(Image: Unsplash free stock photo)
The status of residence for digital nomads falls under the "Designated Activities" category, intended for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Japan for the purpose of international remote work. Under Ministerial Notification No. 53 (Digital Nomad) and Ministerial Notification No. 54 (Spouse/Child of Digital Nomad), eligible individuals may reside in Japan for up to 6 months while continuing to work for overseas employers or clients. This is not a work visa for employment with Japanese companies, but it provides a clear and accessible framework for those conducting remote work for foreign-based businesses from within Japan.
For full details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan: "Status of Residence 'Designated Activities' (Digital Nomad and Accompanying Spouse/Child)", Overview Document (PDF), and Q&A (PDF).
What You Can and Cannot Do on the Digital Nomad Visa
The following activities are permitted under this status of residence:
- Remote work under an employment contract with a foreign organization: Engaging in business at the overseas office of a foreign organization (such as a foreign corporation established under foreign law) while in Japan, using information and communication technology (ICT) pursuant to an employment contract with that organization.
- Providing services or selling goods to overseas parties: Using ICT to provide paid services or sell goods to parties located outside Japan (excluding activities that require physical presence in Japan to be performed or delivered).
Employment with Japanese domestic companies or public agencies is not permitted. Activities outside your permitted scope (e.g., part-time jobs) are generally not allowed. The purpose of this status is strictly to carry out work based overseas, remotely, while residing in Japan.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all four of the following requirements:
- Length of stay: The total period of stay in Japan under this status must not exceed 6 months within any one-year period. Once you have departed Japan, you may re-enter and apply under this status again after 6 months have elapsed.
- Nationality/Country of origin: You must hold nationality (or equivalent status) of a country or region that is both visa-exempt and party to a tax convention with Japan. For a list of eligible countries and regions, please refer to the Ministry of Justice's list of eligible countries and regions (PDF).
- Annual income: At the time of application, your personal annual income must be ¥10 million (approx. USD 65,000) or more. This must be demonstrated via tax certificates or income certificates.
- Medical insurance: You must be enrolled in a travel insurance policy or equivalent medical insurance covering death, injury, and illness for the entire duration of your planned stay. The coverage for medical treatment of injury and illness must be ¥10 million or more.
Period of Stay and Residence Card
- The permitted period of stay is 6 months. Extensions are not available.
- After departing Japan and waiting at least 6 months, you may re-apply for this status and return.
- Holders of this status are not issued a Residence Card (your identity will be verified by a Certificate of Eligibility or similar document).
Accompanying Spouse and Children (Notification No. 54)
A spouse or child who is financially dependent on the digital nomad may accompany them under the "Designated Activities" status of residence (Ministerial Notification No. 54).
- The period of stay is 6 months (non-renewable), and a Residence Card is not issued.
- Accompanying spouses and children must hold nationality (or equivalent status) of a visa-exempt country or region and must be enrolled in medical insurance with coverage of ¥10 million or more for injury and illness treatment.
- Activities outside the permitted scope (including employment) are generally not permitted for accompanying spouses and children.
Differences Between the Digital Nomad (No. 53) and Designated Activities No. 40 (Long-Term Stay for High-Net-Worth Individuals)
Both fall under "Designated Activities" and allow nationals of visa-exempt countries to stay in Japan for a set period, but they differ significantly in purpose, requirements, and whether work is permitted. See the comparison table below.
| Comparison Item | Digital Nomad (No. 53) | Designated Activities No. 40 (Tourism / Long-Term Stay for High-Net-Worth Individuals) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Residing in Japan while performing remote work or services for overseas employers/clients | Long-term stay for tourism, recreation, or leisure (employment not permitted) |
| Period of Stay | 6 months (non-renewable). May re-apply after 6 months abroad. | 6 months (extendable up to 1 year maximum with renewal) |
| Financial Requirements | Personal annual income of ¥10 million or more at time of application | Applicant (and spouse) must have savings of ¥30 million or more (¥60 million or more if staying separately as a couple) |
| Employment / Work | Permitted (remote work under contract with a foreign organization, or provision of services/goods to overseas parties only; employment with Japanese organizations is not permitted) | Not permitted (purpose is tourism and recreation; work is not allowed) |
| Accompanying Spouse/Children | Dependent spouse and children may accompany (No. 54; conditions apply) | Spouse only may accompany (No. 41). Children are not permitted |
| Eligible Countries/Regions | Visa-exempt countries/regions that are also party to a tax convention with Japan | Countries/regions with short-term stay visa exemption |
| Medical Insurance | Required (coverage of ¥10 million or more for injury/illness treatment) | Required (insurance covering death, injury, and illness) |
| Residence Card | Not issued | Issued (obtained via change of status of residence, etc.) |
If you wish to work while staying in Japan, the Digital Nomad visa is your option. If you wish to stay long-term for tourism or leisure without working, Designated Activities No. 40 (Long-Term Stay for High-Net-Worth Individuals) is the alternative. For more details, please also refer to the Long-Term Stay Visa (High-Net-Worth Individuals) page.
Types of Applications and Key Required Documents (Overview)
If you are entering Japan for the first time under this status, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. If you are already in Japan and wish to change from another status of residence, you will need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence. For a full list of required documents, please consult the relevant page on the Immigration Services Agency website.
Examples of main documents required from the digital nomad applicant: Application form (Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Status), photograph, private health insurance certificate and policy documents (coverage of ¥10 million or more), documents proving employment status (employment contract, certificate of employment, etc.), documents proving annual income of ¥10 million or more (tax certificate, income certificate, etc.), materials explaining planned activities during the stay, and more.
If applying with an accompanying spouse or child, additional documents will be required, including a copy of the digital nomad's passport, documents proving family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.), and health insurance documents.
Official Links and Reference Materials
- Status of Residence "Designated Activities" (Digital Nomad and Accompanying Spouse/Child) | Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Overview of Digital Nomad Status of Residence (PDF)
- Digital Nomad Status of Residence Q&A (PDF)
- List of Eligible Countries and Regions (PDF)
- Long-Term Stay Visa for High-Net-Worth Individuals (Designated Activities No. 40/41)
- Designated Activities Visa (Overview)
For inquiries about applying for the Digital Nomad Visa or advice on choosing between this status and Designated Activities No. 40, please feel free to contact us.
