Have you looked to live in Japan? Well, that’s probably the best time. Japan has announced the launch of a digital nomad visa for remote staff from 49 countries and territories, and Time Out has placed Tokyo and Osaka among its top 50 cities by 2024. If you’re used to costs in New York, Japan may seem less expensive to you.
In its sixth annual list of the world’s most productive cities, Time Out ranks Tokyo eighth, after New York, Cape Town, Berlin, London, Madrid, Mexico City and Liverpool. The authors cite the teamLab Borderless virtual art museum as one of the highlights. It is home to some of the world’s most productive restaurants: Massimo Bottura’s Gucci Osteria, Antwerp’s Le Pristine (Michelin-starred) and MAZ. In addition, it has some of the most punctual public transport, is scrupulously clean and has architecturally designed public toilets of maximum productivity.
Osaka ranked 48th, highlighting the fact that it is known as “the nation’s cuisine” due to its delicious okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) restaurants and kushi-katsu (fried skewers) counters, which would possibly not break the bank.
The Time Out ranking is partly based on polling of city-dwellers on the quality and affordability of the food, culture and nightlife and how their city makes them feel, from happiness to romance. This info is then cross-referenced with other cities they would most like to live in, as well as staff writers and editors who are based in cities worldwide.
It obviously depends on where you currently live, but Tokyo and Osaka rank as relatively inexpensive in terms of cost of living compared to places such as New York City, for instance.
In Numbeo’s current ranking, Osaka and Tokyo are about 50% cheaper in terms of cost of living (plus rent) than New York, and Japan has a 24% lower cost of living than France.
As an indication, in The Economist’s 2023 ranking of the world’s most expensive cities, New York ranks third along with Geneva (after Zurich and Singapore).
The Digital Nomad visa is part of a move to further open up the economy to tourists in general, as well as foreign workers: two million more people already live and work in the country. In 2023, 25 million visitors arrived, the figure since 2019, partly due to the weakness of the yen, giving arriving tourists more purchasing power. A large percentage of them came from Singapore and Taiwan, whereas before the pandemic, visitors would have come from China and the United States.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will welcome 60 million visitors by 2030, which would bring with it much higher spending.
Individuals from the 27 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) are eligible for the Digital Nomad visa.
In addition, they can apply from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as citizens of some other countries in Europe and at the borders of Europe (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, North). Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey).
However, there are strict rules, especially when it comes to the source of income. Applicants will need to have a steady annual income source of more than 10 million yen (about $63,000) and must come with their own personal health insurance. The country also targets highly professional professionals, especially in the IT field.
Anyone who meets those requirements will be able to stay in Japan for up to six months. Currently, travelers can travel to Japan for 90 days without a visa, but they cannot work legally. The advantage is that your spouses and children can accompany you if they also have personal fitness insurance.
It won’t be possible to set up back-to-back digital nomad visas that allow for longer stays, but you’ll be able to apply for another one after leaving Japan for six months. Visa holders will not be able to apply for residency.
Japan is expected to start granting the digital nomad visa in March 2024.
Since 2020 and the pandemic, more and more countries are offering some sort of Digital Nomad visa—Estonia was one of the first during Covid and Canada launched a six-month Digital Nomad visa in 2023.
The UN World Tourist Organisation (UNWTO) found that the norm, globally, is for around three to six months with the option of renewal. The Americas, mostly the small island states, offer 21 programs while 19 European countries have such a scheme, with Italy and Macedonia planning one. The UNWTO also found that in 40% of these countries (such as Albania and Croatia), Digital Nomads would not be subject to tax payments, as most people only have to pay tax after 183 days in a country.
The UNTWO study did highlight, however, that an influx of Digital Nomads often leads to a huge rise in short-term rental costs, because Nomads can afford to pay higher prices than the local population, causing increased hostility in communities.
I lead our fintech coverage at Forbes and also cover crypto. I edit our annual Fintech 50 and 30 Under 30 for fintech, and I’ve written frequently about leadership and corporate diversity. Before Forbes, I worked for ten years in marketing consulting, in roles ranging from client consulting to talent management. I’m a graduate of Middlebury College and Columbia Journalism School. Have a tip, question or comment? Email me [email protected] or send tips securely here: https://www.forbes.com/tips/. Follow me on Twitter @jeffkauflin.
Follow me on Twitter @JeffKauflin or jkauflin@forbes. com.
I edit our annual Fintech 50 and 30 Under 30 for fintech and have written about corporate leadership and diversity. Prior to Forbes, I worked for ten years in marketing consulting, in roles ranging from consumer consulting to skills management. I am a graduate of Middlebury College and Columbia Journalism School. Do you have any advice, questions or comments?Email me at jkauflin@forbes. com or send me tips securely here: https://www. forbes. com/tips/. Follow me on Twitter @jeffkauflin.
Follow me on Twitter @JeffKauflin or jkauflin@forbes. com.
I’ve been an award-winning travel writer and editor for 20 years – including several as a senior editor at ForbesLife – and I’ve written about nearly 800 luxury destinations and hotels in 105 countries (and counting). I know the difference between what’s merely expensive and what deserves its high price tag. I’m discerning but not jaded, and I appreciate the hard work that goes into crafting experiences as well as crafting luxury goods. (I’ve written about those, too.) I’ve shared that wisdom with readers of Forbes, Departures, Conde Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Afar, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Hemispheres, Brides, Modern Bride, Luxury SpaFinder, Well + Good, and other publications. In the name of lifestyle journalism, I’ve gotten a tattoo in Bora Bora, been bitten by a massage therapist, and flown small aircraft above three continents.
I spend part of my life in hotels. I know the difference between true luxury and what is simply overkill and expensive. Follow me on Instagram: @abeltotravel
I’ve been an award-winning editor and editor for 20 years (adding several as an editor at ForbesLife) and have written about approximately 800 luxury destinations and hotels in 105 countries (counting). I’m insightful but I’m not tired, and I enjoy the hard work that goes into reporting and manufacturing luxury goods. (I’ve written about this as well. ) I’ve shared this wisdom with readers of Forbes, Departures, Conde Nast Traveler, Robb Report. , Afar, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Hemispheres, Brides, Modern Bride, Luxury SpaFinder, Well. Good and other publications. On the call of lifestyle journalism, I got a tattoo in Bora Bora, was bitten by a massage therapist, and flew in a small plane over three continents.
I spend half of my life in hotels. I know the difference between true luxury travel and what’s merely overblown and expensive. Follow me on Instagram: @abeltotravel
I was born in the UK, but moved to Norway in 2011 and never looked back. I run an online page and podcast about Norway and am the writer of the Moon Norway guide. I write for Forbes with an outdoor attitude about Norway and Scandinavia, as well as the latest developments in the global cruise industry.
My latest book, How to Find a Job in Norway, is available now in paperback and eBook. My 450-page travel guidebook, Moon Norway, has been updated for 2019 and is available here.
I was born in the UK, but moved to Norway in 2011 and never looked back. I run an online page and podcast about Norway and am the writer of the Moon Norway guide. I write for Forbes with an outdoor attitude about Norway and Scandinavia, as well as the latest developments in the global cruise industry.
My most recent book, How to Find a Job in Norway, is now available in paperback and electronic format. My 450-page guide, Moon Norway, was updated for 2019 and is available here.
Livia Hengel is a travel writer, photographer and culture enthusiast with a penchant for la dolce vita and a severe case of wanderlust. She is passionate about responsible tourism, sustainable development and cultural heritage. Livia is the founder of The Italy Edit, a digital lifestyle magazine. Her writing has been published in Time Out, The Independent, Fodor’s, Singapore Airlines Magazine and USA Today.
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook and keep up with my latest work on www.liviahengel.com.
Livia Hengel is a writer, photographer and culture enthusiast with a penchant for Los Angeles la dolce vita and a passion for travel. She is passionate about guilty tourism, sustainable progress and cultural heritage. Livia is the founder of The Italy Edit, a virtual way of life. magazine. His writing has appeared in Time Out, The Independent, Fodor’s, Singapore Airlines Magazine, and USA Today.
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and keep up to date with my most recent paintings on www. liviahengel. com.
After I quit my assignment as a gossip reporter, I hit the road. I have traveled to over fifty countries on each and every continent (adding Antarctica when I was five months pregnant) and written for media outlets such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Leisure, The New York Times, and many others. I also gave the impression on TODAY, MSNBC and E!from my experience. Follow me on Twitter (@jordilippe) and Instagram (@jordilippe).
Jordi Lippe-McGraw, writer, holistic fitness graduate and author of Well Traveler. Follow her on Instagram at @weller and on Twitter at @jordilippe.
After I quit my assignment as a gossip reporter, I hit the road. I’ve traveled to over five 00 countries on every continent (including Antarctica when I was five months pregnant) and have written for media outlets like Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Leisure, the New York Times, and many more. I’ve also been featured on TODAY, MSNBC, and E! for my experience. Follow me on Twitter (@jordilippe) and Instagram (@jordilippe).
Jordi Lippe-McGraw, writer, holistic fitness graduate and author of Well Traveler. Follow her on Instagram at @weller and on Twitter at @jordilippe.
I’m the editor of Private Jet Card Comparisons, a buyer’s consultant that compares airline card, personal jet charter, and fractional ownership programs. Includes NetJets, Wheels Up and more than 50 suppliers from major players such as Flexjet, Jet Linx, Sentient Jet, VistaJet and XO, as well as new entrants such as FlyExclusive and Volato. I’ve also included a combined FAQ on airline cards and personal jet charter. You’ll find functionality profiles of popular personal jets, from the King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 and HondaJet turboprops to the Phenom 300, Challenger 350, Gulfstream G450, G550, G650, G700, Bombardier’s popular Global Express circle. of relatives and the iconic Learjet. There is an informal advisor who explains the other options and a beginner advisor and what you want to know before renting. And before you fly, find out what an FBO is. You’ll locate a deal book that catalogs M&A activity and launches across major players. I also publish a weekly luxury newsletter for personal aircraft users, DG Amazing Experiences. I spent my professional career in luxury media and spent 14 years at Travel Agent magazine, where I started as a reporter and then covered the airline industry as aviation editor-in-chief and ended as organization editor. In 2000, I launched Elite Traveler, an internationally distributed customer lifestyle magazine on personal jets, where I served as president and editor-in-chief until 2014. In 2007, I co-authored “The Sky’s the Limit: Marketing to the New Jet Set. ”Array” In 2014, I wrote “23 Ways to Create More Sales Leads in 25 Minutes” and in 2016, I co-wrote “Secrets for Selling to the Super Rich. ” Verb named me one of the 25 most sensible virtual luxury experts to follow. For more personal aviation data and news on jet cards, personal aviation memberships and fractional ownership, visit Private Jet Card Comparison Updates.
Doug Gollan is the editor-in-chief of DG Amazing Experiences, a weekly newsletter for aircraft owners, and Private Jet Card Comparisons, a buyer consultant that compares more than 250 airline card programs.
I’m Editor of Private Jet Card Comparisons, a buyer’s guide comparing jet card programs, private jet charter, and fractional ownership. It includes NetJets, Wheels Up, and more than 50 providers from major players like Flexjet, Jet Linx, Sentient Jet, VistaJet and XO to newcomers like FlyExclusive and Volato. I’ve also put together FAQs on jet cards and private jet charter. You’ll find performance profiles of popular private jets, from turboprops King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 and HondaJet to the Phenom 300, Challenger 300 and 350, Gulfstream G450, G550, G650, G700, Bombardier’s popular Global Express family and the iconic Learjet. There’s a free guide explaining various options and a guide for first-timers and what you need to know before chartering. And before you fly, find out what’s an FBO. You’ll find a Deal Book, cataloging M&A activity and launches by key players. I also publish a weekly luxury travel e-newsletter for private jet users, DG Amazing Experiences. I’ve spent my working career in travel and luxury media, for 14 years at Travel Agent magazine, where I began as a reporter, then covered the airline industry as Aviation Editor and ended up rising to Group Publisher. In 2000 I started Elite Traveler, a consumer lifestyle magazine distributed globally aboard private jets, where I was President and Editor-in-Chief until 2014. In 2007, I co-authored of “The Sky’s the Limit: Marketing to the New Jet Set.” In 2014 I wrote “23 Ways to Create More Sales Opportunities 25 Minutes,” and in 2016 I co-authored “Secrets of Selling to the Super Rich.” Verb named me as one of the Top 25 Digital Luxury Experts to follow. For more private aviation and news on jet cards, private aviation memberships, and fractional ownership, visit Private Jet Card Comparisons’ news updates.
Doug Gollan is the editor-in-chief of DG Amazing Experiences, a weekly newsletter for jet owners, and Private Jet Card Comparisons, a buyer’s consultant that compares more than 250 jet card programs.
I’ve been covering luxury/experiential and elegant dining for 20 years, for Forbes since 2004 and in the past for Departures. Lately I’ve also been contributing to the Robb Report and Centurion.
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I’ve been covering luxury/experiential and elegant dining for 20 years, for Forbes since 2004 and before that for Departures. Lately I’m also contributing to Robb Report and Centurion.
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter
Tanya Mohn covers road safety and customer issues for Forbes. She is a regular contributor to The New York Times and has reported for the BBC, NBC News, ABC News, PBS, HBO, and CNBC. He recently won a safety research award from the World Health Organization. Scholarship from the International Center for Journalists and award for his reporting on road protection from the Association for the Safety of International Road Travel (ASIRT). Follow her on Twitter @tanya_mohn.
Mohn writes about travel, culture, and the arts, from virtual nomads to developing considerations about the leading cause of death among healthy Americans abroad: traffic accidents.
Tanya Mohn covers road safety and customer issues for Forbes. She is a regular contributor to The New York Times and has reported for the BBC, NBC News, ABC News, PBS, HBO, and CNBC. He recently won a safety research award from the World Health Organization. Scholarship from the International Center for Journalists and award for his reporting on road protection from the Association for the Safety of International Road Travel (ASIRT). Follow her on Twitter @tanya_mohn.
Mohn writes about travel, culture, and the arts, from the rise of digital nomads to growing concerns about the number one killer of healthy Americans abroad – motor vehicle crashes.