Japan Digital Nomad Visa Guide: Requirements, Income and 6-Month Limit
Japan’s digital nomad visa (Designated Activities No. 53) lets eligible remote workers stay up to 6 months while working for an overseas employer or clients. The core requirements are an annual income of ¥10 million or more, private health insurance with treatment coverage of ¥10 million or more, and nationality of one of 51 eligible countries/regions. The status is non-renewable and issues no residence card.
Quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Designated Activities No. 53 (digital nomad) |
| Annual income | ¥10 million or more (individual, at time of application) |
| Period of stay | 6 months, non-renewable |
| Re-apply | After 6 months have passed since leaving Japan |
| Health insurance | Private, treatment coverage ¥10 million+ |
| Eligible nationals | 51 countries/regions (visa exemption + tax treaty) |
| Residence card | Not issued (not a mid-to-long-term resident) |
| Family | Spouse & children under No. 54 (also 6 months, also need insurance) |
Who is it for?
The digital nomad status is for people who work remotely — for an employer or clients outside Japan — and want to spend up to half a year in the country. It is not a work visa for employment with a Japanese company. Because the stay is capped at 6 months and is non-renewable, it suits a trial stay or a project period rather than long-term relocation.
The requirements in detail
- Income — ¥10 million or more. Your individual annual income must reach this threshold at the time of application. This is a hard requirement; below it, the status is not granted.
- Health insurance — ¥10 million coverage. You need private insurance covering death, injury and illness during the stay, with treatment-cost coverage of ¥10 million or more.
- Eligible nationality. You must be a national of one of the 51 countries/regions on the official list — those covered by a visa-exemption arrangement with Japan that also have a tax treaty or equivalent.
Check whether you meet all three with the Digital Nomad Eligibility Checker.
Stay, renewal and re-entry
The period of stay is 6 months and cannot be renewed. Once you leave Japan, you may apply again only after 6 months have passed since your previous digital nomad stay. Plan your trip around this fixed window.
No residence card or resident registration
Unlike most residence statuses, the digital nomad status does not issue a residence card (在留カードの交付対象外), and you are not registered as a mid-to-long-term resident. Because you are not a registered resident, you cannot enroll in Japan’s public health insurance — which is exactly why private health insurance with ¥10 million coverage is a mandatory requirement.
Bringing your family
An accompanying spouse and children can stay under Designated Activities No. 54, also for up to 6 months (non-renewable). They must each hold private medical insurance with treatment coverage of ¥10 million or more.
Eligible countries (selection)
The list covers 51 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the UAE, and most EU member states. Confirm your country against the official list (linked in the sources) before applying.
Related tools
- Check your eligibility (country, income, insurance) → Digital Nomad Eligibility Checker
- Planning to stay longer? Reach PR with points → HSP Points Calculator
- Live in Japan indefinitely → Permanent Residency Checker
FAQ
What income do I need for Japan's digital nomad visa?
Your individual annual income must be ¥10 million or more at the time of application (申請の時点で、申請人個人の年収が１,０００万円以上であること). This is a hard requirement.
How long can I stay, and can I renew?
The period of stay is 6 months and it is non-renewable (６月（更新不可）). After leaving Japan you may apply again once 6 months have passed since your previous stay.
Which countries are eligible?
Nationals of 51 countries and regions are eligible — those covered by a visa-exemption arrangement with Japan that also have a tax treaty or equivalent with Japan. The official list includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and most of the EU, among others.
Do I get a residence card or resident registration?
No. The digital nomad status does not issue a residence card (在留カードの交付対象外となります), and holders are not registered as mid-to-long-term residents. It is closer to a short-term stay than to ordinary residence.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. An accompanying spouse and children can stay under Designated Activities No. 54 for up to 6 months (non-renewable). They must also hold private medical insurance with treatment coverage of ¥10 million or more.
What insurance do I need?
Private health insurance covering medical treatment for injury and illness during the stay, with treatment-cost coverage of ¥10 million or more (傷害疾病への治療費用補償額は１，０００万円以上).
Official sources
- Immigration Services Agency: Designated Activities (digital nomad / No. 53)
- Immigration Services Agency: list of eligible countries/regions (PDF)
- Immigration Services Agency: digital nomad Q&A (PDF)
Last updated: 2026-06-13 （Designated Activities Notice No. 53 (digital nomad) / No. 54 (spouse & children), 2024）