Japan. Income can come from employment, freelance work, or business ownership, provided the company or clients are registered outside Japan. Documentation must cover at least the previous 2 years of income history.
RequiredRemote work for a company or clients registered outside Japan
The visa is exclusively for remote workers whose income originates from outside Japan. Employment by a Japanese company, on-site work at a Japanese office, or business activities involving Japanese clients or contracts registered in Japan are not permitted under this visa status.
Any work for Japanese companies or clients constitutes a visa violation, even if your foreign company has a Japanese office
RequiredPrivate health insurance with minimum ¥10,000,000 coverage
Applicants must hold private health insurance that covers medical treatment for injury and illness up to at least 10 million yen. Japanese national health insurance is not available to digital nomad visa holders. Insurance must be valid for the entire 6-month stay period.
RequiredNational of an eligible country (USA, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong)
Published guidelines restrict the digital nomad visa to nationals of specific countries. The current list includes the United States, Canada, most European Union and Schengen Area countries, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Most Asian countries (China, India, Philippines, etc.) are currently not eligible. The eligible country list is subject to expansion — check the MOFA website for the current list.

See 1 additional requirements

Clean criminal record and no immigration violations
Applicants must provide a criminal background check from their home country confirming no criminal record. Previous visa overstays or immigration violations in Japan or other countries may result in denial.

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

RestrictionRemote work for foreign companies or clients ONLY — no Japanese employment permitted
RestrictionCannot work on-site at a Japanese office, even for the same foreign company
RestrictionNo business activities involving Japanese clients or contracts registered in Japan
RestrictionNo income-generating activities within the Japanese market
RestrictionDependent family members cannot work without obtaining separate visa status

The digital nomad visa is not a work permit in Japan — it is a residency status that permits remote work for foreign entities only. All income must originate from outside Japan. Any engagement with the Japanese labor market, including consulting for Japanese clients, constitutes a violation.

Process

2-4 weeks

Estimated total timeline

2-4 weeks

Processing times vary by Japanese embassy and consulate. Some locations may process faster or slower depending on application volume. The eVISA system (expanded December 2025) may offer faster processing for eligible countries. Published guidelines indicate that incomplete applications or missing translations are the most common cause of delays.

Verify Eligibility and Gather Income Documentation

1–4 weeks

Confirm that your nationality is on the eligible country list, your annual income exceeds ¥10 million, and you can obtain private health insurance meeting the coverage threshold. Gather 2 years of tax returns, employment contracts, and bank statements.

Check the MOFA website for the current eligible country list — it is periodically updated
Ensure your income documentation is consistent across all sources — discrepancies raise red flags
If you are self-employed, prepare a clear summary of your business and client relationships

Obtain Private Health Insurance

1–2 weeks

Purchase or verify private health insurance that covers medical treatment up to at least ¥10,000,000 for the entire 6-month stay period. Obtain the policy certificate and coverage confirmation letter.

International health insurance providers like SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Cigna offer plans that meet the requirement
Verify the specific coverage amount in writing from the insurance provider before applying

Prepare and Submit Visa Application

1–2 weeks for preparation

Download the current visa application form from the official MOFA website or your local Japanese embassy. Complete the form and submit it along with all required documents at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Some countries now support eVISA applications (expanded December 2025) — check if online submission is available for your location
All foreign-language documents must include certified Japanese translations
Submit all documents in a well-organized folder — presentation matters

Wait for Visa Processing

2–4 weeks

The embassy processes your application and reviews all documentation. Processing times vary by location but typically take 2–4 weeks from completed submission.

Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until the visa is approved
The embassy may request additional documents during processing — respond promptly

Enter Japan and Begin Remote Work

Travel to Japan with your approved visa. Present your passport and visa at immigration upon arrival. Note: no residence card (在留カード) is issued for the digital nomad visa — your passport visa stamp serves as your proof of legal stay.

Without a residence card, you cannot open a standard Japanese bank account or sign a standard phone contract
Consider prepaid SIM cards and international banking solutions
Register your address at the local municipal office if staying at a fixed address for administrative purposes

Exit Japan Before Visa Expiration

The 6-month visa is non-renewable. You must leave Japan before the visa expires. If you wish to return, you must spend at least 6 consecutive months outside Japan before submitting a new application.

Mark your visa expiration date clearly and plan departure well in advance
Overstaying even by one day creates a criminal record and may permanently affect future visa applications for Japan

If you plan to alternate between Japan and another country on a 6-months-in, 6-months-out cycle, consider establishing a base in a nearby country (Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea) for your gap period. Some digital nomads pair the Japan digital nomad visa with Thailand's Long-Term Resident visa or Taiwan's Gold Card for year-round coverage.

FAQ

Show all 12 questions

Tips

Prepare 2 full years of income documentation — tax returns are the strongest proof, supplemented by contracts and bank statements
Secure private health insurance with explicit ¥10 million coverage confirmation in writing before you apply
Without a residence card, plan for practical challenges: use international banking, prepaid SIM cards, and short-term furnished apartments
Check whether eVISA is available for your country (expanded December 2025) — it can significantly speed up the application process
Do not book non-refundable travel or accommodation until your visa is approved
Mark your visa expiration date prominently and plan your departure well in advance — overstaying has severe consequences
If you plan to reapply, keep meticulous records of your exit date to prove the 6-month gap requirement
Co-living spaces and serviced apartments in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka are popular among digital nomad visa holders and often do not require a residence card

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-04

This information is compiled from publicly available sources for general reference only. It does not constitute immigration consulting (入管業務), document preparation services (行政書士業務), or legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a licensed immigration lawyer (弁護士) or administrative scrivener (行政書士). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa (特定活動デジタルノマド)

At a Glance

Key Requirements

Work Permission

Documents

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Process

Verify Eligibility and Gather Income Documentation

Obtain Private Health Insurance

Prepare and Submit Visa Application

Wait for Visa Processing

Enter Japan and Begin Remote Work

Exit Japan Before Visa Expiration

FAQ

Tips

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Related Visas

Work Permission

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Verify Eligibility and Gather Income Documentation

Obtain Private Health Insurance

Prepare and Submit Visa Application

Wait for Visa Processing

Enter Japan and Begin Remote Work

Exit Japan Before Visa Expiration

Tips

Official Sources

Related Visas

Japan Digital Nomad Visa (特定活動 デジタルノマド)

At a Glance

Key Requirements

Work Permission

Documents

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Process

Verify Eligibility and Gather Income Documentation

Obtain Private Health Insurance

Prepare and Submit Visa Application

Wait for Visa Processing

Enter Japan and Begin Remote Work

Exit Japan Before Visa Expiration

FAQ

What counts as 'income from outside Japan'?

Can I freelance for multiple international clients?

Why is no residence card issued?

Can I reapply immediately after my 6 months end?

Can my family come with me?

Which countries are eligible for the digital nomad visa?

Can I transition from a digital nomad visa to a work visa in Japan?

What type of health insurance is accepted?

Can I open a bank account in Japan with this visa?

What happens if my income drops below ¥10 million during my stay?

Can I reapply for the Digital Nomad visa?

What practical limitations come with not having a residence card?

Tips

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Related Visas

Work Permission

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Verify Eligibility and Gather Income Documentation

Obtain Private Health Insurance

Prepare and Submit Visa Application

Wait for Visa Processing

Enter Japan and Begin Remote Work

Exit Japan Before Visa Expiration

What counts as 'income from outside Japan'?

Can I freelance for multiple international clients?

Why is no residence card issued?

Can I reapply immediately after my 6 months end?

Can my family come with me?

Which countries are eligible for the digital nomad visa?

Can I transition from a digital nomad visa to a work visa in Japan?

What type of health insurance is accepted?

Can I open a bank account in Japan with this visa?

What happens if my income drops below ¥10 million during my stay?

Can I reapply for the Digital Nomad visa?

What practical limitations come with not having a residence card?

Tips

Official Sources

Related Visas

Japan Digital Nomad Visa (特定活動デジタルノマド)