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The “Digital Nomad Visa” application process has begun in Japan. It allows for stays of up to 6 months, with spouses and children permitted to accompany. Regarding digital nomads, visa programs have been established not only in Europe but also in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, with a growing trend worldwide to attract them. The Japanese government, in a cabinet decision, resolved to attract digital nomads. Consequently, an amendment to the Ministry of Justice notification regarding specific activities defined in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (based on Article 7, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act) was made, leading to the initiation of this system.

Requirements for approval include being a remote worker utilizing IT (affiliated with foreign companies or freelance), holding citizenship from a visa exemption and tax treaty country or region, having an annual income of over 10 million yen, and being enrolled in private medical insurance for the intended stay in Japan.

Countries and regions eligible for this visa are 49 for digital nomads and 70 for accompanying spouses and children. Please note the difference in eligible countries for digital nomads and their family members.

For confirmation of eligibility, please contact the immigration authorities.

Residency status and duration granted for digital nomads are “specific activities (Notification No. 53), residency period of 6 months,” while for spouses and children, it is “specific activities (Notification No. 54), residency period of 6 months.” Unlike many other countries offering longer stays and allowing for extension, Japan does not permit extension of stay. However, if one wishes to continue working in Japan after the initial 6-month period, they can depart Japan entirely before the expiration and reapply for the Digital Nomad Visa. There is no specific limit on the number of visa applications one can make, according to immigration authorities.

Regarding required documents, they include the application form for residency status certification, passport copy, proof of intended activities during stay, and proof of income through tax or income certificates. Additionally, documentation related to private medical insurance, marriage certificate (if accompanying spouse), and birth certificate (if accompanying child) are necessary.

To apply, gather the required documents and apply for residency status certification at the immigration office responsible for your jurisdiction after a short-term visit to Japan. Upon approval, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility, which allows you to convert to the Digital Nomad Visa during your stay without returning to your home country. If approved, you will receive a residence card allowing you to operate as a digital nomad in Japan. The processing time for approval is estimated to be 1 to 3 months on average.

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