South Korea digital nomad visa
South Korea's F-1-D 'workation' visa opens Seoul's hyper-connected, dynamic city life — the world's best mobile internet, safety, and food — to remote workers. The income bar is steep (about $66,000/year, twice Korea's GNI per capita) and it requires real insurance and work history, but for fans of Korea wanting up to two years, it's the legitimate route.
Workation Visa (F-1-D) at a glance ✓ Verified 2026
- Income requirement: ~$5500/month
- Length of stay: up to 24 months
- Processing time: 3–4 weeks
- Official source: government site
Requirements
- Annual income of at least about ₩88.1 million (~$66,000) — roughly twice Korea's GNI per capita
- At least one year of work experience in the same industry
- Remote work for a foreign employer or your own overseas business; no Korean clients or employers
- Private medical insurance with coverage of at least ₩100 million (~$75,000)
- Clean criminal record (FBI check apostilled for US applicants)
- Valid passport
How to apply
- Confirm your income meets the ~$66,000/year bar and you have a year of relevant work experience
- Gather documents: passport, income proof, employment proof, apostilled criminal background check, insurance
- Apply at a Korean consulate or embassy in your home country
- Wait out processing — typically 3–4 weeks
- Receive the F-1-D visa, valid one year and renewable once for two years total
Moving abroad means more than the visa — sort your travel insurance (many visa applications require proof of coverage), set up borderless banking, and land with data working.
First nomad visa? Our digital nomad visa guide explains how qualifying, applying, and taxes work across every country.
Frequently asked questions
About ₩88.1 million/year (~$66,000), roughly twice Korea's GNI per capita — one of the highest nomad-visa thresholds in the world.
One year on first issue, renewable once, for a maximum of two years.
No. The visa is strictly for remote work serving foreign employers or clients; you can't take up local Korean employment.
Private medical insurance covering at least ₩100 million (~$75,000) for hospital treatment and medical repatriation — Korea requires substantial coverage.
More visas in Asia
Visa rules, income thresholds, and fees change — always confirm the current requirements on the official government source (linked here) before applying. This page is informational, not immigration advice.