Japan Digital Nomad Visa: Here's What to Know

VivaNomadia 12 March, 2024

The pre-pandemic world was all about working from the office. During the pandemic, it moved to working from home. But in the post-pandemic world, a new work trend is working from a different country or anywhere in the world. Japan is keeping up with this trend; it is offering a digital nomad visa, aka the “Japan Digital Nomad Visa.”

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Japan has become one of the Asian countries that have released a digital nomad visa. Recently, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency announced that it will launch the visa in late March 2024. Initially limited to some specific countries, it will allow people to travel to Japan to work remotely and wander for up to six months.

Digital nomads can now live up to 6 months in Japan with its newly introduced digital nomad visa.

What is the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

Japan has recently issued a digital nomad visa. But before that, let’s get to know what a digital nomad visa is. Think of it as a golden ticket that can allow you to live legally and work remotely from anywhere in the country. And now Japan is offering one.

You can live up to 180 days anywhere in the country and work for companies remotely. You can live and work from here while sipping matcha tea or working underneath the cherry blossoms. And on top of that, you can bring your spouses and children here with you.

Eligibility Criteria

People applying need to have a minimum yearly salary of 10 million Japanese yen (around $90,000). Additionally, they must have private insurance. This visa will allow citizens of 49 countries to stay and work remotely for up to 6 months. Countries with tax treaties and visa waiver agreements with Japan, such as America, Singapore, and Australia, are on the eligibility country list.

The list of eligible nations includes all EU countries, such as Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Documents

Before you apply for the visa, follow the checklist to prepare some essential documents. Printed copies of these documents are a must.
Note: staples, pins, or paperclips are not allowed to be used on documents

Essential documents:

1. Valid Passport
2. Visa Application Form
3. A QR code printed out from the SGWorkPass Mobile App, showing your most recent work pass details should have been scanned within five days before the application date.
4. Photocopies of the front and back of your NRIC (National Registration Identity Card).
5. An original letter from your employer, issued within the last month, containing detailed information such as your position, salary, and start date, or a photocopy of your Business Registration Profile from ACRA if you’re a business owner.
6. Income Tax Notice of Assessment or a photocopy of your updated bank statement/passbook.
7. Flight Information
8. Stay information

Application Process

According to the recent digital nomad visa policy, people can stay in Japan for up to 6 months. After submitting the proper documents, the visa application will take around five working days to process. On a safe note, if all your documents are correct, apply for your visa two to three weeks before booking your flight to Japan.

Step 1: Schedule an appointment to visit the Japanese Embassy. Scroll down on the website until you the page titled “click here to make an appointment”

Step 2: Choose a time slot for your appointment from the available options.

Step 3: After clicking on “Next” button, enter your details, then click ‘Proceed to confirm’.

Step 4: Review your application details carefully before confirming. Make sure you select the correct visa application category for your appointment. Then, click ‘Make a reservation’.

Once your visa has been approved, you’ll need to pay the visa fee when you collect it. Visa fee must be paid in cash after that.

Duration & Renewal

Japan’s digital nomad visa is short, permitting only a non-extendable 6-month stay. The duration is relatively short compared to other countries like South Korea or Malaysia. South Korea offers a 2-year stay for a $63,000 annual salary on its digital nomad visa. Malaysia also has a 2-year limit, but the individual’s earnings can be lower here, expecting to earn at least $32,000 annually. Besides, workers must be employed in the digital field, such as digital marketing, programming, etc.

See also- 15 best digital nomad jobs

After the visa expires, it cannot be extended immediately. The visa holder must wait for at least 6 months before applying for the visa again.

Living and Working in Japan as a Digital Nomad

Japan is one of the coolest countries to live and work in. Tremendous technological advancements have made this country a top-tier one. It’s a great place for city people as there are lots of things to do. Nightlife is great, public transportation is reliable, and walking is so convenient here. The seasons throughout the year are mesmerizing.

For digital nomads, internet speed is critically important. The Good thing is, the internet is blazing fast for whatever reason, even at a random coffee. Co-working spaces are widely available. So, working and networking are relatively easy here.

Costs and Financial Considerations

Hushh! Japan is expensive, to be honest! Especially if you’re living here for the short term. Cities like Tokyo, Niseko, and Kyoto are more expensive to live in. The average price of an Airbnb in Tokyo is $150 a night or $1600 per month. Also, don’t be surprised, as you can see the tiniest rooms you have ever seen in your life.

However, outside of Tokyo, you can find hotel rooms that are as low as $40 or $50 a night in cities like Hiroshima or Kyoto. So, in general, you’re looking at $1500 to $3000 a month in rent for your own furnished place for a short-term stay. But in the long term, it’s more affordable. You might find a place that costs a thousand dollars a month or even less, but you need to commit.

Challenges & Solutions

Japan expects this visa to foster its workforce. Also, this island nation is hoping for more economic benefits. When wealthy remote workers come to Japan, they are bound to spend more money here.

Conclusion

Japan is a fantastic country in which to live and work. However, there are other countries that offer a digital nomad visa. Countries like Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Taiwan, Estonia, and others also provide digital nomad visas. However, these visas are different from each other and depend on several factors.

For starters, Japan is already a hit among remote workers. Last year, it had over 4,000 remote workers, making it one of the top destinations for remote workers. So, for people who have always wanted to travel to this Mount Fuji nation and work remotely, it’s now their golden opportunity to catch a flight and taste their dream!

FAQs

Does Japan have digital nomad visa?

Yes, Japan launched a digital nomad visa in March 2024. It allows citizens from 49 countries to apply for the visa and stay and work remotely for up to 6 months.

Why Japan has launched a digital nomad visa?

On the global stage, Japan has a reputation for being closed off. It’s stereotyped as a nation that struggles to accept foreigners. Besides, it has a population crisis. Fewer babies are being born, and its workforce is aging. So why is Japan offering a digital nomad visa? Japan expects this visa to foster its workforce. Also, this island nation is hoping for more economic benefits. When wealthy remote workers come to Japan, they are bound to spend more money here.

Who is eligible for the Japan digital nomad visa?

People applying need a minimum yearly salary of 10 million Japanese Yen (around $90,000) as well as private insurance. Initially, only citizens from 49 countries can apply for this visa, including all EU countries such as Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, and The United Kingdom. Also, Americans, Australians, and Singaporeans can apply for this visa.

Can I work remotely for any company while on the Japan digital nomad visa?

Of course! The Japan Digital Nomad Visa allows you to stay and work remotely for up to six months. This visa was introduced to attract remote workers and increase the nation’s workforce.

What are the requirements to apply for Japan digital nomad visa?

Before you apply for the visa, make sure to prepare some essential documents following the checklist. Printed copies of these documents are a must. Documents include:

1. Valid Passport · 2. Visa Application Form · 3. A QR code printed out from the SGWorkPass Mobile App, showing your most recent work pass details should have been scanned within five days before the application date · 4. Photocopies of the front and back of your NRIC · 5. An original letter from your employer, issued within the last month, containing detailed information such as your position, salary, and start date, or a photocopy of your Business Registration Profile from ACRA if you’re a business owner · 6. Income Tax Notice of Assessment or a photocopy of your updated bank statement/passbook · 7. Flight Information
8. Stay information

So, let me know your thoughts in the comment section, and share this article with your friends and family. Until then, keep reading, keep nomading!

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Category: ASIA, Blogs, VISA