As seen in the ITmedia article (2024/10/28), Japan has recently begun implementing a status of residence for accepting digital nomads, which is attracting attention both domestically and internationally. Digital nomads are people who work remotely through the internet and choose a lifestyle that is independent of where they work. Against the backdrop of this expansion of work styles, countries are taking measures to accept digital nomads and promote regional economic revitalization and internationalization. In this article, we will summarize and discuss the background and issues, focusing on efforts to accept digital nomads in various countries including Japan.
1.Current status of accepting digital nomads in Japan
1.1. Start of operation of new status of residence
Japan has established a residence status system for digital nomads as part of the promotion of the tourism industry and regional revitalization. The Japanese government believes that accepting digital nomads will contribute to the revitalization of local economies and multicultural coexistence, and is particularly promoting acceptance in regional cities where demand for remote workers is expected. With the new status of residence that allows short-term stays on tourist visas to long-term stays, staying in Japan is becoming a realistic option for digital nomads.
1.2. Local government support measures
Furthermore, local governments have begun initiatives to help digital nomads integrate into their local communities, such as establishing co-working spaces, providing housing support, and providing opportunities to participate in local activities. For example, Nagano Prefecture, Okinawa Prefecture, and Hokkaido offer work plans that take advantage of the rich natural environment, creating an environment that is easy for digital nomads to work in.
2.Estonia
As a ‘digital nation’, Estonia offers an attractive environment for digital nomads with its advanced IT infrastructure and policies.
2.1. Electronic Residency Program (e-Residency)
Launched in 2014, the electronic residency program (e-Residency) allows you to establish and manage a legal entity online from outside Estonia. This makes it very attractive for digital nomads and entrepreneurs, as they can conduct business using the country’s IT infrastructure without having to be physically present in Estonia.
2.2. Introduction of digital nomad visa
In 2020, Estonia introduced the “Digital Nomad Visa”, allowing remote workers and freelancers employed by overseas companies to stay in Estonia for up to one year. There are certain income requirements to obtain this visa, and it is aimed at digital nomads who are expected to contribute to the Estonian economy.
3.Portugal
Portugal is popular among digital nomads due to its climate and low cost of living, and the country has proactive measures to welcome them.
3.1. “Digital Nomad Village” on Madeira Island
The Portuguese government has established a “Digital Nomad Village” on Madeira Island to provide a comfortable working environment and networking place for nomads. Equipped with high-speed internet and co-working space, it is expected to contribute to the local economy. These local acceptance measures are aimed at coexistence between digital nomads and local residents and economic ripple effects in ways other than tourism.
3.2. D7 visa
The “D7 visa” is a long-term stay visa for remote workers with a stable income. Portugal’s tax advantages also make it popular with many digital nomads and retirement migrants.
4.Germany
In Germany, a hub for digital nomads is forming, especially in Berlin.
4.1. Freelancer Visa
Germany offers a “Freelance Visa” to foreigners engaged in freelance work. Applications require a specific occupation (IT, creative profession, writing, etc.) and income plan, and can be stayed for up to three years. Berlin has a particularly large number of coworking spaces, making it a perfect environment for nomads.
4.2. Promoting multicultural coexistence
Germany is actively accepting immigrants, and emphasizes multicultural coexistence when accepting digital nomads. Berlin in particular has a diverse community and an environment where digital nomads can interact with each other.
5.USA
The United States does not have a dedicated visa for digital nomads, but each state is moving forward with its own measures for remote workers.
5.1. Hawaii Remote Worker Program
The state of Hawaii offers a “Movers and Shakas” program that allows remote workers to temporarily relocate to Hawaii. During their stay, there will be opportunities to interact with the local community, and remote workers will be able to contribute to the local economy.
5.2. Infrastructure support and expansion of coworking spaces
In urban areas such as San Francisco, New York, and Austin, there are many coworking spaces and infrastructure that is convenient for digital nomads. Some states also offer subsidies and housing assistance for remote workers.
6.Canada
Although Canada does not have a specific visa for digital nomads, it does have an attractive environment for remote workers.
6.1. Working holiday visa
Canada’s working holiday visa is especially useful for young digital nomads. Canada’s major cities, Vancouver and Toronto, have ample co-working spaces and remote work support, making them a comfortable working environment for nomads.
6.2. Consideration of a dedicated visa
The Canadian government is also considering introducing a visa system exclusively for digital nomads, and it is expected that the acceptance system will be further strengthened. Measures are being considered to encourage the acceptance of nomads, especially among high-income groups, so that remote workers can contribute to the domestic economy.
7.Benefits and challenges of accepting digital nomads
7.1. Economic benefits
Accepting digital nomads has a direct impact on the local economy in the form of lodging, food and transportation costs. Additionally, a work style that is not tied to a specific location may lead to the creation of new industries.
7.2. Challenges
On the other hand, the strain on infrastructure and the housing market, as well as cultural friction with local residents, can be a challenge. In particular, digital nomads, who mainly stay for short periods of time, tend to have weak ties with the local community, so there is a need to create a system that allows both sides to coexist.
Summary
In other countries, proactive efforts are being made to welcome digital nomads, believing that this will contribute to economic revitalization and the promotion of internationalization. Countries such as Japan, Estonia, Portugal, Germany, the United States, and Canada are developing visa systems and coworking spaces for digital nomads, and are creating environments that accommodate diverse work styles.