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Head to head

Japan vs Seychelles: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Seychelles grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6).
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; Seychelles — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Seychelles Workcation Permit.
Criteria Japan DN Seychelles Workcation Permit
Minimum income / month €4,500 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable No No
Maximum total stay 6 months 1 year
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 Foreign income exempt Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €45
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online
Processing time 1 weeks 0.07–2 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Seychelles Workcation 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 Seychelles →

Sources