What is the Japanese “Digital Nomad” Visa? Exclusive Support Plans with Japanese Lessons Offered by Trust Administrative Scrivener Office

What is a “Digital Nomad”?

A “digital nomad” is someone who embraces a lifestyle of long-term travel while working remotely using IT tools. While remote work became widespread in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing employees to work from home instead of commuting to the office, digital nomadism takes it a step further. The key difference lies in the freedom to work from anywhere, not just at home.

For those wishing to work abroad, a visa is usually required to stay in the host country. Some countries in Europe and Asia have already introduced visas specifically for digital nomads. Now, Japan has joined the movement, creating its own visa to attract digital nomad workers. Applications for this new visa opened on March 31, 2024.

In this article, a certified administrative scrivener will provide a clear explanation of Japan’s digital nomad visa. We’ll also introduce our office’s unique support plan, complete with additional benefits tailored for digital nomads.

Overview of the Digital Nomad Visa

Let’s start by outlining the key aspects of the digital nomad visa.

This visa is designed for:

• Foreign nationals who are employed by overseas companies or work as freelancers
• Individuals who wish to stay in Japan while engaging in IT-based remote work
• Their accompanying family members

While this visa opens exciting opportunities, it’s important to note that not everyone who applies will be approved, as there are specific eligibility criteria. Additionally, even after obtaining the visa, there are restrictions such as being prohibited from taking part-time jobs and the inability to renew the visa.

Now, let’s delve into the requirements for obtaining this visa.

What Are the Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa?

For nomad workers, a visa category called “Designated Activities (Notification No. 53)” has been established. Below are the four main eligibility criteria for this visa:

[Visa Eligibility Criteria]

1. The intended stay in Japan must not exceed 6 months.
2. Applicants must be from a visa-exempt country or region that has a tax treaty with Japan.
3. The applicant’s annual income must be at least 10 million yen at the time of application.
4. The applicant must have health insurance coverage.

These requirements are crucial to ensure a smooth application process, so it’s essential to confirm each condition before applying.
Let’s take a closer look!

1. The Duration of Stay Must Not Exceed 6 Months

The maximum duration allowed under the digital nomad visa is six months. It’s important to note that this visa cannot be renewed. Additionally, holders of this visa will not receive a Residence Card (zairyū card), which is typically issued to mid- to long-term residents in Japan.

2. Applicants Must Be Nationals of Visa-Exempt Countries with a Tax Treaty with Japan

The eligibility for the digital nomad visa is limited to nationals of specific countries or regions. Only individuals from the following nations and territories qualify for this visa:

[Eligible Countries and Regions]
Iceland, Ireland, United States, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Italy, Indonesia, Uruguay, Estonia, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Qatar, Canada, United Kingdom, Croatia, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Thailand, South Korea, Czech Republic, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Turkey, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, Brazil, France, Bulgaria, Brunei, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Luxembourg, Taiwan, Hong Kong.

3. Annual Income Must Be at Least 10 Million Yen at the Time of Application

Applicants are required to have an annual income of at least 10 million yen. This income must be verifiable through documents such as tax certificates or income statements issued in the applicant’s country of employment.

4. Applicants Must Have Health Insurance

Applicants must be enrolled in a medical insurance plan, such as overseas travel insurance, that meets the following three criteria:

• Coverage for death, injuries, or illnesses
• A minimum coverage amount of 10 million yen for medical treatment costs related to injuries or illnesses
• Coverage for the entire duration of the applicant’s stay in Japan

These conditions ensure that digital nomads can work and travel in Japan securely and responsibly.

Families Can Join Too

The digital nomad visa also includes provisions for family members, allowing them to accompany the primary visa holder to Japan. This is facilitated by the Designated Activities (Notification 54) visa, specifically designed for family members.

The term “family” in this context refers to the nomad worker’s spouse and children. Other relatives, such as parents or siblings, are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements for Spouses and Children

1. Must be nationals of visa-exempt countries.
2. Must be financially supported by the nomad worker.
3. Must be covered by medical insurance.

Let’s take a closer look at each requirement:

1. Nationals of Visa-Exempt Countries

Spouses and children must also hold the nationality of an eligible country. However, the list of eligible countries and regions is broader for family members compared to the nomad worker.

[Eligible Countries and Regions for Family Members]
Iceland, Ireland, United States, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Andorra, Israel, Italy, Indonesia, Uruguay, Estonia, El Salvador, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Qatar, Canada, North Macedonia, Cyprus, Greece, Guatemala, United Kingdom, Croatia, Costa Rica, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Suriname, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Thailand, South Korea, Czech Republic, Tunisia, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Dominican Republic, Turkey, New Zealand, Norway, Bahamas, Barbados, Hungary, Finland, Brazil, France, Bulgaria, Brunei, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Honduras, Malta, Malaysia, Mexico, Mauritius, Monaco, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Romania, Luxembourg, Lesotho, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau.

2. Financial Dependence on the Nomad Worker

Accompanying family members must be financially supported by the nomad worker. It’s worth noting that this visa does not allow family members to obtain “Permission to Engage in Other Activities,” meaning they cannot work part-time or take on side jobs while in Japan.

3. Enrollment in Medical Insurance

Family members, like the nomad worker, must be covered by medical insurance that meets the following criteria:

• Coverage for death, injuries, or illnesses.
• A minimum of 10 million yen in medical treatment coverage for injuries or illnesses.
• Valid for the entire duration of the stay in Japan.

These provisions ensure that families can join their loved ones in Japan while maintaining financial and medical security.

How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa

The process for applying for a digital nomad visa involves the following steps:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents in Your Home Country

Gather all the necessary documents to prove your eligibility for the visa.

Step 2: Arrive in Japan as a Short-Term Visitor

Since this visa is available only to nationals of visa-exempt countries, you can enter Japan as a short-term visitor at any time, provided you have secured your flight.

Step 3: Prepare the Application Documents

Once in Japan, prepare all required documents for the visa application.

Step 4: Submit the “Application for Certificate of Eligibility” to the Immigration Bureau

Submit your application at the Immigration Bureau that has jurisdiction over your place of residence in Japan.

Step 5: Receive the Certificate of Eligibility

If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility, which serves as a key step toward obtaining the visa.

Points to Note

While short-term visitors can enter Japan at any time, it is crucial to act promptly after arrival, especially for Steps 3 and 4. Since the digital nomad visa was launched in March 2024, the Immigration Bureau may require additional time for processing due to the novelty of the program. Submitting your application as soon as possible after arrival ensures the decision is made within your short-term stay.

Documents Required for the Digital Nomad Visa Application

The following documents are required for the application of the Digital Nomad Visa, separated for the nomad worker and their family.

For the Nomad Worker (Designated Activities Visa No. 53)

• Application form for the Certificate of Eligibility
• A passport-sized photo (4cm x 3cm)
• A self-addressed envelope with a postage stamp for registered mail
• Documentation explaining the planned activities during the stay
• Tax certificate or income certificate proving annual income
• Copy of the private health insurance policy and terms and conditions

For the Nomad Worker’s Spouse and Children (Designated Activities Visa No. 54)

• Application form for the Certificate of Eligibility
• A passport-sized photo (4cm x 3cm)
• A self-addressed envelope with a postage stamp for registered mail
• Documentation explaining the planned activities during the stay
• Documents proving the familial relationship with the applicant (spouse or parent)
• Copy of the private health insurance policy and terms and conditions
• Copy of the nomad worker’s passport

Important Points to Note About the Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa has some differences from other types of visas, so it is important to be aware of the following points:

1. It Cannot Be Renewed (Extended)
The allowed stay period is typically 6 months. However, it cannot be extended for another 6 months. If you wish to stay in Japan again under the Digital Nomad Visa, you must leave Japan before the expiration of your stay. After waiting for 6 months, you can apply for the visa again.

2. No Residence Card Is Issued
A residence card is not issued for the Digital Nomad Visa. As a result, there may be situations in which it is inconvenient, especially when an identification card is needed within Japan.

3. No Part-time Work Is Allowed
Neither the nomad worker nor their family members are permitted to engage in part-time work in Japan. Additionally, the nomad worker cannot enter into new contracts with Japanese companies or organizations for employment during their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Digital Nomad Visa

Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Digital Nomad Visa:

Q1: What kinds of jobs qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa?
A1: Jobs that utilize IT, such as IT engineers, digital designers, digital marketers, programmers, writers, online assistants, online language teachers, and individual business owners managing foreign companies, are widely applicable for this visa.

Q2: Can I temporarily leave Japan during my stay?
A2: Yes, you can. When leaving Japan, you simply need to inform immigration that you intend to re-enter. You can re-enter without any special procedures, but remember that you must return before the expiration of your stay.

Q3: Can I change my visa to another type while staying in Japan?
A3: In most cases, yes. However, depending on the type of visa you want to switch to, it may not be possible for your family to accompany you, so please be cautious.

Q4: Can I receive a job offer from a Japanese acquaintance during my stay?
A4: Freelancers cannot accept job offers. However, if you are employed by a foreign company and a Japanese acquaintance offers work through the foreign company, and the company accepts, it is possible to work remotely in Japan under that arrangement.

Summary of Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa

How did you find the explanation of the Digital Nomad Visa?
Since this visa system is still in its early stages, there may not be many cases available at immigration, and obtaining detailed information could be challenging. At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide support for the application process of the Digital Nomad Visa. Obtaining this visa requires meeting complex conditions and preparing various documents, but we offer personalized advice to find the best application method for your specific situation. From preparing and submitting the necessary documents (and even offering Japanese lessons!), we provide comprehensive support, so you can rely on us with confidence.
Feel free to take advantage of our free consultation service (we also provide support in English and Chinese via chat).

Discover how this visa allows you to stay in Japan for up to 6 months while working remotely. Perfect for those looking to explore Japan while continuing their work as digital nomads!

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Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com

Address：3F-1-1-1 Kajimachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, Japan

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