Japan: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available

• Type of work. Foreign nationals can reside in Japan while working remotely for their home employer as long as they make use of information and communication technology as part of their position. Examples of such occupations include: information technology/application programmers, digital designers, online secretaries, and business owners of foreign companies, among others.
• Validity. The visa is valid for up to six months (non-renewable).
• Eligibility criteria. Interested applicants must be able to show that they:
  • Are a national of a visa-exempt country that also has a bilateral tax agreement with Japan;
  • Have a minimum annual income of at least JPY 10 million (USD 68,300); and
  • Hold private medical health insurance covering a minimum of JPY 10 million for death, injury and illness for the duration of their stay in Japan.
• Application process. Foreign nationals should submit their application to the Japanese consular post in their country of residence. The consular post will then adjudicate and issue the visa. However, since the visa is new, foreign nationals should inquire if the relevant consulate is ready to process digital nomad visas at this time.
• In-country applications. This method of application is currently under discussion by the government but is not yet available.
• Dependents. Legal spouses and unmarried children may accompany the digital nomad visa holder, provided they are nationals of a visa-exempt country. However, they are not eligible for work. Children born in Japan during the holder’s six-month stay may apply for a Designated Activities Visa.
• Local work. Digital nomad visa holders are strictly prohibited from being employed by a company in Japan or from earning money in Japan by engaging in for profit activities.
• International travel during six-month stay. Since the Digital Nomad Visa does not allow foreign nationals to apply for a Residence Card, the holder must obtain a re-entry permit before travelling internationally within the six-month period.

This new category provides an immigration pathway for remote workers, which was previously not available.

• Economic recovery. The digital nomad visa is intended to attract foreign talent to help the Japanese economy recover after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Continuing trend. Although digital nomad visas and permits are not being introduced as rapidly as when the trend first started, we still see such tailored digital nomad statuses being introduced over the past months, with more in the pipeline.
• Remote work visa warning. In countries where remote work is unregulated, workers and employers may unknowingly put themselves at risk of noncompliance with many aspects of the law, exposing them to possible fines or other penalties, depending on the country. Importantly, noncompliance with regulations could result in employers losing their rights to hire foreign labor. Additionally, this type of work arrangement may have employment or tax law impacts. It will become increasingly important as such policies are developed (and in many countries where remote work is unregulated) for employers to analyze strategies and assess risks associated with implementing and/or continuing remote work policies with a trusted immigration partner.

It is likely that Japan will continue to implement innovative and relaxed immigration policies that will aid in economic recovery.  Fragomen will report on related developments.