Japan has officially entered the digital nomad scene! Whether you dream of coding in Kyoto or sipping matcha while freelancing in Fukuoka, the Japan Digital Nomad Visa could be your golden ticket. Here’s everything you need to know to get started on your journey to live and work in this vibrant, tech-savvy, and culturally rich country.
🧳 What Is the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?
In 2024, Japan introduced its new Designated Activities Visa (Remote Work) to welcome digital nomads and remote workers. This visa allows eligible professionals to live in Japan for up to 6 months while continuing to work for foreign companies or clients.
Direct Links from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
✅ Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa, you must:
- 🌍 Be a citizen of one of 49 eligible countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, most of the EU, and others.
- 💰 Have a yearly income of at least ¥10 million (approx. $66,000 USD).
- 💼 Be employed or self-employed with clients outside of Japan.
- 🩺 Hold international health insurance that covers your stay in Japan.
📋 Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
| 📄 Document | 🔍 Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for the entire duration of stay. |
| Visa Application Form | Download the official form here (PDF). |
| Passport-sized Photo | 45mm x 45mm, taken within the last 6 months. |
| Proof of Employment | Remote work contract, business license, or freelance portfolio. |
| Proof of Income | Bank statements or tax return showing ¥10M+ income. |
| Travel Insurance | Must cover medical expenses in Japan. |
| Cover Letter | Explaining your intention, remote work setup, and travel plans. |
| Travel Itinerary | General outline of where you’ll stay and work. |
🪪 Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Download and Fill Out the Application
👉 Visa Application Form PDF – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Here’s a sample Digital Nomad Cover Letter and supporting itinerary tailored for a Japan visa application (especially the “Designated Activities – Remote Work” type). You can use and adapt this for official submission:
✉️ Sample Cover Letter for Japan Digital Nomad Visa
Emma Louise Smith
Remote UX Designer
123 Nomad Lane, London, UK
Email: emma.smith@email.com
Phone: +44 1234 567890
15 August 2025
Embassy of Japan
Consular Section
[Insert embassy address of your country]
Subject: Application for Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my intent to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa under the Designated Activities category. As a full-time remote UX designer with over 7 years of experience, I am currently employed by PixelNest Ltd., a UK-based digital design agency, with an annual income exceeding 10 million JPY.
I plan to work remotely from Japan for a duration of 6 months while immersing myself in the country's rich culture and leveraging Japan’s excellent digital infrastructure. I have secured international travel medical insurance for the duration of my stay and attached all the required documentation, including proof of employment and income.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to experience Japan while continuing my professional activities remotely. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need any further information.
Sincerely,
Emma Louise Smith🧳 Sample Itinerary – Japan Digital Nomad Stay (6 Months)
| Date | Location | Accommodation | Coworking Space | Planned Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1–30, 2025 | Tokyo | .andwork Tokyo | WeWork Shibuya Scramble | Remote work, cultural sightseeing |
| Oct 1–31 | Osaka | Nomad Hotel Osaka | The DECK | Attend networking events, street food tour |
| Nov 1–30 | Kyoto | Capsule Ryokan Kyoto | Impact Hub Kyoto | Focused deep work, tea ceremony classes |
| Dec 1–31 | Fukuoka | Fukuoka Sharehouse | FGN (Fukuoka Growth Next) | Tech events, digital nomad meetups |
| Jan 1–31 | Okinawa | Seaside Co-living | MyBeach Work Okinawa | Nature exploration, relaxed work pace |
| Feb 1–28 | Tokyo (Return) | Hotel Graphy Nezu | QWS by Tokyu | Final project wrap-up, art district visits |
✅ Included with Visa Application
- This cover letter (signed & dated)
- Full itinerary
- Employment contract (with income details)
- Health insurance certificate
- Proof of accommodation (optional)
- Passport + filled visa form
2. Prepare Your Documents
Organize everything into a single folder. Missing documents may delay your application.
3. Schedule an Appointment
Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country to schedule your visa appointment.
4. Submit Your Application
Bring all physical documents, a filled-out form, and your passport to the appointment.
5. Wait for Processing
Visa processing typically takes 2–6 weeks. You may be contacted for more information.
6. Receive Your Visa & Fly to Japan!
Once approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport, valid for 6 months.
📌 Pro Tips for a Successful Application
- ✍️ Write a clear, polite cover letter in English (or Japanese if possible).
- 🏨 Book accommodation and coworking spaces in advance to show travel intent.
- 📈 Prepare clear proof of income and work activity.
🎯 Bonus: Best Cities in Japan for Digital Nomads
| 🌆 City | 💡 Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | Urban tech, global coworking hubs, endless cafes. |
| Osaka | Street food, startup energy, and fast trains. |
| Fukuoka | Nomad-friendly, beach vibes, affordable living. |
| Kyoto | Zen culture, temples, and calm work spaces. |
🎒 Ready to Go?
Japan is blending traditional beauty with cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most exciting new destinations for digital nomads. Apply today, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the best of both worlds — from matcha lattes to mountain temples.
