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.
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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.