Japan Visa Guide for Digital Nomads & Startups (2026)

Looking to work remotely or start a business in Japan? Here's what you need to know about Japan's Digital Nomad Visa and Startup Visa programs, including eligibility, applications, and official sources to check before applying.

Arriving in Japan soon? To make arrival as frictionless as possible, see our Japan Arrival Guide.

Quick Comparison

Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)

The Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) visa allows eligible remote workers employed outside Japan to live and work in Japan for up to six months.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a national of one of ~49 eligible countries/territories (verify the current list with Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Income: Minimum annual income of ¥10,000,000
• Employment: Proof of remote employment for overseas clients or employer
• Health Insurance: Private health insurance covering ≥ ¥10,000,000 for treatment and repatriation

Key Details

• Single entry; you must enter Japan within 3 months of issuance
• Once in Japan, you may stay up to 6 months
• Not renewable; to return, you must spend ~6 months outside Japan before reapplying
• Does not lead to permanent residency
• Holders are not issued a Residence Card, so opening a Japanese bank account, signing a long-term lease, or getting a local phone line is generally not possible

Application Process

Gather documents:

• Visa application form
• Passport with ≥ 2 blank visa pages
• One passport-size photo
• Proof of income (tax returns, bank statements, employment contracts)
• Certificate of Eligibility, if you have one, or the supporting documents requested by your consulate
• Health insurance certificate

Submit your application at a Japanese embassy or consulate (in person or via accredited agency)

Wait for processing (timeline varies by embassy)

Enter Japan within 3 months of visa issuance

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Relatively straightforward application
• 6-month stay period
• No Japanese language requirement

Cons

• High income requirement (¥10M annually)
• Limited to ~49 eligible countries/territories (verify the current list)
• Does not lead to permanent residency
• Not renewable; no Residence Card, so banking, leasing, and local phone lines are out of reach

Startup Visa

Many Japanese municipalities offer startup visas designed to give entrepreneurs time to prepare for the Business Manager visa. Requirements vary by municipality, so use the local program page as the source of truth before planning around this route.

How It Works

The Startup Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in Japan for up to 2 years while preparing to start a business. During this period, you work toward meeting the requirements for a Business Manager visa.

Eligibility & Application

Requirements vary by municipality. A list of municipalities offering startup visas can be found on the METI website (official government source).

Typically, you need to:

1. Have a viable business plan
2. Get accepted by a participating municipality or startup support organization
3. Receive a letter of recommendation from the organization
4. Apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate

Note: Confirm with an immigration specialist whether your Startup Visa period helps satisfy any Business Manager Visa experience requirements in your case.

Business Manager Visa

The Business Manager Visa is for foreign nationals who want to establish and operate a business in Japan.

Requirements

• Capital: ¥30,000,000 minimum
• Employment: Must hire ≥ 1 full-time employee (Japanese national, permanent resident, or equivalent status)
• Management Experience: ≥ 3 years of management experience OR master's degree in management-related field
  • Time on Startup Visa counts toward this requirement
• Japanese Language: Applicant OR full-time employee must have JLPT N2 or CEFR B2 level
• Business Plan: Must obtain review from external expert (certified public accountant or certified small and medium enterprise management consultant)
• Office: Physical business location in Japan

Note: If you already hold Business Manager status, confirm transitional rules with Japan's Immigration Services Agency or an immigration specialist.

Recommended Path for Entrepreneurs

Many foreign entrepreneurs use this path:

1. Apply for Startup Visa if you are eligible in a participating municipality
2. During Startup Visa period:
   • Develop your business plan
   • Secure funding (¥30M capital requirement)
   • Build management experience
   • Study Japanese or hire Japanese-speaking staff
   • Get business plan reviewed by certified expert
3. Apply for Business Manager Visa before Startup Visa expires

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Path to long-term residency in Japan
• Renewable as long as business operates successfully
• Full work authorization

Cons

• Very high capital requirement (¥30,000,000)
• Mandatory employee requirement
• Japanese language proficiency needed
• Complex application process
• Requires ongoing business viability

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Choose Digital Nomad Visa if:

• You work remotely for a foreign company
• You earn ¥10M+ annually
• You want to experience Japan for 3-6 months
• You don't plan to start a Japanese business

Choose Startup Visa if:

• You want to start a business in Japan
• You need time to prepare (raise capital, develop business plan)
• You're not ready for Business Manager Visa requirements
• You want to test your business concept in Japan

Choose Business Manager Visa if:

• You have an established business or sufficient capital
• You meet all the management experience requirements
• You're ready to hire employees and commit long-term
• You want a renewable visa with path to permanent residency

Additional Resources

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Information
• METI - Startup Visa Program
• Shibuya Startup Support - Guidance for entrepreneurs in Tokyo
• Full Japan Arrival Guide - Comprehensive guide for living in Japan

Important Notes

• Verify current requirements with official sources or an immigration attorney before applying
• Processing times vary by embassy
• Consider working with an immigration specialist for complex situations