Japan Digital Nomad status in 2026
Japan's Digital Nomad route is a Designated Activities status for eligible people who want to stay in Japan temporarily while performing international remote work.
Six months and no extension
The Immigration Services Agency states that the period of stay is six months and that no extension is granted. This makes the route fundamentally different from a normal long-term work or business residence status.
JPY 10 million annual income
At the time of application, the applicant's individual annual income must be at least JPY 10 million. ISA lists tax or income certificates and current work documentation among the evidence used to establish the requirement.
For self-employed people, the official Q&A explains that income may be assessed using profit after necessary expenses rather than simply the gross contract value.
Insurance requirement
The applicant must have private medical/travel insurance covering death, injury and illness during the planned stay. The required medical-treatment coverage for injury and illness is at least JPY 10 million.
Eligible nationality matters
The route is limited to nationals or citizens of countries and regions included on the official eligible-country list. Eligibility should therefore be checked against the current ISA list before applying.
What work is allowed
The route covers international remote work using information and communication technology for a foreign organization, and certain remunerated services supplied remotely to persons outside Japan.
It does not permit normal employment or contracting with a public or private organization in Japan. Permission for activities outside the granted status is generally not available for local Japanese work.
Family
A spouse or child may accompany the principal under the related Designated Activities category if the official requirements are met. The accompanying status does not create general work authorization.
Not a permanent-residence path
The Digital Nomad status is short-term, non-extendable and not a direct route to permanent residence. Someone seeking to establish a business or take Japanese employment should compare a status designed for that purpose.
Compare Business Manager, Startup Visa, J-Find, or return to the Japan hub.
Verified against ISA and MOFA on 20 September 2026.
Official and supporting sources
- ISA — Digital Nomad Designated Activitiesgovernment · accessed 2026-09-20
- MOFA — Digital Nomad Visagovernment · accessed 2026-09-20