Digital Nomad visa in Japan: requirements, costs, and more

Are you a digital nomad dreaming of spending some time in Japan? This fascinating country is known for its beautiful nature, bustling cities and delicious food, so it’s no wonder. 

Well, we have good news - Japan has recently introduced their digital nomad visa and UK citizens can apply for it. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you should know about this. This includes how you can get the Japan digital nomad visa, how much it costs and what Japan is like for digital nomads in general.

We’ll also point out a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders. The Wise account is a great alternative to traditional bank accounts. It will allow you to send money between the UK and Japan for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate*.

What is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who works online and usually travels to different locations while doing that. They often work in coffee shops, libraries or co-working spaces across the globe.

People often choose to become digital nomads in order to fund their travels. It’s a great way to see the world and earn money while doing it.

Can UK citizens work in Japan?¹

As long as you get the right visa, you can work in Japan as a UK citizen. In order to even apply, you need to get a Certificate of eligibility first - a document your employer will apply for on your behalf.

Does Japan have a digital nomad visa?²

Japan has recently joined the list of countries with a visa made specifically for digital nomads. However, this visa is not very easy to get and it comes with certain limitations. 

First of all, the entry requirements are quite strict, especially when it comes to minimum earnings. You also can’t open a bank account or rent long-term accommodation while you’re in Japan, which can end up being quite expensive and inconvenient.

Let’s explain in more detail everything there is to know about the digital nomad visa Japan introduced.

Digital Nomad visa in Japan: what you need to know³

The Japan digital nomad visa is actually part of the Specified visa category. Its full name is Specified visa: Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad). UK citizens are among those who can apply.⁴

This visa is issued for a period of 6 months, without the possibility of extension. Digital nomads can come to Japan alone or even bring their spouse and children with them. 

Here’s the list of documents required for applying for the Japan digital nomad visa:

• Visa application form with a photo
• A valid passport
• Certificate of eligibility
• Documents explaining your planned activities during your stay in Japan 
• Documents proving your annual income is at least 10 million JPY (around £52,000) - income certificate, employment contract, tax returns etc.
• Proof of insurance against death, injury or illness during your stay

Since your annual income is the main condition for this visa, it doesn’t matter whether you’re self-employed or not - you can apply either way if you earn enough.

The cost of any single-entry Japan visa is 3,000 JPY or around £16. However, since you’ll be paying this in pounds, this might vary, so check ahead of time.⁵ 

Japan’s digital nomad visa: facts

• Visa length - 6 months
• Can it be extended? - No
• Minimum income requirements - 10,000,000 JPY
• Cost - Around £16, but double-check with the Embassy
• Do you need proof of insurance? - Yes
• Can you bring your spouse/children? - Yes

How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Japan: Step-by-step² 

This is what your Japan digital visa application will look like step-by-step:

Contact the Japanese Embassy

Calling the Embassy is a good first step, since you can get the latest information and requirements. If you’ve done that, you can call them to make an appointment.

Get the required documents

Go over the list of necessary documents multiple times to make sure you have all of them. Once you’ve gathered everything you need, you can fill out the application and get your photo taken.

Submit your application

Go to your scheduled appointment and submit the application you’ve prepared.

Wait for your visa

The visa processing time can vary, but the embassy will likely keep you updated on its status. You could take this time to look at the prices of flights and accommodation in Japan.

How long can you stay in Japan as a digital nomad?

With the digital nomad visa Japan recently introduced, you can stay in the country for 6 months. This visa won’t allow you to move to Japan permanently, but it’s enough to get a taste of life there.

Besides this one, Japan has a number of other work visas. They’re divided by profession, some of them being the artist visa, the professor visa or the business manager visa. If you get it, you could have the chance to live in Japan for up to 5 years.⁶ 

Take a look at all Japan visa categories and see if any of them suit you.

How much does it cost to live in Japan as a digital nomad?

Here’s a list of some average living costs in Japan⁷:

Living expense	Cost
Meal for 2 (mid range restaurant, three course)	£31.39
Loaf of bread	£1.20
Transportation (monthly pass)	£41.86
Monthly internet bill	£26.24
1 bedroom flat in city centre (monthly rent)	£460.61

What is it like living in Japan as a digital nomad? 

The Land of the Rising Sun is a wonderful destination for digital nomads. It lets you enjoy the perfect mix of ancient culture and freshest tech ideas.

Here are some things you should know if you plan on working there:

• Internet speed: 170.29 Mbps⁸
• Time zone: GMT+9 (8 hours ahead of the UK)
• Socket type: A and B⁹
• Calling code: +81
• Currency: Japanese yen
• eSIMs sold in Japan: Airalo, eSIM Japan, Holafly, Maya Mobile etc.

Using Wise to pay for your visa and spending abroad

That’s everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa in Japan. Since this is a new visa route, make sure you check for any updates to the application process or the requirements.

Since you’ll have quite a few expenses to cover before and after relocating to Japan, you should consider the best ways to manage your money. Though Wise is not a bank, the Wise accountcan be a great alternative to traditional banks, especially since you won’t be able to open a bank account in Japan on this visa. You can send money with Wise between the UK and Japan at the mid-market exchange rate for low fees*.

The Wise card can help you out once you arrive in your new home. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend like a local in 150+ countries, including Japan. It auto-converts the money in your Wise account to the right currency whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Why not open an account and use it to pay for your visa costs and spending while in Japan?

Your Wise account awaits

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

—

FAQs: Japan Digital Nomad visa

Let’s go through some frequent questions about the digital nomad visa in Japan:

Is there a big digital nomad community in Japan? 

Japan is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads, especially when it comes to big cities like Tokyo.¹⁰

Is Tokyo a good place for digital nomads?

Yes, Tokyo is a great place to live and work in, especially if you’re working in tech.

What are Japan’s digital nomad visa requirements?

This is how you can get a digital nomad visa in Japan:

• Have a valid passport
• Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (the UK is on that list)
• Prove your annual income is at least 10 million JPY
• Document the activities you have planned during your stay in Japan
• Provide proof of insurance

What are the tax requirements of the Japan Digital Nomad visa?

You won’t pay any taxes in Japan if you get a digital nomad visa. However, keep an eye out for any updates.²

Can you bring your spouse or children on a Digital Nomad visa?

Yes, you can bring your spouse and children with you to Japan if you obtain this visa. They’ll need to provide pretty much the same documents as you, along with a birth or marriage certificate.²

What other work visas are available for UK citizens in Japan?

Besides the digital nomad visa, UK citizens can also apply for the working visa, highly skilled professional visa or even the start-up visa.¹¹

Sources used:

1. Embassy of Japan in the UK - Official Japan visa information/small>
2. Get Golden Visa - Japan Digital Nomad Visa info
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Specified visa: Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad)
4. Immigration Services Agency of Japan - Eligible countries for the Japan digital nomad visa
5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Visa fees
6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Japan working visa
7. Numbeo - cost of living in Japan
8. World Population Review - Internet speeds by country 2024
9. Power Plugs & Sockets - Japan sockets
10. Japan Times - Japan digital nomad requirement difficulties
11. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Work or Long-term stay visas

Sources last checked on date: 16-Aug-2024