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Head to head

Japan vs Romania: 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 €5,310 for Romania.
  • Romania grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
Criteria Japan DN Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
Minimum income / month €4,500 (better) €5,310
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months 3 years
Path to permanent residence No Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Foreign income exempt (Digital nomad tax exemption (Law no. 69/2023))
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required (explicit), min. €30,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €120
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, Online
Processing time 1 weeks 2–9 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) →

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 Romania →

Sources