Can a US citizen work remotely for a US company while in Japan for sightseeing?
Assume a US citizen works for a US company remotely and that this person has a passport, but no visa. Let's say they want to go spend some time in Japan for leisure/tourism/sightseeing - no more than 90 days, but still long enough to require them to take their work laptop and do their US-based job while they're there.
Is this allowed? My understanding is yes, even if their passport is stamped for tourism and sightseeing, as long as it's not for a Japanese entity, and as long as they're back out within 90 days. However I had somebody reading some of the same material I was a little while back and understanding it differently. What's the truth in this case?
Unless I'm mistaken, this seems to suggest that work can be done for 90 days, without a visa, but it is not clear about trying to do it while you're acting like a tourist:
A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business.
src: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
japan us-citizens work
add a comment |
Assume a US citizen works for a US company remotely and that this person has a passport, but no visa. Let's say they want to go spend some time in Japan for leisure/tourism/sightseeing - no more than 90 days, but still long enough to require them to take their work laptop and do their US-based job while they're there.
Is this allowed? My understanding is yes, even if their passport is stamped for tourism and sightseeing, as long as it's not for a Japanese entity, and as long as they're back out within 90 days. However I had somebody reading some of the same material I was a little while back and understanding it differently. What's the truth in this case?
Unless I'm mistaken, this seems to suggest that work can be done for 90 days, without a visa, but it is not clear about trying to do it while you're acting like a tourist:
A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business.
src: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
japan us-citizens work
my personal understanding is that as long as you are not working for a Japanese employer i.e. employed in japan and drawing a salary on a 'resident' basis; it is OK.
– Newton
Jul 23 '16 at 14:34
1
The last word in the quote above would seem to indicate that work-related activities are ok, as long as they don't fall afoul of some other restriction. I know I personally used this kind of temporary visitor (non)visa when visiting Japan as a US based contractor employed by a Japanese company, entirely for work puposes...
– Chris Dodd
Jul 23 '16 at 18:00
If you needed a VISA, I could see someone raising a red flag because you probably would need to proof that you can sustain yourself for that period of time. However, you don't require a VISA; they don't have any reason to believe you can't sustain yourself, nor do they care if I look at that quote.
– Sumurai8
Jul 23 '16 at 20:23
add a comment |
Assume a US citizen works for a US company remotely and that this person has a passport, but no visa. Let's say they want to go spend some time in Japan for leisure/tourism/sightseeing - no more than 90 days, but still long enough to require them to take their work laptop and do their US-based job while they're there.
Is this allowed? My understanding is yes, even if their passport is stamped for tourism and sightseeing, as long as it's not for a Japanese entity, and as long as they're back out within 90 days. However I had somebody reading some of the same material I was a little while back and understanding it differently. What's the truth in this case?
Unless I'm mistaken, this seems to suggest that work can be done for 90 days, without a visa, but it is not clear about trying to do it while you're acting like a tourist:
A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business.
src: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
japan us-citizens work
Assume a US citizen works for a US company remotely and that this person has a passport, but no visa. Let's say they want to go spend some time in Japan for leisure/tourism/sightseeing - no more than 90 days, but still long enough to require them to take their work laptop and do their US-based job while they're there.
Is this allowed? My understanding is yes, even if their passport is stamped for tourism and sightseeing, as long as it's not for a Japanese entity, and as long as they're back out within 90 days. However I had somebody reading some of the same material I was a little while back and understanding it differently. What's the truth in this case?
Unless I'm mistaken, this seems to suggest that work can be done for 90 days, without a visa, but it is not clear about trying to do it while you're acting like a tourist:
A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business.
src: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
japan us-citizens work
japan us-citizens work
edited Jul 23 '16 at 17:13
Panzercrisis
asked Jul 23 '16 at 13:08
PanzercrisisPanzercrisis
286213
286213
my personal understanding is that as long as you are not working for a Japanese employer i.e. employed in japan and drawing a salary on a 'resident' basis; it is OK.
– Newton
Jul 23 '16 at 14:34
1
The last word in the quote above would seem to indicate that work-related activities are ok, as long as they don't fall afoul of some other restriction. I know I personally used this kind of temporary visitor (non)visa when visiting Japan as a US based contractor employed by a Japanese company, entirely for work puposes...
– Chris Dodd
Jul 23 '16 at 18:00
If you needed a VISA, I could see someone raising a red flag because you probably would need to proof that you can sustain yourself for that period of time. However, you don't require a VISA; they don't have any reason to believe you can't sustain yourself, nor do they care if I look at that quote.
– Sumurai8
Jul 23 '16 at 20:23
add a comment |
my personal understanding is that as long as you are not working for a Japanese employer i.e. employed in japan and drawing a salary on a 'resident' basis; it is OK.
– Newton
Jul 23 '16 at 14:34
1
The last word in the quote above would seem to indicate that work-related activities are ok, as long as they don't fall afoul of some other restriction. I know I personally used this kind of temporary visitor (non)visa when visiting Japan as a US based contractor employed by a Japanese company, entirely for work puposes...
– Chris Dodd
Jul 23 '16 at 18:00
If you needed a VISA, I could see someone raising a red flag because you probably would need to proof that you can sustain yourself for that period of time. However, you don't require a VISA; they don't have any reason to believe you can't sustain yourself, nor do they care if I look at that quote.
– Sumurai8
Jul 23 '16 at 20:23
my personal understanding is that as long as you are not working for a Japanese employer i.e. employed in japan and drawing a salary on a 'resident' basis; it is OK.
– Newton
Jul 23 '16 at 14:34
my personal understanding is that as long as you are not working for a Japanese employer i.e. employed in japan and drawing a salary on a 'resident' basis; it is OK.
– Newton
Jul 23 '16 at 14:34
1
1
The last word in the quote above would seem to indicate that work-related activities are ok, as long as they don't fall afoul of some other restriction. I know I personally used this kind of temporary visitor (non)visa when visiting Japan as a US based contractor employed by a Japanese company, entirely for work puposes...
– Chris Dodd
Jul 23 '16 at 18:00
The last word in the quote above would seem to indicate that work-related activities are ok, as long as they don't fall afoul of some other restriction. I know I personally used this kind of temporary visitor (non)visa when visiting Japan as a US based contractor employed by a Japanese company, entirely for work puposes...
– Chris Dodd
Jul 23 '16 at 18:00
If you needed a VISA, I could see someone raising a red flag because you probably would need to proof that you can sustain yourself for that period of time. However, you don't require a VISA; they don't have any reason to believe you can't sustain yourself, nor do they care if I look at that quote.
– Sumurai8
Jul 23 '16 at 20:23
If you needed a VISA, I could see someone raising a red flag because you probably would need to proof that you can sustain yourself for that period of time. However, you don't require a VISA; they don't have any reason to believe you can't sustain yourself, nor do they care if I look at that quote.
– Sumurai8
Jul 23 '16 at 20:23
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
The word of the law is quite clear: a person on Temporary Visitor status cannot engage in
activities related to the management of a business involving income or activities for which he/she receives remuneration.
None of these terms is given a special definition in the text, so we may assume that they are to be understood in their ordinary meaning, and the answer to the question in the title is no.
However, I am not aware of any case where someone in that kind of situation was charged, so it is unknown what a court would say.
1
Well hang on - assuming your example is applicable, the text you quoted says management of a business. The asker simply said they were working. A developer or salesperson (common remote positions) are not necessarily performing activities that manage the business entity itself.
– Morgon
Jul 23 '16 at 19:38
1
I really wonder how could that be enforced
– Elchin
Jul 23 '16 at 19:41
1
@Elchin Well, if the immigration officer asks you if you plan to work while you're there and you say, "Yes," that seems like one way. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, they certainly might ask that. I rather doubt they would for a week or two, though.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:14
7
@Morgon I think the relevant portion here is "or activities for which he/she receives remuneration." That said, this is contradicted by the fact that this same status is used for business travelers who definitely are receiving remuneration for their activities in the country. If is further explicitly contradicted by the table that lists what Temporary Visitors may do: "Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan." However, note the 'short stay' part.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:36
2
@Elchin I'm not sure about Japan specifically, but most countries require no such legal standards in regards to refusing entry. If the agent suspects you intend to violate your terms of entry, they can deny entry. Spending 90 days is going to look like you plan to work in most cases.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:39
|
show 6 more comments
Please see the Japanese Embassy linked below to answer your question- yes, you are allowed to work for 90 days in Japan with a tourist visa.
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Yes- my [non-lawyer, non-legal, non-everything else] estimation is it's akin to being salaried but spending the 90 days allowed from a tourist visa in the country. As long as you aren't changing your business practices in any way due to being in Japan or somehow engaging in business there, you are essentially maintaining your employment. However, if you cycle through tourist visas by exiting and reentering the country after 89 days repeatedly, you could be in trouble. At that point you would be enjoying the spoils of Japanese taxpayers without contributing.
However, no one on this site can give you legal advice. If you want to be 100% sure, get a free answer from a Japanese visa company here-- http://www.juridique.jp/formeng.html
even better, consult the official Japanese Embassy in the US' website. It states clearly that staying in the country for 90 days- even for business explicitly- is perfectly fine.
"A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business."
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Thanks! What does it mean to cycle through tourist visas? Also, in this answer, are you including when people just go in with a passport and not an actual visa?
– Panzercrisis
Jul 23 '16 at 15:14
2
@Panzercrisis By "cycling through tourist visas," I think he means, say, spending 89 days in Japan, leaving, and coming back a few days later to spend another 89 days. Most countries explicitly ban this practice in one way or another, regardless of whether an actual tourist visa or a visa waiver entry is used.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:25
Just for my understanding, is this just your personal opinion or can you relate to some sources (e.g. links or personal experience)? If so, it would be great if you could state those in your answer! Also, do you have any affiliation with the company you linked to? If so, please disclose it, otherwise we consider it spam.
– mts
Jul 24 '16 at 9:43
1
@mts- I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company- just listed it as a actual legal resource. i will clarify better in the future. I also updated my original answer with a concrete source to back my answer
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 2:47
@Panzercrisis- no problem. You are good to go. Enjoy the trip!
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 3:24
|
show 1 more comment
De jure there are dozens of complex laws and regulations regarding remote employment, under which you may or may not need a special visa in order to work in a given country. Tax laws are an additional complication, where countries such as the UK can deem you as a tax resident for spending as little as 16 days on British soil.
De facto, as long as you don't mention your remote job to immigration personnel at the airport, there's a 99.99% chance no one will ever find out. There are millions of people breaking the law by being employed at on-site jobs in any given country, so digital nomads are a pretty low priority for law enforcement.
These days, you can't be so certain someone will not find out you're officially still on the payroll. For a start, your vacation status may be queried, access to your email requested, or you may disclose it via some social media site or other.
– Berwyn
Jul 25 '16 at 10:53
@Berwyn in theory yes. In practice the chances are astronomically low.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
2
The correct answer. Indeed even furthermore: most such very subtle "what does a visa allow" questions, are subjugated by the overwhelming reality that nations deliberately make all aspects of visa completely foggy; very often "visa rules" discussed on say here are in fact not rules but actually just guidelines which the Officer At The Gate may perhaps typically follow.
– Fattie
Sep 20 '16 at 4:39
add a comment |
No, it's not allowed. But what is considered work? Replying to and reading emails? Or surfing the internet and reading up new stuff related to your job? Where is the boundry when it turns from work for free, which is allowed, to work for money which isn't: when you receive money or when you're actually working on something? How can the police find out how much time you've been doing your work and how much time you've been learning new stuff? I advice you not to think about that and don't mention it to the police or in the airport in Japan, and anywhere else. For them you're a tourist and your purpose of visit is tourism. And keep doing your job.
Others agree that it's not allowed, but the text quoted in the question, taken literally, authorizes "tourism and business." (My hair-splitter department wonders about tourism OR business, i.e., only one.) But note that the text comes from the U.S. Embassy, not from a Japanese source. Even if it is correct, it's second hand at best.
– WGroleau
Jul 20 '17 at 14:56
add a comment |
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4 Answers
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
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oldest
votes
The word of the law is quite clear: a person on Temporary Visitor status cannot engage in
activities related to the management of a business involving income or activities for which he/she receives remuneration.
None of these terms is given a special definition in the text, so we may assume that they are to be understood in their ordinary meaning, and the answer to the question in the title is no.
However, I am not aware of any case where someone in that kind of situation was charged, so it is unknown what a court would say.
1
Well hang on - assuming your example is applicable, the text you quoted says management of a business. The asker simply said they were working. A developer or salesperson (common remote positions) are not necessarily performing activities that manage the business entity itself.
– Morgon
Jul 23 '16 at 19:38
1
I really wonder how could that be enforced
– Elchin
Jul 23 '16 at 19:41
1
@Elchin Well, if the immigration officer asks you if you plan to work while you're there and you say, "Yes," that seems like one way. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, they certainly might ask that. I rather doubt they would for a week or two, though.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:14
7
@Morgon I think the relevant portion here is "or activities for which he/she receives remuneration." That said, this is contradicted by the fact that this same status is used for business travelers who definitely are receiving remuneration for their activities in the country. If is further explicitly contradicted by the table that lists what Temporary Visitors may do: "Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan." However, note the 'short stay' part.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:36
2
@Elchin I'm not sure about Japan specifically, but most countries require no such legal standards in regards to refusing entry. If the agent suspects you intend to violate your terms of entry, they can deny entry. Spending 90 days is going to look like you plan to work in most cases.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:39
|
show 6 more comments
The word of the law is quite clear: a person on Temporary Visitor status cannot engage in
activities related to the management of a business involving income or activities for which he/she receives remuneration.
None of these terms is given a special definition in the text, so we may assume that they are to be understood in their ordinary meaning, and the answer to the question in the title is no.
However, I am not aware of any case where someone in that kind of situation was charged, so it is unknown what a court would say.
1
Well hang on - assuming your example is applicable, the text you quoted says management of a business. The asker simply said they were working. A developer or salesperson (common remote positions) are not necessarily performing activities that manage the business entity itself.
– Morgon
Jul 23 '16 at 19:38
1
I really wonder how could that be enforced
– Elchin
Jul 23 '16 at 19:41
1
@Elchin Well, if the immigration officer asks you if you plan to work while you're there and you say, "Yes," that seems like one way. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, they certainly might ask that. I rather doubt they would for a week or two, though.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:14
7
@Morgon I think the relevant portion here is "or activities for which he/she receives remuneration." That said, this is contradicted by the fact that this same status is used for business travelers who definitely are receiving remuneration for their activities in the country. If is further explicitly contradicted by the table that lists what Temporary Visitors may do: "Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan." However, note the 'short stay' part.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:36
2
@Elchin I'm not sure about Japan specifically, but most countries require no such legal standards in regards to refusing entry. If the agent suspects you intend to violate your terms of entry, they can deny entry. Spending 90 days is going to look like you plan to work in most cases.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:39
|
show 6 more comments
The word of the law is quite clear: a person on Temporary Visitor status cannot engage in
activities related to the management of a business involving income or activities for which he/she receives remuneration.
None of these terms is given a special definition in the text, so we may assume that they are to be understood in their ordinary meaning, and the answer to the question in the title is no.
However, I am not aware of any case where someone in that kind of situation was charged, so it is unknown what a court would say.
The word of the law is quite clear: a person on Temporary Visitor status cannot engage in
activities related to the management of a business involving income or activities for which he/she receives remuneration.
None of these terms is given a special definition in the text, so we may assume that they are to be understood in their ordinary meaning, and the answer to the question in the title is no.
However, I am not aware of any case where someone in that kind of situation was charged, so it is unknown what a court would say.
answered Jul 23 '16 at 15:54
fkraiemfkraiem
9,83012865
9,83012865
1
Well hang on - assuming your example is applicable, the text you quoted says management of a business. The asker simply said they were working. A developer or salesperson (common remote positions) are not necessarily performing activities that manage the business entity itself.
– Morgon
Jul 23 '16 at 19:38
1
I really wonder how could that be enforced
– Elchin
Jul 23 '16 at 19:41
1
@Elchin Well, if the immigration officer asks you if you plan to work while you're there and you say, "Yes," that seems like one way. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, they certainly might ask that. I rather doubt they would for a week or two, though.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:14
7
@Morgon I think the relevant portion here is "or activities for which he/she receives remuneration." That said, this is contradicted by the fact that this same status is used for business travelers who definitely are receiving remuneration for their activities in the country. If is further explicitly contradicted by the table that lists what Temporary Visitors may do: "Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan." However, note the 'short stay' part.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:36
2
@Elchin I'm not sure about Japan specifically, but most countries require no such legal standards in regards to refusing entry. If the agent suspects you intend to violate your terms of entry, they can deny entry. Spending 90 days is going to look like you plan to work in most cases.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:39
|
show 6 more comments
1
Well hang on - assuming your example is applicable, the text you quoted says management of a business. The asker simply said they were working. A developer or salesperson (common remote positions) are not necessarily performing activities that manage the business entity itself.
– Morgon
Jul 23 '16 at 19:38
1
I really wonder how could that be enforced
– Elchin
Jul 23 '16 at 19:41
1
@Elchin Well, if the immigration officer asks you if you plan to work while you're there and you say, "Yes," that seems like one way. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, they certainly might ask that. I rather doubt they would for a week or two, though.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:14
7
@Morgon I think the relevant portion here is "or activities for which he/she receives remuneration." That said, this is contradicted by the fact that this same status is used for business travelers who definitely are receiving remuneration for their activities in the country. If is further explicitly contradicted by the table that lists what Temporary Visitors may do: "Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan." However, note the 'short stay' part.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:36
2
@Elchin I'm not sure about Japan specifically, but most countries require no such legal standards in regards to refusing entry. If the agent suspects you intend to violate your terms of entry, they can deny entry. Spending 90 days is going to look like you plan to work in most cases.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:39
1
1
Well hang on - assuming your example is applicable, the text you quoted says management of a business. The asker simply said they were working. A developer or salesperson (common remote positions) are not necessarily performing activities that manage the business entity itself.
– Morgon
Jul 23 '16 at 19:38
Well hang on - assuming your example is applicable, the text you quoted says management of a business. The asker simply said they were working. A developer or salesperson (common remote positions) are not necessarily performing activities that manage the business entity itself.
– Morgon
Jul 23 '16 at 19:38
1
1
I really wonder how could that be enforced
– Elchin
Jul 23 '16 at 19:41
I really wonder how could that be enforced
– Elchin
Jul 23 '16 at 19:41
1
1
@Elchin Well, if the immigration officer asks you if you plan to work while you're there and you say, "Yes," that seems like one way. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, they certainly might ask that. I rather doubt they would for a week or two, though.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:14
@Elchin Well, if the immigration officer asks you if you plan to work while you're there and you say, "Yes," that seems like one way. If you're planning to stay for 90 days, they certainly might ask that. I rather doubt they would for a week or two, though.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:14
7
7
@Morgon I think the relevant portion here is "or activities for which he/she receives remuneration." That said, this is contradicted by the fact that this same status is used for business travelers who definitely are receiving remuneration for their activities in the country. If is further explicitly contradicted by the table that lists what Temporary Visitors may do: "Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan." However, note the 'short stay' part.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:36
@Morgon I think the relevant portion here is "or activities for which he/she receives remuneration." That said, this is contradicted by the fact that this same status is used for business travelers who definitely are receiving remuneration for their activities in the country. If is further explicitly contradicted by the table that lists what Temporary Visitors may do: "Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan." However, note the 'short stay' part.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:36
2
2
@Elchin I'm not sure about Japan specifically, but most countries require no such legal standards in regards to refusing entry. If the agent suspects you intend to violate your terms of entry, they can deny entry. Spending 90 days is going to look like you plan to work in most cases.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:39
@Elchin I'm not sure about Japan specifically, but most countries require no such legal standards in regards to refusing entry. If the agent suspects you intend to violate your terms of entry, they can deny entry. Spending 90 days is going to look like you plan to work in most cases.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:39
|
show 6 more comments
Please see the Japanese Embassy linked below to answer your question- yes, you are allowed to work for 90 days in Japan with a tourist visa.
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Yes- my [non-lawyer, non-legal, non-everything else] estimation is it's akin to being salaried but spending the 90 days allowed from a tourist visa in the country. As long as you aren't changing your business practices in any way due to being in Japan or somehow engaging in business there, you are essentially maintaining your employment. However, if you cycle through tourist visas by exiting and reentering the country after 89 days repeatedly, you could be in trouble. At that point you would be enjoying the spoils of Japanese taxpayers without contributing.
However, no one on this site can give you legal advice. If you want to be 100% sure, get a free answer from a Japanese visa company here-- http://www.juridique.jp/formeng.html
even better, consult the official Japanese Embassy in the US' website. It states clearly that staying in the country for 90 days- even for business explicitly- is perfectly fine.
"A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business."
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Thanks! What does it mean to cycle through tourist visas? Also, in this answer, are you including when people just go in with a passport and not an actual visa?
– Panzercrisis
Jul 23 '16 at 15:14
2
@Panzercrisis By "cycling through tourist visas," I think he means, say, spending 89 days in Japan, leaving, and coming back a few days later to spend another 89 days. Most countries explicitly ban this practice in one way or another, regardless of whether an actual tourist visa or a visa waiver entry is used.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:25
Just for my understanding, is this just your personal opinion or can you relate to some sources (e.g. links or personal experience)? If so, it would be great if you could state those in your answer! Also, do you have any affiliation with the company you linked to? If so, please disclose it, otherwise we consider it spam.
– mts
Jul 24 '16 at 9:43
1
@mts- I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company- just listed it as a actual legal resource. i will clarify better in the future. I also updated my original answer with a concrete source to back my answer
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 2:47
@Panzercrisis- no problem. You are good to go. Enjoy the trip!
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 3:24
|
show 1 more comment
Please see the Japanese Embassy linked below to answer your question- yes, you are allowed to work for 90 days in Japan with a tourist visa.
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Yes- my [non-lawyer, non-legal, non-everything else] estimation is it's akin to being salaried but spending the 90 days allowed from a tourist visa in the country. As long as you aren't changing your business practices in any way due to being in Japan or somehow engaging in business there, you are essentially maintaining your employment. However, if you cycle through tourist visas by exiting and reentering the country after 89 days repeatedly, you could be in trouble. At that point you would be enjoying the spoils of Japanese taxpayers without contributing.
However, no one on this site can give you legal advice. If you want to be 100% sure, get a free answer from a Japanese visa company here-- http://www.juridique.jp/formeng.html
even better, consult the official Japanese Embassy in the US' website. It states clearly that staying in the country for 90 days- even for business explicitly- is perfectly fine.
"A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business."
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Thanks! What does it mean to cycle through tourist visas? Also, in this answer, are you including when people just go in with a passport and not an actual visa?
– Panzercrisis
Jul 23 '16 at 15:14
2
@Panzercrisis By "cycling through tourist visas," I think he means, say, spending 89 days in Japan, leaving, and coming back a few days later to spend another 89 days. Most countries explicitly ban this practice in one way or another, regardless of whether an actual tourist visa or a visa waiver entry is used.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:25
Just for my understanding, is this just your personal opinion or can you relate to some sources (e.g. links or personal experience)? If so, it would be great if you could state those in your answer! Also, do you have any affiliation with the company you linked to? If so, please disclose it, otherwise we consider it spam.
– mts
Jul 24 '16 at 9:43
1
@mts- I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company- just listed it as a actual legal resource. i will clarify better in the future. I also updated my original answer with a concrete source to back my answer
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 2:47
@Panzercrisis- no problem. You are good to go. Enjoy the trip!
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 3:24
|
show 1 more comment
Please see the Japanese Embassy linked below to answer your question- yes, you are allowed to work for 90 days in Japan with a tourist visa.
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Yes- my [non-lawyer, non-legal, non-everything else] estimation is it's akin to being salaried but spending the 90 days allowed from a tourist visa in the country. As long as you aren't changing your business practices in any way due to being in Japan or somehow engaging in business there, you are essentially maintaining your employment. However, if you cycle through tourist visas by exiting and reentering the country after 89 days repeatedly, you could be in trouble. At that point you would be enjoying the spoils of Japanese taxpayers without contributing.
However, no one on this site can give you legal advice. If you want to be 100% sure, get a free answer from a Japanese visa company here-- http://www.juridique.jp/formeng.html
even better, consult the official Japanese Embassy in the US' website. It states clearly that staying in the country for 90 days- even for business explicitly- is perfectly fine.
"A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business."
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Please see the Japanese Embassy linked below to answer your question- yes, you are allowed to work for 90 days in Japan with a tourist visa.
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
Yes- my [non-lawyer, non-legal, non-everything else] estimation is it's akin to being salaried but spending the 90 days allowed from a tourist visa in the country. As long as you aren't changing your business practices in any way due to being in Japan or somehow engaging in business there, you are essentially maintaining your employment. However, if you cycle through tourist visas by exiting and reentering the country after 89 days repeatedly, you could be in trouble. At that point you would be enjoying the spoils of Japanese taxpayers without contributing.
However, no one on this site can give you legal advice. If you want to be 100% sure, get a free answer from a Japanese visa company here-- http://www.juridique.jp/formeng.html
even better, consult the official Japanese Embassy in the US' website. It states clearly that staying in the country for 90 days- even for business explicitly- is perfectly fine.
"A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business."
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/travel_and_visa_index.htm
edited Jan 27 '17 at 15:04
answered Jul 23 '16 at 14:05
Mearsheimer Mearsheimer
942
942
Thanks! What does it mean to cycle through tourist visas? Also, in this answer, are you including when people just go in with a passport and not an actual visa?
– Panzercrisis
Jul 23 '16 at 15:14
2
@Panzercrisis By "cycling through tourist visas," I think he means, say, spending 89 days in Japan, leaving, and coming back a few days later to spend another 89 days. Most countries explicitly ban this practice in one way or another, regardless of whether an actual tourist visa or a visa waiver entry is used.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:25
Just for my understanding, is this just your personal opinion or can you relate to some sources (e.g. links or personal experience)? If so, it would be great if you could state those in your answer! Also, do you have any affiliation with the company you linked to? If so, please disclose it, otherwise we consider it spam.
– mts
Jul 24 '16 at 9:43
1
@mts- I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company- just listed it as a actual legal resource. i will clarify better in the future. I also updated my original answer with a concrete source to back my answer
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 2:47
@Panzercrisis- no problem. You are good to go. Enjoy the trip!
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 3:24
|
show 1 more comment
Thanks! What does it mean to cycle through tourist visas? Also, in this answer, are you including when people just go in with a passport and not an actual visa?
– Panzercrisis
Jul 23 '16 at 15:14
2
@Panzercrisis By "cycling through tourist visas," I think he means, say, spending 89 days in Japan, leaving, and coming back a few days later to spend another 89 days. Most countries explicitly ban this practice in one way or another, regardless of whether an actual tourist visa or a visa waiver entry is used.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:25
Just for my understanding, is this just your personal opinion or can you relate to some sources (e.g. links or personal experience)? If so, it would be great if you could state those in your answer! Also, do you have any affiliation with the company you linked to? If so, please disclose it, otherwise we consider it spam.
– mts
Jul 24 '16 at 9:43
1
@mts- I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company- just listed it as a actual legal resource. i will clarify better in the future. I also updated my original answer with a concrete source to back my answer
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 2:47
@Panzercrisis- no problem. You are good to go. Enjoy the trip!
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 3:24
Thanks! What does it mean to cycle through tourist visas? Also, in this answer, are you including when people just go in with a passport and not an actual visa?
– Panzercrisis
Jul 23 '16 at 15:14
Thanks! What does it mean to cycle through tourist visas? Also, in this answer, are you including when people just go in with a passport and not an actual visa?
– Panzercrisis
Jul 23 '16 at 15:14
2
2
@Panzercrisis By "cycling through tourist visas," I think he means, say, spending 89 days in Japan, leaving, and coming back a few days later to spend another 89 days. Most countries explicitly ban this practice in one way or another, regardless of whether an actual tourist visa or a visa waiver entry is used.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:25
@Panzercrisis By "cycling through tourist visas," I think he means, say, spending 89 days in Japan, leaving, and coming back a few days later to spend another 89 days. Most countries explicitly ban this practice in one way or another, regardless of whether an actual tourist visa or a visa waiver entry is used.
– reirab
Jul 23 '16 at 20:25
Just for my understanding, is this just your personal opinion or can you relate to some sources (e.g. links or personal experience)? If so, it would be great if you could state those in your answer! Also, do you have any affiliation with the company you linked to? If so, please disclose it, otherwise we consider it spam.
– mts
Jul 24 '16 at 9:43
Just for my understanding, is this just your personal opinion or can you relate to some sources (e.g. links or personal experience)? If so, it would be great if you could state those in your answer! Also, do you have any affiliation with the company you linked to? If so, please disclose it, otherwise we consider it spam.
– mts
Jul 24 '16 at 9:43
1
1
@mts- I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company- just listed it as a actual legal resource. i will clarify better in the future. I also updated my original answer with a concrete source to back my answer
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 2:47
@mts- I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company- just listed it as a actual legal resource. i will clarify better in the future. I also updated my original answer with a concrete source to back my answer
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 2:47
@Panzercrisis- no problem. You are good to go. Enjoy the trip!
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 3:24
@Panzercrisis- no problem. You are good to go. Enjoy the trip!
– Mearsheimer
Jul 25 '16 at 3:24
|
show 1 more comment
De jure there are dozens of complex laws and regulations regarding remote employment, under which you may or may not need a special visa in order to work in a given country. Tax laws are an additional complication, where countries such as the UK can deem you as a tax resident for spending as little as 16 days on British soil.
De facto, as long as you don't mention your remote job to immigration personnel at the airport, there's a 99.99% chance no one will ever find out. There are millions of people breaking the law by being employed at on-site jobs in any given country, so digital nomads are a pretty low priority for law enforcement.
These days, you can't be so certain someone will not find out you're officially still on the payroll. For a start, your vacation status may be queried, access to your email requested, or you may disclose it via some social media site or other.
– Berwyn
Jul 25 '16 at 10:53
@Berwyn in theory yes. In practice the chances are astronomically low.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
2
The correct answer. Indeed even furthermore: most such very subtle "what does a visa allow" questions, are subjugated by the overwhelming reality that nations deliberately make all aspects of visa completely foggy; very often "visa rules" discussed on say here are in fact not rules but actually just guidelines which the Officer At The Gate may perhaps typically follow.
– Fattie
Sep 20 '16 at 4:39
add a comment |
De jure there are dozens of complex laws and regulations regarding remote employment, under which you may or may not need a special visa in order to work in a given country. Tax laws are an additional complication, where countries such as the UK can deem you as a tax resident for spending as little as 16 days on British soil.
De facto, as long as you don't mention your remote job to immigration personnel at the airport, there's a 99.99% chance no one will ever find out. There are millions of people breaking the law by being employed at on-site jobs in any given country, so digital nomads are a pretty low priority for law enforcement.
These days, you can't be so certain someone will not find out you're officially still on the payroll. For a start, your vacation status may be queried, access to your email requested, or you may disclose it via some social media site or other.
– Berwyn
Jul 25 '16 at 10:53
@Berwyn in theory yes. In practice the chances are astronomically low.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
2
The correct answer. Indeed even furthermore: most such very subtle "what does a visa allow" questions, are subjugated by the overwhelming reality that nations deliberately make all aspects of visa completely foggy; very often "visa rules" discussed on say here are in fact not rules but actually just guidelines which the Officer At The Gate may perhaps typically follow.
– Fattie
Sep 20 '16 at 4:39
add a comment |
De jure there are dozens of complex laws and regulations regarding remote employment, under which you may or may not need a special visa in order to work in a given country. Tax laws are an additional complication, where countries such as the UK can deem you as a tax resident for spending as little as 16 days on British soil.
De facto, as long as you don't mention your remote job to immigration personnel at the airport, there's a 99.99% chance no one will ever find out. There are millions of people breaking the law by being employed at on-site jobs in any given country, so digital nomads are a pretty low priority for law enforcement.
De jure there are dozens of complex laws and regulations regarding remote employment, under which you may or may not need a special visa in order to work in a given country. Tax laws are an additional complication, where countries such as the UK can deem you as a tax resident for spending as little as 16 days on British soil.
De facto, as long as you don't mention your remote job to immigration personnel at the airport, there's a 99.99% chance no one will ever find out. There are millions of people breaking the law by being employed at on-site jobs in any given country, so digital nomads are a pretty low priority for law enforcement.
answered Jul 25 '16 at 10:42
JonathanReez♦JonathanReez
49.6k41237508
49.6k41237508
These days, you can't be so certain someone will not find out you're officially still on the payroll. For a start, your vacation status may be queried, access to your email requested, or you may disclose it via some social media site or other.
– Berwyn
Jul 25 '16 at 10:53
@Berwyn in theory yes. In practice the chances are astronomically low.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
2
The correct answer. Indeed even furthermore: most such very subtle "what does a visa allow" questions, are subjugated by the overwhelming reality that nations deliberately make all aspects of visa completely foggy; very often "visa rules" discussed on say here are in fact not rules but actually just guidelines which the Officer At The Gate may perhaps typically follow.
– Fattie
Sep 20 '16 at 4:39
add a comment |
These days, you can't be so certain someone will not find out you're officially still on the payroll. For a start, your vacation status may be queried, access to your email requested, or you may disclose it via some social media site or other.
– Berwyn
Jul 25 '16 at 10:53
@Berwyn in theory yes. In practice the chances are astronomically low.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
2
The correct answer. Indeed even furthermore: most such very subtle "what does a visa allow" questions, are subjugated by the overwhelming reality that nations deliberately make all aspects of visa completely foggy; very often "visa rules" discussed on say here are in fact not rules but actually just guidelines which the Officer At The Gate may perhaps typically follow.
– Fattie
Sep 20 '16 at 4:39
These days, you can't be so certain someone will not find out you're officially still on the payroll. For a start, your vacation status may be queried, access to your email requested, or you may disclose it via some social media site or other.
– Berwyn
Jul 25 '16 at 10:53
These days, you can't be so certain someone will not find out you're officially still on the payroll. For a start, your vacation status may be queried, access to your email requested, or you may disclose it via some social media site or other.
– Berwyn
Jul 25 '16 at 10:53
@Berwyn in theory yes. In practice the chances are astronomically low.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
@Berwyn in theory yes. In practice the chances are astronomically low.
– JonathanReez♦
Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
2
2
The correct answer. Indeed even furthermore: most such very subtle "what does a visa allow" questions, are subjugated by the overwhelming reality that nations deliberately make all aspects of visa completely foggy; very often "visa rules" discussed on say here are in fact not rules but actually just guidelines which the Officer At The Gate may perhaps typically follow.
– Fattie
Sep 20 '16 at 4:39
The correct answer. Indeed even furthermore: most such very subtle "what does a visa allow" questions, are subjugated by the overwhelming reality that nations deliberately make all aspects of visa completely foggy; very often "visa rules" discussed on say here are in fact not rules but actually just guidelines which the Officer At The Gate may perhaps typically follow.
– Fattie
Sep 20 '16 at 4:39
add a comment |
No, it's not allowed. But what is considered work? Replying to and reading emails? Or surfing the internet and reading up new stuff related to your job? Where is the boundry when it turns from work for free, which is allowed, to work for money which isn't: when you receive money or when you're actually working on something? How can the police find out how much time you've been doing your work and how much time you've been learning new stuff? I advice you not to think about that and don't mention it to the police or in the airport in Japan, and anywhere else. For them you're a tourist and your purpose of visit is tourism. And keep doing your job.
Others agree that it's not allowed, but the text quoted in the question, taken literally, authorizes "tourism and business." (My hair-splitter department wonders about tourism OR business, i.e., only one.) But note that the text comes from the U.S. Embassy, not from a Japanese source. Even if it is correct, it's second hand at best.
– WGroleau
Jul 20 '17 at 14:56
add a comment |
No, it's not allowed. But what is considered work? Replying to and reading emails? Or surfing the internet and reading up new stuff related to your job? Where is the boundry when it turns from work for free, which is allowed, to work for money which isn't: when you receive money or when you're actually working on something? How can the police find out how much time you've been doing your work and how much time you've been learning new stuff? I advice you not to think about that and don't mention it to the police or in the airport in Japan, and anywhere else. For them you're a tourist and your purpose of visit is tourism. And keep doing your job.
Others agree that it's not allowed, but the text quoted in the question, taken literally, authorizes "tourism and business." (My hair-splitter department wonders about tourism OR business, i.e., only one.) But note that the text comes from the U.S. Embassy, not from a Japanese source. Even if it is correct, it's second hand at best.
– WGroleau
Jul 20 '17 at 14:56
add a comment |
No, it's not allowed. But what is considered work? Replying to and reading emails? Or surfing the internet and reading up new stuff related to your job? Where is the boundry when it turns from work for free, which is allowed, to work for money which isn't: when you receive money or when you're actually working on something? How can the police find out how much time you've been doing your work and how much time you've been learning new stuff? I advice you not to think about that and don't mention it to the police or in the airport in Japan, and anywhere else. For them you're a tourist and your purpose of visit is tourism. And keep doing your job.
No, it's not allowed. But what is considered work? Replying to and reading emails? Or surfing the internet and reading up new stuff related to your job? Where is the boundry when it turns from work for free, which is allowed, to work for money which isn't: when you receive money or when you're actually working on something? How can the police find out how much time you've been doing your work and how much time you've been learning new stuff? I advice you not to think about that and don't mention it to the police or in the airport in Japan, and anywhere else. For them you're a tourist and your purpose of visit is tourism. And keep doing your job.
answered Jul 25 '16 at 11:02
アレックスアレックス
21215
21215
Others agree that it's not allowed, but the text quoted in the question, taken literally, authorizes "tourism and business." (My hair-splitter department wonders about tourism OR business, i.e., only one.) But note that the text comes from the U.S. Embassy, not from a Japanese source. Even if it is correct, it's second hand at best.
– WGroleau
Jul 20 '17 at 14:56
add a comment |
Others agree that it's not allowed, but the text quoted in the question, taken literally, authorizes "tourism and business." (My hair-splitter department wonders about tourism OR business, i.e., only one.) But note that the text comes from the U.S. Embassy, not from a Japanese source. Even if it is correct, it's second hand at best.
– WGroleau
Jul 20 '17 at 14:56
Others agree that it's not allowed, but the text quoted in the question, taken literally, authorizes "tourism and business." (My hair-splitter department wonders about tourism OR business, i.e., only one.) But note that the text comes from the U.S. Embassy, not from a Japanese source. Even if it is correct, it's second hand at best.
– WGroleau
Jul 20 '17 at 14:56
Others agree that it's not allowed, but the text quoted in the question, taken literally, authorizes "tourism and business." (My hair-splitter department wonders about tourism OR business, i.e., only one.) But note that the text comes from the U.S. Embassy, not from a Japanese source. Even if it is correct, it's second hand at best.
– WGroleau
Jul 20 '17 at 14:56
add a comment |
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my personal understanding is that as long as you are not working for a Japanese employer i.e. employed in japan and drawing a salary on a 'resident' basis; it is OK.
– Newton
Jul 23 '16 at 14:34
1
The last word in the quote above would seem to indicate that work-related activities are ok, as long as they don't fall afoul of some other restriction. I know I personally used this kind of temporary visitor (non)visa when visiting Japan as a US based contractor employed by a Japanese company, entirely for work puposes...
– Chris Dodd
Jul 23 '16 at 18:00
If you needed a VISA, I could see someone raising a red flag because you probably would need to proof that you can sustain yourself for that period of time. However, you don't require a VISA; they don't have any reason to believe you can't sustain yourself, nor do they care if I look at that quote.
– Sumurai8
Jul 23 '16 at 20:23