Japan Digital Nomad Visa Requirements and Easy Steps in 2025

The Japan digital nomad visa offers remote workers an incredible opportunity to experience this captivating country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Officially categorized as “Designated Activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse, or Child of Digital Nomad),” this visa allows digital nomads to live in Japan for six months. It will enable you (and your dependents) to explore its vibrant cities and stunning landscapes.

We outline the requirements and application steps for the Japan digital nomad visa, helping you embark on your journey to this culturally rich destination.

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Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Visa Requirements & How to Apply

We aim to provide a quick but accurate synopsis of the Japan digital nomad visa requirements and steps. Please contact us and let us know if we need to make any corrections.

Country:Japan
Currency:Japanese Yen or JPY
Important Note: We list all digital nomad visa costs and requirements below in US dollars or USD ($).
Visa Category:Designated Activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse, or Child of Digital Nomad).
Visa Length:6 months
Renewable Visa?No. You must wait 6 months from the end of your permit to reapply.
Visa Cost:The Japanese digital nomad visa costs are about $21.00 (3,000 Yen) for a single-entry visa and $41.50 (6,000 Yen) for a multi-entry visa.
Income Requirements:About $64,673 (10 million yen) annual income
Tax Implications:You don’t have to worry about Japanese digital nomad visa taxes. Non-permanent residents are not taxed on their foreign income. (Check your tax obligations with your home country.)
Dependents Allowed?Yes. You can bring a dependent spouse and children. They require an application form with a photo, intention of activities form, health insurance, and proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate).
Application Location Options:Apply at the nearest Japanese consulate or embassy.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Tip: You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility before you submit your application. With this certificate, health insurance and intention form requirements are omitted. They explain the process under “Application for Certificate of Eligibility” (scroll mid-page).

  • A passport with a minimum of six months validity left
  • Completed online Japanese digital nomad visa application form with a photo
  • Proof of remote work
  • Evidence of a monthly income that meets the requirement (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs, contracts, or tax returns)
  • Completed Intended Activities form (Word document)
  • Proof of medical insurance that covers you for “death, injury, and illness” in Japan for a minimum coverage of about $64,673 (10 million yen)

We use Genki nomad insurance. They have long-term and short-term travel insurance options.

3 Steps to Apply for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Collect all required documents and apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (optional and could take several months).
Once you have all the documents listed above, make an appointment at your closest Japanese embassy or consulate.
Attend the appointment with all required documents and wait for approval.

Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad in Japan

If you’re considering working and living in Japan as a digital nomad, weigh these pros and cons.

Benefits of Living in Japan
  • Extensive network of trains, subways, and buses
  • Cutting-edge technology and reliable infrastructure
  • Low crime rates and a clean, well-maintained environment
  • High-quality healthcare
  • Cultural richness
Disadvantages of Living in Japan
  • Language barrier, as English proficiency is low
  • Social pressure to conform and maintain social harmony
  • High population density
  • Prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis

Average Monthly Costs of Living in Japan (USD)

1 Bedroom Apartment:$350 to $660+
Food:$400+ per adult
Utilities:$70 to $160+
Data Plan:$20+ for a 10 GB data plan
Single Fare Public Transport:$1.90+
In Japan, the average monthly expenses of a single person (excluding rent) are estimated to be around $850 or more.

6 Top Cities in Japan for Digital Nomads

  1. Fukuoka
  2. Osaka
  3. Nagoya
  4. Nara
  5. Tokyo (capital city)
  6. Yokohama

6 Top Things To Do in Japan

a pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background
Mount Fuji, Fujiyoshida, Japan, by David Edelstein (Unsplash)
  1. Onsen: Unwind in a traditional Japanese hot spring and experience the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral water.
  2. Historic Castles: Visit some well-preserved feudal castles such as Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Nagoya Castle.
  3. Hike: You can trek in scenic national parks like Nikko, Kamikochi, and Shiretoko or hike along the Nakasendo Trail or the Kumano Kodo routes.
  4. Okinawa’s Islands: Relax on pristine beaches or snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
  5. Temples and Shrines: Explore historic sites in Kyoto like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
  6. Hokkaido: Hike or ski in the stunning natural beauty of the northern island, known for its UNESCO-listed wilderness.

We’ve curated nine top, high-quality, and in-demand Japan excursions you can sign up for with Viator. You can book ahead and cancel free of charge.

Digital Nomad Visa for Japan Summary

By following the steps for the digital nomad Japan visa and meeting the outlined requirements, you can navigate to living in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

Whether you’re drawn to Mount Fuji’s serene beauty or Tokyo’s bustling streets, the Japan digital nomad visa opens the door to an unforgettable experience in this extraordinary nation. If this visa isn’t for you, explore other digital nomad visas we’ve covered.

Digital Nomad Visa Japan FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about the Japan digital nomad visa.

Does Japan have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Japan offers a visa for digital nomads called “Designated Activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad).”

Can an EU citizen work in Japan?

Yes. EU citizens from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Denmark. Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden can work remotely with a digital nomad visa in Japan. They have a list of eligible countries (PDF) for the Japan digital nomad visa. There are also other more specialized work visas you can search for on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs page for visas.

How much does it cost to live in Japan as a digital nomad?

We estimate that a single person costs $1,200 to $1,500 or more on average, including rent.

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