Digital Nomad Visa for Japan

Important First Note: Understanding the "Designated Activities" Visa

Japan's new "Digital Nomad Visa" is not a standalone category. It officially falls under "Specified Skilled Personnel" (特定技能人材) within the "Designated Activities" (特定活動) visa status.

This visa is designed for highly skilled remote workers from certain countries to live in Japan for a short period.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Visa

Check Your Eligibility

You must meet all of the following criteria:

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country that Japan has a tax treaty with and that offers a reciprocal visa for Japanese citizens. This includes many countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the UK, and most of the EU. (A full list is not officially published, so this is a key point to verify).

• Income: You must have an annual income of at least 10 million Japanese Yen (approx. $68,000 USD / €62,000 EUR). This must be proven with official documents like tax certificates or pay stubs.

• Employment: You must be employed or have a contract with a company OUTSIDE of Japan, or be a business owner of a company registered outside of Japan.

• Private Health Insurance: You must purchase private health insurance that provides coverage in Japan for the entire duration of your stay.

• Remote Work: Your work must be done remotely using digital technology.

Gather the Required Documents

Prepare the following documents. All foreign documents should be translated into Japanese.

1. Visa Application Form: The standard "Application for Visa" form, filled out and with a passport-style photo attached.

2. Passport: Valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.

3. Proof of Income: Documents proving your annual income of 10 million JPY or more. This could be:

   • Tax documents from your home country.

   • Bank statements.

   • Pay slips.

   • A letter from your employer confirming your salary and remote work status.

4. Proof of Employment/Business:

   • For employees: A contract with your foreign employer.

   • For business owners: Company registration documents.

5. Proof of Private Health Insurance: Insurance policy documents clearly showing coverage in Japan and the validity period.

6. Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume.

7. Letter of Explanation: A personal letter outlining your purpose of stay, your work, and your plans while in Japan.

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

This is the most critical part of the process.

• What it is: The COE is a pre-approval from Japanese immigration. You apply for it before you get the visa.

• How to apply: You cannot apply for the COE yourself from abroad. You must appoint a proxy in Japan to submit the application on your behalf. This proxy can be:

  • A friend or colleague living in Japan.

  • A professional service (e.g., an immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener).

• Process: Your proxy will take your documents to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau in Japan that has jurisdiction over their address.

• Processing Time: Typically 1 to 3 months.

Apply for the Visa at a Japanese Embassy/Consulate

Once your COE is approved, it will be mailed to your proxy, who then sends it to you.

1. Take your original passport and the original COE to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

2. Submit the visa application form and any other documents the embassy requires.

3. The embassy will affix the visa sticker into your passport. This process usually takes about 5 working days.

Enter Japan and Complete Residence Procedures

1. Enter Japan: You must enter Japan within 3 months of the COE being issued.

2. Receive Residence Card: Upon arrival at the airport (Narita, Haneda, etc.), you will receive your Zairyu Card (Residence Card) from the immigration officer.

3. Register Your Address: Within 14 days of moving into your accommodation, you must go to your local Municipal Office (市役所 Shiyakusho) to register your address. This will be printed on the back of your Zairyu Card.

Cost of Living & Practical Life Information

Japan's cost of living is highly variable depending on the city. Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, while smaller cities are much more affordable.

Important Visa Limitation: The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for a maximum of 6 months and is not renewable. You must leave Japan after 6 months and cannot re-apply for another digital nomad visa for a certain "cooling-off" period (expected to be 6 months).

Monthly Cost of Living Estimates (for a single person)

Notes on Costs:

• Housing: Short-term monthly rentals (like LeoPalace, Airbnb, or monthly mansions) are more expensive than a standard 2-year lease. A security deposit and key money are often required.

• Food: Eating out is affordable, especially at lunch. Cooking at home saves a significant amount of money.

• Transportation: The public transport system is excellent. A bicycle is a great investment in smaller cities. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is expensive for long-distance travel.

• Taxes: As a temporary resident for less than one year, you typically will not become a tax resident of Japan, but you should consult a tax professional regarding your specific situation.

Essential Government & Official Links

1. Japan Digital Nomad Visa Official Page (JNTO):

   • Link: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) - Working Remotely from Japan

   • Purpose: This is the most user-friendly and up-to-date official source for the program's overview and requirements.

2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) - Visa Information:

   • Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

   • Purpose: The main authority for visa policies. Check here for any official announcements or changes.

3. Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA):

   • Link: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

   • Purpose: The ultimate authority for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and all immigration procedures. Use their website to find the correct Regional Immigration Bureau forms and contact information.

4. Find Your Local Japanese Embassy/Consulate:

   • Link: List of Japanese Embassies & Consulates

   • Purpose: You will apply for your visa here after receiving the COE. Their website may have specific local instructions.

Summary Checklist & Final Tips

• Confirm your nationality is eligible.

• Ensure your income is over 10 million JPY/year.

• Secure private international health insurance.

• Gather and translate all required documents.

• Find a proxy in Japan to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

• Wait for COE approval (1-3 months).

• Take COE and passport to your local Japanese embassy for the visa sticker.

• Book your flight and initial accommodation.

• Plan your budget based on your chosen city.

This visa is an incredible opportunity to experience life in Japan. Good luck with your application