Digital Nomad Visa? (Intermediate)

The government is thinking about creating a special visa for what they call 'digital nomads.' These are people who work remotely while traveling around the world.

The government noticed that many countries in Europe and other places have started offering visas for digital nomads. They want to do the same in Japan to encourage skilled workers to stay and spend money here.

Digital nomads usually do jobs that can be done anywhere using digital devices, like software development and website design.

According to information from other countries, it's estimated that there are around 35 million digital nomads worldwide. These workers are believed to spend about $787 billion, which is roughly ¥110 trillion, every year.

Right now, the government is working on a plan to bring more foreign visitors to Japan, back to the levels before the pandemic. This plan, expected to be finished this month, will look at the challenges of welcoming digital nomads, including things like visas and residence status.

Japan already has an agreement with 69 countries and regions that lets people visit without a visa for up to 90 days. However, because many digital nomads stay in one place for three to six months, the government is thinking about making a special visa that allows them to stay in Japan for more than 90 days.

Currently, if you want to work in Japan for more than 90 days, you need a special working visa. But if you get paid by a company outside Japan, you can't get this visa. You need to be getting your income from a corporation with a base in Japan.

Some countries in Europe and Central and South America have already started programs that give digital nomads visas, letting them stay for about six months to two years.

Testing your understanding:

True or false: 

1. The government is currently implementing a special visa for digital nomads.

2. Many countries in Europe and other places have already established visas specifically for digital nomads.

3. Japan wants to create a special visa to discourage skilled workers from staying in the country.

4. Digital nomads often engage in jobs related to agriculture and construction.

5. According to the information in the text, there are approximately 35 million digital nomads worldwide.

6. The primary aim of the government's plan is to reduce the number of visitors to Japan.

7. Japan currently has visa exemption agreements with 90 countries.

8. The government is considering the idea of providing digital nomads with a special visa allowing them to stay longer than 90 days.

9. Most digital nomads stay in one place for less than a month.

10. To work in Japan for more than 90 days, individuals generally need a special work visa, and getting paid by a foreign company is an eligibility criterion.

Pick the right answer:

1. What is the government of Japan considering creating a special visa for?

• • A. Tourists

  • B. Business executives

  • C. Digital nomads

  • D. Students

2.Why does Japan want to create a special visa for digital nomads?

• • A. To make it difficult for skilled workers to stay

  • B. To discourage visitors from spending money

  • C. To encourage skilled workers to stay and spend money

  • D. To limit the number of visitors to Japan

3. What kind of work do digital nomads typically engage in?

• • A. Agriculture

  • B. Software development and website design

  • C. Construction

  • D. Healthcare

4. How many digital nomads are estimated to be around the world, according to the information in the text?

• • A. 10 million

  • B. 25 million

  • C. 35 million

  • D. 50 million

5. What is the current limitation on the duration of stay in Japan without a visa?

• • A. 30 days

  • B. 60 days

  • C. 90 days

  • D. 120 days

6. What is the government working on to bring more foreign visitors to Japan?

• • A. Trade agreements

  • B. An action plan

  • C. Travel restrictions

  • D. Tax incentives

7. What is the government considering for digital nomads who stay in Japan for more than 90 days?

• • A. Extending the 90-day limit

  • B. Providing a special work visa

  • C. Offering tax breaks

  • D. Issuing a special residence card

8. What is the requirement for getting a working visa to work in Japan for more than 90 days?

• • A. Being employed by any company

  • B. Receiving income from a foreign company

  • C. Having a Japanese residence

  • D. Being a student in Japan

9. What have some countries in Europe and Central and South America already started for digital nomads?

• • A. Language programs

  • B. Special work projects

  • C. Visa programs

  • D. Educational tours

10. What is the typical duration that digital nomads stay in one place, as mentioned in the text?

• • A. Less than a month

  • B. One to two months

  • C. Three to six months

  • D. Over a year

Answer Key: 

True and False: 

1. False

2. True

3. False

4. False

5. True

6. False

7. False

8. True

9. False

10. True

Pick the right answer key:

1. C

2. C

3. B

4. C

5. C

6. B

7. B

8. B

9. C

10. C