Current Digital Nomad Visa in Japan

Japan introduced a digital nomad visa under the status:

Key features

・Maximum stay: 6 months

・Extension: Not allowed

・Work: Only for foreign companies

・Japanese clients: Not permitted

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet several conditions, including:

・Annual income of approximately 10 million yen or more

・Private health insurance covering medical treatment in Japan

・Citizenship from an eligible country

・Remote work for companies outside Japan

While this visa allows remote workers to experience Japan, it is designed 

primarily for temporary stays, not long-term residence.

Why Japan Does Not Yet Have a Long-Term Digital Nomad Visa 

Unlike some countries, Japan’s immigration system is traditionally based on two main models:

Employment-based visas

Foreign nationals work for a Japanese company.

Examples include:

・Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

・Highly Skilled Professional

Business-based visas

Foreign nationals establish and manage a business in Japan.

Example:

経営管理ビザ

Because of this structure, the system does not currently provide a visa category for individuals who:

・Work remotely

・Earn income from abroad

・Have no employer in Japan

・Do not establish a company in Japan

As a result, many digital nomads find it difficult to stay in Japan for more than six months.

Possible Long-Term Alternatives 

1 Business Manager Visa

This visa allows foreign nationals to live in Japan while managing a company.

Typical requirements include:

・Establishing a company in Japan

・Significant investment capital

・Office space in Japan

・A viable business plan

This option is often used by entrepreneurs who wish to operate businesses in Japan.

2 Work Visa Sponsored by a Japanese Company

If you obtain a job with a Japanese employer, you may qualify for a work visa such as:

・Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

This visa allows long-term residence but requires an employment relationship with a Japanese company.

3 Designated Activities Visa (Case-by-Case)

特定活動

In some limited circumstances, immigration authorities may grant permission under a special category called Designated Activities.

This status is discretionary and used when an applicant’s situation does not fit existing visa categories.

However, approvals are rare and usually require strong professional 

credentials or a clear connection with activities in Japan.

Will Japan Introduce a Long-Term Digital Nomad Visa?

Many countries are introducing long-term digital nomad programs to attract remote workers.

Japan’s current six-month visa is widely seen as an initial step, and immigration policy may evolve in the future.

However, as of 2026, there is no official long-term digital nomad visa in Japan.

Anyone planning to stay longer than six months must consider alternative immigration options.