Japan Digital Nomad Visa: Complete FAQ
Japan Digital Nomad Visa — Full FAQ Every question from this guide, answered in one place
Quick answers to the most common questions about this visa, pulled from across our full guide series. Each answer links to the complete breakdown if you need more detail.
Eligibility
Am I Eligible?
What are the three core requirements?
Nationality (your country must be on the official eligible list), income (¥10 million/year or more), and insurance (¥10M+ treatment coverage plus a death benefit, covering your full stay). → Full eligibility overview
My country isn't on the list — is there any exception?
No. There's no waiver process for the nationality requirement. → See the full country lists
Does ¥10 million mean gross or after-tax income?
Generally gross for employees; net profit after expenses for freelancers and business owners. → Full income requirement guide
Can savings or assets count toward the income requirement?
No — this is specifically an income test, not a net worth or savings test. → Details
Application
Applying
I'm outside Japan — can someone apply on my behalf?
No. There's no proxy arrangement for a COE application when you're abroad — you apply directly at the embassy/consulate instead. → Full application guide
How long does the application take?
Neither ISA nor MOFA publishes a guaranteed timeline — build in a wide buffer rather than planning around a specific date. → Details
Can I switch from a different visa to this one while in Japan?
The official procedures only describe a COE application (new entry) and a status acquisition application (for children born in Japan) — not a change of status from an existing visa. → Details
Can my visa be renewed past 6 months?
No — there's no renewal mechanism. You must leave, and can reapply after 6 months have passed since departure. → Full breakdown
Can I take a short trip out of Japan and come back during my stay?
Yes, using a re-entry permit, as long as you return before your original stay period expires — this is different from the 6-month non-renewal rule. → Details
Money
Money & Insurance
Can I open a Japanese bank account?
Generally no — standard accounts require a residence card and residency registration, neither of which this visa provides. → Full money guide
Does Wise work without a residence card?
Likely yes — Wise's "non-resident" verification path uses passport + overseas address proof, no My Number or residence card required. → Full breakdown
Does my credit card's travel insurance satisfy the insurance requirement?
Usually not — most card insurance caps around 90 days, well short of the 6-month requirement. → Full analysis
Is there a minimum death benefit amount for insurance?
No minimum is specified — it just needs to be included as a covered item alongside the ¥10M treatment coverage. → Details
Life in Japan
Daily Life
Can I get a Japanese phone number without a residence card?
Yes, through a prepaid SIM or eSIM verified by passport — postpaid carrier contracts are unlikely to work without a residence card. → Full breakdown
Can I sign a standard apartment lease?
Difficult — standard leases expect a guarantor and often a residence card. Share houses and monthly mansions are the realistic fit. → Full housing guide
Do I need a residence card to join a coworking space?
No — a passport and working payment method are typically sufficient. → Details
Do I need to know Japanese to get by?
Not fluently, but a handful of practical phrases — especially for explaining your visa/residence card situation — make daily life noticeably smoother. → Practical phrases
Family
Bringing Family
Can my spouse or child join me?
Yes, under a separate status (Designated Activity No. 54), subject to their own nationality, insurance, and documentation requirements. → Full family guide
Can my spouse work in Japan?
No — there's no work-permit process available for this dependent status, unlike some other visa categories. → Details
Can my family arrive in Japan before me?
No — their status is dependent on yours, and they cannot enter ahead of you or remain after you depart. → Details
What if my child is born in Japan during my stay?
A separate status acquisition application is generally required within 30 days of the birth, unless you're leaving Japan within 60 days of the birth. → Full guide
Complete Guide
Explore the Full Series
Still Have Questions?
Track your entire application with the fillable checklist
Instant download · Fillable PDF · Supervised by a licensed Administrative Scrivener (行政書士) · Updated July 2026Considering Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Check the eligibility rules, stay period and practical limits before planning your move.