Japan Digital Nomad visa — who qualifies?
Income requirements, eligible countries and application process for the Digital Nomad visa (Designated Activities No. 53) launched in 2024.
The Digital Nomad visa (Designated Activities No. 53), launched in March 2024, lets eligible foreign nationals live in Japan for up to 6 months while working remotely for non-Japanese employers or clients. It is not a work visa for local employment and cannot be extended.
- Annual income requirement
- JPY 10,000,000
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Private health insurance required
- Yes
Requirements at a glance
- Annual income of at least JPY 10 million (or the equivalent in your currency).
- A passport from one of the eligible countries/regions (visa-waiver plus a tax or social-security agreement with Japan).
- Private health insurance covering at least JPY 10 million for death, injury and illness during your stay.
- Income earned from outside Japan — remote work for a foreign employer, foreign clients, or your own overseas business.
How to apply
The Digital Nomad status is granted through Japan's immigration procedure. The typical steps are:
- 1
Check your eligibility
Confirm your nationality is on the eligible list and that you meet the income and insurance conditions.
- 2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, proof of annual income, a private health-insurance certificate, and evidence of your remote work or business.
- 3
Apply at a Japanese mission
Submit your application to the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan with jurisdiction over your area.
- 4
Enter Japan
On arrival you receive the Designated Activities (No. 53) status for up to 6 months.
Good to know
- Maximum stay is 6 months (180 days) and the status cannot be renewed or extended; you must leave and wait before reapplying.
- Holders do not receive a residence card and are not eligible for resident registration or National Health Insurance — hence the private insurance requirement.
- An accompanying spouse and children may apply under a related Designated Activities status, subject to the same insurance condition.
Eligible countries (49)
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong SAR China
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
Frequently asked questions
- What is the income requirement for the Japan Digital Nomad visa?
- You must show an annual income of at least JPY 10 million (or the equivalent in your currency).
- How long can I stay on the Digital Nomad visa?
- Up to 6 months (180 days). The status is non-renewable, so you must leave Japan when it expires.
- Can I bring my family?
- Your spouse and children may apply under a related Designated Activities status, subject to the same private health-insurance requirement.
- Can I work for a Japanese company on this visa?
- No. Your income must come from outside Japan — a foreign employer, foreign clients, or your own overseas business.
- Can I extend or renew the Digital Nomad visa?
- No. It cannot be extended or renewed; you must leave Japan and wait before applying again.
Information is based on publicly available data as of 2026-04-15. Always confirm with the nearest Japanese embassy/consulate before travel.