The Japan Digital Nomad Visa was announced early 2024. Now it’s also operational and you can actually apply for it.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the requirements and application procedure. Furthermore, we’ll also have some attention for the tax consequences.
Japan Digital Nomad Visa Overview
- You can now apply for the Japan digital nomad visa
- Citizens from 49 countries can apply (see list below)
- You can also take a spouse or child with you as a dependent
- You need a minimum annual income of 10 million Japanese Yen
- The Japan digital nomad visa is valid for 6 months.
- You can’t renew your Japanese DNV. However, you can apply again after a waiting period of six months.
- As the DNV only allows you to stay in Japan for 6 months, this will not trigger tax residency in Japan
Eligibility Requirements for the Japanese Digital Nomad Visa
In order to qualify for the Japan digital nomad visa you need to meet some requirements.
Please note that a spouse or child can also accompany the main applicant. In this case, they must meet certain requirements on itself.
Eligible Passports that Qualify for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
The first and probably most important condition is that the Japan digital nomad visa is only open to citizens from certain countries.
In total, people from 49 countries can apply:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxemburg
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
If you want to take your spouse or children with you, they can be a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above or from the following countries:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Macao
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- North Macedonia
- San Marino
- Surinam
- Tunesia
As such, this criteria is more flexible for the dependent than for the main applicant.
You can find the updated list with countries who are eligible for the Japan digital nomad visa.
Minimum Income Requirement for the Japanese Nomad Program
Another important condition is the income requirement. You need to show that you make at least 10 million Japanese Yen or around €62.000 per year.
Both income from employment or from your own business qualifies.
You’ll need to provide proof of meeting this threshold by including a copy of your income tax return. If you can’t provide such proof, you can explain why this isn’t possible (or accurate) and provide an employment/client contract instead. The contract must clearly state the contract duration and amounts.
There is no increased minimum income requirement in case you want to take dependents with you.
Work Remotely for Foreign Employer or Foreign Clients
You’ll have to proof that you work remotely.
One the one hand, you can work for a foreign employer and proof this by showing a contract with a foreign company whereby your work can be done online/remote. Working for a Japanese company is not allowed. In that case, a more traditional work visa might be your solution.
On the other hand, you can have your own business whereby you sell goods or services. Also here, you can in principle not sell your goods or services on the Japanese market.
I do question, however, how strict this criteria is applied if only a minor part of your revenue would come from Japan and you’ld meet all the other requirements without taking this revenue into account.
Miscellaneous Conditions for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
One other condition is that you need a valid health insurance. The insurance needs to cover you for treatment for at least 10 million Japanese Yen. You’ll need to provide proof by providing the insurance policy setting out your coverage.
Some sources mention you would also need a copy or your criminal record but this is not mentioned as such on the official website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before, it was also mentioned that only certain professions would qualify. Nevertheless, also this can’t be found in the final guidelines.
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Japan
In this section we’ll discuss the application process for the Japan digital nomad visa.
Check Eligibility Criteria Japan DNV
The first step is to check the eligibility requirements.
If you don’t meet the requirements, you can save yourself the time of applying as you’ll be denied in any case.
You can find the criteria for the Japan digital nomad visa above.
Gather Necessary Documents for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa Application
The next step is to gather all necessary documents. Hereby a list of the documents you need to present when filing your application:
- Visa application form, including passport-size picture
- Passport
- Certificate of eligibility
- Description of your activities while in Japan (official form) – this requirement doesn’t apply if you provide the certificate of eligibility
- Proof of minimum income of 10 million Japanese Yen (e.g. tax return or employment / client contract) – this requirement doesn’t apply if you provide the certificate of eligibility
- Proof of medical insurance for the whole duration of your stay with a minimum coverage of 10 million Japanese Yen – this requirement doesn’t apply if you provide the certificate of eligibility
If your spouse or child is applying with you as a dependent, you also need to provide similar documents for them:
- Visa application form
- Passport
- Certificate of eligibility
- Description of your activities while in Japan – this requirement doesn’t apply if you provide the certificate of eligibility
- Proof of medical insurance for the whole duration of your stay with a minimum coverage of 10 million Japanese Yen – this requirement doesn’t apply if you provide the certificate of eligibility
- Document providing proof of the relationship between the main applicant and the dependent
- Copy of the passport of the main applicant
Make sure to reach out to your local embassy or consulate where you are planning to apply in case of doubt. In this way you can ensure, you have all the right documents. Some embassies might also have additional requirements.
Application with Japanese Embassy or Consulate
Make an appointment with the Japanese embassy or consulate where you want to submit your application.
When handing in your application, you’ll also have to pay the visa fee. The fee depends on where you file your application but will typically be around 3.000 Japanese Yen.
Await Approval of your Japanese DNV
After filing your application there’s not much more to do than wait for the outcome.
How long the process will take depends the place where you apply.
You can check before with them or when handing in your application for an approximate timeline.
Tax Considerations about the Nomad Visa Program in Japan
As always, we have a particular interest in the tax consequences of applying for a digital nomad visa and spending some time in the country.
As mentioned before, the Japan digital nomad visa allows you to stay in Japan up to six months. Afterwards, you need to leave the country for at least six months before returning.
If we then have a look at the Japanese tax rules, this means that you won’t become a tax resident in Japan.
Therefore, you won’t become liable to personal income taxes in Japan on the income you make from your employment or business overseas.
Furthermore, you’re not allowed to work for a Japanese company which also excluded any tax liability in this respect.
Alternatives to the Digital Nomad Visa to Visit Japan
Currently, most nationalities can visit Japan as a tourist for 90 days without the need to apply for a visa. However, this is aimed at people who come to Japan as a tourist.
Digital nomads don’t only come to enjoy the local culture but they will also work remotely. Technically, this isn’t allowed if you enter the country as a tourist.
Furthermore, many people want to stay longer than 90 days to explore the beauty of Japan. If this is the case you will need a visa to extend your stay. In this case the digital nomad visa Japan comes into the picture or you could have a look at some of the more traditional visa options.
How is Japan for Digital Nomads?
For many people, a visit to Japan is on their bucket list. It’s no surprise as the country has many things to offer. Hereby a brief overview of what you can expect to find in Japan:
- Cultural richness: Japan is a blend of old tradition and modern technology. So, either way, you’ll find something to love there. You can go visit some old temples one day while spending time in a buzzing city like Tokio the next day. It’s also good to know that Japan offers world class facilities for winter sports; something not always known by foreigners.
- Infrastructure: maybe you’ve heard the stories before of Japanese railway personnel apologizing when the train is 30 seconds late while we can only dream of such a delay in most countries. Apart from the great public transport, Japan also offers great internet infrastructure which is non-negotionable for remote workers.
- Safety: Japan has a very low crime rate and is a very safe country to travel through.
- Community: many Japanese cities attract more and more digital nomads which enables you to easily plug into an existing nomad community.
Work With Me
Are you unsure about the tax consequences of your travels as a digital nomad? Feel free to reach out to see how I can help you.
Over the past years I worked with hundreds of digital nomads by assisting them optimizing their tax setup and giving them piece of mind.
