Hello, this is Stephanie of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. Recently, we have been receiving an increasing amount of inquiries from those who wish to stay in Japan long-term, without needing a local Japanese employer. In this post, I will go over two options available: the "Long Stay for sightseeing and recreation" visa, and the "Digital Nomad" visa.
Long Stay for sightseeing and recreation
The "Long Stay for sightseeing and recreation" visa is designed for individuals who wish to stay in Japan for extended periods for tourism and leisure activities. It allows the visa holder and their spouse to live and travel within Japan for up to six months, with the possibility of extending for up to one year. This visa is suitable for those who want to experience Japan's culture and lifestyle over a longer duration than typical tourist visas allow.
- Period of Stay: 6 months (up to 1 year maximum allowed; applicants must submit a renewal application before the initial 6 month period expires)
- Nationality Requirements: Nationals and Citizens of visa waiver countries or regions
- Financial Requirements: Must provide proof of savings equivalent to ¥30 million* or more owned by the applicant and their spouse. *Approximately $202,000 USD as of March 2025.
- Dependents Allowed: Only the spouse is allowed to accompany the main visa holder. Dependent children cannot accompany.
- Notes:
- If the spouse wishes to stay separately from the main applicant, the couple must show proof of savings equivalent to ¥60 million or more.
- The accompanying spouse is not required to enter Japan with the main applicant, but they cannot enter Japan before the main applicant.
Digital Nomad
Japan’s newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa targets foreign remote workers. It allows them to stay and work remotely from anywhere in Japan for up to six months. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a substantial annual income of at least ¥10 million (approximately $67,000 USD as of March 2025) and must have private health insurance. Unlike the "Long Stay for sightseeing and recreation" visa, this visa is specifically tailored for high-earning individuals who can continue their work remotely without engaging in the Japanese job market. However, this visa does not allow renewals—after six months, holders must leave Japan for at least another six months before they can reapply. Spouses and children are allowed to accompany the visa holder during their stay in Japan.
- Period of Stay: 6 months (no extensions)
- Nationality Requirements: Nationals and Citizens of specific waiver countries or regions
- Financial Requirements: Must provide proof of income equivalent to ¥10 million or more
- Dependents Allowed: Both spouses and children can accompany the main applicant, but must be nationals and citizens on the eligible country list.
- Notes:
- The list of eligible countries or regions differs between the main applicant and their dependents.
Both visas serve distinct purposes: the "Long Stay for sightseeing and recreation" visa is ideal for deep cultural immersion without work obligations, while the Digital Nomad visa provides an opportunity for professionals to live in Japan while maintaining their overseas employment. The choice between the two would depend on one's reasons for staying in Japan and their economic circumstances.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
