Become a Digital Nomad in Japan

While it's true that some info is available online, official documentation for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa is vague, sparse, and often ambiguous. Reddit threads and forums are full of conflicting advice and more questions than answers.

I've personally gone through the process, had multiple direct exchanges with Japanese immigration, and created this guide to give you clear, practical steps that work, without the hours of second-guessing and multiple failed attempts of phone calls with Japanese immigration authorities at 3 in the morning.

While the Digital Nomad Visa is new, navigating daily life in Japan as a remote worker comes with unique challenges, especially in a city like Tokyo. From finding short-term housing that doesn't require a local guarantor, to choosing neighborhoods with good coworking spots and international communities, the usual expat advice doesn't always apply. This guide was built specifically with digital nomads in mind, people who need flexibility, fast setups, and a smooth landing. I've packed in everything I wish I had known on day one.

Using a tourist visa to live and work remotely in Japan falls into a legal gray area. Tourist visas are intended for sightseeing and short visits, not for remote work. While many digital nomads have done it in the past, it's technically not permitted under immigration rules.

On top of that, most nationalities can only stay for up to 90 days on a tourist visa, which means you'd need to leave the country and re-enter just to extend your stay, something Japan strictly monitors. The Digital Nomad Visa, on the other hand, gives you a legal, six-month stay specifically designed for remote workers.

Currently, the visa is not renewable. Once your 6-month stay is up, you'll need to leave the country and wait 6 months before reapplying. However, this could change in the future, so it's worth keeping an eye on updates from Japan's immigration authorities.

Yes! The Japan Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live (and travel) anywhere in the country. That said, I recommend starting in Tokyo. It has the largest international community, all sorts of events, great infrastructure, and easiest access to support if you don't speak Japanese.

Not necessarily. In places like Tokyo, many locals speak some English, and most digital nomads can get by with translation apps. That said, learning some basic Japanese will definitely improve your experience and open more doors, especially when exploring beyond major cities.