Working
Can I work remotely in Japan for a foreign company?
Yes in some cases, but working remotely from Japan for a foreign employer is still work performed while you are physically in Japan. Your immigration status must allow it, and Japanese tax/social-insurance rules can apply.
VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Permanent Resident, spouse and other unrestricted statuses generally provide broader work freedom.
- A status tied to a specific Japanese professional activity may not automatically cover unrelated foreign-employer work.
- Digital Nomad is a separate limited route for qualifying short-term international remote work.
Documents
- Government-issued ID or provider-required identity documents
Likely cost
No separate government fee merely for having this employment arrangement. If immigration permission/status change is required, the applicable ISA procedure fee applies; tax/social-insurance contributions are separate.
Where to act
Employer/contracting client plus the Regional Immigration Services Bureau if immigration authorization or notification is required.
Official sources
Immigration Services Agency — Status of Residence / ProceduresImmigration Services Agency / Ministry of Justice · Official sourceMHLW — For Foreign Workers in Japan / Labour StandardsMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare · Official sourceExisting verified sourceImmigration Services Agency / Ministry of Justice · Official source