Can I extend the Digital Nomad Visa?

No. The status lasts six months with no extension. A new stay under the same status is possible only after six months outside Japan. A permanent move needs another status.

Fukuoka is compact, usually less expensive and easier as a trial base. Tokyo offers the largest job and international-service market but needs a higher budget and tolerance for small homes and peak-hour crowds.

Country guide · 2026

Moving to Japan: Visas, Costs and Where to Live

Japan can work as a six-month trial or a long-term relocation, but those are different legal routes. Digital Nomad permits up to six months with no extension, requires annual income of at least JPY 10 million and medical coverage of at least JPY 10 million, and does not issue a residence card. A multi-year move normally needs work, study, family or Highly Skilled Professional status.

Check visas See the budget

Updated 20266-minute overview

CapitalTokyo

CurrencyJPY

LanguagesJapanese

Population123.4M

Internet85.5%

Life expectancy84.0 yrs

Overview

Why Choose Japan

Japan combines dense public transport, strong everyday services and very different city options, from global Tokyo to compact Fukuoka.

Digital Nomad is a six-month test, not a residence path: there is no extension or residence card, and work for a Japanese organisation is not permitted. Choose a qualifying work, study, family or HSP status before planning a multi-year move.

Visas

Visa Routes in 2026

Conditions change regularly. Verify current requirements on official government sources before applying.

Visa	Duration	Key Requirements	Who It's For
Digital Nomad	6 months, no extension	Eligible nationality; JPY 10m+ annual income; JPY 10m+ medical coverage	Remote work for a foreign employer or overseas clients
Work status	Depends on the category	Japanese employer or other sponsor; Certificate of Eligibility	A move tied to a qualifying job
Highly Skilled Professional	Up to 5 years	70+ points from education, experience, income and other criteria	Qualified professionals seeking benefits and a faster PR route
Working Holiday	Usually up to 1 year	Partner-country nationality; age and conditions vary by agreement	Young travellers who want incidental work rights

Cost of Living

Cost of Living in Japan

Comfortable Month

¥200 000–300 000

solo scenario

Rent

¥70 000–180 000

1BR in the city

Food & Dining

¥45 000–80 000

mixed eating style

Transport

¥8 000–25 000

local + ride-hailing

Excludes insurance, visa fees, flights and setup costs.

Top Cities: Tokyo · Osaka · Fukuoka · Kyoto · Sapporo

City Choice

Which Japanese City Fits Your Move?

A national average is a weak housing guide. Compare the city, neighbourhood and season because they shape both the real budget and the daily routine.

City	Planning range / mo.	Best for	Main trade-off
Tokyo	JPY 250k–380k	Careers, international services and the largest expat network	Highest rents, compact homes and crowded commutes
Osaka	JPY 200k–300k	Big-city services, food and a more relaxed rhythm	Fewer international roles than Tokyo
Fukuoka	JPY 170k–260k	A compact base, startup scene and central airport	Smaller labour market and hot, humid summers
Kyoto	JPY 200k–300k	Culture, universities and quieter residential districts	Tourist pressure and seasonal crowding
Sapporo	JPY 170k–260k	Nature, space and cooler summers	Snowy winters and a narrower international job market

Editorial planning ranges for one person using a long-term rental. Flights, visa costs, insurance and housing setup are separate.

Relocation Plan

How To Plan A Move To Japan

Use these steps to turn a country shortlist into a decision you can test before making expensive commitments.

Choose The Time Horizon First

For up to six months, test Digital Nomad eligibility. For a year or more, secure a qualifying work, study, family or points-based HSP route before choosing a city or signing a lease.

Choose A City By Daily Life

Tokyo is strongest for careers and international services; Osaka offers big-city depth at a softer budget; Fukuoka is compact and airport-friendly; Kyoto suits culture and universities; Sapporo offers space, nature and a serious winter.

Separate Setup Costs From Monthly Costs

The first housing payment can be far larger than one month's rent. Keep a separate reserve for temporary accommodation, deposit, agency fee, guarantor service, connectivity and a possible change of apartment.

Keep The First Weeks Reversible

Do not sign a long lease before testing the commute at peak time, noise, apartment size, internet and clinic access. Long-term residents should prepare the documents needed for address registration, insurance, mobile and banking services.

Analysis

Pros & Cons

Pros

Dense public transport makes car-free life realistic in the major cities
Eligible long-term residents can join Japan's public health-insurance system
Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kyoto and Sapporo offer materially different costs and lifestyles
Digital Nomad provides a legal six-month test without a Japanese employer

Cons

Digital Nomad is not a residence path: there is no extension or residence card, and a new stay is possible only after six months outside Japan
A standard rental can require a deposit, key money, agency fee and guarantor-company fee before move-in
Japanese ability materially changes access to jobs, housing, healthcare and everyday administration
Earthquakes, typhoons and major climate differences require city-specific planning

Ready to Choose a Country?

Compare destinations, run the budget, check the visa.

Compare Countries Cost Calculator Visa Guide

Official Checks

Official Sources To Verify Before You Pay

Use these official pages for stay length, renewal logic, income proof, permitted activity, dependants and document checks before paying for housing, flights or services.

Japan MOFA: Specified Visa For Digital Nomad MOFA visa page for documents, income proof and insurance requirements. Japan ISA: Designated Activities English Page Immigration Services Agency page for the Japanese designated activities status. Japan ISA: Digital Nomad Q&A Official Q&A confirming the six-month maximum, no renewal, six-month wait before a new stay and no residence card. Japan MOFA: Working Holiday Programmes Official partner-country, age and programme-condition overview. Japan ISA: Highly Skilled Professional System Official introduction to the points-based route for highly skilled professionals. Japan MHLW: Health Insurance For Foreign Residents Official overview of public health-insurance eligibility for foreign residents. Japan MLIT: Rental Housing Support For Foreign Nationals Official multilingual rental checklists and housing guidance for foreign nationals. MOFA Japan: Visa Information MOFA visa information hub for cross-checking Japanese visa guidance.

stay length extension income insurance dependants permitted work