Japan's Nomad Visa for Remote Workers: Rules and Regulations

Do you dream of working remotely from a foreign country?

According to Nomad List, Japan was the top growing destination for remote work in 2023, thanks in part to its comparatively low living costs for foreign residents.

Japan’s Nomad Visa, launching in March 2024, gives foreign digital nomads the chance to spend up to 6 months living in Japan.

In this post, you can learn more about the Japanese Nomad Visa requirements and how to begin working remotely from Japan.

Opportunities to Work Remotely in Japan

With a Nomad Visa for Japan, digital nomads who work remotely for businesses in other countries are entitled to a 6-month stay.

Nomad Visas are classed under the ‘specified activities’ work category and are different from other types of work visas for Japan.

With a Nomad Visa for Japan, you do not get a residency card or certificate. This means that you’ll be exempt from accessing some governmental benefits.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Citizens of around 50 approved countries can apply for the Nomad Visa for Japan, including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Singapore.

The Japanese Nomad visa has various requirements. To apply, you must:

How long can I stay in Japan with a Nomad Visa?

The Nomad Visa lets you work remotely in Japan for up to 6 months. Once your Nomad Visa has expired, you have to leave the country. It’s not possible to renew the Nomad Visa.

You can apply for another Nomad Visa once you’ve spent 6 months outside of Japan. You can also apply for other types of visas as soon as you’ve left Japan.

Can my partner and children join my Nomad Visa?

You can bring your children and spouse with you to Japan if you have a Nomad Visa. They’ll be given a type of visa known as a dependent visa, which is based on your provider status.

Can my partner also work remotely from Japan?

If your partner holds a dependent visa but also wants to work remotely from Japan, they’ll need to get permission from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. These requests are considered on a case by case basis.

Foreign visitors with dependent visas are not entitled to complete full-time work, meaning they can only do a maximum of 28 hours of remote work per week.

Dependents are also not allowed to earn more than the person they depend upon financially (i.e. the Nomad Visa holder).

Can I change from remote work to a job in Japan?

If you have a Nomad Visa, you’re not entitled to take on work in Japan.

One of the key principles of the Nomad Visa is that only people who work for businesses or companies outside of Japan are eligible, as well as self-employed people.

If you want to get a job in Japan, you’ll have to start the process of getting a work visa from outside the country.

Having worked remotely from Japan with a Nomad Visa does not automatically qualify you for a work visa.

You’ll need to apply for a work visa at your local Japanese embassy or consulate. One of the essential requirements of a work visa for Japan is a job offer from a Japanese employer.

Will I pay tax in Japan with a Nomad Visa?

With the Nomad Visa, you will not pay tax in Japan. You’ll continue to pay tax in the country where your employer or business is based.

Japan has signed tax treaties with the countries approved for the Nomad Visa. If you’re eligible to apply, you’re exempt from paying tax in Japan if you live and work there remotely with a Nomad Visa.

Short-Term Remote Work With Japan’s eVisa

For digital nomads looking for a shorter-term stay, the Japanese eVisa is an available option for passport holders or permanent residents of certain countries.

If you’re eligible for an eVisa for Japan, you’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days as a tourist. The Japanese eVisa is remote-worker friendly, meaning you can continue your normal working-from-home activities while visiting.

It’s easy to apply for the eVisa for Japan online. Applicants need to have a valid passport, an official birth certificate or certified copy, and a marriage certificate if married.

You’ll also need to provide a recent photograph and your travel itinerary for Japan, along with a completed application form.

Check the requirements for the eVisa for Japan to see if you’re eligible to apply.

Visa-Free Travel to Japan for Digital Nomads

Travelers from around 70 countries are allowed to spend up to 90 days in Japan without a visa for tourism purposes.

Visa-exempt countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and many EU countries.

You’re not allowed to do work with a Japanese company during your stay. However, digital nomads who are eligible for visa-free travel can work remotely from Japan during their short stay of up to 3 months.

You should check the visa requirements for Japan before you travel.

Other Types of Work Visas for Japan

All types of work visas for Japan need sponsorship from a Japanese company. The Digital Nomad visa is an exception to this rule.

You’ll also need to provide a completed application form and some photographs, as well as some personal documentation like your passport, or academic and professional certificates.

For some Japanese work visa applications, you’ll also need a Certificate of Eligibility, a type of pre-visa approval issued by the Immigration Services Authority.

Here you can see the differences between Japanese work and business visas, including what they’re used for, and the extra documentation required in your application.

If you’ve been studying in Japan and will soon graduate, it’s possible to request a work visa as an extension of your student visa, without having to leave the country.

Highly Skilled Professional and Working Holiday visas

Young travelers hoping to work part-time in Japan can apply for the Working Holiday visa. More than 25 nationalities are eligible, including the United Kingdom, some EU countries and Australia, and you have to be between the ages of 18 and 30 to qualify.

For foreign nationals already living and working in Japan in advanced research, technical or management fields, the Highly Skilled Professional visa is a points-based visa extension which can grant up to 5 years of additional residence.

In recent years, Japan’s Immigration Service Authority has implemented various new visas which expand opportunities for foreign workers.

Visit your local embassy or consulate to find out which type of work visa you need for Japan and how to apply.