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Head to head

Iceland vs Japan: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Japan has the lower entry bar: €4,500 per month versus €6,935 for Iceland.
  • Tax treatment differs: Iceland — unclear — verify individually; Japan — foreign income exempt. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Iceland Remote Work Long-Term Visa and the Japan DN.
Criteria Iceland Remote Work Long-Term Visa Japan DN
Minimum income / month €6,935 €4,500 (better)
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 6 months
Renewable No No
Maximum total stay 6 months 6 months
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Unclear — verify individually Foreign income exempt
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €53,999
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €85 ≈ €16.20 (better)
Where to apply In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 2–4 weeks 1 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Iceland Remote Work Long-Term Visa →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Iceland → Insurance for Japan →

Sources