South Korea launches digital nomad visa with easier rules, longer stay

South Korea has officially launched its F-1-D digital nomad visa, also known as the "workation" visa, with relaxed eligibility rules and a longer maximum stay than the pilot program. The visa became available on June 30, after a pilot that ran from January 2024 to May 2026.

The visa allows foreign nationals employed by overseas companies, or those who own foreign businesses, to live in South Korea while working remotely. It does not permit employment with Korean companies.

One of the biggest changes is a reduction in income requirements for some applicants. During the pilot, applicants generally had to earn at least twice South Korea's previous year's gross national income (GNI) per capita. Under the new rules, lower thresholds apply based on factors such as age and where the applicant plans to live.


For example, applicants aged 18 to 34 who choose to live outside Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province can qualify by earning at least one year's GNI per capita instead of twice that amount. South Korea's GNI per capita stood at $36,963 in 2025.

The government has also extended the maximum stay under the visa from two years to three years. The multiple-entry visa is aimed at attracting global remote workers while encouraging them to settle in regions outside the Greater Seoul area.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have worked for a foreign employer or owned a foreign company for more than one year.
• Be able to work remotely while staying in South Korea.
• Meet the applicable income requirement based on age and intended place of residence.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Hold medical insurance covering at least $75,000 for medical treatment and repatriation during their stay.

Spouses and dependent children can accompany the primary applicant.

Documents required

Applicants need to submit:

• Completed visa application form.
• Passport valid for more than six months.
• Passport-size photograph.
• Employment verification letter.
• Criminal record certificates from eligible countries of residence.
• Medical insurance certificate.
• Proof of income, including tax documents and bank statements.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant's nationality and country of residence.

Application process

Applicants must book an appointment with a Korean embassy or consulate in their country of residence, submit the required documents, pay the visa fee and wait for processing. Processing typically takes 10 business days to three to four weeks, depending on the consulate. There is no expedited processing.

Visa fees vary by country. For example, the fee is about $45 for US citizens and approximately CAD 121.50 for Canadian applicants.

What the visa allows

The F-1-D visa permits:

• Remote work for a foreign employer or foreign-owned business.
• Multiple entries into South Korea.
• Residence for up to three years under the new rules.
• Accompanying family members, including spouses and dependent children.

However, visa holders cannot work for a Korean employer or undertake profit-generating work for businesses in South Korea.