Japan Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

What is the Japan digital nomad visa?

The Japan digital nomad visa is a new visa program designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who want to live in Japan while continuing their work from anywhere in the world. This visa aims to attract professionals who earn their income remotely and do not take jobs from the local workforce.

Who is the Japan digital nomad visa for?

This visa is designed for ;

• Freelancers and remote employees working for companies outside of Japan.
• Business owners or entrepreneurs who operate online businesses and do not rely on Japan’s local economy for income.
• High-earning professionals who meet the required income threshold set by the Japanese government.

The visa is not for individuals who want to seek traditional employment in Japan or those looking to start a business that directly serves Japanese customers. It is strictly for those who already earn income remotely and want to experience life in Japan without violating immigration laws.

How is the digital nomad visa different from other Japanese visas?

Here’s how the digital nomad visa differs from other visa types:

• Tourist visa: Japan typically offers a short-term visa (up to 90 days) for tourists, but this visa does not allow individuals to work—even remotely.
• Work visa: Most work visas require sponsorship from a Japanese employer, making them unsuitable for remote workers who don’t have a job in Japan.
• Student visa: This visa is for those enrolled in Japanese educational institutions and does not allow full-time remote work.
• Startup visa: Designed for entrepreneurs starting businesses in Japan, but it requires a business plan that benefits the local economy.

Highlights of the digital nomad visa

Although the full details may vary, here are some of the major highlights of Japan’s digital nomad visa:

• Valid for 6 months, with no extended stay. 
• Allows remote work for foreign clients or companies.
• Requires proof of stable income (specific income requirements apply).
• Does not allow employment at Japanese companies.
• Requires certified translations for some application documents.

Eligibility requirements for the Japan digital nomad visa

Japan’s digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who want to live in Japan while working for clients or companies outside the country. However, not everyone can apply for this visa. There are specific requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible.

1. Eligible nationalities

The Japanese government has a list of countries whose citizens can apply for the visa. Typically, this includes countries that have strong diplomatic relationships with Japan and agreements that allow for long-term stays.

Before applying, check whether your country is on the list of eligible nationalities. This information is usually provided by the Japanese Immigration Bureau or the official website of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Minimum income requirement

To qualify for the Japan nomad visa, applicants must show proof of a stable income. You must submit documents proving your annual income is JPY 10 million ($65,000) or more. This is to show that you can support yourself financially while living in Japan without depending on local employment.

You must submit bank statement, tax payment certificate, income certificate, employment contract, or contract with a business partner (stating the contract period and the contract amount.)

3. Type of employment allowed

The Japan digital nomad visa is strictly for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners. This means:

• You cannot work for a Japanese company while on this visa.
• Your income must come from clients or employers outside Japan.
• Business owners can qualify as long as their company is registered outside Japan.

This rule ensures that digital nomads do not take jobs away from Japanese citizens and do not enter the local job market.

4. Proof of accommodation

Applicants must show where they will live during their stay in Japan. This can be:

• A rental agreement from a landlord or an agency
• A hotel or Airbnb booking (if applying for a short stay before securing a long-term rental)
• A letter of invitation from a friend or family member in Japan (if staying with them)

Japan’s rental market can be strict, so research housing options before applying. Some landlords may require a guarantor (someone in Japan who agrees to be responsible for unpaid rent).

5. Health insurance requirement

Japan requires all digital nomads to have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay. You’ll submit documents proving that you have insurance against death, injury or illness during your stay in Japan. Compensation for medical treatment for injury or illness must be JPY 10 million ($65,000) or more. 

You’ll also need to submit a copy of the certificate of insurance coverage and policy summary, a copy of the credit card and documents proving supplementary compensation.

6. Valid passport and other documents

Like any visa application, you must have:

• A valid passport (with at least six months before expiration)
• Visa application form (completed and signed)
• Certified translations of required documents.

Since Japan primarily operates in Japanese, your submitted documents will require officially certified translations. These could include: bank statements, income verification letters, rental agreements, health insurance documents, and more. Failure to provide proper translations could result in delays or visa rejection.

How to apply for the Japan digital nomad visa

Applying for the digital nomad visa requires careful preparation to ensure all requirements are met. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application smoothly.

Check if you meet the eligibility requirements

Before you begin the application process, confirm that you meet the Japan digital nomad visa requirements. These are:

• Individuals wishing to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months.
• Spouse or child accompanying an individual wishing to stay in Japan for a period not exceeding six months while working remotely.
• An individual from an eligible country. See the list of eligible nationalities. 

Gather the required documents

Once you confirm your eligibility, collect the necessary documents. Some documents you’ll require for your application include:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• Visa application form: This can be downloaded from the Japanese embassy website.
• Proof of income: Recent bank statements, tax returns, or employer letters verifying that you meet the minimum income requirement.
• Employment verification: A letter from your employer stating that you work remotely, or proof of freelance contracts if you are self-employed.
• Certificate of eligibility (COE): A certificate of eligibility (COE) that shows you’re eligible to apply. With a COE, you wouldn’t need to submit a proof of income, health insurance, or a document of your planned activities. 
• Health insurance: Proof of valid international health insurance coverage for Japan.
• Certified translations: If your submitted documents are not in Japanese, they must be translated by a certified translator before submission.

You’ll need to obtain a certificate of eligibility before applying for a visa. Ensure all documents are up to date and correctly formatted to avoid delays in processing.

Submit your application

You can submit your application to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau, the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also download the application form and submit online. Before you submit, be sure to:

• Complete all forms accurately.
• Include all required supporting documents and certified translations.
• Pay the visa application fee (if applicable).

Embassies may request additional documents or schedule an interview to verify your application details. If an interview is required, be prepared to answer questions about your remote work, income sources, and plans in Japan.

Wait for processing and approval

Visa processing times vary by country, but it typically takes between six to twelve weeks. During this period, the embassy may request further information or clarification regarding your application. You will be notified once a decision has been made.

If approved, you will receive your digital nomad visa and instructions on the next steps. If your application is denied, the embassy will provide a reason, and you may be able to reapply after addressing the issues.

Certificate of eligibility (COE) for the Japan digital nomad visa

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an important document issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan that verifies an applicant's qualifications before applying for a visa. It helps expedite the visa process when applying from outside Japan. Usually, foreign workers, need a COE before applying for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. Having a COE makes your visa processing faster but it does not guarantee a visa. 

How to apply for a certificate of eligibility

Here’s how to apply for a certificate of eligibility (COE)

1. Find a sponsor in Japan

Usually, a COE is obtained through a sponsor, such as an employer, a friend or family member in Japan. The application is made at the nearest regional immigration authority to his/her place of residence. Alternatively, you can apply for the COE online by downloading the application form and submitting to the embassy or consulate. 

 

1. Prepare the required documents
   • Completed COE application form (available on Japan’s immigration website).
   • Proof of employment or self-employment, including contracts or bank statements.
   • Passport copy and recent photographs.
   • Proof of financial stability (such as income statements, tax documents, or savings records).
   • Health insurance coverage details.
     
      
2. Submit the application to the immigration office in Japan

Download the application form from the Immigration Office website and fill it out to submit. If required, a representative or legal agent in Japan may need to submit the COE application on your behalf. However, they must provide an ID card and must be eligible to submit the application on your behalf. You can also submit via email, however, the regional immigration office does not accept submissions via mail. Processing time can take 1–3 months, so applying early is essential.

1. Receive the COE and apply for a visa

Once approved, the COE will be emailed to you or your representative. You can then apply for the digital nomad visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country by submitting the COE along with your visa application. You are required to enter Japan within three months from the date specified on your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), regardless of any validity period stated on your visa.

Certified translations for visa application

Applying for Japan’s digital nomad visa requires several documents, many of which must be in Japanese. If your documents are in another language, you will need certified translations, also known as certification of translation accuracy, before submitting your application. This is a crucial step, as errors or missing translations can delay or even lead to the rejection of your visa application.

Why are certified translations required?

The Japanese immigration system follows strict guidelines for reviewing visa applications. Since official government and legal documents in Japan are processed in Japanese, authorities require all foreign documents to be accurately translated into the language. Certified translations ensure that the information is correctly interpreted, preventing any misunderstandings or discrepancies.

Without a certified translation, the immigration office may reject your documents or request additional information, which can slow down the entire application process.

Which documents need certified translations?

All submitted documents in a foreign language require translation. They include;

• Proof of employment or business registration
• Income verification documents
• Health insurance documents
• Accommodation Details
• Marriage or Family Documents (if applicable)

How to get certified translations for your visa application

Since Japan has specific standards for translations, it’s important to follow the right process. Here are the key steps to getting your documents translated:

Use an approved translation service

Certified translations must be done by a recognised translation company or a professional translator familiar with legal documents. Some applicants make the mistake of using free online translation tools, but machine translations are not accepted for official documents.

You can find certified translators on association websites like the American Translators Association (ATA). Using ATA-certified translators or translation companies also ensures you get the best services. Alternatively, you can find translators or translation agencies online by searching for keywords like certified translation companies, etc. 

Submit a clear copy of your documents

Your translator will need a high-quality scanned copy or a clear, legible photo of your original documents for translation. This ensures all translations are done accurately. If you are using Translayte, you can upload your documents online in pdf, docx, doc, jpeg, and png format. 

Ensure the document is accessible and follows the format requirement to avoid delays. 

Include additional information and pay translation fees

After you’ve uploaded your document, include other relevant information for the translators. In some cases, the Japanese embassy or immigration office may require notarised translations for certain documents. Check if you’ll need notarisation and include that in your order. Afterward, pay your translation fees to complete the ordering process. Document translation services cost about $20 - $60 per page, depending on the language pair. Be sure to confirm the price before placing your order.

Receive certified translation of document

Once your order is complete, you should receive your translated documents within the stipulated timeline. If you use Translayte japanese translation services, we guarantee a 12-hour delivery timeline for standard documents. The translated document will come with a certificate of accuracy that confirms that the translation is true and accurate. This includes:

• The translator’s name and contact information
• A statement that the translation is accurate and true to the original document
• The translator’s signature and date.

Submit the translated documents for your visa

Once your certified translation is ready, submit it with your digital nomad visa application. The translation should be included as a separate document and attached to the original of other documents.

Pro Tip: Since Japan requires that all submitted documents be translated in Japanese, you should hire a reliable translation company to maintain consistency and accuracy with your translation.

Recommended Reading

What is a Certificate of Translation Accuracy?

How much do certified translations cost?

The cost of translations varies based on the length and complexity of the document. On average, short documents (1-2 pages) may cost around $25 - $100 per page while longer documents (contracts, financial records, etc.) may be up to $100 - $300 per document. Prices also depend on the translator’s experience and whether notarisation is needed. For more detailed pricing of your document translation, you can request a quote.

Do you pay taxes on a digital nomad visa?

No, you do not. With a digital nomad visa, you are only allowed to stay for 6 months and do not have a residence permit. This makes you a non-resident for tax purposes. 

Additionally, since you are not employed by a Japanese employer, you are not required to pay taxes on earnings made outside of Japan. 

Also, the Japan nomad visa is available only to citizens of countries that have visa-free entry and are subject to Japan’s tax conventions. As a result, holding a Japan digital nomad visa does not make you a taxpayer.

What happens when your visa expires?

The digital nomad visa allows you to stay for only 6 months in Japan with no extension. If you decide to stay long-term and work locally, you may have to switch to another visa, such as:

• Business Manager Visa (for those starting a company in Japan)
• Highly Skilled Professional Visa (for professionals in certain fields)
• Spouse Visa (if you marry a Japanese citizen or permanent resident)

Tips for living in Japan as a digital nomad

Japan is an incredible destination for digital nomads, however, adjusting can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the country’s customs and way of life. Here are some essential tips to help you settle in smoothly.

1. Learn basic Japanese if you can

Japan primarily operates in Japanese, and English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. To make communication easier, learning basic Japanese phrases such as "thank you" (ありがとう(ari-gat-ō)) and "excuse me" (すみません (sumimasen)) can be very helpful. Use translation apps like Google Translate to read signs, menus, and converse with locals. You may also learn Japanese on Duolingo or other language apps.

2. Understand the cultural etiquette

Japan has a deeply rooted culture with specific social customs. Instead of handshakes, bowing is the standard greeting and a sign of respect. Many homes, traditional restaurants, and coworking spaces require you to remove your shoes before entering. When using public transportation, keep conversations quiet and avoid loud phone calls. Additionally, while digital payment options exist, cash is still widely preferred at small businesses and restaurants, so carrying cash is recommended.

3. Use the right banking and payment options

For digital nomads, opening a bank account in Japan can be challenging due to visa restrictions. However, international banking services like Wise, Revolut, and PayPal allow easy money transfers. Prepaid IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo are widely accepted for public transportation and small purchases at convenience stores. 

4. Know how to get around

Japan’s public transportation system is one of the most efficient in the world. The Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective option for those planning to travel across multiple cities. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo simplify payments for trains, buses, and even some taxis. Additionally, cycling is a convenient way to get around in bike-friendly cities like Kyoto and Fukuoka, with rental services such as Docomo Bike Share offering easy access to bicycles.

7. Understand the healthcare and emergency services

Healthcare in Japan is of high quality, but you must have valid health insurance. Private health insurance is required, or if eligible, enrolling in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) is an option. Finding English-speaking doctors is possible through resources like Tokyo Medical and The Japan Healthcare Info Center. In case of emergencies, dialing 110 connects you to the police, while 119 is used for medical emergencies and fire services.

Why should you choose Translayte?

Translayte provides 100% guaranteed accepted translations for various documents, for visa applications including bank statement, business document, contracts, and more. Here's why you should choose us;

Guaranteed acceptance

A major concern when submitting translated documents for visa applications is whether they meet Japan’s strict requirements. Our certified translations come with a 100% acceptance guarantee, ensuring they comply with all necessary standards for your visa application.

Fast & reliable turnaround  (12-hours)

Visa applications often have tight deadlines, and waiting too long for translations can cause delays. We offer a fast turnaround time, with delivery in as little as 12 hours. Expedited options are also available, so you can get your documents translated quickly without sacrificing quality.

Certified & professional translators

All translations are handled by experienced professionals fluent in both Japanese and English. Our translators are certified and ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with Japan’s visa requirements.

Transparent & affordable pricing

We offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Rates start at $25 per page, depending on document type and urgency. You can also request an instant quote to know exactly what you’ll pay before placing an order.

24/7 customer support

If you have any questions or need adjustments, our support team is available around the clock. Whether through WhatsApp, phone, live chat, or email, you can get assistance anytime, with bilingual support available for seamless communication.

Order your translation from Translayte today

Visa applications can take time, so it’s best to gather all required documents well in advance. Since Japan has strict documentation requirements, getting a certified translation of your documents will help ensure your application isn’t delayed or rejected. Choose Translayte for fast, reliable, and accepted certified translations. Request for an instant quote to order your certified translation.