The Japanese government plans to release a new visa, a new "Designated Activities" Status of Residence type, in March 2024.
The new visa will allow "International Remote Workers (Digital Nomad)" to stay in Japan for up to 6 months a year.
According to documents posted in the government's public comment system, the new visa will be granted to foreigners meeting the following requirements.
For International Remote Workers;
1. Those who engage in business activities in Japan based on an employment contract with a corporation or an organization established under the laws and regulations of a foreign country.
2. Those who engage in business operations of their employer's business establishment in a foreign country by using information and telecommunications technology. Or those who provide services in exchange for payment or sell goods, etc., to a party in a foreign country by using information and telecommunications technology. Services and goods etc. that cannot be provided or sold, etc. without entering Japan are excluded.
3. The total period of stays in Japan must not exceed 6 months for the entire 12-month period, beginning or ending on any day between
January 1 and December 31 of the year of their landing in Japan.
4. Nationals of countries/regions that are contracting parties of tax treaties with Japan.
5. Nationals of visa waiver countries/regions with Japan.
6. Those whose annual income is 10 million yen or more.
7. Those who have insurance coverage in case of death, injury, or illness during their stay in Japan.
For the family members of a International Remote Worker who satisfies the above requirements;
1. Those who engage in daily activities (excluding work activities) as the spouse or child of an International Remote Worker.
2. Nationals, etc. of visa waiver countries/regions with Japan.
3. Those who have insurance coverage in case of death, injury, or illness during their stay in Japan