Japan’s new Nomad Visa, is in effect from March 29, 2024. The visa is valid for 6 months and non-renewable.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the new visa program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Employed by an overseas entity for the time in Japan
- Telework for the overseas employer for the time in Japan. (Examples given by the ISA: IT/application programmer, digital designer, online secretary, business owner of foreign company. Business that is based in Japan should obtain a usual work visa.)
- Must have an annual salary > JPY10,000,000 for the time in Japan.
- Must have valid medical insurance for the time in Japan, covering up to death causes.
- Must be of a national of a country which has a visa-waiver agreement with Japanese government and which has signed a bilateral tax agreement with the Japanese government.
- The eligible applicant can accompany spouse and/or children, if the spouse and/or children:
- are nationals of a country which has visa-waiver agreement with the Japanese government
- have valid medical insurance for the time in Japan, covering up to death causes. *The bilateral tax agreement condition does not apply to dependents’ nationality.
At this link is a list of eligible nationalities for the nomad worker and dependents.
Application Process for the Nomad Visa
- The standard process will be direct visa application at the local consulate (with no COE). However, many consulates may not be ready for this new visa yet. Inquiry to the consulate of the jurisdiction is suggested.
- COE application in Japan + visa application at local consulate is also available when the applicant is in Japan under TVV. Signatory of the COE application must be the applicant him/herself. Filing by immigration lawyer available.
- In-country status change from TVV to DA using the COE (aka “CS by COE”) is still being discussed within the ISA. (No internal order disseminated at the moment)
- Acquisition of Immigration Status application is available for a child born in Japan during the nomad worker’s 6-months stay
Necessary Documents
- For the nomad worker:
- Activity plan
- Tax or income certificate issued by the applicant’s home country government
- If such a certificate is not available, the following documents can be alternatively submitted, supported by a reason letter
- Document issued by a foreign company describing the applicant’s salary/service fee. (E.g. employment agreement, service contract)
- Bank transaction record showing the payment of salary over a 1-year period (Screenshot of online banking record is acceptable)
- Proof of medical insurance > JPY10,000,000 compensation for treatment of injury/illness
- Covering throughout the period of stay in Japan
- Covering death, injury, illness cases
- Insurance tied to a credit card is acceptable upon submission of evidence that the above conditions are met
- For dependent:
- Activity plan
- Marriage certificate for spouse / Birth certificate for child
- Proof of medical insurance (same condition as the principal applicant. The principal applicant’s insurance will suffice if the insurance covers family’s needs.)
- Copy of the passport of the principal applicant (nomad worker)
Other Information
Through the Nomad Visa, the residence card will not be issued. For Nomad visa holders, an application for Re-entry Permit is needed if traveling outside of Japan during the period. A part-time Work Permit is NOT allowed for dependents.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.