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Head to head

Japan vs Netherlands: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Netherlands grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Only Netherlands offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; Netherlands — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Netherlands DAFT.
Criteria Japan DN Netherlands DAFT
Minimum income / month €4,500 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 6 months 2 years (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Standard resident taxation (Possible 30% ruling (if eligible))
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €423
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country 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

Netherlands DAFT →

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 Netherlands →

Sources