Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) - Required Documents
The Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) visa status is for foreign nationals employed by overseas companies or running businesses overseas who wish to stay in Japan while engaging in international remote work, etc. This system was implemented on March 31, 2024, and allows spouses and children to accompany the applicant.
| Applicable Activities | International remote work, etc. based on employment relationships with overseas companies (employment based on contracts with Japanese companies is not permitted) |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | Up to 6 months (non-renewable, total stay must not exceed 6 months within any 1-year period) |
Required Documents by Application Type
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- Applicants must be tax residents of a country/region that can exchange tax information with Japan under tax treaties, etc.
- Annual income must be 10 million yen or more.
- Employment based on contracts with Japanese domestic companies is not permitted.
- Extensions are not permitted, and the total stay must not exceed 6 months within any 1-year period.
- Private medical insurance enrollment is required (coverage of 10 million yen or more for death, injury, and illness).
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Documents proving tax residency in the applicant’s country of nationality
Submit documents proving tax residency in a country/region that can exchange tax information with Japan under tax treaties, etc.
- Tax payment certificate, Tax Residency Certificate, etc.
5. Documents proving annual income of 10 million yen or more
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- Copy of employment contract or remuneration certificate (showing salary amount)
- Copy of final tax return or income certificate
- Bank transaction statements or other documents proving income
6. Documents proving employment relationship with an overseas company or business operation
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- Copy of employment contract (with an overseas company)
- Copy of business registration certificate (if operating a business)
- Company overview documents (location, industry, scale of the overseas company)
7. Documents explaining the activities in Japan
Submit documents describing the specific remote work activities to be conducted during the stay in Japan.
8. Private medical insurance enrollment certificate
Submit documents proving enrollment in private medical insurance valid during the stay in Japan. Coverage must be 10 million yen or more for death, injury, and illness.
9. If accompanied by spouse/children (applicable persons only)
When a spouse or children accompany the applicant, submit the following additional documents:
- Documents proving marital relationship (marriage certificate, etc.) - for spouse
- Birth certificate - for children
- Copies of passports of spouse/children
- Private medical insurance enrollment certificate for spouse/children (with coverage of 10 million yen or more)
Application for Change of Status of Residence
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Documents proving tax residency in the applicant’s country of nationality
Submit documents proving tax residency in a country/region that can exchange tax information with Japan under tax treaties, etc.
- Tax payment certificate, Tax Residency Certificate, etc.
5. Documents proving annual income of 10 million yen or more
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- Copy of employment contract or remuneration certificate (showing salary amount)
- Copy of final tax return or income certificate
- Bank transaction statements or other documents proving income
6. Documents proving employment relationship with an overseas company or business operation
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- Copy of employment contract (with an overseas company)
- Copy of business registration certificate (if operating a business)
- Company overview documents (location, industry, scale of the overseas company)
7. Documents explaining the activities in Japan
Submit documents describing the specific remote work activities to be conducted during the stay in Japan.
8. Private medical insurance enrollment certificate
Submit documents proving enrollment in private medical insurance valid during the stay in Japan. Coverage must be 10 million yen or more for death, injury, and illness.
9. If accompanied by spouse/children (applicable persons only)
When a spouse or children accompany the applicant, submit the following additional documents:
- Documents proving marital relationship (marriage certificate, etc.) - for spouse
- Birth certificate - for children
- Copies of passports of spouse/children
- Private medical insurance enrollment certificate for spouse/children (with coverage of 10 million yen or more)
Reference Links
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