Japan Clarifies Remote Work Rules for Temporary Visitors, Introduces Digital Nomad Visa
Japan's immigration rules define work based on the source of income, not the physical location of the worker. For individuals on a Temporary Visitor status, typically lasting up to 90 days for many exempt countries including the U.S., U.K., and Canada, remote work for foreign employers or clients is generally permissible as long as no income is earned from within Japan. This practice is often referred to as 'workation' by Japanese firms. However, temporary visitors are explicitly prohibited from taking on Japanese clients or employers. For those planning a longer stay, Japan has introduced a specific digital nomad visa, which allows for a six-month stay and requires applicants to demonstrate an annual income of ¥10 million. The country is also planning to launch a pre-travel authorization system, JESTA, during fiscal year 2028, similar to the American ESTA or European ETIAS.
