Designated Activities (Digital Nomad)
Remote workers and freelancers earning from overseas employers/clients who want to live in Japan short-term.
The Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) is a Japanese business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥3,000 (single-entry visa); private health insurance required) and processing time (~a few weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) is for
Remote workers and freelancers earning from overseas employers/clients who want to live in Japan short-term.
No PR path; a 6-month, non-renewable status that does not count toward permanent residence.
Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) - eligibility criteria
- National of one of the ~49 eligible (tax-treaty/visa-exempt) countries
- Annual income of at least ¥10 million
- Work performed for non-Japanese employers/clients
- Private health insurance covering up to ¥10 million
- Spouse/children may accompany under a related status
Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) (Japan) is ~¥3,000 (single-entry visa); private health insurance required, with an indicative processing time of ~a few weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months (non-renewable; no residence card issued) |
| Work rights | Remote work for overseas employers/clients only |
| Study rights | Incidental only |
| Government fee | ~¥3,000 (single-entry visa); private health insurance required |
| Processing time | ~a few weeks |
| Route to PR | No PR path; a 6-month, non-renewable status that does not count toward permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
No PR path; a 6-month, non-renewable status that does not count toward permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Temporary Visitor · Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives), Business Manager · Business Manager, Engineer / Humanities · Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) pitfalls we fix
Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) cost?
The Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) government fee is ~¥3,000 (single-entry visa); private health insurance required. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~a few weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) lead to permanent residence?
No PR path; a 6-month, non-renewable status that does not count toward permanent residence.
Can I work on the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad)?
Work rights: Remote work for overseas employers/clients only.
Who can apply for the Designated Activities (Digital Nomad)?
Remote workers and freelancers earning from overseas employers/clients who want to live in Japan short-term.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority