About the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
Japan offers the Designated Activities Visa — Digital Nomad (デジタルノマドビザ) for non-resident remote workers and self-employed professionals. The program lets eligible applicants live in Japan for 6 months (single entry visa valid for 3 months from issue; must enter before entry validity expires; once in Japan, may stay 6 months). Non-renewable — must leave Japan and wait minimum 6 months before reapplying. while working remotely for clients or employers based outside the country.
Applicants typically need to demonstrate stable monthly income of at least USD65,000 per month, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Check the official source for renewal options.
Tax-wise, Japan treats digital nomad visa holders distinctly from local residents — see the Taxes section below for the full picture.
Requirements & Eligibility
Income
Minimum JPY 10,000,000/year (~USD $65,000–$68,000/year at 2025 exchange rates). One of the highest income thresholds globally for a digital nomad visa. Health insurance coverage: minimum JPY 10,000,000 for medical treatment.
Documents needed
- Completed visa application form (wet ink signature required — no e-signatures
- N/A in inapplicable fields)
- 1 passport-size photo (2×2 inches or 2×1.4 inches, color, within last 6 months, name on back)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- Proof of remote work: employment contract or business registration showing company is based outside Japan
- Annual income documentation: employment contract showing salary of min JPY 10,000,000 OR freelance contracts and bank statements demonstrating equivalent income
- Private health insurance certificate (min JPY 10,000,000 coverage for illness, injury, and death
- same required for spouse and children)
- Description of intended activities during stay (if no COE)
- For dependents: marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of relationship.
How to Apply for the Japan DNV
Processing time: 5 business days with Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Without COE: approximately 6 weeks. Total including COE preparation: 1–3 months.
- 1Confirm eligibility (citizen of one of approximately 49 eligible countries with bilateral visa agreements with Japan — includes US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong; remote work for company outside Japan; min JPY 10,000,000/year income; health insurance with min JPY 10,000,000 coverage).
- 2Optionally apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Immigration Services Agency of Japan — speeds up consulate processing to 5 days.
- 3Gather required documents.
- 4Contact nearest Japanese consulate/embassy to schedule appointment.
- 5Submit application in person and pay JPY 3,000 fee.
- 6Wait 5 days (with COE) or ~6 weeks (without COE).
- 7Enter Japan within 3 months of visa issuance.
- 8Stay up to 6 months from entry date.
Application fees: Standard single-entry visa fee: JPY 3,000 (~USD $20). Exact amount varies by consulate and nationality. Pay at consulate/embassy appointment.
Official sourceVisa Duration & Renewal
Initial duration: 6 months (single entry visa valid for 3 months from issue; must enter before entry validity expires; once in Japan, may stay 6 months). Non-renewable — must leave Japan and wait minimum 6 months before reapplying.
Renewal: Not guaranteed for this visa. Confirm renewal terms with the official source.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Japan
Generally NOT subject to Japanese income tax for stays under 6 months (maximum visa duration). Tax residency requires living in Japan for 1+ year continuously. Digital nomads are classified as non-residents and taxed only on Japanese-sourced income if applicable. Japan has double taxation treaties with many countries.
Living in Japan as a Digital Nomad
See allVerified coworking, cafés and remote-friendly stays in Japan.
