Japan digital nomad visa is a popular visa for remote workers, it was announced just this year but the popularity of this visa raised very fast.
Citizens of 49 countries are eligible to apply for Japan digital nomad visa if they meet the requirements, mostly EU citizens and a few other big western countries are eligible to apply for this visa.
What is Japan digital nomad visa?
Japan digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit which allow foreigners to stay for 6 months in Japan and work remotely.
Japan digital nomad visa can be applied in Japanese embassies around the world. unfortunately Japan digital nomad visa is not online you need to contact and visit the Japanese visa.
Japan digital nomad visa is valid for 6 months, digital nomads will not receive residence permit, instead they will be able to live in Japan with this 6 months visa when it come to expire they should leave Japan, they don’t have the chance to renew their visas.
Japan digital nomad visa eligible countries
There are total 49 countries which are eligible for Japan digital nomad visa, these countries are: Argentina – Austria- Australia Belgium- Brazil – Brunei – Bulgaria – Canada Chile – Croatia – Czech Republic – Denmark – Estonia – Finland – France – Germany – Greece – Hong Kong – Hungary – Iceland – Indonesia – Ireland – Israel – Italy – Latvia – Lithuania – Malaysia – Mexico – Netherlands – New Zealand – Norway – Poland – Portugal – Qatar – South Korea – Romania – Serbia – Singapore – Slovakia – Slovenia – Spain – Switzerland – Thailand – Turkey – United Arab Emirates – United States – Uruguay.
Income eligibility
Japan is a top destination for tourists, a modern country with different culture have a lot to attract foreigners but for digital nomads Japan put a difficult eligibility requirements.
One point was about the nationality eligibility, that already very strict, from more than 200 countries on the world only 49 are eligible to apply for this visa, guess you meet all the rest of requirements, have good job, agreement and earn more than 5,000 USD but just you are from India, or Pakistan or any other 150 countries you can’t apply.
Read more: Turkey digital nomad visa
Financial requirement is also very high, most of average digital nomads can’t earn these big amounts as the government of Japan announced digital nomads have to earn 5,500 USD to be eligible to apply for Japan digital nomad visa.
The average digital nomads earn up to 3,000 USD per month, well the Japan digital nomad visa set nearly a twice of it with 5,500 USD monthly income.
Sometimes you have to think that is it worth? Should I apply for this visa, it seems that this visa more for entrepreneurs not digital nomads.
Digital nomad add 800 billion USD to the global economy, with such a huge financial community different countries introduce digital nomad visas, while Japan come with not an easy visa, it’s difficult for an average digital nomad to meet the income requirement.
Generally in Asia there is no a normal visa or we can say there is no easy digital nomad visa in Asia, as we see Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and others they are very strict, the income requirement is very high, for example the income requirement of Japan digital nomad visa is twice of Spain.
Not only Japan, the Thailand digital nomad visa require yearly 80,000 USD income, Asian digital nomad visas dont allow normal digital nomads to get thier digital nomad visas properly.
European and Americans digital nomad visas are much more easy than Asian digital nomad visas, they need high salaries, strict policy for Nature of remote work even strict nationality restrictions.
Southeast Asia digital nomad Visas
Southeast Asia is coming popular for digital nomads, there are huge numbers of digital nomads who visit the Southeast Asian countries properly. they mostly come with tourist Visas or visa free.
Well the Southeast Asia offer reliable internet connection, adorable cost of living but the visa requirements are really difficult to be meet by most of digital nomads.
For example Thailand introduced a destination visa for digital nomads but it has a highest income requirements, there is no digital nomad visa that requires 80,000 USD per year, but Thailand introduced a digital nomad that requires 80,000 USD income per year.
It’s not finished, if you want apply for Thailand digital nomad visa you need to earned 80,000 USD per year for this tow years. Not enough, you need to have around 1 million USD assets.
Japan digital nomad visa alternatives
As remote work becomes more mainstream, many professionals are looking to travel while maintaining their jobs.
Japan, though a desirable destination for many digital nomads, does not currently offer a specific visa tailored for remote workers. However, several other countries have embraced this trend and provide digital nomad visas to attract remote workers. Here are some alternative countries where digital nomads can live and work legally.
Estonia
Estonia was one of the first countries to introduce a digital nomad visa. Known for its advanced digital infrastructure, Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year.
Applicants must prove they have a valid work contract or own a business outside of Estonia and meet the income threshold.
Key Points: Stay up to 12 monthsProof of remote work and income requiredE-residency program available.
Portugal
Portugal offers the D7 visa, which is popular among digital nomads. This visa is aimed at retirees and passive income earners but is also applicable to remote workers who can prove a stable income.
Portugal’s favorable climate, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture make it a top choice.Key Points:Long-term residency optionIncome proof requiredAccess to the Schengen Area.
Croatia
Croatia introduced its digital nomad visa in January 2021. This visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year without local tax obligations.Croatia’s picturesque landscapes and rich history make it an attractive destination.
Key Points: Stay up to 12 monthsNo local income taxProof of income and health insurance required.
Barbados
Barbados offers the 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp, specifically designed for digital nomads. This visa allows remote workers to live and work on the island for a year. The program has been well-received due to the island’s stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle.
Key Points: Stay up to 12 monthsHigh-income thresholdApplication fee required5. MexicoWhile Mexico does not have a specific digital nomad visa, it offers a Temporary Resident Visa that suits remote workers. .
This visa can be renewed annually and extended up to four years. Mexico’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities provide an exciting backdrop for remote work.Key Points:Initial one-year stay, renewable up to four yearsProof of income or savings requiredAffordable cost of living
