As of March 31, 2024, Japan began accepting applications for a new residency status specifically designed for digital nomads. This program allows remote workers to stay in Japan for up to six months. Additionally, visa holders can bring their spouses and children, making it easier for families to enjoy a safe and comfortable life in Japan.

On April 18, 2024, our firm successfully submitted Japan’s first-ever application and obtained a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for the Digital Nomad Visa. Building on this milestone, we are delighted to share comprehensive guidance below on how to apply for and secure residency status under this program.

How to Obtain Japan's Digital Nomad Visa

Digital Nomad Visa Overview

☑ Period of Stay:
Up to 6 months

☑ Renewal:
Renewal is not permitted. However, you may reapply and re-enter Japan on a Digital Nomad Visa after a six-month departure period.

☑ Eligibility:
・Applicants must be remote workers with clients located outside Japan.
・Must be a citizen of one of 49 countries designated by the Japanese government.

☑ Minimum Annual Income Requirement:
Applicants must earn at least 10 million yen annually as a remote worker.

☑ Family Members’ Stay:
・Spouses and children of digital nomads are eligible to stay.　
・Eligibility is limited to citizens of certain nationalities (70 countries).

☑ Processing Time:
Applications typically take 1–3 months to process.

☑ Application Location:
You can apply at:
A Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country.
A regional Immigration Office in Japan, or

☑ Temporary Exit During Stay:
Temporary exits are permitted during your stay..

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Remote Work - Must have a contract for remote work utilizing IT skills, with the contracting company or client based outside of Japan.
• Annual Income Requirement - A minimum annual income of 10 million JPY as a remote worker.
• Health Insurance - Must be enrolled in insurance that provides medical coverage during the stay in Japan, including death, injury, and illness, with treatment coverage of at least 10 million JPY.
• Visa Exempt Nationality - Must hold citizenship in a country that has a visa exemption agreement and a tax treaty with Japan.\

Eligibility profession

Eligible Countries and Regions

Visa for Digital Nomads' Family Members

Residency Status, Duration, and Other Details

Application Methods

There are two methods for applying for the Digital Nomad Visa:

（１）Application at Japan’s Immigration Office
・You can apply during a short stay in Japan by gathering the required documents and submitting them to the
　Immigration Office.
・Once approved, a Certificate of Eligibility will be issued.
・If the Certificate of Eligibility is issued during your short stay, you can apply for a change of status without leaving
　Japan. To proceed with this option, you should promptly apply for the Certificate of Eligibility at the Immigration Office
　once you arrive in Japan.
・If the examination takes too long and the Certificate of Eligibility is not issued during your short stay, you will need to
　return to your home country and wait for the result.
・An Immigration Lawyer can handle the entire process, from application to receipt of the result, on your behalf.

（２）Application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in Your Home Country
・Applicants can also apply at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over their place of residence.
・This method may take longer than applying within Japan, and as it requires specialized knowledge, we do not
　recommend this option through our firm.

Required Documentation

・Activity Schedule During Stay
A detailed plan of the activities you will engage in while staying in Japan.
・Proof of Annual Income
Documentation verifying your annual income as a remote worker.
・Private Health Insurance Certificate and Policy Copy
A certificate and a copy of the policy showing coverage for injury, illness, and treatment costs with a minimum coverage
amount of 10 million JPY.
・Marriage Certificate (1 copy)
Required if your spouse is accompanying you.
・Birth Certificate or Equivalent (1 copy)
Required if your child is accompanying you.

Case Studies and Success Stories

On April 18, 2024, our firm submitted the first application under Japan’s digital nomad visa program. This was confirmed by the Immigration Services Agency as the first case in Japan. The applicant was an American writer. Subsequently, the first Certificate of Eligibility (COE) under this visa category was issued on October 2, 2024. Furthermore, two additional COEs were issued the following day, October 3, 2024.

On October 24, 2024, one of our clients who had obtained a COE successfully completed the residence status change process within Japan. This case was also the first domestic approval under the new system. Our firm handled every step of these applications, from submission to final approval.

Real Application Experiences

On April 18, 2024, our firm submitted Japan's first application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) under the digital nomad visa category at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau. At the time, the system had only recently been implemented, and the Immigration Bureau had not yet fully established its acceptance framework. Moreover, it was the first case of its kind for the staff in charge, and there were many uncertainties regarding the procedures.

To address this, our Immigration Lawyer carefully explained the purpose of the legal revisions and the details of the system’s operation, which ultimately led to the acceptance of the application. Subsequently, when we inquired with the Immigration Services Agency, we learned that the initial review process took longer due to a lack of internal readiness. Nevertheless, the Certificate of Eligibility was issued in just under six months.

Currently, the Immigration Services Agency has established a more streamlined review framework, which is expected to enable faster processing for future applications.

Future Challenges

Compared to other countries, Japan’s digital nomad visa allows for a maximum stay of six months, which is shorter than the longer and renewable durations offered elsewhere. For short-term visas, a single stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days, but applicants can reapply after returning to their home country, allowing a cumulative stay of up to 180 days. As a result, the six-month period of the digital nomad visa is perceived by some as lacking uniqueness.

In October 2024, Fukuoka City hosted Asia’s largest digital nomad event, "Colive Fukuoka," which attracted 200 digital nomads from over 40 countries. However, according to a journalist familiar with our firm, many foreign participants were unaware of Japan’s newly established digital nomad visa. To compete in the global race to attract digital nomads, Japan may need to consider developing a more appealing and strategic visa framework.

The Japanese government has expressed its intention to review the digital nomad visa program based on actual needs and user feedback. We are closely monitoring developments and will promptly update clients on any changes.

Expert Commentary

Individuals who obtain a digital nomad visa, along with their accompanying family members, are not classified as mid- to long-term residents under Japan's Immigration Control Act. As a result, they are not eligible to receive a residence card, and no residence card will be issued during their stay in Japan.

Regarding re-entry, the process is similar to that for holders of diplomatic or official visas. Even without a residence card, re-entry is possible. Specifically, during departure procedures, presenting a valid passport with a landing permission stamp and declaring the intention to re-enter Japan will allow the special re-entry permission system to apply. This permits temporary departure and re-entry into Japan.

FAQ

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Immigration Lawyers

Our Immigration Lawyer has been interviewed regarding the digital nomad visa.
-Travel Voice

Reference Site
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan