Visa rules for nomads
Remote work entry pathway
Nomad Visa Income Requires a verifiable annual income of at least ¥10 million (approx. $65,000 USD). Must be from a foreign employer or foreign clients.
Nomad Visa Duration Issued for a strict maximum of 6 months. It is non-renewable, and applicants must wait 6 months after expiration to reapply.
Tourist Entry US and EU citizens receive a 90-day visa-free stamp upon arrival.
Business Meetings Short-term visa-free entry explicitly covers business trips, market research, and corporate meetings, but strictly forbids localized employment or local invoicing.
Money
Tipping customs
Do not tip. Tipping is considered confusing or even rude; excellent service is included in the price.
Where to base
Nomad hotspots
Tokyo (Shibuya, Nakameguro), Osaka, Fukuoka, Kyoto
Workspace
Coworking availability
Very good — polished paid coworking in major cities, JPY 20,000-40,000/month; limited in rural areas
Cultural risk
Local taboo
Never stick chopsticks upright in rice, avoid talking loudly on trains, do not eat while walking, and always remove shoes when entering homes, temples and many restaurants.
Personal security
Safety index
Very high — 77/100 safety index, extremely low violent crime
Geolocation
Japan on the map
35.6762, 139.6503
Capital
Tokyo
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Plug type
Type A / Type B (100V, 50/60Hz)