Japan Digital Nomad Visa is your ticket to slow travel in Japan while keeping your remote work rolling!

Think slow mornings in kissaten with pour-over coffee. Early climbs to Kotohira-gu before the crowds. Weekdays on reliable Wi-Fi at Kotori, weekends hopping Setouchi islands, soaking in onsen, and wandering the local shotengai.

In this guide, you’ll learn who can apply, how long you can stay, the documents you need, and the simple steps to get approved. We’ll also show you how to set up an easy base in Kotohira with coworking, cafés, and weekend adventures.

Table of Contents

• What is the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
• Who is eligible
• How to apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
• Life on the ground
• Conclusion for your Japan Digital Nomad Visa
• Japan Digital Nomad Visa: FAQs
  

What is the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Japan’s program sits under the “Designated Activities” status and lets eligible remote workers live in Japan while working for overseas employers or clients for up to 6 months. Local Japanese employment is not allowed under this visa, and extensions are not granted. Spouses and children can accompany you if they also meet insurance rules. 

Core facts at a glance

• Stay length: up to 6 months, no extension. Note you can only use 6 months within a 12-month period.
• Work scope: remote work for foreign employers or clients. No Japan-sourced employment or business activities.
• Family: spouse and children can join if insured.

Who is eligible

You must be from one of the designated countries or regions listed by Japan (generally those with visa-free entry and a tax treaty). Public guidance commonly references 49 eligible nationalities. Check the latest list before you apply.

You have to meet the income threshold and hold qualifying private health insurance.

Minimum income needed for Japan Digital Nomad Visa

You need to show at least 10 million JPY in annual income with supporting documents such as tax certificates, income statements, or contracts. 

Health insurance

You must carry private insurance that covers death, injury, and illness for your whole stay, with medical treatment coverage of 10 million JPY or more per person. Bring the policy certificate and summary. Credit card travel insurance may work if it meets the limits.

How to apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Apply before you travel at the Japanese embassy or consulate that covers your place of residence. Requirements can vary by office, but the process usually looks like this:

1 – Get your documents ready

Passport, photo, visa application form, and either a Certificate of Eligibility or a brief activity plan describing your remote work and stay. Include proof of annual income ≥ 10 million JPY and proof of qualifying insurance.

→ Checkout details on the official website.

2 – Go to a Japanese embassy or consulate

Submit to a Japanese embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Processing times vary. Always confirm your local checklist.

3 – Travel to Japan

Enter Japan and follow the rules of your status. No local employment. Spouse and children need their own paperwork and insurance.

Practical tips for a smoother application

• Make income evidence clear and recent. Many applicants include tax certificates plus contracts or payslips. 
• Print your insurance policy showing the 10 million JPY medical coverage. If using a card benefit, include the card copy and the benefit booklet. 
• Bring a simple one-pager describing your remote role, employer or clients, and where you plan to stay.

Life on the ground

Set a simple routine that mixes focused work with easy exploring. Japan is made for walkable errands, great coffee, and efficient trains, so you can keep your week steady and save adventures for weekends.

Where to base yourself

You can find plenty of nice places to settle in Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer big city energy, tons of attractions, cafés to work from, and solid coworking options like The Deck in Osaka or S Tokyo. You will meet plenty of travelers and expats.

If you want a quieter hub with rail access and nature close by, choose Kotohira in Kagawa. Work from cafés when you want a change of scene, and use Kotori Coworking for fast Wi-Fi, phone booths, and a meeting room when you have calls. Enjoy an authentic atmosphere and be part of a welcoming community. It is a great place to settle for a few weeks or your full six-month stay in Japan!

→ Checkout the full digital nomad guide to Kotohira!

Conclusion for your Japan Digital Nomad Visa

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa opens a six month window to work, explore, and settle into a routine that fits you. Pick a base that matches your pace, keep your paperwork and connectivity simple, and lean on good work spots. If you want quiet days with easy rail links and nature nearby, Kotohira and Kotori Coworking make a smooth, welcoming home base.

→ Get ready to work from Japan with our Internet Guide.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa: FAQs

How long can I stay on the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

Up to 6 months. The visa is not extendable. Some consulates also note a total limit of 6 months in any 12-month period. 

Can I work for a Japanese company while on this visa?

No. The visa is only for remote work for overseas employers or clients.

What is the required income?

At least 10 million JPY in annual income, documented with tax certificates or contracts

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Private insurance covering death, injury, and illness with at least 10 million JPY for medical treatment during your stay. Family members need coverage too.

Who can apply?

Nationals of designated countries or regions that Japan lists for this program, generally visa-exempt with a tax treaty in place. Check the latest list with MOFA before applying.

Can my spouse and children come?

Yes, if they meet the entry and insurance requirements and apply as dependents of a digital nomad.

Do I owe Japanese taxes on my foreign income while on the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

Usually no. If you are a non-resident for tax purposes in Japan, you are taxed only on Japan-source income. A 6-month stay without establishing a domicile typically keeps you non-resident.

Where do I find the official rules?

See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page for the “Designated Activities (Digital Nomad)” visa and the Immigration Services Agency’s detailed criteria.

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