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 (approximately $67,000 USD). 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.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa (特定活動デジタルノマド) — Complete 2026 Guide

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

Important Notes

The visa is strictly non-renewable — there is no extension mechanism. You must leave Japan before it expires.
You must spend at least 6 consecutive months outside Japan before reapplying — there is no workaround for this gap requirement
No residence card is issued — this limits your ability to open bank accounts, sign phone contracts, and rent standard apartments in Japan
Any work for Japanese companies or clients constitutes a visa violation, even if your foreign company has a Japanese office
Overstaying even by one day creates a criminal record in Japan and may result in deportation and a multi-year entry ban

Duration

6 months (non-renewable)

Fees

Visa application: ¥0–3,000 (varies by embassy; some embassies waive the fee for designated activities visas)

Processing Time

2–4 weeks from completed application submission

Max Stay

6 months per application — must exit Japan for 6+ months before reapplying

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) — Complete 2026 Guide

Important Notes

Key Requirements

Timeline & Fees

Documents

Application Steps

FAQ

Tips & Community

Sources & Related Visas

Japan Digital Nomad Visa (特定活動デジタルノマド) — Complete 2026 Guide