Japan Announces New Digital Nomad Visas For Those Wishing To Stay Longer

There is good news from Japan for those wishing to stay longer in the Asian country as a digital nomad. While the standard tourist visa allows travelers to stay for 90 days, the new digital nomad visa offers travelers a full six months in the country. Meanwhile, the country’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) announced the new visa on Friday.

Japan to issue digital nomad visas

According to an announcement by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) in Japan, a new digital nomad visa will be available from next month. Through this visa, travelers and remote workers can stay in the country for up to six months. They will be able to work from anywhere in Japan without being employed by a Japanese company.

As reported by The Japan Times, remote workers from 49 countries and territories will have access to the new digital nomad visa, including the US. This includes those countries that have tax treaties and reciprocal tourist visa-free programs in place.

Who is eligible for the new visas and what is required?

Reportedly, the new digital nomad visas are to be available for travelers who make ¥10 million (US$68,300) or more annually. This includes self-employed remote workers. Meanwhile, the new visa program is expected to be launched at the end of March 2024.

Meanwhile, other requirements include applicants being covered by private health insurance. However, the digital nomad’s spouses and children will be welcome to stay with no additional requirements. It should be noted, however, that remote workers visiting Japan on a temporary basis will not receive residence cards and government benefits.

Moreover, the Japan Times noted that the visa will not be renewable. This means that the holder will return home and not be able to reapply for at least six months if they wish to return.

More details about the new digital nomad visa are currently unavailable. However, the announcement by The Japan Times is supported by a tweet (in Japanese) by Imaeda Soichiro, Deputy Minister at Japan’s Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture & Science (MEXT) earlier this week.

How did remote working become popular?

The COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdowns led to many people working from their homes as they could not access their offices. However, it soon became a popular option and after the pandemic ended, many continued to work from home.

According to the Japan Times, digital nomads represent a collective economic value of $787 billion. Meanwhile, by offering this new service, Japan aims to boost inbound tourism, thus taking advantage of the trend.

The Points Guy recently reported that many countries have started offering the visa. Moreover, they state that almost 50 international nations are currently offering remote workers the chance to live around the world. Among the options are countries such as various Caribbean islands, Costa Rica, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Readers, are you a digital nomad? Will you be taking Japan up on their offer come March this year? Let us know by dropping a comment below.