Japan offers remote workers two routes: a 90-day visit, or its six-month digital nomad visa for high earners. Neither gives a residence card, which affects renting and banking. This page covers the position as of October 2026.
Visa-Free Entry#
- Who: citizens of around 70 countries and territories, including the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
- Stay: 90 days per entry.
- Six-month option: citizens of the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Mexico can apply at an immigration office to extend to six months.
- Visit Japan Web: register your arrival details online before you fly for faster immigration and customs.
- Remote work for a foreign employer during a short visit is generally tolerated; working for Japanese clients is not allowed.
Digital Nomad Visa#
Japan’s digital nomad visa (a “designated activities” status), launched in 2024:
- Who: citizens of around 50 countries that have visa waiver and tax treaty arrangements with Japan, including the US, UK, most EU countries, Canada and Australia.
- Income: at least ¥10 million a year (about $67,000).
- Work: remote work for employers or clients outside Japan only.
- Health insurance: private cover of at least ¥10 million for death, injury and illness during the stay.
- Length: six months, not extendable. After it ends, you must wait six months before applying again.
- Family: a spouse and children can come as dependants.
- How to apply: at a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling.
Because it doesn’t give a residence card, you still can’t easily sign a normal lease, open a bank account or get a phone contract.
Life Without a Residence Card#
- Housing: use monthly apartments, share houses, serviced apartments, hotels or Airbnb.
- Banking: Japanese banks generally require a residence card; use a foreign card with no foreign transaction fees and Wise.
- Phone: use an eSIM or prepaid data SIM.
Japan's Visa Options Compared#
Japan: Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)
- Stay
- 6 months
- Valid for
- 6 months
- Renewal
- No; wait 6 months outside Japan before applying again
- Money required
- ¥10 million a year (about $67,000)
- Fee
- About ¥3,000
- Who qualifies
- Citizens of about 50 visa-exempt countries with a tax treaty with Japan, working for clients or employers outside Japan. Private health insurance required.
- Family
- Spouse and children, if they also hold insurance
- Tax
- No Japanese tax on foreign income for a 6-month stay
- How to apply
- At a Japanese embassy or consulate. Official site
You cannot get a residence card, so renting a normal apartment or opening a bank account is hard. Plan on serviced apartments.
Japan for digital nomads · Rules checked October 2026. Confirm with the official source before applying.
Japan Visa FAQs#
Does Japan have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. It gives six months to remote workers earning ¥10 million a year from abroad, from about 50 eligible countries.
Can I extend the Japanese digital nomad visa?
No. After six months you must leave, and wait six months before applying again.
How long can Americans stay in Japan?
90 days visa-free per entry.
Can I open a bank account in Japan as a digital nomad?
Generally no, because banks require a residence card, which visitors and digital nomad visa holders don’t get.