Japan digital nomad visa for founders: can you run your own company?
Can a founder run their own company on Japan's digital nomad visa? Yes. The Immigration Services Agency's Q&A says the second permitted activity, selling services or goods to people abroad via ICT, covers for example a manager of a foreign company or a sole proprietor serving foreign companies or people. Work for local clients or employers is barred. Income needed: Annual income of at least JPY 10,000,000 at the time of application, proven by a tax certificate or income certificate from the country where you worked.
Japan's digital nomad visa, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | Japan's Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) status lets eligible nationals do international remote work in Japan for up to six months. | moj.go.jp |
| Own company | The services-or-goods activity covers, for example, a manager of a foreign company or a sole proprietor providing services to a foreign company or person. | moj.go.jp |
| Remote work activities | Permitted activities: remote work under an employment contract with a foreign organisation, or providing paid services or selling goods to people outside Japan via ICT. | moj.go.jp |
| Local work | Working with a Japanese company or individual under an employment or contractor agreement is not allowed. | moj.go.jp |
| Income | Annual income of at least JPY 10,000,000 at the time of application. | moj.go.jp |
| Stay | Six months, with no extension; you may return on this status six months after leaving. | moj.go.jp |
| Leads to residence | No residence card is issued, as holders are not mid- to long-term residents. | moj.go.jp |
| Eligible nationalities | Only nationals of visa-exempt countries and regions that also have a tax convention with Japan may apply. | moj.go.jp |
| How to apply | Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, with an income certificate, proof of current work and insurance documents, before entering Japan. | moj.go.jp |
| Health insurance | Private medical travel insurance covering death, injury and illness, with at least JPY 10,000,000 of medical cover. | moj.go.jp |
| Tax | Pay for work done in Japan can be exempt from Japanese tax if the tax convention's conditions are met, in most cases staying 183 days or less in the tax year or any 12 months. | moj.go.jp |
| Family | A spouse or child can accompany the nomad on their own Designated Activities status for six months, with the same insurance requirement. | moj.go.jp |
Questions founders ask about Japan
- Can I run my own company on the Japan digital nomad visa?
- Yes. The Immigration Services Agency's Q&A says the second permitted activity, selling services or goods to people abroad via ICT, covers for example a manager of a foreign company or a sole proprietor serving foreign companies or people.
- Can I work for clients in Japan on it?
- Barred. Work with a Japanese public or private organisation or an individual in Japan under an employment contract or contractor agreement is not permitted.
- How much income do I need for the Japan digital nomad visa?
- Annual income of at least JPY 10,000,000 at the time of application, proven by a tax certificate or income certificate from the country where you worked.
- How long can I stay on the Japan digital nomad visa?
- 6 months, with no extension. After leaving you must wait 6 months before applying again. No residence card is issued and it does not lead to residence.
- Do I become tax resident in Japan?
- Pay for work done in Japan can be exempt from Japanese tax if the tax convention's conditions are met, in most cases staying 183 days or less in the tax year or any 12 months. A visa doesn't settle where you pay tax, so take advice on your own case.
Other countries
Brazil · Colombia · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cyprus · Estonia · Greece · Hungary · Indonesia · Italy · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Portugal · Romania · South Korea · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates
To compare the routes, read digital nomad visas for founders and tax residency for remote founders.
- Official name
- Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) status of residence
- Own company
- Yes
- Local clients
- Barred
- Stay
- 6 months, with no extension. After leaving you must wait 6 months before applying again. No residence card is issued and it does not lead to residence.
- Official page
- moj.go.jp
- Checked
Visa rules, fees and income bars change, and consulates apply them differently. Check moj.go.jp before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.