Digital Nomad Visas Offered By Italy, Japan – Work Visas

Italy and Japan have joined the list of countries making it
possible for employees to spend time abroad on digital nomad visas
(DNVs). These visas give individuals the ability to work abroad
remotely and temporarily while remaining on their current
company’s payroll and without having to go through a lengthier
work permit and visa process.

Japan instituted its digital nomad visa as of April 1, 2024. It
allows eligible foreign nationals to work remotely in Japan for up
to six months. The visas are not renewable. These visas may include family members.

Japanese DNV eligibility requirements:

• Individuals must be nationals of countries designated by Japan
  as visa exempt.




• Individuals must be providing professional services or selling
  goods to individuals or companies outside of Japan by working
  remotely.




• Individuals must have an annual income of least JPY 10 million
  (approximately US$65,000).




• Individuals must hold private medical insurance that covers
  treatment and repatriation in case of death, injury, or illness in
  Japan.




• Individuals’ spouses and family members must also be
  nationals of designated Japanese visa-exempt countries, fully
  dependent on the primary applicant, and hold private medical
  insurance that covers treatment and repatriation.

Italy announced its DNV two years ago, but the process just
became available on April 4, 2024. Under Italy’s DNV, individuals may remain in
Italy for up to one year with an option to renew.

Italian DNV eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be carrying out “high quality work
  activity through the use of technological tools” that allow
  for remote work. This includes freelancers and those employed by
  companies outside of Italy who can work from anywhere.




• Applicants must hold a college or university degree and six
  months of work experience in the field.




• Absent a degree, applicants must have five years of work
  experience in the field.




• Applicants must have an employment contract and pass a criminal
  record check.




• Applicants must supply proof of 28,000 Euros annually
  (approximately US$30,000).




• Applicants must provide evidence of housing and health
  insurance coverage.




• Applicants’ family members may join the applicant with
  government approval.

Digital nomads can work and have a great, new cultural
experience. It will be important for the applicants and companies
involved to be aware of tax and benefit implications, local
employment laws, communications, and cybersecurity strategies,
among other things. See also: Visiting Brazil? Visa Requirement for Business or
to Work Remotely | Immigration Blog
(globalimmigrationblog.com)

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.