Moving to Japan as a Software Developer: An Opinionated FAQ

Working remotely for a US company from Japan is great if you can swing it. Especially now with the weak yen (assuming you earn USD).

The main issue is getting a visa. Unless you have a Japanese spouse or Japanese citizenship/permanent residency, this is a major barrier.

There are a few paths though.

1. For big companies like Google or Indeed, you can try for an "intra-company transferee" visa. The company has to have a Japanese corporate entity and you have to work for them overseas for 1 year first.

2. Your company can use an "EOR" (Employer of Record) service. Basically a 3rd party company in Japan that employs you on behalf of your actual employer, and sponsors your visa. Your company pays the EOR company a fee.

3. Start your own company in Japan and work for your previous employer as a contractor through your Japan entity. This is generally expensive and requires you to deal with an accountant etc, so not a great option for most people.

So if any of those sound like options, then it may be possible. Usually the more experienced and valued you are by your company, the more likely it is you'll be able to do it.

I'll add this info to the post too, thanks for your question!