South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D): 2026 Requirements & How to Apply
South Korea’s digital nomad visa, officially the F-1-D “Workation” visa, is no longer a pilot. After running as a trial from January 2024, it became a permanent visa category on 30 June 2026, with longer stays and lower income thresholds for some applicants (EIG Law).
If you work remotely for a company outside Korea and want to live in Seoul, Busan or Jeju for more than a tourist stay, this is the visa to look at. If you’re still comparing countries, see our list of digital nomad visa countries.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Official name | F-1-D Workation (Digital Nomad) visa |
| Status | Permanent since 30 June 2026 |
| Maximum stay | Up to 3 years (was 2 years during the pilot) |
| Income | Based on Korea’s per-capita GNI: 2x as the standard; 1x–2x for younger applicants or those living outside the capital area |
| Work experience | 1+ year with a foreign employer, or own a foreign company |
| Health insurance | At least USD 75,000 of medical and repatriation cover (Korean embassy) |
| Family | Spouse and children can apply |
| Can you work for Korean clients? | No. Income must come from outside Korea |
Who qualifies
You need to meet all of these:
- Age 18 or over.
- Remote job abroad. You’ve worked for a foreign company for more than a year, or you own a foreign company, and you can do the job remotely (EIG Law).
- Income from outside Korea. You can’t take a job with a Korean company, invoice Korean clients or sell goods in Korea.
- Enough income. During the pilot, everyone needed at least twice Korea’s per-capita GNI, after tax (Korean consulate, Seattle). Since June 2026, the bar drops to between 1x and 2x GNI for younger applicants and for people living in non-metropolitan or depopulating regions. For example, applicants aged 18–34 based outside the Seoul capital area need 1x.
- Health insurance. Private cover of at least USD 75,000 for medical treatment and emergency repatriation, valid for your stay. Our guide to digital nomad health insurance can help you pick a policy.
- A clean record. Expect to provide a criminal background check from your home country.
The new regional discount is the biggest change. If you’re under 35 and happy to live in Busan, Daegu, Jeju or a smaller city, the income bar is roughly half of what it was.
How to apply, step by step
You can apply at a Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. If you’re already in Korea on a short-term visa (B-1, B-2 or C-3), you may be able to switch to F-1-D at a local immigration office instead (Korean Law Demystified).
- Check your income tier. Work out whether you need 1x or 2x GNI based on your age and where you plan to live.
- Gather your documents:
- Visa application form, passport and passport photo
- Employment certificate or company ownership documents showing 1+ year
- Proof of income: payslips, tax returns or bank statements for visas
- Health insurance certificate (USD 75,000+)
- Criminal record check, apostilled or legalized if your consulate asks
- Book your appointment at the consulate that covers your place of residence, and pay the fee. Fees vary by consulate.
- Fly in and register. After you arrive, apply for your residence card (ARC) at the local immigration office.
- Extend inside Korea before your permitted stay ends, up to the new 3-year maximum.
Your consulate’s checklist always comes first: requirements and fees differ between missions.
Pros, cons and alternatives
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 years of legal stay | One of the highest income bars in Asia (2x GNI standard) |
| Lower threshold for under-35s outside Seoul | No local work or Korean clients allowed |
| Family can join | No direct path to permanent residency |
| Switch from a tourist visa inside Korea | Insurance and paperwork can be strict |
If the income bar is too high, compare the Japan digital nomad visa or the Malaysia DE Rantau programme.
Visiting Korea first to scout cities? Airlines may ask for proof that you’ll leave if you fly in one-way. A verifiable onward ticket covers you at check-in.
FAQ
Is South Korea’s digital nomad visa permanent now?
Yes. The F-1-D became a permanent visa category on 30 June 2026.
How long can I stay on the F-1-D?
Up to three years in total under the new rules, through extensions applied for inside Korea.
Can I work for Korean companies?
No. The F-1-D only covers remote work for employers or clients outside Korea.
Do I pay tax in Korea?
Korea uses a 183-day residency test. Spend 183 days or more in a tax year and you may become a tax resident, so get advice before you go.