Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa: What It Means for Interns and Remote Workers

Japan has long been captivating the world with its characteristic contrast of cultural traditions and futuristic innovation. Walking around the streets of Tokyo, one moment you can find yourself surrounded by a jungle of skyscrapers, then turn around and find a shrine or temple hundreds of years old. And it’s this blend that draws millions of people every year, with 2024 alone seeing a record-breaking 36.87 million visitors.

In recent years, however, Japan has attracted not just tourists but also a growing number of professionals who wish to live and work remotely in the country. As the world shifted toward remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries capitalized on this trend by introducing digital nomad visas, allowing skilled professionals to live abroad while working for their companies back home. Joining this wave, Japan introduced its own Digital Nomad Visa in March 2024.

Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, strict eligibility criteria make this a harder option to access for those still early in their careers. In this post we’ll take a closer look at Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa, go over its pros and cons, and explore alternative pathways for interns and young professionals hoping one day to work and live in Japan.

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The Global Rise of Digital Nomads

Before diving into the details of Japan’s new visa framework, it helps to take a step back and look at what being a digital nomad actually means. Over the past decade, remote work has opened the door to a more flexible way of living, what many now call the “digital nomad” lifestyle. It’s been made possible by better tech, easier-to-use tools for staying connected, and fast internet that’s now available in more corners of the world than ever before.

According to a 2024 MBO Partners research, 18.1 million Americans identified as digital nomads, a 4.7% increase from the year before and a total increase of almost 147% since 2019. Several factors contribute to this global change:

1. Work Flexibility – With the right tools and a reliable internet connection, many professionals can now do their jobs from almost anywhere in the world.
2. Geographic Freedom – A lot of remote workers choose locations where life is more affordable or simply more enjoyable than where they’re based.
3. Cultural Enrichment – Living abroad offers a chance to pick up new languages, experience different customs, and see the world through a new lens.

Seeing how this shift has taken hold, countries like Estonia, Croatia, Portugal, and now Japan have introduced digital nomad visa programs to benefit from this growing movement. It’s a way to welcome fresh perspectives, boost the local economy, and build connections with a global workforce.

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Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa: Overview

Background and Launch

Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce have made the government wonder about how to bring in fresh talent from abroad. One possible solution is the Digital Nomad Visa, aimed at making it easier for remote professionals, employed by companies outside Japan, to live and work in Japan for a period of time.

Key Features of Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live temporarily in Japan while keeping their job back home. Some key details are:

• ‍Visa Validity: The visa is valid for six months and cannot be renewed. Once it expires, holders must leave Japan and wait at least six months before applying again.‍
• Minimum Income Requirement: Applicants need to earn at least ¥10 million per year (around $66,500 USD) to qualify.‍
• Eligible Nationalities: The visa is available to citizens from 49 countries that have a tax treaty with Japan, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, and most of Europe.‍
• Employment Restrictions: You can’t work for a Japanese company or receive income from a Japan-based employer. All income must come from a foreign company or client.‍
• Health Insurance: You’ll need to show proof of private health insurance with coverage of at least ¥10 million for medical expenses.‍
• Family Inclusion: Spouses and children can come along under the same application.

How It Differs from Other Japanese Visa Categories

• ‍Working Holiday Visa: Limited to 30 countries and also limited to individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. This visa allows working part-time to help cover travel expenses along the way.‍
• Highly Skilled Professional Visa: Points based system for applicants who have specialized skills in fields like engineering, academia or international business. It can also lead to a faster permanent residency.‍
• Designated Activities Visa: A more flexible category for longer internships or any other unique cases that don't fall into regular work visa categories.

Japan's Digital Nomad Visa is a great option for high-earning and well established professionals. Unfortunately, with a high-income requirement and non-renewable six-month term, it may not be a viable option for many interns and entry-level workers, who are still developing their career.

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What This Means for Remote Workers

Japan can be an attractive option for remote workers who do meet the requirements of the visa. The country offers some of the latest technological inventions, a vibrant city life, and cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka already have plenty of coworking spaces, reliable public transport, and good infrastructure to make the day-to-day of working remotely surprisingly easy.

Key Benefits for Remote Workers

• ‍Reliable Infrastructure – With its fiber-optic internet available throughout much of the country, Japan offers stable and fast enough connections to support everyday remote work without major issues.‍
• High Quality of Life – Japan ranks constantly as one of the safest places to live and placed in the top 20 of the 2024 Global Peace Index.‍
• Vibrant Tech and Innovation Scene – Japan is a world leader in things like high-tech, robotics, AI, automotive design, and gaming providing unlimited opportunities to learn, cooperate and innovate.‍
• Growing Coworking Culture – According to Coworker Japan, as of now, Tokyo has over 200 coworking spaces and cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are rapidly catching up. Many of these spaces also organize networking events, workshops, and community-based projects.‍
• Gateway to International Networks – With many international companies in Japan and trade expos held throughout the year, remote workers have lots of chances to connect with professionals across different industries.

Potential Downsides

• ‍Language Barrier – English is common among tech and international business circles. But, for daily tasks like grocery shopping, filling out forms, or even a trip to the bank, at least some basic Japanese will be needed.‍
• High Cost of Living – Tokyo can be expensive, especially if you compare it to other popular digital nomad destinations like Thailand or Portugal.‍
• Time Zone Differences – If you're working with teams in Europe or North America, you might find yourself in late-night or early-morning meetings.

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Opportunities for Interns and Entry-Level Workers

While Japan is internationally recognized for its innovative industries, interns and young professionals may struggle to meet the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa. The main one being the ¥10 million annual income requirement (a level that most might not have reached at this point in their career yet), combined with the fact that the visa is given for non-renewable status, makes it difficult to build long-term connections or career momentum in Japan.

That said, if you are looking to gain practical experience in Japan but do not yet meet the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa, there are still other paths worth exploring.

Internship Programs in Japan

Internship programs in Japan offer a chance for students and professionals just starting out to try what it’s like to work and live in the country and to gain the experience needed to advance and build their careers. These programs place them with a Japanese or international company, allowing interns to learn and develop new skills, experience and adapt to a new cultural environment, and form connections along the way.

Benefits of Internships in Japan:

• ‍Working Experience in Your Area – Internships focus on specific fields like business, marketing, finance, hospitality, engineering, and more so interns can gain experience in their preferred industry.‍
• Insight into Work Culture in Japan – Interns will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the dynamics of a Japanese workplace.‍
• Networking – The people interns meet during their internship can become future colleagues, mentors, or even great references to have for the future.‍
• Language Skills – Some programs also include Japanese lessons, which can ease interns’ lives in Japan and lead to more opportunities in the future.

Internships in Japan are usually organized by universities, placement agencies, or specialized programs. Many programs also assist interns with housing, cultural orientation, and support throughout. For people who still want to experience working in Japan, internship programs like these can be a good alternative.

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Growing Interest in Japan as a Remote Work Hub

As of the time of publishing, Tokyo sits in 9th position among digital nomads’ favorite cities.The city has plenty of coworking spaces from world-renowned brands such as WeWork and Impact Hub, as well as several independent locations aimed at freelancers and new entrepreneurs alike. These workspaces often also host networking events, startup pitch nights, and skill-sharing sessions where nomad workers can feel what it's like to be part of the remote worker community that exists in Japan.

Another appeal is safety: Japan boasts one of the world’s lowest crime rates, which is a unique incentive for remote professionals. Along with its countless 24/7 convenience stores, a reliable healthcare system, and a calendar full of events throughout the year, these features add to its appeal to digital nomads.

Beyond Tokyo, cities such as Osaka and Fukuoka are emerging as digital nomad hubs and typically have lower living costs. Both cities have proactively built "startup-friendly" environments which include tech conferences, incentives, and local investment. Many smaller cities and rural areas are also starting to take advantage of the "workation" trend, attracting remote professionals craving a quieter space and natural surroundings, while opting for a slower-paced lifestyle.

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The Economic Impact of Digital Nomads in Japan

From the perspective of the government, digital nomads offer a potential way to boost the economy. Since workers on a Digital Nomad Visa are not allowed to work for Japanese companies, they don’t compete with the local workforce. Still, they engage with the local economy through daily purchases, housing, and tourism.

The housing and hospitality sectors have also adapted to accommodate this different demographic beyond coworking spaces. Properties for short-term rental and apartments offering flexible leases and furnished options have been growing in popularity. Adding to that, hotels are offering packages aimed at “workationers” in both urban and rural areas, allowing consumers to bundle business services like high-speed internet and workspaces. In addition, these trends promote increased travel away from Japan’s large urban centers and encourage a flow into more local and rural economies.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its allure, the Digital Nomad Visa program presents several challenges:

1. High Income Requirement: Japan’s ¥10 million (~$66,500 USD) annual income requirement is one of the highest among countries offering digital nomad visas. To compare, Croatia requires an income of €2,870 per month and Portugal of €3,480 per month. Because of this, it mostly supports entry for higher-earning professionals, presenting challenges for workers still early in their careers.
2. Limited Duration & Renewability: Japan’s 6-month (non-renewable) visa is significantly shorter compared to the 1 year duration of countries like Estonia or Spain. This makes it challenging to put together long-term plans.
3. High Cost of Living: While Tokyo is no longer in the top 10 most expensive cities in the world, it still ranked 49th in 2024 and remains pricey, especially when compared to other major Asian hubs like Bangkok or Bali.

Although these barriers remain, Japan’s modern infrastructure, rich culture, and efficient coworking environment attract high-earning workers. But for people who are more budget-minded and want the freedom to stay longer, other destinations may be more fitting.

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Is Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa the Right Choice?

Japan’s newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa represents a shift toward global remote work trends, but its strict requirements don’t represent a possible option for many early-career workers or people with lower incomes. Alternatives like internships, student visas, or working holiday visas hold the potential to provide more flexible ways to experience a new culture and get work experience. Finally, this visa is more suitable for those with established careers looking for a short change of pace, while professionals just starting out may consider countries that have more accessible digital nomad pathways.

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🧑‍💻 If you want to work in Japan but don’t meet the requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa, consider doing an internship instead! At Zentern, we make the process as seamless as possible, giving you the chance to experience life and work in Japan while building meaningful professional connections. Apply now or contact us if you’re ready to take the next (big) step!