Thinking of Working Remotely from Japan in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Do you dream of living in Japan while working remotely? In 2025, it’s finally possible! With Japan’s new Digital Nomad Visa, you can stay in Japan for up to 6 months while working online for a company outside Japan.

Japan is a great place for digital nomads. It has fast internet, safe cities, delicious food, beautiful nature, and a mix of traditional and modern culture. Whether you love busy cities like Tokyo or quieter places like Sendai or Kyoto, there’s a place for everyone.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about living and working remotely in Japan:

Let’s explore how you can start your new remote work life in Japan this year!

What Is the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa is a new visa that started in 2024. It’s made for people who work online, like freelancers, remote workers, or entrepreneurs. With this visa, you can live in Japan for up to 6 months while working for a company or clients outside of Japan.

This visa is a good option if you want to explore Japan, experience the culture, and still keep your job from your home country. You don’t need a local sponsor or job in Japan to apply.

To get the visa, you must:

● Be a citizen of one of 49 eligible countries:

● Have an annual income of at least 10 million yen (about 64,000 USD)
● Show proof of international health insurance

It's important to know: the visa cannot be extended, and you will not get a Japanese residence card. But it still gives you plenty of time to live in Japan, work remotely, and enjoy daily life here.

How to Apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa is a simple process if you prepare in advance. There are two ways to apply: from your home country or after arriving in Japan as a tourist.

Here’s how it works:
● Check Eligibility: Make sure your country is on the list of 49 eligible countries, and that your annual income is at least 10 million yen (around $64,000 USD).

● Prepare Your Documents:
✔ Valid passport
✔ Visa application form
✔ Proof of income (such as tax documents or contracts)
✔ Proof of medical insurance with at least 10 million yen coverage
✔ Description of your planned activities in Japan

● Choose Where to Apply:
You can apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country
Or apply at a local immigration office in Japan within your 90-day tourist visa period

Tip: Applying outside of Tokyo is often faster, as smaller cities like Sendai or Kyoto may have shorter processing times.

Once you submit your documents, it usually takes about 3 to 8 weeks to get approval. After that—you’re ready to start your Japan journey!

What to Expect While Living in Japan on a Digital Nomad Visa

Living in Japan as a digital nomad is a rewarding experience—but there are a few important things to keep in mind, especially since the Digital Nomad Visa does not include a residence card (zairyu card). This means you may face a few limitations compared to long-term residents.

What You Can’t Do Without a Residence Card

● You can’t open a Japanese bank account
● You can’t sign a long-term phone contract
● You can’t rent a typical long-term apartment
● You won’t have access to government services like pension or national ID

But don’t worry! Many nomads live comfortably in Japan using alternatives:

● Use international banks like Wise or Revolut
● Get a prepaid SIM card or eSIM for data
● Stay in furnished share houses or monthly rentals that don’t require long-term contracts

Staying Social and Making Connections

One of the best things about living in Japan is meeting new people. Joining language exchange groups, going to coworking spaces, or living in a share house can help you build friendships quickly.

For example, Borderless House has share houses in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sendai where both Japanese and international residents live together. It’s a fun and easy way to practice Japanese, learn about local culture, and feel less alone in a new country.

Is the Digital Nomad Visa Right for You?

Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa is a great option if you want to experience life in Japan without changing jobs or applying for a work visa. But since it only lasts 6 months and cannot be extended, it’s best for people who want a short-term stay to explore, work, and enjoy a different culture.

Who It's Best For:

● Freelancers or remote workers who want to live abroad for a few months
● Creatives, writers, and digital entrepreneurs looking for new inspiration
● People who want to explore Japan while still working online
● Nomads who don’t need a long-term visa or local benefits

Using Your Stay Wisely

Many nomads use the 6-month visa to explore Japan while planning their next step. During this time, you can:

✔ Build a local network
✔ Look for other visa options (like a student visa or job opportunity)
✔ Learn Japanese and take cultural classes
✔ Travel around the country and discover which area you might want to live in longer

Whether you want to immerse yourself in Japan’s culture, meet new people, or simply change your work environment, this visa gives you the freedom to do so—with less pressure and more flexibility. It’s not about staying forever; it’s about starting something new.

Best Places to Live in Japan as a Digital Nomad

Japan offers many great cities for remote work, each with its own charm and lifestyle. While Tokyo is the most well-known, there are other cities that might be a better fit—especially if you're looking for something more affordable or relaxing during your 6-month stay.

Tokyo – Exciting but Busy

Tokyo is perfect if you enjoy big cities with lots of energy. It has fast internet, international communities, and endless things to do. But it can also be expensive and crowded. If you like a fast-paced lifestyle, Tokyo might be right for you.

Kyoto – Calm, Cultural, and Creative

Kyoto is a beautiful city full of temples, nature, and traditional charm. It’s quieter than Tokyo but still has everything you need. Many remote workers and creatives enjoy living here. You can work in a café in the morning and take a walk through a peaceful shrine in the evening.

Sendai – Affordable and Peaceful with Great Access

Sendai is one of the best hidden gems for digital nomads. It’s clean, green, and much more affordable than Tokyo. The city has a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and is close to nature. You can also travel to Tokyo in just 1.5 hours by Shinkansen, and Sendai Airport connects you to places like Osaka and Hokkaido.

BORDERLESS HOUSE Sendai, located near Tohoku University, is a great option if you want to meet other international residents and live in a friendly, social community without needing a long-term contract.

Why Living in a Share House Is a Smart Choice for Digital Nomads

Finding a place to stay in Japan as a digital nomad can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a residence card. Many apartments require long contracts, Japanese language skills, or a local guarantor. That’s why share houses are one of the easiest and most flexible options for digital nomads.

Simple, Flexible, and Social

Share houses usually come fully furnished, with Wi-Fi, utilities, and common areas included in the rent. There’s no need to buy furniture, set up contracts, or pay large deposits. Most places also allow short-term stays—perfect for your 6-month visa.

More than that, share houses let you meet people from different countries and local Japanese residents. This means you’ll have a chance to build friendships, practice language skills, and avoid feeling isolated.

BORDERLESS HOUSE: A Good Match for Remote Workers

If you’re looking for a place that offers more than just a bed, BORDERLESS HOUSE has share houses in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sendai. Each house is a mix of Japanese and international residents, creating a warm and multicultural environment.

You’ll have your own private room, shared kitchen and living space, and a community of people who can make your Japan experience more meaningful—even if it’s just for a few months.

For digital nomads, a share house is more than a place to stay—it’s a community to belong to while living and working abroad.