Introduction
Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture has appointed a specialist from Indonesia as a “Digital Nomad Attraction Coordinator” under its Regional Revitalization Cooperation program. This marks the first time the city has accepted a foreign national as a regional revitalization cooperator, drawing attention as a symbolic initiative where Japan’s regional revitalization and internationalization converge.
This development is rooted in the “Digital Nomad Visa” system introduced by the Japanese government in April 2024. This article explores Shimoda City’s initiative and provides a detailed explanation of the Digital Nomad visa’s overview, application requirements, and practical uses from the perspective of specialists in visa and residence status applications.
What is a Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad refers to individuals who leverage information and communication technology (IT) to work without being tied to a specific office or location. With a laptop and internet connection, they can work from cafes, coworking spaces, overseas resorts, and virtually anywhere.
In recent years, the popularization of remote work has led to a rapid increase in the digital nomad population worldwide. Destinations such as Bali (Indonesia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), and Lisbon (Portugal) have become particularly popular among digital nomads.
Overview of Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa System
In April 2024, the Japanese government introduced the “Digital Nomad Visa” system. Operated as a type of “Designated Activities” residence status, this system allows foreign remote workers to stay in Japan for up to six months while continuing their work.
Residence Status Details
・Residence Status: Designated Activities (Digital Nomad)
・Period of Stay: 6 months (non-renewable)
・Residence Card: Not issued
・Permitted Activities:
- Engaging in activities in Japan using information and communication technology to perform work for a foreign employer’s overseas office under an employment contract.
- Providing paid services or selling goods to clients abroad using information and communication technology.
Application Requirements
To obtain a Digital Nomad visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality Requirement
Must hold nationality from a country or region eligible for visa exemption and with which Japan has a tax treaty. - Income Requirement
Individual annual income of 10 million yen or more at the time of application. - Medical Insurance Requirement
Must be enrolled in overseas travel accident insurance or equivalent medical insurance covering the entire period of stay.
・Medical treatment coverage: 10 million yen or more
・Coverage must include repatriation of remains or death benefits. - Period of Stay Requirement
The total period of stay in Japan under the Digital Nomad “Designated Activities” status must not exceed six months within a one-year period.
Activity Restrictions
The Digital Nomad visa comes with several important restrictions:
- Prohibition of Domestic Employment
Employment or contract-based work for Japanese public or private entities (including individuals) is not permitted. Only remote work based on contracts with foreign employers or clients is allowed. - Prohibition of Non-Authorized Activities (in principle)
Non-authorized activities are generally not permitted for the digital nomad or accompanying spouse and children. - Non-Renewable
The six-month period of stay cannot be extended. However, after leaving Japan, applicants may re-enter under the Digital Nomad visa after six months have elapsed.
Required Documents for Application
The following documents are required to apply for the Digital Nomad visa:
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Photograph (1 sheet)
- Return envelope (with postage affixed)
- Materials explaining planned activities
- Tax certificate or income certificate proving annual income of 10 million yen or more
- Materials proving current employment status (employment contract, certificate of employment, etc.)
- Explanation of private medical insurance coverage
- Copy of private medical insurance certificate and policy terms
Accompanying Spouse and Children
The spouse and children who are dependents of the digital nomad may be granted “Designated Activities” residence status and accompany the principal applicant. However, they must meet the following requirements:
・Hold nationality from a visa-exempt country or region
・Satisfy medical insurance requirements
・Non-authorized activities are also generally not permitted for accompanying spouse and children
Shimoda City’s “TADAIMA SHIMODA” Initiative
Since fiscal year 2024, Shimoda City has been working to develop a digital nomad attraction model, implementing a one-month attraction program called “TADAIMA SHIMODA.” This program offers digital nomads from overseas a comprehensive stay experience that combines coworking spaces, community interaction events, and local tourism.
The newly appointed regional revitalization cooperator has over ten years of experience as a manager of digital nomad facilities in Bali and has participated in the “TADAIMA SHIMODA” program, deepening ties with local residents.
The appointment runs until the end of July 2027. Based at a coworking space in the city, the cooperator will engage in the following activities:
・Support for accepting digital nomads from overseas
・Promoting interaction with local residents
・Building networks with overseas digital nomads and local businesses
・Creating an environment to make Shimoda a “digital nomad sanctuary”
Significance for Foreign Residents in Japan and Employing Companies
This system offers the following benefits for foreign residents in Japan, their families, and companies employing foreign nationals:
1. Enabling Flexible Work Styles for Families
Spouses of foreign residents in Japan can maintain remote contracts with overseas companies while living together in Japan.
2. Short-Term Invitation of Overseas Talent
Companies can invite engineers and designers from overseas bases to Japan for collaborative projects without altering employment contracts.
3. Soft Landing into the Japanese Market
Foreign talent can experience life in Japan and the market environment before obtaining formal work visas, aiding future immigration or employment decisions.
4. Community Coexistence
Digital nomads contribute to local economies (accommodation, dining, tourism), promote international exchange, and enhance regional diversity.
Key Points to Note
When utilizing the Digital Nomad visa, pay attention to the following:
1. Domestic Employment is Strictly Prohibited
Inadvertently accepting work from Japanese companies violates the residence status requirements. Activities must always be limited to contracts with foreign clients or employers.
2. Tax Treatment
Even for stays within six months, careful attention must be paid to the determination of tax resident or non-resident status. Consultation with specialists is recommended.
3. Bringing Communication Devices
When bringing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices into Japan, only those with Japan’s “Technical Standards Conformity Mark” may be used.
4. Exclusion from Public Health Insurance
Digital nomads do not qualify as mid- to long-term residents and therefore cannot enroll in Japan’s public health insurance. Enrollment in private medical insurance with sufficient coverage is mandatory.
Why Consult with Specialists
Visa and residence status applications involve complex interpretation of requirements and document preparation. The Digital Nomad visa is a new system, and detailed operational rules and interpretations may continue to evolve.
・Avoiding rejection risks due to incomplete documentation
・Pre-confirming whether activities meet requirements
・Comprehensive advice on taxation, insurance, and stay planning
・Considering the impact on future residence status changes or permanent residency applications
Consulting with specialists ensures confident and secure use of the system.
Conclusion
Shimoda City’s appointment of a foreign regional revitalization cooperator represents a progressive initiative merging Japan’s regional revitalization with global talent acceptance. The Digital Nomad visa system provides a legal framework for overseas remote workers to work and live in Japan with peace of mind.
For foreign residents in Japan, their families, and companies employing foreign nationals, this system opens new possibilities. Through proper understanding and appropriate application procedures, flexible work styles and enriched lives in Japan can be realized.
For consultation regarding visas and residence status, please feel free to contact us.
