Japan announces its digital nomad visa

Japan announces its digital nomad visa

Japan has unveiled plans to issue six-month visas catering to digital nomads with an annual income of ¥10 million ($68,300) or more. The initiative is slated to commence by the end of March.

According to a Japan Times report, digital nomads, individuals who work remotely while moving between locations for short or medium-term stays, from 49 countries and territories, will be eligible for the “specified activities” visa category. This extends to self-employed applicants as well.

Countries and territories eligible for this program have existing tax treaties and agreements that eliminate the need for short-term visas with Japan, including the U.S., Australia, and Singapore.

The six-month duration was chosen based on a survey of digital nomads, where a majority expressed a preference for longer stays than the current 90-day limit for visa-free short-term stays. Remote work will be permitted from any location within Japan without requiring formal employment in the country.

Applicants must also possess private health insurance, and the visa extends to spouses and children, allowing them to accompany the digital nomad in Japan.

Those holding the digital nomad visa won’t receive a residence card or certificate, which typically grant access to certain government benefits. Furthermore, the visa is non-renewable and requires reapplication, possible only six months after leaving Japan.

The global rise in digital nomadism is evident, with over 35 million digital nomads worldwide, collectively contributing $787 billion to the economy, according to A Brother Abroad, a U.S. travel information website. This shift towards remote work is being encouraged by governments globally, viewing digital nomads as catalysts for tourism and domestic innovation.

Japan joins the ranks of over 50 countries issuing digital nomad visas. However, the duration of stay varies; for instance, South Korea allows up to two years, while Taiwan permits three years, with the option to apply for permanent residency.

While some digital nomads have already been working in Japan under different visas, advocacy groups have been pushing for specific digital nomad visas. Last year, the government committed to creating such visas as part of its broader tourism initiatives.

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