Japan Digital Nomad Visa Checker (Designated Activities No. 53)
Check the requirements for Japan's digital nomad status of residence (Designated Activities No. 53) against official Immigration Services Agency information: whether your country is on the eligible list (51 countries/regions), whether your annual income is ¥10 million or more, and whether you have qualifying medical insurance.
Digital nomad visa checker
Main requirements
Based on official Immigration Services Agency information (last checked: 2026-06-13).
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Income | ¥10 million+/year (individual, at application) |
| Eligible countries | 51 countries/regions (visa-exempt and tax-treaty) |
| Medical insurance | Private insurance with treatment coverage ¥10 million+ |
| Period of stay | 6 months (non-renewable); re-apply after 6 months abroad |
| Family | Spouse and children (Designated Activities No. 54) |
| Allowed activity | ICT remote work for a foreign organisation; no employment with a Japanese organisation |
Eligible countries/regions (51)
These are eligible for the digital nomad themselves (No. 53). Spouse and children (No. 54) cover a broader set of visa-exempt countries.
- Iceland
- Ireland
- United States
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Israel
- Italy
- Indonesia
- Uruguay
- Estonia
- Australia
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Qatar
- Canada
- Greece
- Croatia
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Spain
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Serbia
- Thailand
- Czech Republic
- Chile
- Denmark
- Germany
- Türkiye
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Hungary
- Finland
- Brazil
- France
- Bulgaria
- Brunei
- Peru
- Belgium
- Poland
- Portugal
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Romania
- Luxembourg
- South Korea
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
If you are not eligible
- Short-term stay (tourism): visa-exempt nationals can stay up to 90 days (no work allowed).
- Highly Skilled Professional: with 70+ points you can live and work long-term. Try the HSP Points Calculator.
- Permanent residency: if you plan to settle, check the Permanent Residency Checker.
FAQ
What is the income requirement for the Japan digital nomad visa?
At the time of application, your individual annual income must be ¥10 million or more (1,000万円). It is assessed on the applicant alone, not the household.
How many countries are eligible?
For the digital nomad themselves (Designated Activities No. 53), 51 countries and regions are eligible. They are countries/regions that are both visa-exempt and have a tax treaty (or equivalent) with Japan, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
How long can I stay on the digital nomad visa?
The period of stay is 6 months and cannot be renewed. However, once 6 months have passed since you left Japan, you may apply for this status again.
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes. You must hold private medical insurance covering death, injury and illness for the whole of your planned stay, with treatment coverage of at least ¥10 million (1,000万円).
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes. The spouse and children that the digital nomad supports can accompany them under Designated Activities No. 54.
Can I work for a Japanese company on this visa?
No. The permitted activity is remote work under a contract with a foreign organisation using ICT, or providing services / selling goods to people abroad. Employment under a contract with a Japanese organisation is not allowed.
Official sources
- Immigration Services Agency: "Designated Activities" (Digital Nomad and family)
- Immigration Services Agency: eligible countries/regions list (PDF)
Last updated: 2026-06-13 (在留資格「特定活動」(告示53号 デジタルノマド・54号 その配偶者・子、2024年))