Good news! Starting from March 2024, Japan is going to introduce the Digital Nomad visa. This visa is perfect for those who think the Tourist visa isn’t enough to experience all that Japan has to offer, but don’t want to settle in Japan for more than half a year.
Curious about this Digital Nomad visa in Japan? We got you covered! We have all the information you need about this visa in our blog. From the requirements, the documents you need to prepare, and how to apply for this visa, we have summed it all up for you!
Coto Academy is a Japanese language school located in Tokyo and Yokohama. With its small class sizes and flexible course schedule, we ensure the students find their community here in Japan and learn practical and useful daily-lifeJapanese by focusing on conversational practice.
We have also prepared a guidebook on everything that you need to know before & after coming to Japan, such as detailed information about the visa, one-day trip plan recommendations, information about life in Japan, and more! Check out the full table of contents below:
Before Coming to Japan
After Coming to Japan
Visa Application Checklist
One-Day Trip Plans
About Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa
Life in Japan
Tax Obligations for Digital Nomads in Japan
Work-Life in Japan
Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist
Entertainment in Japan
Airport Run Through
Bonus Information
Know the Essentials Japanese Cultures
And the best part of it all is that you can download our guidebook for free by simply joining our mailing list. Enter your email address below and get your free guidebook now!
This blog article is an extract from our Ebook “Being A Digital Nomad in Japan Ultimate Guide.” To read the full content, you can simply download our free ebook at the end of this article!
Want to experience living in Japan to work remotely for a few months, but a 3-month tourist visa is not enough, and finding a job in Japan seems like a hassle. Don’t worry! Japan is introducing a Digital Nomad Visa, perfect for remote workers and digital nomads — people who work remotely while only staying in any one place for the short or midterm worldwide. This visa makes moving to and working in Japan easier by eliminating the stress of getting a job offer first, offering a unique chance to mix work with experiencing Japan’s culture.
Coto Academy is a Japanese language school located in Tokyo and Yokohama. With its small class sizes and flexible course schedule, we ensure the students find their community here in Japan and learn practical and useful daily-lifeJapanese by focusing on conversational practice.
To legally work remotely and live in Japan, you can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa issued in March 2024. With this visa, visitors can stay up to 6 months, longer than the usual 90 days provided by the regular tourist visa. Besides experiencing the Japanese culture and lifestyle, this visa allows you to bring dependents, such as your legally married spouse and children, under the same visa. For this visa, however, it cannot be renewed and must be reapplied for by leaving the country after the 6 months period.
Requirements To Apply for The Digital Nomad Visa
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 10 million Japanese Yen (approximately 68,000 USD) 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. This includes the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, and nations within the European Union in 49 countries and territories.
Health Insurance Requirement: You must hold private health insurance because such visa holders are not eligible to obtain a residence card or a residence certificate, preventing them from accessing certain government benefits. This applies to your dependent as well.
Important Documents Required to Apply For The Digital Nomad Visa
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 earnings with income statements indicating earnings over 68,000 USD from non-Japanese entities (e.g., bank statements or tax returns)
Proof of health insurance with documents indicating you and your family (if applicable) are insured under a private health insurance company
For the digital nomads, here is some information about paying taxes in Japan.
Residency Status and Tax Liability: Japan divides residents into “non-permanent” and “permanent” for taxes. If you are a non-permanent resident, you only pay taxes on your income made in Japan and sent to Japan. As for permanent residents, they pay taxes on all their income, no matter where it comes from.
Earned Income in Japan: Money earned by working with Japanese companies or within Japan is taxable.
Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs): There is an agreement established between Japan and other countries to prevent an individual from getting taxed twice.
We also recommend looking at Digital Nomad Taxes for more related information.
What If You Are Not Eligible For The Digital Nomad Visa?
There are a few options out there that you should consider!
Tourist Visa: Various countries are eligible for visa-free entry for up to 90 days
Working Visas: There are a few types, such as Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, or International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Skilled Labor, Startup Visa in Japan, Business Manager Visa, Highly-Skilled Professional, and more! Read this for more information.
Non-Working Visa: This visa allows you to work under limited hours weekly. This includes student visas, trainee visas, dependent visas, and more. Read this for more information.
Student Visa: This is a non-working visa. It allows you to work under limited hours, as mentioned above. Want to apply for one? Coto School Finder is here to help. Click the button below to learn more about it.
Apply for private health insurance; make sure your health insurance covers your stay in Japan.
Enjoy Japan; take the chance to work and explore! Japan also has fast internet and suitable workspaces if you are looking for places to work.
Learn Japanese! Knowing a bit of the Japanese language can significantly help you during your stay here. At Coto, we provide several classes and different locations for you to start your Japanese learning journey. For example, part-time classes would suit your busy schedule, as it provides flexibility. Lite-intensive courses are for those with more bandwidth to study Japanese here in Japan. We also offer online courses for those who want to learn Japanese before coming to Japan or study Japanese remotely, even when they arrive in Japan! Check out more of the classes we offer here.
Are you interested in becoming a digital nomad in Japan? Here is an eBook just for you.
“Being A Digital Nomad In Japan Ultimate Guide”
Will help you have a smoother life in Japan as a digital nomad.
Absolutely! You can explore Japan’s cities, countryside, and everything in between.
Do I need to pay taxes in Japan?
The answer varies; depending on your income sources and residential status in Japan, you may need to pay taxes.
Can I learn Japanese quickly?
Basic Japanese can significantly improve your stay. Consider taking Japanese lessons online or using language apps. Coto also offers a range of Japanese courses that may suit your needs. Check here.
How to become a Digital Nomad in Japan?
We answer all the questions related to the obtention of a Digital Nomad Visa in our Ebook, just below.
Want to learn and study more about the Japanese language and culture?
Book a free level check consultation with us to join!
Are you looking to become a digital nomad in Japan? Do you want to explore the world’s third-largest economy while having access to incredible technology, culture, and cuisine? Working remotely can be a great way of experiencing all that Japan has to offer. In this blog post, we’ll show you how it’s done by providing tips on preparation and creating successful strategies for living & working as a digital nomad in Japan. Whether you’re just getting started or have been wanting to make your international dreams come true for years, these actionable steps will give you the insight necessary for making an informed decision about life in Japan!
What is a Digital Nomad and What are Examples of Work They do?
Different from an office worker, a digital nomad is far more flexible | Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash
A digital nomad is a person who uses technology to work remotely while having the freedom to travel and explore. They have a location-independent lifestyle and just need reliable internet and a device to work. One example of a digital nomad’s work is freelance writing. With just a laptop and Wi-Fi connection, one can write articles, blog posts, and social media content for clients based anywhere in the world. Digital Nomads can also be teachers, SEO specialists, web designers, and virtual assistants who manage social media campaigns, email marketing campaigns, create graphics, and analyze data without ever stepping foot in an office.
The possibilities are endless for those who choose to live the digital nomad lifestyle. But have you heard of digital nomads in Japan?
How Many Digital Nomads are in Japan?
It’s hard to find an exact number on how many digital nomads are in Japan. Official numbers might be hard to track because the Japanese government does not offer a digital nomad visa. However, no need to fret! There are a few visa options for digital nomads, so keep reading to find out what they are.
Does Japan Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?
Unfortunately, the concept of a digital nomad is still uncommon in Japan | Photo by Persnickety Prints on Unsplash
Regrettably, as of 2023, Japan hasn’t rolled out the red carpet with a dedicated digital nomad visa. It seems the concept of sipping sake under Sakura while typing away on your laptop hasn’t quite caught on with the Japanese government yet. But not all hope is lost!
Word on the street (and by “street”, we mean credible news outlets) is that Japan is contemplating a special visa for globe-trotting remote workers. No one really knows when it will be available.
While we wait for this digital nomad visa to materialize, there are other options to explore. After all, experiencing Japan isn’t just about cherry blossoms and bullet trains; it’s also about finding ways to navigate the complex maze of bureaucracy to get things done.
Alternative Visa Options for Digital Nomads
As far as short-term options, Japan offers a 90-day visa to tourists from various countries. If this option is not accessible or ideal for you, another option could be a work visa if you’re eligible and want to stay longer than 90 days.
Types of Work Visas
Fret not, there are still other visa options! | Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash
If you do white-collar work that’s not tech-related, the most suitable visa for you may be the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Studies Visa. This visa is typically for technicians and white-collar professionals, so it covers a broad range of foreigners in Japan. Some job titles included under this visa are English teacher, Interpreter, Designer, Salesperson, and Business Manager.
The Engineering Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSPV) in Japan are both designed for foreign professionals to work in the country, but they have some key differences in terms of eligibility, benefits, and restrictions.
The Engineering Visa is specifically for those who plan to engage in services that require skills or knowledge pertinent to physical science, engineering, or other natural science fields. This visa category is often used by software engineers and other tech professionals. The primary advantage of this visa is that it’s not tied to a specific employer, meaning you can change jobs without needing to alter your visa status.
If you are aiming for an even longer stay, HSPV might be the best fit for you! | Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash
On the other hand, the Highly Skilled Professional Visa is a more exclusive category. It’s issued through a point-based system to foreigners who meet certain criteria like having an annual income of at least 3 million yen. Points are given based on factors like academic background, professional experience, salary, age, and language proficiency. Further, the HSPV is connected to the company you work for. However, the HSPV has several advantages over the Engineering Visa. For instance, it allows for a longer duration of stay, easier procedures for inviting relatives, permission for the spouse to work, and the possibility of permanent residency. Furthermore, the HSPV even allows for an indefinite stay as long as the scope of work falls under the designated categories. Note that you generally need at least a Bachelor’s degree to be approved for these visas.
So, the main difference boils down to this: the Engineering Visa is more job-specific and offers greater flexibility with employment, while the HSPV is more exclusive, offers broader benefits, and can potentially lead to permanent residency in Japan.
If you still don’t feel like these visa options are suitable for you, there is one more type of visa that could be a possibility. It’s a working holiday visa.
The Working Holiday Visa
For the Digital Nomad, this could be your way to continue your Journey in Japan. | Photo by Peggy Anke on Unsplash
The Working Holiday Visa in Japan is a special type of visa that allows young people from certain countries to live and work in Japan for up to one year. The primary purpose of the visit should be to holiday in Japan, but visa holders are allowed to work part-time to supplement their travel funds.
Applicants must be citizens of countries that have a mutual agreement with Japan for the Working Holiday Programs. This includes countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom among many others.
There are some limitations to this visa as well. One is the age restriction, with the minimum being 18 and the maximum being 30 years of age. For some countries, the maximum is younger than that. Secondly, you cannot work at places like bars, clubs, and gambling establishments.
You can read more information on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs site and in this Coto blog article from February 2023. Application procedures can usually be on the aforementioned site or on websites of the Embassies or Consulates-General of Japan in your country/region.
Lastly, you need to prove you have sufficient funds. This differs from country to country, and I don’t believe the government gives any exact figures. To get an idea, your best bet may be to search on Google and in forums like Reddit.
Finding Affordable Housing that Fits Your Needs
Another part you should consider is housing as a Digital Nomad. | Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash
As a digital nomad, finding the perfect place to live can be a challenge. If you’re looking to settle down in Japan, it’s important to consider your needs and lifestyle. Do you need a quiet space to work or do you prefer a more communal living situation? Are you looking for a minimalist apartment or a more spacious room to store your gear? Luckily, Japan offers a wide range of housing options. But the process can be bureaucratic and tedious. For a stay of 90 days or less, you can do a search for Sakura House, Tokyo Vacation House, or Tokhouse among others. For help finding affordable housing in Tokyo and Yokohama, check out this article. We also have three cheat sheets of Japanese vocabulary and expressions related to apartment hunting. You can find the first cheat sheet here.
Conversely, seeing as much of Japan as possible may be your objective, in which case AirBnB would be worth checking out. Traveling around Japan as a digital nomad is an adventure that blends the wonders of ancient traditions with the excitement of modern technology. The country’s unique blend of history and innovation creates an environment that is both stimulating and inspiring, making it an ideal destination for those who work remotely and crave cultural immersion.
However, no matter if you decide to stay in one place or move around, Japan is a country in which learning some of the language and a little about the culture go a long way.
The Benefits of Learning Japanese in Japan
Having some skill in Japanese might help you in your Digital Nomad journey| Photo by Leio McLaren on Unsplash
To many visitors’ surprise, Japan is still very much a country where most people do not speak English. So learning Japanese while living or working in Japan as a digital nomad can offer numerous benefits:
Enhanced Communication: Understanding Japanese will allow you to communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients, and local residents. This can lead to better working relationships, friendships, and a more fulfilling social life.
Networking: In the same vein as the first point, speaking Japanese can help you build relationships with people outside of your immediate circle, providing opportunities for networking as well as personal and professional growth.
Professional Opportunities: Many places of work prefer employees who can speak Japanese. This even goes with the IT industry, which is more progressive in certain aspects as compared to some others. Being able to understand the language can make you stand out and open up more job opportunities.
Cultural Understanding: From reading historical signs at sites at museums to listening to stories being told by knowledgeable Japanese nationals, learning Japanese can help you better understand and appreciate the country’s rich history and culture. This can enhance your overall experience in Japan.
Independence and Confidence: Being able to navigate daily activities such as shopping, dining, paying bills, or using public transportation without assistance can increase your independence and confidence.
Personal Fulfillment: Learning a new language and accomplishing some or all of the aforementioned points can be a rewarding personal achievement.
Learning Japanese in Japan is particularly special due to the total immersion aspect—you’re completely surrounded by the language and culture here. Now you may be asking how or where can you learn Japanese? Well, one popular option once you touch down in Japan is a Japanese language academy. There are a lot of Japanese Language Academies to choose from. Of course, we would recommend you check out the classes we have to offer at Coto Academy!
Why Study with Coto Academy?
At Coto Academy, we focus on communicative skills and Japanese that’s actually useful in everyday interactions. Some classes even take you out to use your Japanese in authentic environments.
We offer one-on-one courses in addition to group lessons, virtual lessons, and cultural courses. We have two brick-and-mortar locations. The original school is in Iidabashi, and the newest location is a stone’s throw from the famous Shibuya Scramble! That means you can have Japanese class and then hop on over to Udagawacho with your friends and practice using the Japanese you’ve learned. We are very active on social media platforms like TikTok and IG, where we post fun language tips and entertainment. Coto Academy even has a comedy show every once in a while that teachers and students can come to watch or sign up to perform in!
Conclusion
Do you think Japan suits the digital nomad life? | Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash
In conclusion, Japan offers a unique and enriching experience for digital nomads. Whether you’re navigating the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or finding inspiration in the serene landscapes of rural areas, it’s an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. Although Japan doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, several other visas are available that can facilitate a short or long-term stay in the country. As you prepare to embark on your digital nomad journey here, thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making will be your keys to success. Embrace the adventure, let Japan inspire your work and life, and remember that Coto Academy is here to support your journey through language and culture support!
Have you ever considered visiting Japan? Now is the perfect year to do it. The Japanese Yen is weak today, making traveling to Japan more affordable for people from other countries. Let’s discuss why this is happening and how it can benefit you.
Why is the Yen Weaker?
Low Interest Rates
Japan’s central bank, the Bank of Japan, has kept interest rates very low. Other countries have increased their rates to control inflation, but Japan is sticking with low rates. This makes the Yen less attractive to investors, making it cheaper for us.
Slow Economic Growth
Japan’s economy is growing slowly and steadily. This means prices are not rising too quickly, making things more affordable.
Changes in Global Trade
The world economy is constantly changing, and these changes have affected Japan’s trade balance. Even though Japan still exports a lot, the cost of imports has risen, impacting the Yen’s value.
Benefits for Travelers
Cheaper Travel Costs
A weaker Yen means your money will go further in Japan. Whether it’s flights, accommodation, or food, everything will be more affordable. This is great news for anyone planning a trip.
Do you want to study Japanese in Japan but have trouble finding accommodation? Coto is here to help! We assist our students in housing by working with our trusted partner – Oak House! By using Oak House, you will get a 10,000 yen coupon! Come Join Coto Now!! And Use Oak House Today!
Here are some benefits of using Oak House!
Furnished Rooms: Most Oak House properties come fully furnished, eliminating the need to buy furniture upon arrival. This can be a significant advantage, especially for short-term stays.
Simplified Move-in Process: Oak House handles most administrative tasks, such as key money, agency fees, guarantors, and utilities, which simplifies the move-in process and reduces upfront costs.
Multilingual Support: Oak House offers support in English, French, Chinese, and Korean, which can help you navigate the rental process if you don’t speak Japanese.
Coto has a range of courses where you can learn Japanese quickly and with a friendly budget. Check out the most suitable option for Learning Japanese.
Coto Japanese Academy stands out for its friendly atmosphere and practical approach to learning Japanese. It is perfect for those looking to improve their speaking and listening skills quickly. We also provide flexible programs perfect for travelers and long-term residents.
For those who cannot attend in-person courses, Coto also provides online course options that allow students to take Japanese courses anywhere in the world. Learn more here: Coto Online Japanese School.
Moreover, Coto also offers courses combining language learning and Japanese cultural activities, such as the Language and Culture Immersion Course. This course is for all Japanese-level students who want to learn the Japanese language and experience something different, such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, taiko drum, iaido sword, so-making, and local excursions!
Class Size: Small class sizes (typically 8 students) to ensure personalized attention
Have you ever wanted to learn Japanese? Now is a great time to do it. With lower costs, you can join language schools, live with host families, or attend cultural workshops without spending too much.
Ideal for Digital Nomads
Japan is a fantastic place for digital nomads. With excellent internet and a mix of modern cities and beautiful nature, you can work and explore simultaneously. And with a weaker Yen, living costs are much lower.
Things to Do in Japan
Shopping
Japan offers fantastic shopping experiences, from electronics in Akihabara to traditional crafts in Kyoto. With a weaker Yen, you can buy more for less. Here are some more details on A Guide to Outlet Shopping in Japan.
Delicious Food
Japanese cuisine is world-famous. Enjoy sushi, ramen, and street food at lower prices. Dining out is more affordable, so you can try everything.
Cultural Experiences
Explore Japan’s rich culture by visiting temples, attending tea ceremonies, and participating in festivals. These experiences become even more accessible when travel costs are lower.
Coto Japanese Academy also offers the Coto Japanese Language & Cultural Immersion Course, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the language and the culture. This course combines intensive language study with cultural activities, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and traditional cooking classes, giving students a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
In 2024, the weaker Yen will make Japan an attractive destination for travelers, students, and digital nomads. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Japan’s unique culture, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes without spending too much.
So, pack your bags, learn some basic Japanese phrases, and enjoy an incredible adventure in Japan. Safe travels, and have a wonderful time in the Land of the Rising Sun!
FAQ
Yes, learning Japanese is more affordable now. You can join language schools, live with host families, or participate in cultural workshops without spending too much.
Absolutely! Japan offers excellent internet infrastructure, a mix of modern cities and beautiful natural landscapes, and lower living costs due to the weaker Yen. It’s an ideal place for digital nomads to work and explore.
Do you ever wish you could explore Japan while getting paid? You can do that through different visas! Staying and living in Japan requires a Visa, but not every visa is one size fits all. Each one has different pros and cons. The main differences are the limits on how much you can work, how long you can stay in the country, and what job you can do. Look at the most popular work visas to see what works best for you!
Ready to take the next step? Submit your inquiry and our team will respond promptly.
Student Visa
The Student Visa is for people enrolled in a full-time academic program at a Japanese institution. This could be a language school, university, etc. People on a student visa are only eligible to work a maximum of 28 hours a week on average during active semesters. While they can work full-time during holidays, student visa holders can only work jobs that do not interfere with their studies. Jobs that generally do not interfere with studies in Japan are part-time jobs; the service industry and retail work are popular among students. While the student visa is not ideal for making a lot of money in Japan, it is one of the longest-lasting visas, depending on how long you are in school.
Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa is for people looking to travel and support their travel expenses while on their trip. This visa is only extended to younger people, and the maximum age for this visa in Japan is 30 years. This visa lasts for a year at most; however, depending on your nationality, there is a possibility for an extension beyond that. Working Holiday Visa jobs are part-time, allowing people to work up to 48 hours per week anywhere! That being said, this visa prioritizes the “Holiday” portion. While you can work with this visa, the focus is mainly on traveling and experiencing the culture of Japan!
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is a new addition to Japan’s working visa selection, which only came into effect in March of 2024! This visa is unique because it is specifically for remote workers for companies outside of Japan. This visa prohibits work for Japanese companies or freelance work within Japan, so your working hours depend on your foreign home company. This visa lasts 6 months, and given its recent introduction, there are no possibilities for an extension. If you want a more in-depth look at this visa, check out The Ultimate Guide.
Visa Logistics
All visas require a valid passport, but depending on the visa you’re applying for, there are some differences in applications after that point!
Applying for a Student Visa
While you can apply for a Student Visa independently, researching schools, compiling everything, and sending all your documents or information can sometimes be confusing or stressful. Using a free program like Coto School Finder can help you with translations and double-checking your documents!
Applying for a Work/Holiday Visa
To get a Working Holiday Visa your first step is to check the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs as different countries have different Visa qualifications. Generally, you will need a return plane ticket, proof of funds, and meeting the age requirements. You can apply officially through your country’s embassy or consulate general if you meet all the qualifications.
Photo By Digital Nomad Asia
Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa
For a Digital Nomad Visa, you must already be employed by a non-Japanese company. You again need to check if your home country is applicable (see above). If your country is connected to the program, you are ready to move on to the next items! You will need an annual income of at least 10 million JPY, health insurance with coverage of at least 10 million JPY, and a written itinerary of what you plan to do during your visit that you can fill out here.
Picking Your Job
It’s always smart to start a job search before you need it but once your application for the Student Visa or Work Holiday Visa gets approved it is time to start the hunt officially!
General Job Requirements
Getting a job, like everywhere, depends on the individual and the company. However, there are some general things that you will need to work in Japan. You will need to be proficient in Japanese (JLPT N2 at least), have a college degree or sufficient experience in the field, and have a CV or resume in English and Japanese. Need some help? Here is how to make a Japanese resume and get some tips for interviews!
Where to look
Since we live in the internet age, there are many foreigner-friendly job posting websites. Put in what you’re looking for or experience, and start your hunt!
Looking for a comprehensive guide to navigating the part-time job market? Check out this blog
One of the best things about working in Japan is the versatility of workspaces for hybrid and remote workers. Around Japan, there are different coworking spaces to help you connect to your job and other working professionals in the area!
