Japan vs Thailand: which digital nomad visa fits you?
Japan Digital Nomad Visa and Destination Thailand Visa, side by side. Every figure comes from the official government source, with the date we last checked it.
- Income
- Different tests
- Family
- Japan: Yes · Thailand: Yes
- Renewable
- Japan: No · Thailand: Yes
| JapanDigital Nomad Visa | ThailandDestination Thailand Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | ≈ $5,260/mo¥10,000,000 / year | No fixed USD figure |
| Official rule | JPY 10,000,000 per year | Bank balance ≥ THB 500,000 (≈USD 16,000) for each of the last 3 months (funds test, not income) |
| Stay | 6 months | 5-year multiple-entry visa; 180 days per entry |
| Renewable | No | Yes |
| Family | Yes | Yes |
| Fees | Not confirmed | USD 400 at the Washington DC embassy; £300 at the London embassy (varies by mission) |
| Official source | mofa.go.jp ↗Verified, checked Oct 29, 2026 | washingtondc.thaiembassy.org ↗Verified, checked Oct 29, 2026 |
USD figures are approximate (FX Oct 20, 2026). The official currency figure is what the authority applies.
Key differences
- Different money tests: Japan asks for JPY 10,000,000 a year of your own income at the time you apply. Thailand’s DTV has no income test; it asks for a bank balance of at least THB 500,000 for each of the last 3 months.
- Thailand gives far more time: the DTV is a 5-year multiple-entry visa with 180 days per entry, and each stay can be extended once by 180 days at Thai Immigration. Japan gives 6 months with no extension and no residence card; you can come back on the same status once 6 months have passed since you left Japan.
- Who can apply: Japan only accepts nationals of eligible countries and regions on the Immigration Services Agency list. The DTV’s workcation route covers digital nomads, remote workers, foreign talent and freelancers, with an employment contract, employment certificate or professional portfolio.
- Both let family come: Japan has a spouse/child visa, and the DTV covers a spouse and children under 20 as dependants. Japan requires private medical insurance with JPY 10M+ cover for the whole stay; Thai embassies ask for a criminal record certificate. The DTV costs USD 400 at the Washington DC embassy or £300 in London (varies by mission); the official Japan pages we check don’t state a fee.
Quick answers
Which needs less income, Japan or Thailand?
They test different things, so there's no like-for-like ranking. Japan Digital Nomad Visa: JPY 10,000,000 per year (mofa.go.jp, checked Oct 29, 2026). Destination Thailand Visa: Bank balance ≥ THB 500,000 (≈USD 16,000) for each of the last 3 months (funds test, not income) (washingtondc.thaiembassy.org, checked Oct 29, 2026).
Which lets you stay longer, Japan or Thailand?
Japan Digital Nomad Visa: 6 months. This visa cannot be extended. You can come back on the same status once 6 months have passed since you left Japan. Destination Thailand Visa: 5-year multiple-entry visa; 180 days per entry. Each 180-day stay can be extended once, by 180 days, at Thai Immigration.
Can I bring my family on the Japan or Thailand visa?
Japan Digital Nomad Visa: yes, family members can be included. Destination Thailand Visa: yes, family members can be included.
How much do the Japan and Thailand visas cost?
Japan Digital Nomad Visa: not confirmed on the official source. Destination Thailand Visa: USD 400 at the Washington DC embassy; £300 at the London embassy (varies by mission).
Full official notes
Japan Digital Nomad Visa
No extension. You can stay on this status again once 6 months have passed since you left Japan (Immigration Services Agency). No residence card is issued. Annual income of JPY 10M+ is the applicant’s own income at the time of applying. Private medical insurance with JPY 10M+ cover for the whole stay required. Only nationals of eligible countries/regions (ISA list). Spouse/child visa available.
Sources: mofa.go.jp · moj.go.jp
Destination Thailand Visa
Each 180-day stay extendable once by 180 days at Thai Immigration; after that, leave and re-enter on the same DTV. Three purposes of visit: workcation (digital nomads, remote workers, foreign talent and freelancers, with an employment contract, employment certificate or professional portfolio); Thai soft power activities such as Muay Thai, Thai culinary training or medical treatment (with a letter of acceptance from the organiser or an appointment letter from the hospital); and spouse and children under 20 of DTV holders (DTV dependant). Every route needs the THB 500,000 bank evidence. Embassies ask for a criminal record certificate.
Sources: washingtondc.thaiembassy.org · london.thaiembassy.org
Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the issuing authority before you apply. How we verify
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