Japan is gearing up to launch the digital nomad visa programme in March 2024 to allow foreign IT engineers and industry workers to reside in the country, Travel+Leisure Asia reported on Monday.

The applicants must have an annual income exceeding 10 million Japanese Yen (US$67,340) to become eligible for the visa.

The offer is also available to self-employed and freelancing individuals and applicants will not be needed to be employed by a company.

The programme will be extended to nationals of countries that have signed a tax treaty with Japan or hold visa-exempt status in Japan.

Read: The Canada start-up visa program you didn’t know about

After securing the visa, foreigners will be able to reside and work remotely in Japan for six months, as against the current 90-day duration of visa-free short-term stays.

The programme will also allow digital nomads to bring their spouses and children to Japan.

A digital nomad is a person who works remotely but only stays in one place for a short or midterm period.

It is pertinent to mention that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allowed foreigners entry into Canada to work remotely as digital nomads while holding a visitor visa.

Additionally, they will be permitted to obtain a work permit if they are successful in finding a Canadian employer entry.