Corporate Immigration — Digital Nomad Visa for Japan now available

Santa Fe publication date

07 May 2024

Overview

Effective 29 March 2024, Japan announced that the Digital Nomad Visa is now available.

Who will be affected?

The visa allows eligible foreign nationals (and family members) to reside in Japan while working remotely for their home employer. Their work requires them to use communication and information technology to deliver on their responsibilities i.e. application programmer or a business owner of a foreign company.

Background

The digital nomad visa is intended to attract foreign talent to help the Japanese economy recover after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

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

• 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)
  • 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.
• Foreign nationals should submit their application to the Japanese consular post in their country of residence.
• 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.

• Digital nomad visa holders are strictly prohibited from being employed by a company in Japan or from earning a salary in Japan.
• Since the Digital Nomad Visa does not allow foreign nationals to apply for a Japanese Residence Card, the holder must obtain a re-entry permit before travelling internationally within the six-month period.
• Consecutive stays are not possible. If they want to re-apply, it must be 180 days after they have left Japan.

Date of implementation

29 March 2024

Santa Fe recommendation

Please always check the regulation at the country of origin.

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.

Contact us

Please get in touch with us for further information or clarification:

Edine Zidi
Relocation Services Manager – Japan
Santa Fe Relocation
edine.zidi@santaferelo.com

Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
robert.day@santaferelo.com

About our Immigration Services

Our distinguished immigration services oversee a substantial volume of visa applications annually, catering to a diverse array of international corporations. Our seasoned team of immigration experts and accredited migration agents are entrusted with the meticulous management of the entire immigration process on your behalf. We are committed to delivering streamlined reporting and offering comprehensive guidance on all immigration-related affairs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our valued clients.