Designated Activities Visa ("Digital Nomad") · American applicants

Japan digital nomad visa for Americans (2026)

Last verified: October 8, 2026Report an error

Americans are on Japan's 51-country eligible list, and the ¥10 million/year income bar targets established remote professionals. The hard truth for Americans: six months, non-renewable — this is a sabbatical visa, not a relocation path. US worldwide taxation applies throughout; six months is short enough that FEIE's physical-presence test (330 days abroad) will not be met on this visa alone.

Key facts for Americans

Minimum income: €4,900/month — ¥10,000,000 per year gross (about $66,000 at approximate rates); the monthly figure is derived for comparison — the test is annual — flag for human verification.
Maximum stay: Up to 6 months, not renewable
Processing time: About 1 month at the consulate.
Fees: Confirm with your consulate (typically ¥3,000–6,000 equivalent)
Family: Spouse and children may accompany you under the matching 'Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad' status, subject to the same six-month limit and insurance requirements.
Health insurance: Required — must be valid for the full stay

How to apply from the United States

1Confirm you clear the bar
Japan requires ¥10,000,000 per year gross (about $66,000 at approximate rates); the monthly figure is derived for comparison — the test is annual — flag for human verification.. Run your numbers through our income checker first — it is the fastest way to rule countries in or out.
2Apply from the United States
Americans apply at the Japanese consulate with jurisdiction over their state of residence. The visa cannot be extended or renewed — plan departure before the six months expire.
3Prepare for the permit stage
After the consulate issues your visa, complete the local registration and residence-permit steps on arrival — timelines for this stage are in the full Japan guide linked below.
4Sort tax before you fly
Tax residency usually follows 183+ days of presence, and your home country may still want a return. Read the tax notes below, then confirm your position with a qualified advisor.

Tax notes

A six-month stay generally avoids Japanese tax residency (the 183-day rule), which is one reason the visa is capped where it is. Your home-country tax obligations still apply in full — this visa changes nothing about what you owe at home.

Tax rules are simplified here and change often. Confirm your position with a qualified tax advisor before making decisions.

Frequently asked questions

Only nationals of 51 eligible countries and regions (as of 2026, up from 49 at launch): your country must have both a visa-exemption arrangement and a tax treaty with Japan. The list includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France. Check the Immigration Services Agency's current list before applying — if your passport is not on it, this visa is closed to you.

Keep exploring

Full Japan guide

Every requirement, fee and timeline in one place.

Eligibility quiz

See how Japan ranks against every other visa for your profile.

Japan for other nationalities

For British applicants For Canadians For Australians

Not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently and consulates interpret them differently. Always verify current requirements with the official consulate or immigration authority before applying. Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Specified visa: Designated activities (Digital Nomad).