Remote workers wanting to take advantage of a six-month stay in Japan on its digital nomad visa will need to have plenty of cash in the bank and meet stringent eligibility criteria.

In March 2024, Japan launched its much-anticipated digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for up to six months.

This new visa scheme comes as part of Japan’s efforts to attract high-earning professionals and boost its economy in the post-pandemic era.

The visa, while non-renewable, offers a unique opportunity for digital nomads to experience life in Japan beyond the typical 90-day tourist stay. Interestingly, applicants can reapply for another six-month visa after their initial stay expires, potentially allowing for a longer-term presence in the country.

However, the eligibility criteria for the visa are notably stringent. Applicants must be nationals of countries with which Japan has a tax treaty and demonstrate an annual income of at least ¥10 million (£54,356).

This high income threshold aligns with a trend observed in other Asian countries’ digital nomad visa programmes.

As Brittany Loeffler, head of operations at Nomad Embassy, tells the BBC: “To be honest, it doesn’t seem that Asia is introducing ‘easy’ digital nomad visas.” She notes that many Asian countries are “requiring higher salaries compared to Europe’s digital nomad visas or have strict requirements for the nature of their remote work”.

Prospective applicants must provide substantial documentary evidence of their income, such as certificates of income tax or bank records. Additionally, they must not be currently employed by a Japanese entity and are required to hold insurance coverage against death, injury, and illness for a minimum of ¥10 million.

One notable feature of the visa is that spouses and children of the main applicant may also be eligible, potentially making it an attractive option for remote-working families.

However, the visa comes with certain limitations. Holders cannot open a bank account or rent long-term accommodation in Japan, which may present practical challenges for those planning to stay for the full six-month period.

This development comes as Japan was ranked the fastest-growing remote working hub in 2023, according to data analysed by Nomad List and reported by the BBC.

The introduction of this visa represents Japan’s strategic move to capitalise on the global trend of remote work while maintaining strict control over who can enter and stay in the country for extended periods.

As countries worldwide continue to adapt their immigration policies to the evolving landscape of work, Japan’s approach with this new digital nomad visa highlights a careful balance between attracting high-earning professionals and safeguarding local economic interests.

by Olivia Palamountain | GLOBETRENDER