Can Indians and Filipinos get Japan's Digital Nomad visa?
Last checked: 2026-11-06
No. India and the Philippines are not on the official chart for this status, either as applicants or as an accompanying spouse or child. The chart has no date, and we checked it on November 6, 2026. If this matters to you, confirm with a Japanese embassy or consulate, because the list could change.
Why these countries are not listed
Applicants must meet two tests. The country or region must be under Japan's visa exemption arrangements, and it must also be under a tax convention with Japan.
| Country | Tax convention (Ministry of Finance list, June 26, 2026) | On the nomad chart | On the family chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Yes | No | No |
| Philippines | Yes | No | No |
Both have a convention. Neither is on the Foreign Ministry's list of 74 visa-exempt countries and regions, dated September 1, 2025. So the visa exemption is the missing piece.
Asia at a glance
This comes from our reading of the chart. It covers some countries that readers often ask about, not all of them.
| Group | Places |
|---|---|
| On the digital nomad chart | Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand |
| Family chart only | Macao |
| On neither chart | Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam |
Common mistakes
- Thinking where you live is what counts: the chart says applicants must be nationals or citizens of the listed places. An Indian citizen living in London does not become eligible by living there, on our reading. Ask if you hold another nationality.
- Thinking a high salary fixes it: income is a separate test. All the tests must be met.
- Assuming a US employer helps: the employer's country is not the nationality test.
- Planning to join as family: India and the Philippines are not on the family chart either.
- Counting on a tax convention: a convention alone is not enough.
Which other routes to check
We do not recommend a route. This table only shows what each one depends on. Each status has its own tests.
| Route | What it depends on | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Long Stay for sightseeing | The Foreign Ministry says nationals of visa-waiver places | This has the same barrier. See the comparison. |
| Working holiday | A partner agreement for your country | India and the Philippines are not among the 33 partners listed on November 1, 2026. See the comparison. |
| Short-term visa | The Philippines mission says remunerated activity is not permitted | This is for short visits. See remote work on a tourist stay. |
| Work visa with a Japanese sponsor | A Certificate of Eligibility. Seattle says this comes through a sponsor in Japan. | This needs an employer or organization in Japan. The Foreign Ministry's "Work or Long-term stay" page lists these visas. |
What to do next
- Check the full chart against every passport you hold.
- Read the current chart on the Immigration Services Agency page. It may have changed.
- Ask the Japanese embassy or consulate for your area what status fits your plan.
The Immigration Services Agency information center is 0570-013904, or 03-5796-7112 from overseas.
Sources
- Immigration Services Agency: eligible countries chart in English (PDF, undated)
- Immigration Services Agency: one-page outline (PDF, undated)
- Ministry of Finance: tax convention list, as of June 26, 2026
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines: FAQ (search excerpt only)
- Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle: Work, Study, Long Term Stay (search excerpt only)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay), September 1, 2025
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Long Stay visa page, March 17, 2023
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan, November 1, 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Work or Long-term stay (search excerpt only)