Digital Nomad (Designated Activities)
🇯🇵 Japan visas · Work
What it is
Launched March 2024 for high-earning remote workers employed outside Japan. Allows living in Japan for up to 6 months. Non-renewable. Requires JPY 10 million+ annual income. Falls under the Designated Activities (特定活動) status. Typical holders: domestic workers of diplomats, working holiday participants, foreign nurses under an EPA.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or a period designated individually by the Minister of Justice not exceeding 5 years
- Processing time
- 4 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 6 months
- Extendable
- No
- Dependants
- Yes
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (band 14,900-15,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 15,100
- Application fee (band 29,900-30,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 30,100
Key requirements
- Annual income exceeding JPY 10 million (approximately USD 65,000)
- National of a visa-exempt country with a Japan tax treaty
- Private health insurance covering at least JPY 10 million
- Must work exclusively for overseas employers/clients
- Spouse and children may accompany under separate Designated Activities
Working on this visa
Designated Activities (digital nomad): ICT remote work in Japan for a foreign employer, or paid remote services/sales to persons abroad. Work under a contract with a Japanese organisation is not permitted. Stay up to 6 months.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 22 July 2026.