Japan digital nomad visa issuances increase 2.5-fold in 2025

The number of digital nomad visas issued in Japan rose significantly in 2025. According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs analyzed by the Japan Digital Nomad Association (JDNA), 646 visas were issued, representing a 2.5-fold increase compared to the 257 visas issued in the previous period.

While the total number of applicants is growing, the geographic distribution remains concentrated. North America, Oceania, and the United Kingdom account for 68% of all issuances. The top five nationalities for visa holders are citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and France.

The JDNA notes that the policy discussion is shifting from the total number of arrivals to where these individuals choose to stay. The association suggests that Japan could benefit from implementing regional requirements or incentives, similar to recent policy changes in South Korea, to encourage digital nomads to reside in non-metropolitan or depopulating areas rather than concentrating in major cities.