Japan — Digital Nomad (Designated Activities)
German citizens can apply for Japan's Digital Nomad visa (Designated Activities) — a 6-month stay for remote workers earning at least ¥10 million a year — at a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling.
Six-month visa for remote workers of overseas companies earning ¥10 million+ a year.
- Validity
- Single stay of up to 6 months
- Entries
- As granted on the visa
- Max stay per visit
- Up to 6 months — no extension will be granted
When to start
Start 15–30 days before your travel date.
Assemble your passport, visa application form with photo, proof of annual income of ¥10 million or more, and private health insurance covering injury/illness in Japan (or a Certificate of Eligibility, which lets you omit the income/activity/insurance documents).
Submit your visa application form (with photo) and supporting documents at the Japanese embassy or consulate covering where you live. The Digital Nomad visa must be applied for from outside Japan.
The embassy or consulate decides whether to issue the visa. A Certificate of Eligibility speeds processing but does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
What you'll need
- Visa application form — A completed visa application form with a photo. ✓ verified
- Passport — Your valid passport. ✓ verified
- Certificate of Eligibility (optional) — A Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency. If presented, the income/activity/insurance documents below can be omitted. ✓ verified·
- Planned-activities document — Documents explaining your planned activities and period of stay in Japan (if you do not have a Certificate of Eligibility). ✓ verified·
- Proof of income (¥10M+/yr) — Documents proving annual income of JPY 10 million or more — e.g. tax certificate, income certificate, employment contract or client contract. ✓ verified
- Private health insurance — Documents proving insurance against death, injury or illness during your stay in Japan. ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
Apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate covering where you live — the Digital Nomad visa must be applied for from outside Japan.
Fees
| Consular visa fee | JPY 3000 |
Gotchas to watch
- The stay is capped at 6 months with NO extension, and you cannot re-apply until 6 months after leaving Japan.
- You must hold private health insurance with substantial coverage for the whole stay.
- Income of ¥10 million+/year must be from work for an overseas employer or clients — not from Japanese sources.
