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Thinking about working remotely from Japan? You're not alone. In 2024, Japan officially announced its digital nomad visa, opening the doors to remote professionals eager to live and work in one of the world’s most exciting countries.
With world-class infrastructure, high-speed internet, modern coworking spaces, and a rich cultural experience, Japan is ideal for remote workers looking to combine productivity with lifestyle. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Japan digital nomad visa, including eligibility, requirements, taxes, and how to apply.
With world-class infrastructure, high-speed internet, modern coworking spaces, and a rich cultural experience, Japan is ideal for remote workers looking to combine productivity with lifestyle. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Japan digital nomad visa, including eligibility, requirements, taxes, and how to apply.
Japan’s digital nomad visa is a new long-stay permit designed for foreign remote workers. Officially classified under “Designated Activities (No. 53),” this visa category is used for specific, government-approved purposes that don’t fall under standard work or tourist visas.
The Japan digital nomad visa allows eligible individuals to live in Japan for up to six months while working online for companies or clients located outside the country.
The program was created to stimulate local economies and encourage new business activity by drawing in high-income digital professionals. Unlike tourist visas, this visa is specifically geared toward remote workers who can support themselves financially during their stay.
It’s not a direct path to permanent residency, but it does offer more flexibility and time than standard short-stay options.
To qualify for the Japan digital nomad visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to nationality, income, and remote work status.
The Japan digital nomad visa is available to citizens from 49 countries and regions that have both a tax treaty and a visa exemption agreement with Japan.
This includes many European countries, such as France, Germany, and Sweden; Asian countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia; as well as others, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.
To qualify, applicants must earn at least ¥10 million per year (approximately $68,000 USD) through remote work for an overseas employer or as a self-employed professional.
To apply for the Japan digital nomad visa, you’ll need to prepare the following:
Note: COE is an official document issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. It confirms that you meet the visa’s conditions and can significantly streamline your application.
If you already have a COE, you do not need to submit items 5 through 6, as those details are already verified through the COE process.
Here are some of the key advantages digital nomads can enjoy during their stay.
You won’t have to pay taxes in Japan as a digital nomad, as long as you stay under six months and don’t establish a permanent residence. However, you’ll need private health insurance since you won’t be covered by Japan’s national healthcare system.
You can purchase international travel insurance from providers like SafetyWing, World Nomads, Allianz, or other companies that offer global health coverage for remote workers and long-term travelers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for Japan’s digital nomad visa:
Make sure you meet the nationality and income requirements, and that you have private health insurance for your stay.
Gather everything you need, including proof of income, remote work status, valid ID, health insurance, and any supporting materials related to your stay.
Apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. Some locations may require an appointment.
Processing times vary by country, but most applicants can expect to receive a decision in 2 to 4 weeks.
Once approved, you’ll be issued a single-entry visa valid for a 6-month stay in Japan. If you want to reenter after your stay ends, you must wait another 6 months before applying again.
Here's what to expect when staying in Japan as a digital nomad.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a tech-savvy metropolis with endless coworking spaces, global networking events, and lightning-fast internet. Despite the bustle, it offers quiet cafés and ultra-organized infrastructure ideal for focused work.
Some top coworking spaces in Tokyo include:
| Coworking space | Address |
| WeWork Shibuya Scramble Square | 39F, Shibuya-ku, 2 Chome-24-12 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-6139 |
| Blink Community Daikanyama | 〒106-0046 3-1-6 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Impact Hub Tokyo | 2 Chome-11-3 Meguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0063 |
These spaces offer everything from day passes to monthly plans, along with amenities like phone booths, meeting rooms, and great coffee.
Osaka
A little more laid-back than Tokyo, Osaka is known for its food culture, friendly vibe, and relatively affordable cost of living. It’s a major city with great Wi-Fi coverage, reliable public transport, and a growing remote work scene. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to meet locals and fellow digital nomads alike.
Popular coworking spaces in Osaka include:
| Coworking space | Address |
| The DECK | 〒541-0054 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Minamihonmachi, 2 Chome−1−1 |
| Osakan Space | 〒541-0051 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Bingomachi, 3 Chome−6−2 |
| ONthe UMEDA | 〒530-0057 Osaka, Kita Ward, Sonezaki, 2 Chome−16−19 |
Kyoto
If you’re looking for a quieter, more scenic backdrop for remote work, Kyoto offers the perfect setting. This historic city is filled with temples, gardens, and traditional architecture—all balanced with modern amenities and stable internet. While the pace is slower, Kyoto has a small but growing digital nomad scene and a few cozy coworking spots for focused work sessions.
Recommended coworking spaces in Kyoto:
| Coworking space | Address |
| Connect Kyoto | 〒600-8491 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Niwatoribokocho, 49 |
| Impact Hub Kyoto | 97 Kaimoricho, Nakadachiuri Nishi-iru, Aburanokoji-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City |
| Sights Kyoto | 〒605-0801 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, suji2 Chome, JP 605-0801 |
The cost of living in Japan can vary significantly depending on the city and your lifestyle. The estimates below are based on general data from various sources, including forum discussions on Japan-Guide.com, a trusted English-language resource widely used by travelers planning trips to Japan.
| Category | Estimated monthly cost |
| Accommodation | ¥50,000–¥80,000 or $345–$552/month |
| Groceries | ¥35,000–¥50,000 or $241–$345/month |
| Utilities | ¥13,000–¥19,000 or $90–$131/month |
| Transportation | ¥10,000–¥15,000 or $69–$103/month |
| Dining Out | ¥10,000–¥20,000 or $69–$138/month |
| Miscellaneous | ¥10,000–¥15,000 or $69–$103/month |
These estimates are approximate and can vary based on individual preferences and circumstances.
Japan continues to rank among the top countries for fast, reliable internet—crucial for remote work. According to the Speedtest Global Index, fixed broadband has a median download speed of 352.78 Mbps and an upload speed of 244.83 Mbps. Fixed broadband refers to internet connections installed at a physical location, such as your apartment, hotel, or coworking space. It typically uses fiber-optic or DSL lines and offers consistently high-speed access.
Mobile internet averages 110.39 Mbps download and 14.98 Mbps upload. It uses cellular networks and is accessible through your phone or a portable hotspot. It's perfect for staying connected on the go—whether you're in a café, on public transport, or exploring a new city.
These speeds place Japan 7th globally for fixed broadband, making it an ideal environment for digital nomads who rely on video calls, large file transfers, cloud-based tools, and stable streaming.
Many digital nomads use eSIMs to access mobile internet in Japan. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that can be activated instantly and are compatible with most modern smartphones. They’re convenient, flexible, and eliminate the need to physically swap SIM cards when you travel.
Coworking spaces are abundant in major cities. Many offer high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workstations, quiet zones, meeting rooms, and extras like free coffee or printing. Whether you're looking for a daily drop-in desk or a monthly membership, you'll find plenty of flexible options that cater to remote professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs alike.
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the top eSIM providers for digital nomads in Japan:
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price range | |
| Holafly |  | Easy setup, good coverage | No local number or SMS, can be more expensive than others | $139.90 unlimited data for 90 days |
| Nomad |  | Affordable short-term plans, good speeds | No unlimited option, no local phone number | $57 50GB for 45 days |
| Ubigi |  | Fast activation, app support | No unlimited data, coverage may vary | $18 10GB for 30 days |
These providers are compatible with most modern smartphones and are ideal for staying connected during your stay in Japan.
Be sure to compare based on your data needs, trip length, and whether you need hotspot functionality.
Yes. As long as your business is legally registered outside of Japan and you earn at least ¥10 million per year (about $68,000 USD), you’re eligible to apply.
Japan’s digital nomad visa is limited to a single six-month stay and is non-renewable. After your visa expires, you must leave Japan and remain abroad for at least six consecutive months before you’re eligible to apply again. This rule prevents continuous long-term stays under a short-term program.
Yes, but there are a few conditions. Spouses and dependent children can join you under a related family visa, as long as they are also citizens of an eligible country. You’ll need to provide proof of your relationship and meet the same insurance and documentation requirements for each family member.
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