The digital nomad visa would not be renewable, meaning that recipients would need to return to leave the country for at least six months and reapply for a new one
The list of countries issuing digital nomad visas for remote workers is set to become longer as Japan will join the club and issue visas that allow foreign nationals stay for upto 180 days in Japan.
According to the Japanese Immigration Services Agency, Japan will begin issuing digital nomad visas for remote workers from March onwards. This would enable foreigners looking to stay in Japan longer than the 90 days allowed by the standard tourist visa. Digital nomads will be able to remain for a full six months while working from any place in the country without being employed by a Japanese company.
The Immigration Services Agency says that the digital nomad visa offer will be extended to remote workers from 49 countries and territories, including the United States, that have tax treaties and reciprocal tourist visa-free arrangements in place. The agency adds that the new digital nomad visas will be available to those who make ¥10 million (USD 68,300) or more annually, including self-employed individuals. The programme is expected to be put into effect by the end of March.
The agency adds that there are some other requirements, including that applicants have their own private health insurance, but workers’ spouses and children will also be welcome to stay in Japan for the duration of their visit. Those living in Japan temporarily will not be issued residence cards or certificates, which would entitle them to certain government benefits.
The digital nomad visa would not be renewable, meaning that recipients would need to return to leave the country for at least six months and reapply for a new one, if they wished to return.
There are currently around 35 million digital nomads living and working around the globe, with the majority of them originating in North America and Europe. It reports that Tokyo was among the world’s top 10 most-visited remote work hubs last year, and also the fastest growing one.
Newspaper reports suggest that digital nomads represent a collective economic value of USD 787 billion. By creating this new visa and other initiatives aimed at boosting inbound tourism, now that the pandemic has passed, Japan’s government is hoping to claim a slice of that pie.
