Japan's Digital Nomad Visa is Coming! 🌆🇯🇵

20 Days Till eKairos Forum

Author

Nicky the Nomad
December 08, 2023

Welcome back to Nomad Cloud. Japan? 🇯🇵 Who would have thought they would throw their hat in the digital nomad visa ring. Well it’s no surprise as many countries are realizing it’s an opportunity to boost their local economy. And what about Lithuania? We’ll hear from people who are involved with both potential havens for the first time and what it’s like. Let’s go deep into the ☁️ shall we?

Upcoming

  • Is “Return to Office” Finally Dead 💀

  • Lithuania is Dreaming About Nomads🇱🇹

  • Japanese government partners with nomads 🇯🇵

  • eKairos Forum Announces Keynote Speakers 💻

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The Waning Campaign for Office Return: Insights from Recent Data

The drive to bring remote workers back to corporate offices has seemingly reached a stalemate, according to recent studies and reports. The insistence on office return, once a dominant narrative, now faces significant challenges and skepticism. Here are the key points from the latest data and research:

  • Stagnation in Office Return Trend: Economist Nick Bloom has declared the "return to the office" movement effectively dead. Despite initial post-pandemic efforts to revert to in-office work, data from various sources, including the US Census Household Pulse Survey and Bloom's own research, indicate a plateau in working from home levels and office occupancy since 2023. This trend suggests a fundamental shift in the work culture, moving away from traditional office-centric models.

  • Corporate Resistance and Subsequent Backlash: While some major corporations like IBM, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Meta have pushed for a return to office work, their directives have met with mixed responses. IBM's mandate for employees to work from company offices at least three days a week is reflective of a broader corporate attempt to revert to pre-pandemic norms. However, such moves have reportedly led to higher employee turnover, with about 42% of companies experiencing greater employee loss than anticipated, according to Unispace.

  • Economic and Productivity Benefits of Remote Work: Bloom, along with co-authors Jose Maria Barrero and Steven Davis, highlights the sustained prevalence of remote work, noting that 28% of full workdays among Americans aged 20-64 were done at home as of mid-2023. Their research underscores the advantages of remote work, including access to a broader talent pool, lower turnover rates, and potential wage adjustments due to labor supply effects. These benefits challenge the rationale behind strict return-to-office mandates and suggest that flexibility in work arrangements could be more beneficial for both employers and employees.

    Read Full Story

Nomad Died and Came Back: It Changed Everything (New Podcast)

Lithuania Vies For the Attention of Digital Nomads

Lithuania desires to emerge as a desirable destination for digital nomads. While it currently lacks a specific digital nomad visa, the Baltic nation is making significant strides in positioning itself as a European innovation hub, attracting startups and those seeking a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Here's a closer look at Lithuania's appeal for digital nomads and the existing visa options.

  • Why Would Digital Nomads Go: Lithuania offers a unique mix of scenic beauty and urban vibrancy, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The country's rich history is juxtaposed with its commitment to modernity, evident in its abundant workspaces, high-speed internet, and efficient public transportation. Digital nomads can expect a seamless transition to life in Lithuania, enjoying both its natural landscapes and its modern, tech-friendly environment.

  • Current Visa Options for Digital Nomads: While Lithuania does not currently offer a specific visa for digital nomads, there are alternative routes. The National Visa (D) is one such option, allowing foreigners to stay in Lithuania for up to 12 months. This visa caters to various purposes, including scientific research, business, and study exchange programs. Another option is the Startup Visa, tailored for entrepreneurs looking to launch startups in Lithuania. This visa is particularly relevant for digital nomads with entrepreneurial ambitions, requiring a business plan that contributes to Lithuania's economic development.

  • The Future of Digital Nomadism in Lithuania: The Lithuanian government's proposal to introduce a digital nomad visa is a clear indication of the country's commitment to attracting global talent. This move aligns with Lithuania's goal to become a European center for innovation and startups. With a population of less than 3 million, the introduction of a digital nomad visa could significantly bolster the nation's talent pool and contribute to its ongoing growth and development in the technology and innovation sectors.

eKairos Forum 2023: Speakers Announced

eKairos Forum has announced their first speakers. The first is none other than…

Maya Middlemiss

Maya is the "Storyteller from the Future", explaining the social impact of emerging technology, via journalism, podcasting, speaking, and writing.

From the future of work to the future of money, Maya is committed to the creation of inclusive and accessible narratives for a range of publications and brands, on subjects ranging from borderless business to collaboration technology.

She is the host of the Future is Freelance podcast and founder of the Remote Work Europe community.

Tune in to her live on December 28th, 2023

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Will Japan Become A Rising Star for Digital Nomads

Japan may soon become a preferred destination for digital nomads, a trend highlighted by the experiences of individuals like digital nomad Stefanos Antypas and the evolving visa policies in the country. Here are the key developments and perspectives shaping this trend:

  • Growing Appeal of Japan for Digital Nomads: The allure of Japan for digital nomads like Stefanos Antypas is undeniable. Drawn by the country's rich culture, low crime rate, and appealing cost of living, many remote workers find Japan an attractive place for both short-term visits and longer stays. Tokyo, in particular, has emerged as the fastest-growing remote work hub, indicating a significant shift in global work trends.

  • Government's Response to Digital Nomadism: Recognizing this potential, the Japanese government in the Fukuoka Prefecture is actively working on creating a new visa specifically for digital nomads. This initiative, expected to be detailed by the end of December, aims to boost the tourism industry post-COVID and provide a structured way for remote workers to stay longer in the country. The proposed visa, which could be available as early as April next year, would likely include considerations for taxes and health care coverage.

  • Diverse Perspectives and Needs of Digital Nomads: The digital nomad community in Japan is not homogenous, encompassing a wide range of backgrounds and needs. There's a growing call for the proposed visa to be inclusive and accessible to a diverse group of digital nomads, including those from developing countries and those with families. Experts like Akina Shu emphasize the importance of integrating digital nomads with local communities to ensure mutual benefits. The success of programs like “Colive Kyoto” and “Colive Fukuoka” reflects the potential for such integration.

P.S Stay tuned to next week’s Q&A with a very important figure in the Japan Nomad ecosystem, an exclusive Akina Shu you won’t get anywhere else. She is partially responsible for getting the government to get active in their goal to create Japan’s very first digital nomad town.

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