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Head to head

Japan vs Kenya: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Kenya has the lower entry bar: €1,850 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • Kenya grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; Kenya — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Kenya Class N Permit.
Criteria Japan DN Kenya Class N Permit
Minimum income / month €4,500 €1,850 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 6 months 2 years (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €185
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, In country
Processing time 1 weeks —

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

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 Japan → Insurance for Kenya →

Sources