How to Get Japan's Digital Nomad Visa in 2024 — YouTube and Reddit Summaries

TL;DR

Japan's Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay in Japan for up to six months. Key requirements include an annual income of ¥10 million (approx. $69,000 or €62,000), health insurance covering the stay, and being from a country with a tax treaty with Japan. The visa is non-renewable, and applicants must leave Japan for 6 (six) months before reapplying.

If you're a remote worker eyeing Japan as your next destination, you might have come across Japan's Digital Nomad Visa. We dived deep and scanned popular comments and threads on Reddit from 30 relevant discussions, including r/movingtojapan, r/japan, r/JapanFinance, r/digitalnomad, and r/expats, transcribed and summarized (thanks to Scripsy!) a few credible YouTube video blogs from experts in international travel and visas, and this is what we found.

Eligibility and Requirements Criteria for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa

To qualify for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

Income Requirements and Financial Proof: Applicants must show proof of an annual income of at least ¥10 million (approximately $69,000) (Reddit, 1:1)(YouTube, 2). This high threshold may be difficult for many digital nomads, making it a key barrier.

Transcription at 01:30 / 03:52: "The main problem with the Japanese digital Nomad Visa is its high yearly income requirement. You need to show if you want to apply for this Visa that you will make 10 million yen in a year or about $69,000, so unfortunately, that makes this digital Nomad Visa a high bar for many digital Nomads out there."

This summary was created with the Scripsy Chrome extension, which simplifies transcribing and summarizing podcasts and videos on YouTube. 

Health Insurance Requirements: Proof of health insurance that covers death, injury, or illness during the stay in Japan, with compensation for medical treatment costs of at least ¥10 million (Reddit, 1:10)(YouTube, 3).

One of the often overlooked requirements is health insurance. You must secure a policy that covers not just basic medical care, but also emergency evacuation and repatriation. Make sure your insurance states these conditions explicitly. 

Nationality and Visa-Free Entry Countries: Must hold a passport from a country with a visa-free entry agreement and a double taxation treaty with Japan (YouTube, 2). Approximately 50 eligible countries have visa-free entry agreements or tax treaties with Japan.

Remote Work: You must either work for a company outside Japan or be a freelancer providing remote services (YouTube).

Transcription at 00:50 from 10:39: “it's designed to attract International Talent and Foster cultural exchanges. Here are the key details so far: Nationals who work remotely in the state in Japan get up to 6 months, and normally, for most countries like Canada, you get 90 day a 90-day limit, so what are the benefits of getting an Extended Stay and you can bring dependents like legally married spouses and children on”.

The Application Process for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa

The application process involves several steps:

1. Gather Required Documents: This includes a completed visa application form, a valid passport, proof of income, health insurance documentation, and a description of intended activities in Japan (YouTube, 3). The full document list is on Japan's official Digital Nomad Visa website.

2. Submit Application: Applications can be submitted at Japanese embassies or consulates. Some consulates may require additional documents like a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), although this is optional, for a potentially faster process (Reddit, 1:1)(Reddit, 7:1).

3. Processing Time: Processing times vary but generally take between 1-2 months. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned departure dates (Reddit, 7:4)(Reddit, 9:6).

Limitations of the Visa

While the Digital Nomad Visa allows you to experience life in Japan, it comes with some limitations:

Non-Renewable: The visa is valid for six months and cannot be renewed. Applicants must leave Japan for six months before they can reapply (Source)(YouTube, 4).

Single Entry: The visa is single-entry, meaning if you leave Japan during your stay, you must apply for a re-entry permit to return (Reddit, 1:1)(YouTube, 3)

No Residency Status: The visa does not confer residency status, so holders will not receive a residence card, which limits access to services like opening a bank account or signing long-term leases (Reddit 1:7)(Reddit, 5:3).

Practical Tips for Digital Nomads in Japan

Finding Accommodation

Travel experts highlight the challenge of finding suitable long-term accommodation, as the 6-month period is too short for typical rental agreements but too long for cost-effective hotel stays. Options include shared houses, guesthouses, and short-term serviced apartments (Reddit, 10:1)(YouTube, 4). 

Health Insurance Coverage
Ensure your health insurance policy explicitly states coverage amounts and includes benefits like medical evacuation and repatriation of remains (YouTube, 3).

Preparing Income Documentation

Be prepared to provide detailed financial documents such as tax certificates, employment contracts, or bank statements showing your income (YouTube, 3).

Why choose Japan as a Digital Nomad?

According to digital nomad researchers, the visa aims to attract high-income, highly educated individuals who can contribute significantly to Japan's economy (Source).

Experts point to successful digital nomad programs in other countries, such as Portugal's Madeira Islands, which attract over 6,000 digital nomads annually and generate an estimated €30 million in economic impact.

Japan boasts one of the lowest crime rates globally, providing an exceptional environment for digital nomads. Whether you're working late in a café or exploring the city at night, you can focus on your projects without constantly looking over your shoulder. This sense of security extends to your belongings, allowing you to work comfortably in public spaces without the stress of potential theft.

Tech-Savvy Infrastructure.

Despite some outdated systems, Japan's major cities offer lightning-fast internet speeds and abundant co-working spaces. Tokyo, in particular, is a hub for innovation, providing digital nomads with cutting-edge technology and a vibrant startup ecosystem to network and grow professionally.

Cultural Immersion and Inspiration.

Immersing yourself in Japan's rich culture can spark creativity and broaden your perspective. From participating in traditional tea ceremonies to exploring futuristic robotics exhibitions, every day offers a new source of inspiration for your work.

Doubts of Japan as a Digital Nomad destination?

Time Zone and Cost Considerations.

Researchers note that digital nomads often choose destinations with similar time zones to their home countries and lower living costs, which may impact Japan's attractiveness compared to Southeast Asian alternatives. Check this Reddit thread on r/DigitalNomad to find the best country for a digital nomad in Southeast Asia.

Language Barrier.

While English is increasingly common in customer service roles, particularly in Tokyo, the language barrier can still pose challenges in daily life. Learning basic Japanese phrases can significantly enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. 

Work-Life Disbalance.

Japan's notorious work culture can be intense, even for digital nomads. While you may not be directly affected, the societal pressure to work long hours can influence your surroundings and your client's expectations ("Japan For Expats, 2024").

The (Relatively) High Cost of Living.

Major cities like Tokyo can be expensive, particularly regarding housing. However, digital nomads can optimize living costs by choosing less central neighborhoods or exploring cities like Fukuoka or Osaka. Check the Numbeo website to understand and compare the cost of living in Japan.

“Many digital nomads report that Japan's high income threshold and the short six-month stay make this visa less attractive compared to those offered by other countries. If you're looking for a more flexible or affordable option, consider alternatives like Thailand or Spain.” 

Visa Challenges and Real Feedback

Embassy Experiences.

Different embassies may have varying requirements and processing times. For example, some applicants reported needing a COE ( while others did not (Reddit, 7:1)(Reddit, 9:1).

Feedback on Digital Nomad Visa in Japan.

Many digital nomads find the six-month limit restrictive compared to other countries offering longer stays. The high-income requirement also excludes many potential applicants (YouTube, 4).

Conclusion: Is Japan's Digital Nomad Visa Right for You?

Japan's Digital Nomad Visa offers a unique opportunity for remote workers to experience life in Japan, albeit with some significant limitations. Proper preparation and understanding of the requirements can help ensure a smooth application process. 

About the author: Azat Zalyaev is a seasoned digital nomad and entrepreneur who has been traveling since 2014. With experiences spanning 58 countries, he has lived more than three years in Southeast Asia, a few years in New Zealand, and the last 2.5 years in Spain. Azat is deeply engaged in nomad communities such as Nomads.com (formerly NomadList) and Smenastation, where he shares insights and connects with fellow travelers.

Useful Reddit subreds to follow r/MovingToJapan, r/Japan, and r/DigitalNomad.

Scripsy AI is a useful free Chrome Extension for summarizing YouTube videos. It can save time on lengthy videos and help you quickly grasp key ideas.