If you have been searching for how to move to Japan while keeping your remote job, a Japan Digital Nomad Visa is a practical way to make it happen. This visa is included within the “Designated Activities” category and lets qualified remote workers live in Japan for up to six months while working for clients or employers outside of Japan. When I moved to Japan, this visa was not an option or I certainly would’ve considered it.

In this guide, you will learn exactly how the program works, who is eligible, which documents you need, how to apply, and what moving to Japan looks like once you arrive. You will also find a list of eligible countries and regions for both digital nomads and their accompanying family members, plus detailed city suggestions for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Sapporo.

This article is written for people who are actively researching how to get a Japan Digital Nomad Visa. Throughout, you will find clear steps that will help you understand whether the Digital Nomad Visa fits your goals for Japan.

Moving to Japan on the Digital Nomad Visa

Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa is intended for people who work remotely for non-Japanese employers or clients and want to live in Japan for a set period of time. The maximum amount of time that you can stay is six months. No extension will be granted under the same status, which means that you should plan your entry and exit dates carefully. Your spouse or child can accompany you on a related Designated Activities status for the same period.

It is important to understand that this visa does not convert into permanent residency. It is designed for a temporary stay that allows you to experience living in Japan without switching your income source to Japan or taking local employment. If you are exploring how to move to Japan without quitting your current job (as long as your employer is not based in Japan), this option can be an excellent fit, and Japan actually wants to attract more digital nomads unlike many countries who already feel that they have too many.

Who Can Apply When Moving to Japan This Way

Applicants must be remote workers who will continue earning from sources outside Japan. That includes full-time employees of foreign companies, contractors, and freelancers with overseas clients. If you plan to bring your spouse or child, they can apply under a companion Designated Activities category tied to your status.

Because this visa involves remote work and not local employment, you will not receive a traditional work authorization for Japanese companies. Keep this in mind as you map out your professional obligations and contracts. This is not a way for you to get to Japan and then change to a more permanent visa.

Key Requirements for Digital Nomads

To qualify, you will need to prepare the following documents with care and make sure each item supports your case clearly. When people are moving to Japan on this visa, complete documentation is the most common make-or-break factor. The Japanese are very particular about their paperwork. Every “t” must be crossed and every “I” dotted in exactly the way that is requested or you could face rejection or delays so please pay attention.

Documents for the Digital Nomad

1. Visa application form with a recent photo and a valid passport. Click here for the form that you will need. You must submit one recent passport-style photo, and your name should be printed on the back. The picture should be either 2 x 2 inches or 2 x 1.4 inches, in color, and taken within the past six months. Make sure your full face is clearly visible, avoid social media filters, and do not take the photo yourself. Glasses should be removed, and the background needs to be plain white or off-white with no shadows or patterns. Photos taken as selfies or printed at home are often rejected because they do not meet quality standards.
2. Certificate of Eligibility, often called a COE. If presented, several other items can be omitted during the visa process.
3. A concise description of your planned activities and your planned period of stay in Japan. This should explain the kind of remote work you will do, the city and prefecture where you intend to stay, and the general rhythm of your workweek.
4. Proof that your annual income is at least 10,000,000 JPY. For reference, 10,000,000 JPY is approximately 64,448.381 US dollars or 55,597.538 euros at the time of this writing. Common ways to prove this include a tax payment certificate, an income certificate, an employment contract, or a client contract with a clear term and compensation amount.
5. Proof of insurance that covers death, injury, or illness during your stay. The medical treatment compensation must be at least 10,000,000 JPY. You can use a policy certificate and summary, or a credit card policy with documents confirming the supplementary coverage.

Documents for a Spouse or Child

1. Visa application form with a photo and a valid passport.
2. Certificate of Eligibility, if available, to streamline processing.
3. A short statement describing the planned activities and the period of stay.
4. Proof of insurance with at least 10,000,000 JPY in medical treatment compensation. If the family member is covered by the main applicant’s policy, include documents confirming that coverage.
5. Proof of the relationship to the digital nomad, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate.
6. A copy of the passport of the spouse or parent who holds the Digital Nomad Visa.

Understanding the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

A COE is issued by a regional immigration bureau in Japan. Presenting a COE at your local embassy or consulate can smooth your visa issuance and help with landing procedures at the airport. It is not a guarantee of a visa by itself, but it signals that your case meets the basic conditions for the category you are applying for. Many applicants moving to Japan with this visa find the process more predictable when a COE is prepared in advance.

To get a Certificate of Eligibility for Japan’s digital nomad visa, someone in Japan must act as your sponsor and file the application at their local immigration office. I found a law office in Japan called Shinonome that can serve as your sponsor and handle the filing of your Certificate of Eligibility for you. Before they can do this, you will need to give them documents that show you earn at least JPY 10 million per year, confirm your employment or freelance status with an overseas company, and prove that you have private health insurance with coverage of at least JPY 10 million. You will also need to provide standard items like a passport copy and a photo.

Once your sponsor has everything, they submit the COE request in Japan. Processing usually takes one to three months. If it is approved, the COE is issued to your sponsor, who then sends it to you. With that document in hand, you can apply for the digital nomad visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

A few important notes: the COE is optional for the digital nomad main applicant, but having one makes the visa process much smoother. However, if you plan to bring a spouse or child, they are required to have a COE for their dependent visa. Finally, after the COE is issued, you must enter Japan within three months.

Eligible Countries and Regions

You must be a national or citizen of an eligible country or region. Always verify your eligibility against the latest list from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before you apply. Below are the current groupings separated by status. Click here for the list of countries printed out in a chart.

Designated Activities (for Digital Nomads)

Australia, Andorra, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.

Designated Activities (for Spouse or Child of a Digital Nomad)

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

If your country or region is not listed, you will not be eligible under this particular route. If you are still committed to moving to Japan, consider other visa categories that may fit your background, such as work visas, highly skilled professional status, student visas, or family-related categories.

Step by Step: How to Move to Japan on the Digital Nomad Visa

When people talk about moving to Japan, the most common worry is paperwork. The process here is logical and manageable if you prepare your documents in the right order.

Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility
Check that your nationality appears on the eligible list. Confirm that your annual income meets or exceeds 10,000,000 JPY. Confirm that your work relationship is with an employer or clients outside Japan and that you can keep working remotely during your stay. Confirm that you can secure the required insurance coverage.

Step 2 – Shape Your Stay Plan
Decide on your city or cities, your rough move-in and move-out dates, and how your workweek will look. If your spouse or child will join you, decide whether they will apply with or without a COE. Keep a clean summary of your plan, including the prefecture and city where you plan to live.

Step 3 – Gather Your Documents
Collect the items listed in the requirements section. Put proof of income and insurance proofs front and center. If your documents are not in Japanese or English, add certified translations. Make sure your activity description clearly states you are working remotely for an overseas employer or clients.

Step 4 – Submit to the Embassy or Consulate
File your application with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Some applicants pursue a COE first through a proxy in Japan. Others apply directly without a COE. Follow the instructions given by the specific office that will process your case.

Step 5 – Wait for Processing and Prepare Your Move
Processing time varies. Use the wait period to confirm housing, set up your mobile data plan or eSIM, and double-check your insurance documents. If you are serious about moving to Japan smoothly, this is also a good time to study basic Japanese phrases and review local customs.

Step 6 – Enter Japan and Start Your Stay
Carry your passport, visa, and insurance documents when you travel. Once you arrive, settle into your housing, test your internet speed, and make sure your workspace is comfortable and productive. Keep copies of your contracts and insurance handy.

Step 7 – Manage the Final Weeks of Your Stay
Plan your exit in advance. Since the visa cannot be extended under the same status, you need to depart by the end of your six-month window or switch to a different status if you qualify. Keep all tickets and confirmations organized to avoid last-minute stress.

Practical Realities When Moving to Japan on This Visa

Most digital nomads find daily life smooth if they set expectations correctly. Because you usually will not receive a residence card under this status, certain services may be more limited. Long-term apartment contracts, local bank accounts, and some mobile plans often require a residence card. Work around these constraints by booking serviced apartments, share houses, or short-term rentals that accept foreign tenants without a residence card. For banking, consider international banks you already use. For phones, look at prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options that serve visitors for several months at a time.

Internet quality is excellent in the major cities and strong in many regional areas. Coworking spaces, cafés, and libraries are widely available. Your day-to-day success will come down to choosing the right neighborhood, confirming your housing has reliable Wi-Fi, and keeping your work schedule aligned with your home country’s time zone when necessary.

Tax questions come up often when people are moving to Japan for six months. General guidance is that you remain focused on your overseas income and avoid Japanese-source income. Since individual tax situations differ, consult a tax professional in your home country and take advice that matches your specific facts.

Where to Live: Five Cities for Digital Nomads

A big part of how to move to Japan successfully is picking the right base. The cities below are popular for digital nomads because they offer strong infrastructure, plenty of places to work, and unique local character.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the obvious first choice for many people moving to Japan. It has extraordinary public transport, abundant coworking spaces, fast internet, and endless dining and entertainment. You will find international communities in several neighborhoods, which makes daily life easier if you are new to Japan. The trade-off is cost. Rents and daily expenses are higher than most other cities in the country, but you gain unmatched convenience and variety. If your goal is to live in a big city with everything at your fingertips while you work remotely, Tokyo is definitely your place.

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s third largest city (after Tokyo and Yokohama) and will let you have big-city advantages with a friendly, approachable vibe. It is often more affordable than Tokyo while still offering great train connections, strong internet, and good coworking options. Food culture is a major draw here. If you want energy and personality without the scale of Tokyo, Osaka is a smart base for moving to Japan on the Digital Nomad Visa. You can also take fast trains to Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara for weekend trips.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a great mix of tradition and modern conveniences. You can visit shrines and temples in the morning but also find plenty of cafés and coworking spaces. Many neighborhoods also feel calm even though they not far from the city center. If your version of moving to Japan includes a slower rhythm, beautiful, traditional environment, and easy cultural immersion, Kyoto is a rewarding place to live for six months. Plan ahead for seasonal tourism, since popular districts can be busy during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and fall leaf viewing (November).

Nagoya

Nagoya is centrally located between Tokyo and Osaka, which makes it a practical choice for frequent travel within Japan. The city is modern and efficient, with reliable public transport and a lower cost of living than Tokyo. Housing can be easier to secure, and many residents appreciate the balance of convenience and affordability. For digital nomads, Nagoya offers exactly what you need without distractions, which often leads to high productivity.

Sapporo

Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido, is ideal if your idea of moving to Japan includes clean air, more space, and access to nature. Summers are comfortable, winters are snowy, and the food scene is excellent. Internet and transport are reliable, and there are growing coworking options. If you enjoy skiing, hiking, and weekend escapes, Sapporo gives you a completely different lifestyle compared to Japan’s major metropolitan areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Japan on the Digital Nomad Visa

Can I extend beyond six months?
No. The permitted stay is six months and no extension is granted under this status. If you want to remain in Japan longer, you must leave or apply for a different visa category that suits your background.

Can I get local employment while I am in Japan?
No. This visa is designed for remote work tied to income from outside Japan. You cannot take a job with a Japanese employer under this status.

Do I need the Certificate of Eligibility?
A COE is not always mandatory, but it can make the process smoother. If you present a COE, some other documents may be omitted. Many applicants prefer to secure a COE to reduce uncertainty.

What level of insurance do I need?
Your policy must cover death, injury, or illness, and the compensation for medical treatment must be at least 10,000,000 JPY. Bring a certificate of coverage and a policy summary. If you rely on credit card insurance, include documents proving the supplementary compensation.

What proof of income is acceptable?
Provide a tax certificate, income certificate, an employment contract, or a client contract that clearly states the contract period and the amount. The minimum annual income is 10,000,000 JPY, which equals about 64,448.381 US dollars or 55,597.538 euros.

Can my spouse or child join me?
Yes. They apply under Designated Activities for a spouse or child of a Digital Nomad. They need a visa application, passport, description of stay, proof of insurance, proof of relationship, and a copy of the digital nomad’s passport. If they are covered under your insurance, include documents that confirm the scope of family coverage.

Will I get a residence card?
Generally, you should not expect a residence card for this status. Plan your housing, banking, and phone service with that in mind. Many nomads use serviced apartments, share houses, and prepaid or eSIM phone plans.

Final Checklist for How to Move to Japan on This Visa

If your goal is moving to Japan with minimal friction, use this short checklist as your last pass before applying:

• Verify that your nationality is on the eligible list.
• Confirm your annual income is at least 10,000,000 JPY.
• Obtain proof of insurance with at least 10,000,000 JPY in medical treatment coverage.
• Prepare your activities description, including the city and prefecture where you will stay.
• Collect contracts, tax or income certificates, and any needed translations.
• Decide whether to obtain a COE to streamline the process.
• Apply at your local embassy or consulate and plan your travel dates so your total stay remains within six months.
• Secure housing that does not require a residence card, and confirm strong Wi-Fi.
• Map your work schedule across time zones and keep copies of all documents handy while in Japan.

Moving to Japan The Smart Way

For anyone actively researching how to move to Japan or planning a short-term relocation, Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a clear, legal, and structured path. It is built for remote workers who want to live in Japan for up to six months without changing their income source. The requirements are specific, but they are straightforward when you approach them step by step. With the right preparation, you can enjoy life in Tokyo’s fast pace, Osaka’s friendly neighborhoods, Kyoto’s history, Nagoya’s practicality, or Sapporo’s clean air and nature.

If moving to Japan has been your dream, this visa makes it possible to live that dream while keeping your career intact. Gather your documentation, confirm your eligibility, and plan your six months well. The everyday experience of shopping in local markets, riding clean and efficient trains, trying regional foods, and building a routine in a new culture is what makes moving to Japan on the Digital Nomad Visa so rewarding.