Last Updated 29 June 2026

Japan Digital Nomad Visa

• Live and work remotely in Japan for up to 6 months
• Bring your spouse and children with you
• Work with international clients while staying in Japan
• Explore Japan’s rich culture, food, and traditions
• No tax on income earned outside Japan
• Enjoy access to world-class infrastructure and high-speed internet
• Stay legally in Japan without needing a local job offer

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa, officially categorised under Japan's Specified Activities Visa (特定活動), was introduced by the Ministry of Justice in April 2024. It allows foreign nationals from 49 eligible countries to live and work remotely in Japan for up to six months, provided they earn a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million (approximately ₹54 lakh or USD 65,000). Indian passport holders are among the eligible nationalities and can apply at any Embassy of Japan or Japanese Consulate in India, including offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

This visa is for temporary stay only and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. It cannot be extended, but you may reapply after leaving Japan. You do not need a job offer from a Japanese employer — you must continue working for clients or companies based outside Japan. The visa also allows you to bring your spouse and children as dependants.

*Willing to migrate to Japan? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete immigration assistance!

What is a Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa, officially categorised under Japan's Specified Activities Visa (特定活動), was introduced by the Ministry of Justice in April 2024. It allows foreign nationals from 49 eligible countries to live and work remotely in Japan for up to six months, provided they earn a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million (approximately ₹54 lakh or USD 65,000). Indian passport holders are among the eligible nationalities and can apply at any Embassy of Japan or Japanese Consulate in India. It was introduced in 2024 for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote employees. This visa cannot be extended, but you may apply again after leaving Japan. You do not need to pay taxes in Japan on income earned from work done outside the country. The visa also allows you to bring your spouse and children. The Japan Digital Nomad Visa is for temporary stay only and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

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Life in Japan for Digital Nomads

Japan offers digital nomads an exceptional quality of life, combining world-class infrastructure, ultra-fast internet, and a safe environment. Here is what Indian professionals need to know before arriving.

Cost of Living

Monthly living costs vary by city. Tokyo is the most expensive: rent for a studio apartment ranges from JPY 80,000 to JPY 150,000 per month (~₹43,000–₹81,000). Osaka and Kyoto are 20–30% cheaper than Tokyo for both accommodation and daily expenses. A comfortable monthly budget for a single digital nomad in Tokyo, including rent, food, transport, and coworking, is approximately JPY 200,000–JPY 300,000 (~₹1.08 lakh–₹1.62 lakh per month).

Internet and Connectivity

Japan's average internet speed is approximately 197 Mbps — one of the fastest in the world and more than sufficient for video calls, cloud work, and large file transfers. Most coworking spaces, cafes, and hotels offer reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. For a mobile SIM, foreign nationals on the Digital Nomad Visa can purchase a prepaid data SIM from providers such as IIJmio, Mineo, or Sakura Mobile without requiring a Japanese bank account.

Coworking Spaces

Major coworking spaces in Tokyo include WeWork (multiple locations), Fabbit Global Gateway, and Coto Workation. In Osaka, options include Cross Office Namba and BIZcomfort. Daily passes typically range from JPY 2,000–JPY 5,000 (~₹1,080–₹2,700 per day). Many coworking spaces are accessible via the IC card (Suica or Pasmo), Japan's rechargeable transit and payment card that works across trains, buses, and convenience stores.

Transport

Japan has one of the world's most efficient public transport systems. An IC card (Suica or Pasmo) covers trains, buses, and metro across major cities. For travel between cities, the JR Pass offers unlimited Shinkansen (bullet train) access and is available to foreign visitors. International driving licences are accepted in Japan for up to one year.

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Benefits of the Japan Digital Nomad visa

Some of the benefits of applying for a Japan digital nomad visa are as follows:

• Live and work in Japan for up to 6 months
• Pay “NO” taxes on your income earned from companies outside Japan
• Bring your spouses and children to Japan
• Gain access to the Japanese job market
• Explore the Japanese country and culture

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Eligibility Criteria for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa

To be eligible for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa, you must hold a passport from one of the 49 approved countries, earn at least JPY 10 million per year (~₹54 lakh), have valid medical insurance, and work exclusively for employers or clients based outside Japan.

Indian passport holders are among the 49 eligible nationalities approved by the Japanese government. You can submit your Japan Digital Nomad Visa application at the following locations in India: Embassy of Japan, New Delhi; Consulate-General of Japan, Mumbai; Consulate-General of Japan, Chennai; Consulate-General of Japan, Kolkata; Consulate-General of Japan, Bengaluru. No Japanese job offer or sponsor is required.

To be eligible for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa, you must:

• Hold a valid passport
• Be a citizen of an eligible country approved by the Japanese government
• Meet the minimum annual income requirement of JPY 10 million (approximately ₹54 lakh or USD 65,000) — provable via bank statements, tax returns, or employment contracts
• Have valid medical insurance covering your stay in Japan
• Work remotely for a company or clients outside Japan

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Countries Eligible for Japan Digital Nomad Visa

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa is currently available to nationals from 49 approved countries. The list below is grouped by region. Always verify the current official list at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website (mofa.go.jp) before applying, as the list may be updated.

Requirements for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa

The required documents for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa include a valid passport, completed visa application form, proof of income of at least JPY 10 million (~₹54 lakh), medical insurance covering your full stay, and evidence of remote employment or freelance work for non-Japanese clients.

You will need the following documents to apply:

• A valid passport
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Proof of annual income of at least JPY 10 million (~₹54 lakh / ~USD 65,000) — acceptable documents include salary slips, bank statements for the last 12 months, income tax returns (ITR), or a letter of employment with salary confirmation from your employer.
• Medical insurance covering medical treatment and emergencies in Japan
• Documents showing you are a remote worker or freelancer

Steps to apply for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa for Indians

Indian applicants apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi or at Japanese Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru. No prior Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required, but obtaining one from a Japanese contact can help reduce processing delays.

You can follow the below steps to apply for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa are as follows:

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility — check that your country is on the 49-nation approved list (mofa.go.jp) and that your annual income meets JPY 10 million (~₹54 lakh).

Step 2: Gather your documents — valid passport, completed visa application form, last 12 months of bank statements or income tax returns showing JPY 10M+ income, valid health insurance certificate, and proof of remote employment (employment letter, client contracts, or freelance invoices for non-Japanese clients).

Step 3: Optionally apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through a contact or agent in Japan — not mandatory but can reduce consulate processing time.

Step 4: Book an appointment at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate-General in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru.

Step 5: Submit your application with all documents and pay the visa fee of JPY 3,000 (~₹1,700).

Step 6: Wait for processing — typically 4 to 6 weeks. You may be contacted for additional documents or an interview.

Step 7: Collect your passport with the visa stamp. Complete the e-Arrival Card if required and travel to Japan. Register with your local ward office (市区町村) within 14 days of arriving for stays beyond 90 days.

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document issued by Japan's Immigration Services Agency confirming that your application meets immigration conditions. While not always mandatory for the Digital Nomad Visa, having a COE can reduce processing time at the consulate. A contact, agent, or sponsor in Japan can apply for the COE on your behalf. Once issued, submit the COE along with your other documents at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in India.

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Japan Digital Nomad Visa Processing Time

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. Delays occur when documents are incomplete, additional verification is required, or application volumes are high at the consulate.

The processing time for a Japan Digital Nomad Visa is usually between 4 to 6 weeks. However, the exact time may vary depending on several factors, such as incomplete or incorrect documents, additional verification by the Japanese embassy or consulate, the number of applications being processed, and the country from which the application is submitted. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their planned travel date to avoid delays.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa Cost

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa costs approximately JPY 3,000 (~₹1,700 / ~USD 20) for a single-entry visa. Fees are non-refundable.

The cost of a Japan Digital Nomad Visa is approximately JPY 3,000 (~₹1,700 / ~USD 20) for a single-entry visa. The fee may vary slightly depending on the Japanese Embassy or Consulate where you apply in India. Additional service charges may apply if you apply through a visa centre. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.. The final visa fee may differ slightly depending on the Japanese embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. Additional service charges may apply if the application is filed through a visa center or an agent. Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa vs Other Asian Digital Nomad Visas

Indian professionals often compare the Japan Digital Nomad Visa with similar programmes in South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. The table below outlines the key differences to help you decide which destination suits your profile and income level.

Tax Implications for Indian Digital Nomads in Japan

Japan does not tax foreign-source income for Digital Nomad Visa holders. Income earned from clients or employers based outside Japan is not subject to Japanese income tax during your six-month stay.

India and Japan have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which is designed to prevent the same income from being taxed in both countries. As an Indian resident working remotely for non-Japanese clients while staying in Japan on the Digital Nomad Visa, your income will generally remain taxable only in India under your existing Indian tax obligations.

Important: Tax situations vary depending on your income structure, residency status, and whether you have clients in multiple countries. Consult a qualified cross-border tax professional or chartered accountant before travelling to understand your specific obligations under both Indian and Japanese tax law. Y-Axis does not provide tax advice.

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How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis, the world’s best overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client. With 26 years of experience, we can assist you with the Japan Digital Nomad application process. 

• Sign up with Y-Axis to avail of our services, including:
• Resume Marketing Services will help you find relatable jobs in Japan.
• Expert assistance with the visa documentation and checklist process
• Dedicated advisors to help you with the visa process

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