Japan is set to introduce special visas for digital nomads as early as next month, Travel Pulse reports.
According to the Japan Immigration Agency, this will allow foreigners who wish to stay in Japan longer than standard tourist visas allow (90 days) to stay for the full six months and work from anywhere in the country, not necessarily for a Japanese company.
The new visas will be available to digital nomads from the 49 countries and territories with which Japan has entered into tax and travel agreements. To obtain a visa, an annual income of 10 million yen is required. As well as personal health insurance. The program is expected to begin by the end of March.
In addition, spouses and children of travelers will also be able to remain in Japan for the duration of their stay. Temporary residents will not be issued a residence permit or certificate entitling them to government benefits.
Visas for digital nomads will not be extended. Upon expiration of the period, you will need to leave the country for at least six months. And only after that, you can re-apply if you want to return.
According to Nomadlist.com, there are currently approximately 35 million digital nomads living and working around the world, most of them from North America and Europe. It is noted that Tokyo was among the ten most visited remote work hubs in the world last year and is the fastest growing among them.