Japan Introduced Digital Nomad Visa to Allow Remote Work

Japan’s digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers who want to work while experiencing Japanese culture and lifestyle for a maximum of six months. This is currently the visa offering the longest stay in Japan among short-term visas.

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Wonder what is regarded as digital nomad work? Are you aware of all the requirements for a successful application? Do you know that accessing the private healthcare system through international health insurance is necessary to receive medical treatment as a foreigner in Japan?

In this Pacific Prime article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the new Japan digital nomad visa, and how we can support you, from visa application to accessing healthcare during your stay in Japan.

What is the Digital Nomad Visa?

The digital nomad visa allows applicants and their dependents (legally married spouses and children) to stay up to 6 months under the same visa. Starting from March 2024, you can apply for this visa and venture into your remote work journey in Japan.

Under this residency status, you are not allowed to work in any form with Japanese private and public organizations.

The visa is an ideal choice for individuals who are seeking to remain in Japan for a maximum of six months and are engaged in or intend to perform remote work internationally.

According to the Japan Immigration Service Agency, activities that are considered remote work are:

Activities that involve using information and communication technology in Japan to engage in the business of the organization’s business office located in a foreign country, based on an employment contract with a corporation or other foreign organization established under the laws and regulations of a foreign country

Activities that involve providing services for a fee or selling goods, etc. to persons located in a foreign country using information and communication technology

However, one important thing to note is that the visa is non-renewable, which means after the 6-month period, the applicant must reapply for the visa by leaving the country.

Eligibility of the Digital Nomad Visa

From employment status to health insurance requirement, there are certain criteria that one should note before sending in your visa application.

Employment Status: Applicants should work remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner for a company registered outside of Japan.
Income Requirement: A minimum annual income of at least Japanese Yen ¥10,000,000 (approximately USD $68,000) is required.
Nationality Requirement: The visa is available to individuals holding a passport from countries with visa-free entry and double taxation agreements with Japan.
Health Insurance Requirement: You must secure private health insurance because visa holders are not eligible for a residence card or a residence certificate to access government benefits such as public healthcare. This applies to your dependents as well.

Documents Required to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa

Japan’s Immigration Service Agency has stringent measures for monitoring visa applicants. As such, it is advisable to check whether you have all documents readied beforehand. The documents required to apply for the digital nomad visa are:

Valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages
Passport-size photos taken within the last six months
Proof of remote work (e.g., employment contract, employment letter, or client invoices)
Proof of income over USD $68,000 or Japanese Yen ¥10,000,000 from outside Japan (e.g., bank statements or tax returns)
Proof of private health insurance which covers death, injury, and illness during your stay with documents indicating you and your family (if applicable) are insured
Application form
Visa application fee
Certificate of Eligibility
Birth certificate (for dependents, if applicable)
Marriage certificate (for the spouse, if applicable)

Find Comprehensive Health Insurance Coverage in Japan with Pacific Prime

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement of the application for Japan’s digital nomad visa, as it indicates that you are capable of offsetting medical bills without causing financial burden; it also opens up access to private facilities to foreigners that are not eligible for public healthcare.

International health insurance for foreigners in Japan is highly recommended due to its comprehensive and customizable benefits, as well as its wide global network. If you are someone who travels often, an international health insurance policy can be invaluable as it guarantees coverage worldwide.

Many international health insurance providers can provide comprehensive coverage to foreigners during their time in Japan and ensure they are taken care of. Here is a list of the five top international health insurance providers with coverage in Japan:

By securing international health insurance, you don’t risk paying hefty bills in Japanese hospitals as it could get really expensive. You can access private healthcare services in Japan up to the plan limit by paying only premiums.

With over 20 years of experience as an insurance brokerage, Pacific Prime has a team of insurance experts who provide impartial advice for those who are thinking of taking out health insurance for coverage abroad.

Talk to our expert advisors today, or start by getting an obligation-free quote!

Bonus: Learning Japanese Etiquette

Paying attention to Japanese etiquette can ensure a smooth transition to the Japanese lifestyle. Respect plays a major role in Japanese culture, and some small actions that are completely normal in our home country could be considered rude or disturbing in Japan.

Here’s a few examples:

Loud sounds and voices: These noises bother others so it is better to keep to a minimum. It is advisable to avoid using a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, or taking a shower early in the morning or late at night.
Cover sneezes and coughs with hand: It is common practice that we use our hands to cover our mouths in case of sudden cough or sneeze, but in Japan, do so in your elbow or inside the sleeves of your jacket. If you’re feeling unwell and expect yourself to cough or sneeze, be considerate and wear a mask.

Rude actions on public transport: First of all, do not talk on the phone. You should also avoid talking to seatmates or your friend. It’s best to stand or sit in silence throughout your bus or train journey. If you are carrying a backpack on a crowded ride, take it off and put it on your feet so it does not bother other people.

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Eric Chung

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.