Can you renew Japan's Digital Nomad visa?

Last checked: 2026-11-06

No. The maximum stay is six months, and renewal is not permitted. The official Q&A adds that once six months have passed after you leave Japan, you can re-enter with the same status. The Q&A is dated July 2024, so confirm this with a Japanese embassy or consulate.

What the official text says

Question	Official answer
Maximum stay	Six months
Renewal	Not permitted
Coming back with the same status	Possible once six months have passed after leaving Japan
Limit in a year	The stay must not exceed six months within a year

So there are two things to keep in mind: the wait after you leave, and the limit of six months within a year. The documents we read do not explain how the year is counted. Ask before you plan a second stay.

What we could not confirm

Second application steps: the Immigration Services Agency page says you must wait six months to reapply for the same status, which points to a new application. It does not list the steps, so check with your embassy or consulate.
Number of repeat stays: we found no official limit, and no statement that repeat stays are unlimited.
Changing to another status from inside Japan: the documents we read do not cover this. Do not assume it is possible. Ask the Immigration Services Agency.

The agency's information center number is 0570-013904. From overseas, or from an IP phone, it is 03-5796-7112.

Can you leave and come back during your six months?

Yes, according to the Q&A. If you leave temporarily and plan to return before your period of stay ends, you can leave with a re-entry permission or special re-entry permission. If you return before the expiration date, you keep your status. The Q&A does not say that time abroad extends the expiration date.

Other rules during your stay

Residence card: you will not receive one, because holders are not mid- to long-term residents.
Public health insurance: you cannot join it. See the insurance page.
Moving between cities: no special procedures are required.
Work in Japan: you cannot take a job or contract with a person or organization in Japan.
Tax: pay for work done in Japan can be exempt if you meet your tax convention's terms. In most cases these include staying 183 days or less. Terms vary by convention, and people from places with no convention are not eligible. Ask a tax professional. See the 183-day count.
Devices: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices need Japan's Technical Conformity Mark. Devices without it can be used for 90 days after entry if they meet Japanese technical standards and international standards, such as those with a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth logo.

What to read next

Each stay depends on the same core rules. See the requirements and the documents and fees. If you want to stay longer than six months, compare the Long Stay visa and the working holiday route. Living without a residence card also affects bank accounts and SIM cards.