Japan Launches Digital Nomad Visa Program Next Month: Call for Freelancers.
- February 7, 2024
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Japan plans to provide a visa specifically for digital nomads. It will permit visitors from 49 countries—including EU members—to remain in the country for a maximum of six months.
With its vibrant cities, varied natural settings, and well-known pop culture, Japan is the ideal destination for combining business and leisure.
With its population aging, the nation's economy and competitiveness abroad are under threat, so it is opening up to more and more foreigners. Next month, Japan plans to provide a visa specifically for digital nomads. It will permit visitors from 49 countries—including EU members—to remain in the nation for a maximum of six months.
With its vibrant cities, varied natural settings, and well-known pop culture, Japan is the ideal destination for combining business and leisure.
With its population aging, the nation's economy and competitiveness abroad are under threat, so it is opening up to more and more foreigners.
According to Japan's Labor Ministry, there are currently more than two million foreign workers in the nation—the greatest amount in history.
Here's all the information you need to apply for and understand the terms of Japan's new digital nomad visa.
Who can apply for Japan’s digital nomad visa?
The Japan digital nomad visa is available to nationals of 49 nations and territories. These include countries that have tax treaties with Japan or that don't require a visa to enter the country.
Along with Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkiye, and the UK, all EU member states are featured.
Other nationals who can apply include those from the US, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and other countries outside of Europe.
The visa is intended for highly qualified workers, particularly IT specialists. It will be given for "designated activities," such as working remotely for an organization based outside of Japan or doing freelance work on the side for international clients. It is anticipated that this will also hold true for YouTubers who get payment from foreign sponsors.
How much money must you make to qualify for a digital nomad visa in Japan?
To be eligible for Japan's digital nomad visa, a person must earn at least 10 million Japanese yen (€62,672) annually.
They need to have their own health insurance as well.
With this visa, remote workers can stay in the nation for up to six months, which is twice as long as the 90 days that visa-free "short-term visitors," who are legally not allowed to work while in the country, are now allowed. It is not feasible to renew it for subsequent stays; it can only be done six months after leaving the country.
When visiting Japan, spouses and children are welcome to travel with digital nomads as long as they have private health insurance.
On the other hand, candidates will not be allowed to rent long-term housing or be eligible for residency.