Japan's digital nomad visa lets high earners, at least ¥10 million a year (about $63,000), live in Japan for up to 6 months while working for foreign employers or clients. It can't be extended, and you get no residence card.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | 90 days visa-free |
| Route for remote workers | Digital nomad status (Designated Activities, Notice 53) |
| Money you need to show | At least ¥10,000,000 a year (about $63,000) in personal income, shown with tax or income certificates and contracts |
| Length | Up to 6 months, not extendable; reapply after 6 months outside Japan |
| Government fees | Set by the consulate; check before applying |
| Timeline | Check with your consulate |
| Where you apply | At the Japanese embassy or consulate for your area in the US |
| Family | Spouse and children can come for the same period, each with their own insurance |
| Long-term residence | Not possible on this status |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
Japan's digital nomad visa lets high earners, at least ¥10 million a year (about $63,000), live in Japan for up to 6 months while working for foreign employers or clients. It can't be extended, and you get no residence card.
- Remote employees of companies outside Japan: yes.
- Freelancers and business owners: yes.
- Income: At least ¥10,000,000 a year (about $63,000) in personal income, shown with tax or income certificates and contracts. That's about $5,280 a month.
Open question: Japan hasn't published a fixed fee for US applicants.
Documents
Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.
- Passport
- Proof of ¥10 million+ annual income (tax returns or income certificates)
- Employment or client contracts outside Japan
- Private insurance with at least ¥10 million in medical cover for the whole stay
Step by step from the US
- Check your numbers against the rule above, using the last 6 to 12 months of income.
- Order US documents: FBI background check, apostilles and translations where needed.
- Apply: At the Japanese embassy or consulate for your area in the US.
- Buy health insurance that meets the requirement for your whole stay.
- Arrive and register your address and any residence card on time.
Taxes
- A 6-month stay generally doesn't make you a Japanese tax resident, but check your situation under the US-Japan treaty
- The US-Japan totalization agreement applies
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- No residence card means no long-term lease in your own name in many cases, and no local bank account
- You must leave for 6 months before reapplying
- Contracts with Japanese companies aren't allowed
Where to live in Japan
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Tokyo · Osaka · Kyoto · Fukuoka.
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Digital nomad status (official)
- Taxes for Expats: Japan digital nomad visa (Aug 2026)
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