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Experience cherry blossoms and ancient temples
You want to work remotely in Tokyo and eat some of the best ramen in the world?
Japan finally came through for digital nomads in 2024. For remote workers who have dreamt of cherry blossoms and bullet trains…
This is a game changer.
The Japanese government unveiled their Digital Nomad Visa on March 31, 2024. The program allows remote workers to live and work in Japan for six months. No more visa hopping on tourist programs or the grueling work permit process.
But here’s the thing…
Japan has some very specific requirements that trip people up. Without the right infrastructure in place, the dream of working from a Shibuya café quickly comes crashing down.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover:
- Understanding Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- The Virtual Address Problem (And How To Fix It)
- Step-By-Step Guide to Applying for the Visa
- Setting Up Your Remote Work Infrastructure
- Making The Most Of Your Six Months In Japan
Understanding Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Japan has some strict eligibility requirements for their digital nomad visa. Figuring it all out up front will save you headaches later.
Digital nomad visa requirements include:
- Annual income of at least 10 million JPY (about $65,000 USD)
- Private health insurance coverage with a minimum of 10 million JPY
- Citizenship in one of 49 eligible countries
- Remote employment with a company located outside of Japan
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining
That 10 million JPY annual income requirement is steep. The bar is among the highest for any digital nomad visa program in the world.
However, for those who qualify?
Japan has world-class infrastructure, some of the fastest internet in the world, and a very reasonable cost of living when the weak yen is taken into account.
The Virtual Address Problem (And How To Fix It)
Here’s one thing most digital nomads don’t think about until it’s too late…
Managing your business mail and correspondence while living abroad is a real problem. Banks, government agencies, and clients still send snail mail. Neglecting important correspondence can create serious issues down the line for any remote business.
Enter the virtual address.
Digital nomads need a permanent mailing address that works regardless of location. Setting up a virtual office in NYC or another major business hub means you always have a stable virtual address. Mail gets scanned, uploaded, and made accessible to you from anywhere in the world.
Recent statistics show that digital nomads contribute over $787 billion to the global economy. They make up a cohort of over 35 million people worldwide. That’s not a hobby anymore. It’s a career path that requires proper business infrastructure.
A virtual address makes it possible for remote workers to:
- Maintain a professional business presence
- Receive important legal documents
- Meet state requirements for business registration
- Keep personal and business mail separate
The smartest digital nomads set it all up before even leaving their home country. It removes one of the most stressful logistical headaches from the nomadic lifestyle.
Step-By-Step Guide to Applying for the Visa
Ready to apply for the visa? The process is more straightforward than most other work visas.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Get together the following:
- Completed visa application form with photo
- Valid passport
- Proof of annual income (tax certificates or employment contracts)
- Health insurance documentation
- Activity plan during the six month stay
Step 2: Contact The Japanese Embassy
Reach out to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. This visa is still relatively new, so there may be small differences in requirements at different posts.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit all of your documents and pay the application fee. Wait for approval. Processing time can vary, so plan to apply well ahead of your intended travel dates.
Step 4: Wait For Approval
Embassy staff will review all of your documents. They may ask for additional information. Once approved, the visa will be stamped into your passport.
Straightforward, right?
Setting Up Your Remote Work Infrastructure
Getting the visa is just step one. Having proper work infrastructure is the difference between struggling and thriving.
Internet Access
Japan has some of the fastest internet in the world. Coworking spaces are widespread in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Many cafés also offer decent WiFi for remote work.
Banking Considerations
Here’s one limitation to know about…
Digital nomad visa holders are not permitted to open Japanese bank accounts. This is because the visa does not issue a residence card. Residence cards are required for Japanese bank accounts. Digital nomads must rely on accounts from their home country and international payment services.
Accommodation
Long-term rental contracts are also not an option without residency status. Most digital nomads use:
- Short-term apartment rentals
- Monthly furnished apartments
- Extended-stay hotels
- Airbnb accommodations
According to data from the Statistics Bureau of Japan, average monthly expenditure was about ¥166,773 in 2024. That’s around $1,100 USD, pretty affordable for a developed country.
Making The Most Of Your Six Months
Six months sounds like a lot of time. It flies by, I promise.
Plan The Work Schedule
Japan is 13-17 hours ahead of the United States depending on where you live. This means you must account for major differences in meeting and work schedule availability. The majority of digital nomads in Japan get up extra early or work later at night to overlap with Western business hours.
Explore Beyond Tokyo
Tokyo is fantastic, but Japan has so much more to offer. If you’re living in Japan for six months, consider breaking up your time between:
- Kyoto for traditional culture
- Osaka for food and nightlife
- Fukuoka for a more relaxed pace
- Okinawa for beaches and warm weather
Understand The Limitations
Japan’s digital nomad visa has some key restrictions to keep in mind:
- Cannot be extended or renewed
- You cannot work for a Japanese company
- Must wait six months after expiration to reapply
- Family members may join but cannot work locally
Network With Other Nomads
Japan is the 12th most visited country by digital nomads in 2025. There is a very active community of remote workers in all parts of the country. Coworking spaces host regular events and meetups.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a digital nomad in Japan is easier than ever. The visa process is very straightforward for those who meet the income requirement. And with the right preparation – like setting up a virtual address for business mail – the move can be seamless.
Japan offers an incredible mix of cutting-edge technology and deeply rooted cultural experiences. For remote workers who earn above the income threshold, it is one of the most rewarding countries to call home for six months.
The key is planning ahead. Get the business infrastructure sorted before you leave. Know the limits of the visa. And go have the experience of a lifetime in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
The digital nomad dream in Japan is real. It just takes the right preparation to make it happen.