the New Digital Nomad Visa for Japan

 

Residence Status for Digital Nomads
(Digital Nomad Visa)

Digital nomads are individuals who work remotely using the internet, allowing them to travel and work from various locations around the world. The Digital Nomad Visa targets foreign nationals who work for overseas IT companies like Google as software engineers, allowing them to work full-time remotely while residing in Japan or other foreign countries.

Recently, there has been an increase in individuals, particularly in IT-related industries, who work full-time remotely, meaning they do not physically commute to their workplaces. With just a laptop, they can work from home, cafes, rural areas, or even overseas.

Recently, a visa (residence status) targeting such digital nomads has been established. Approximately 50 countries are said to have introduced digital nomad visas, including countries like Germany, Spain, and various island nations in Central America known for their resorts (visa conditions vary by country).

 

Requirements for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Foreign nationals utilizing IT for remote work (working for foreign companies or as freelancers).
2. Nationals of visa exemption countries that have tax treaties with Japan.
3. Annual income of at least 10 million yen.
4. Enrollment in private medical insurance during the stay in Japan.
5. The residence period is generally limited to 6 months.

 

Foreign nationals utilizing IT for remote work:

This category includes individuals who work remotely using IT, not necessarily for Japanese IT companies. For example, individuals working for US IT companies can live in peaceful rural areas or Tokyo while working remotely.

The scope of remote work utilizing IT includes individuals working remotely for foreign companies or providing services (such as development or consulting) as independent contractors to foreign clients, excluding activities that cannot be provided or sold without entering Japan.

 

Foreign nationals from visa exemption countries and tax treaty countries:

Visa exemption countries that also have tax treaties with Japan include the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, UAE, Qatar, Brazil, Chile, among others.

 

Annual income of at least 10 million yen:

Individuals with an annual income of at least 10 million yen are eligible. They need to submit documents such as employment contracts showing their latest income at the time of application, which will be verified by the Immigration Bureau. Falsifying documents will lead to revocation of residence status.

 

Enrollment in private medical insurance during the stay in Japan:

Digital nomads are not considered “medium to long-term residents” (i.e., those staying for more than 3 months). Therefore, they cannot obtain a residence card, register their address, or join the national health insurance scheme in Japan. Hence, they must enroll in private health insurance, either from Japanese or overseas insurance companies, meeting certain criteria.

 

Maximum 6-month stay:

The residence period for the Digital Nomad Visa is within 6 months out of a 12-month period from the date of entry into Japan. Digital nomads are not considered “medium to long-term residents,” so they do not receive a residence card or register their address, similar to other foreign nationals permitted to stay for 3 months.

For those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 6 months, changing to an investor/business manager visa (with the intention of doing business in Japan) or a technical/international business visa (if dealing with clients in Japan) can be considered.

 

Application process:

International remote workers generally do not have accepting organizations or relatives in Japan. Therefore, there are no provisions for agents to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility on behalf of the applicant. As the applicant is typically not in Japan, practically, they or a registered administrative scrivener would apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) while in Japan on a short-term stay visa.

 

Assistance service:

Cost: $1,800USD or ¥220,000JPY (tax included) Scope: Initial investigation, pre-consultation and negotiation with immigration authorities, guidance on required documents, verification of document content, application to the Immigration Bureau, communication and negotiation with examiners, appointment of applicants as inviting parties (optional).

 

 

Professional

Masakazu Murai
Immigration consultant, financial advisor
He has 18 years experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley. He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.

He currently supports many foreign entrepreneurs in Japan, taking advantage of the experience of an investment banker. He is the best expert of Business VISA in Japan.

Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
MBA in Entrepreneurship

CONTACT US TODAY