East Asia

Japan, South Korea and Taiwan offer safety, excellent transport and high-quality healthcare, but their remote-work visas suit higher earners or shorter stays. Japan’s visa requires roughly ¥10 million a year and lasts up to six months without renewal, while Taiwan has extended its cumulative stay to two years. South Korea’s workation visa has been changing, so check its current terms.
Costs are generally higher than in Southeast Asia, and Japan in particular tends to reward visitors who plan carefully around visas, housing rules and language. Our best countries guide sets out the requirements for each program as of 2026, and our Fukuoka guide covers rents, private insurance and living without a car.
East Asia is also a long way from Europe and the Americas. If your clients are far away, see work-life balance as a digital nomad for how to structure your day around a large time difference, and how to beat jet lag for the flight itself.