Can Digital Nomads Without a Base in Japan Obtain Permanent Residency?#

The global rise of remote work has popularized the “digital nomad” lifestyle, allowing individuals to work from anywhere in the world. In response to this trend, Japan introduced a specific “Digital Nomad Visa” in April 2024. Consequently, a growing number of international workers are asking: “Can I obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Japan while working remotely for a foreign company without a corporate base in Japan?”

To provide a direct answer: Under the current immigration framework, it is extremely difficult—if not impossible—to obtain Permanent Residency while maintaining the status and lifestyle of a pure “digital nomad” using the specific visa designated for this purpose. However, by altering one’s visa category and establishing a legal and fiscal “base” within Japan, a pathway to PR can be constructed.

This article provides an objective analysis of the Japanese immigration system, explaining why the nomad lifestyle conflicts with PR requirements and outlining realistic alternative strategies for those seeking long-term settlement.

The Legal Limitations of the “Digital Nomad Visa”#

It is crucial to first understand the legal nature of the “Status of Residence for Digital Nomads” (Designated Activities, Public Notice No. 53), which was launched in 2024. Although this visa targets high-income earners (annual income of 10 million JPY or more) and allows for remote work, it has specific characteristics that disqualify it from counting toward Permanent Residency.

1. Short-Term Duration and Non-Renewability#

The Digital Nomad Visa allows for a stay of up to six months. Crucially, this status cannot be renewed. Once the six months expire, the individual must leave Japan. While it is possible to re-apply after being out of the country for six months, this creates a pattern of discontinuous stay.

2. Exclusion from “Mid-to-Long Term Resident” Status#

Under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, holders of the Digital Nomad Visa are not classified as “Mid-to-Long Term Residents.” They do not receive a Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and cannot register a confusing address at a municipal office (Juminhyo). Consequently, they are not enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance or National Pension System.

One of the fundamental requirements for Permanent Residency is “continuous residence in Japan for 10 years or more.” Time spent in Japan under the Digital Nomad Visa does not count toward this 10-year requirement. It is legally treated more like an extended tourist visa than a residency visa.

The Conflict Between “No Base” and PR Requirements#

The core of the question—“without a base in Japan”—presents a significant contradiction to the philosophy of Permanent Residency. The permission for Permanent Residence is granted to foreigners who have established their “center of life” in Japan and are expected to reside there for the rest of their lives.

Immigration authorities rigorously evaluate the following factors:

Stability of Livelihood: Does the applicant have a stable foundation in Japan? While foreign income is acceptable, the lack of a domestic base often raises questions about stability and commitment.
Performance of Obligations: Has the applicant paid Japanese income tax, residence tax, and social insurance premiums?

True digital nomads typically pay taxes in their home country or a third country, often utilizing tax treaties to avoid double taxation. If an individual is not paying taxes or social security contributions into the Japanese system, they fail to meet the “good conduct” and “fulfillment of national interests” criteria required for PR. A lifestyle of “living like a traveler” without a fiscal base in Japan contradicts the settlement requirement.

Strategic Pathways to Permanent Residency#

For a digital nomad to obtain PR, they must transition from a “visitor” status to a “resident” status. This involves switching to a visa category that allows for mid-to-long term residence and establishing a track record of contributing to Japanese society. The following are the most viable routes:

1. Business Manager Visa (Keiei-Kanri)#

This route involves incorporating a company (KK or GK) in Japan. The individual would then obtain a “Business Manager” visa.

Requirement: This requires a physical office address in Japan (a “base”) and a capital investment of usually 5 million JPY or more.
Advantage: The applicant becomes a corporate executive in Japan. The company pays the executive a salary, from which Japanese income tax and social insurance are deducted. This creates the necessary tax and residency record for PR.

2. Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa#

Japan uses a points-based system to attract highly skilled workers. Points are awarded for academic background, professional career, annual income, etc.

Advantage: If an applicant scores 70 or 80 points, the requirement for continuous residence for PR is reduced from 10 years to 3 years or even 1 year.
Challenge: To qualify, one generally needs a “contract with a public or private organization in Japan.” A direct remote contract with a foreign company usually does not qualify unless that foreign company has a branch in Japan or uses an Employer of Record (EOR) service to act as the legal sponsor. Alternatively, one can combine this with the Business Manager route (founding a company and scoring points as an owner).

3. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services#

This is the standard work visa. While it typically requires employment by a Japanese company, the definition of the workplace is evolving. Some Japanese companies now offer full remote work policies.

Strategy: By being employed by a Japanese entity (even if working from home), the individual enters the Japanese social security and tax system, satisfying the prerequisites for future PR applications.

The Concept of “Base” is Essential#

It is important to recognize that immigration procedures value physical presence and legal commitment. The term “Digital Nomad” implies a lack of a fixed abode, whereas “Permanent Residency” implies a fixed abode. These two concepts are diametrically opposed in the context of immigration law.

To obtain PR, one must prove that their life is centered in Japan. This effectively means:

Having a registered address (Juminhyo).
Paying Japanese taxes.
Participating in the Japanese pension and health insurance systems.

Without these elements—which effectively constitute having a “base”—the application will not meet the legal criteria.

Conclusion#

While Japan welcomes digital nomads through its new specific visa, this visa is designed for temporary stays, not permanent settlement. For those seeking Permanent Residency, the “no base” nomad lifestyle is a dead end under current regulations.

The realistic path involves changing one’s status to that of a Business Manager or Highly Skilled Professional. This transition requires establishing a legal base in Japan and contributing to the nation’s tax and social security systems. It is a shift from being a “long-term guest” to becoming a “member of society,” which is the fundamental condition for being granted the privilege of Permanent Residence.