Travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads rejoice; a brand-new country just dropped, and it's big. To attract new international talent, Japan has introduced a new digital nomad visa beginning in March 2024. 

The global remote work industry represents a booming market, as reported by Custom Market Insights, which is expected to approach an estimated USD 100 billion by 2032. Japan is the newest country to create a way to capitalize on this market, boosting its own economy and adapting to the modern workforce. 

Remote workers and digital nomads are encouraged to apply for this new visa, allowing them to embark on a new journey in the Land of the Rising Sun. 

To qualify, each applicant must have a minimum income of USD 66,466.82 or about ¥ 10 million annually.  

What is the Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows individuals who work remotely to live in a foreign country while working for an organization not based in that same country. These digital nomad visas are often a win-win for both the host country and the traveler. The host country benefits from international investment in its economy, and the remote worker receives heightened access to a new and fantastic place. 

Japan's digital nomad visa is unique to other countries, such as Estonia, Barbados, and Croatia, in that it lasts 6 months instead of 2 years. Japan offers this visa to 49 countries, including the US, Singapore, and Australia. 

It's possible to travel to Japan for 90 days visa-free; however, during that time, you are not allowed to work. This new digital nomad visa would enable people to stay up to six months at a time and be given the ability to work.

Benefits of Choosing Japan for Digital Nomads

As reported by CNBC, Tokyo is the world's fastest-growing remote work hub, seeing over 350% increase in digital nomads from 2023. The city boasts a lower cost of living than major cities like New York and is home to dozens of Fortune 500 companies. 

This new visa also allows travelers and digital nomads to explore the entire country without restriction. This greatly benefits those looking to embrace Japan's more serene and culturally significant destinations. 

Additionally, Japan's innovative fiber-optic infrastructure guarantees some of the fastest internet on the planet, making remote work doable and easy. With state-of-the-art coworking spaces popping up all the time, Japan has pulled out all the stops to be as appealing as possible to digital nomads. 

Digital nomads now have the chance to set down temporary roots, build a routine in Japan, and explore more of the beautiful country, from the modern urban metropolises to the stunning countryside. 

Top Japanese destinations include: 

• Tokyo 
• Osaka 
• Kyoto 
• Beppu
• Yokohama
• Okinawa

Visa Eligibility and Application Process

Anyone can be eligible for this visa. The exact application process is set to be unveiled at the end of March 2024. However, digital nomads can jump on it by getting organized today. There are specific requirements for this application we are already aware of, including: 

• Proof of Income
• Health Insurance
• Valid passport

Applicants must be able to provide proof of remote income from a non-Japanese employer at a minimum of $66,466.82 to be eligible. Also, applicants need to provide their own private health insurance. You can still apply for a digital nomad visa if you're self-employed, as long as your business must be registered outside of Japan.

For travelers with families, spouses and children can be added to your visa if they also have private health insurance. 

People who receive this visa will not receive residency cards. Additionally, the visa will not be automatically renewed. Digital nomads can apply for a new visa only after spending another six months outside of Japan. Six months on, six months off. 

Digital Nomad Taxes in Japan

The new visa makes working and living in Japan much easier. Still, the system is not entirely without its own challenges. Everyone applying for this visa should consider the tax implications of traveling through Japan as a working digital nomad instead of a regular tourist. 

Japan uses a residential tax system, meaning permanent residents are taxed on their worldwide income.

Since digital nomads will not be receiving a residency card or certificate, they are classified as non-permanent residents. Non-permanent Japanese residents are taxed on their overseas income like usual. The six-month cap on this visa will likely not be enough time for any digital nomad to establish a tax residency, where they've been in one place long enough to have a tax obligation to that place. 

Stay on top of these tax implications, as they will likely change as this application process evolves.

(Be mindful of citizenship-based tax systems. For example, American digital nomads will also have to file an American tax return regardless of whether they're permanent residents of another country.)

Work-Life Balance

While the primary purpose of these types of visas is to attract global talent and reinvigorate economic growth, they also serve as a means of achieving that work-life balance for those looking to travel. 

The standard 90-day, visa-free travel is already incredible, but it can put people in a challenging situation. Do I take three months off to travel and not work or take a shorter trip? The Japan digital nomad visa allows you to travel to your heart's content without sacrificing your career growth, savings, and routine. It would be hard to find another place with a richer culture, fuller history, and more chances for adventure. 

A Gateway to the Land of the Rising Sun

Whether you're a digital nomad or not, this news is exciting. Japan's digital nomad visa opens so many new possibilities to grow professionally, network in new exotic locales, and personally, be exposed to a new culture and perspective. 

If you've ever been interested in travel or the prospect of becoming a digital nomad, now is the time to explore a real opportunity. The application process is still underway, but those interested can watch Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal for real-time updates.

This is just the beginning for those interested in Japan's digital nomad process. As the landscape develops, so will more remote work resources and opportunities. Stay tuned!

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