South Korea Launches Digital Nomad Visa with Eased Eligibility: F-1-D "Workation" Visa Now Officially Open
- Xavi
- 13 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
SEOUL — July 8, 2026 — South Korea has officially launched its digital nomad visa with more relaxed eligibility requirements than those applied during its pilot program, the Ministry of Justice announced on July 7.
The F-1-D visa, also known as the "workation" visa, became officially available on June 30, 2026. It allows foreign nationals employed by overseas companies to live in South Korea while working remotely — unlike a work visa, which requires employment with a Korean employer.
The program follows a pilot that ran from January 2024 through May 2026 and has now been formalized with significant improvements to make the visa more attractive to global talent. To learn more about what a digital nomad visa is and how it compares to other countries' programs, you can visit our comprehensive guide: Digital Nomad Visa Overview.
Key Details at a Glance
Feature | Details |
Visa Type | F-1-D (Workation / Digital Nomad Visa) |
Official Launch Date | June 30, 2026 |
Pilot Period | January 2024 – May 2026 |
Maximum Stay | Up to 3 years (extended from 2 years) |
Entry Type | Multiple Entry |
Processing Time | Approximately 10 business days to 3-4 weeks |
Visa Fee | Varies by country (e.g., ~$121.50 CAD for Canadian applicants) |
Work Permitted | Remote work for foreign employers only (no Korean employment) |
Major Improvements Over the Pilot Program
1. Lower Income Thresholds
Under the pilot program, applicants were generally required to earn at least twice South Korea's previous year's gross national income (GNI) per capita.
Under the new rules, lower income thresholds apply depending on factors such as age and location of residence in Korea.
Key Examples:
Applicants aged 18 to 34 who reside outside Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province are eligible if they earn at least the previous year's GNI per capita (rather than twice that amount).
Korea's GNI per capita stood at $36,963 in 2025.
2. Extended Stay Period
The maximum period of stay has been extended from two years to three years.
3. Incentives for Regional Residence
The visa now offers more favorable income requirements for those willing to live outside the Greater Seoul area or in designated population-declining regions — aligning with the government's goal of revitalizing regional economies.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Basic Eligibility
Age: 18 years or older (dependent family members can be younger)
Employment: Must have been employed by a foreign company (or own a foreign company) for more than 1 year and be able to work remotely in Korea
Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children can accompany the primary applicant
Income Requirements
Must meet the applicable income threshold based on age and planned residence location
Current standard: Twice the Korean GNI per capita (approx. $65,800+ per year after tax deduction for the standard requirement)
Additional Conditions
Clean criminal record — no disqualifying convictions
Medical insurance — must cover at least $75,000 USD for medical treatment and repatriation, valid for the entire stay in Korea
Required Documents
Based on official embassy guidelines, applicants must submit:
Visa Application Form (fully completed and signed)
Valid Passport (original and photocopy, valid for more than 6 months)
Passport-type Color Photo (white background, 3.5 x 4.5cm, taken within 6 months)
Employment Verification Letter — proving current employment and at least 1 year of employment (issued within 2 weeks of application)
Criminal Record Check — from both your home country and any country where you have lived for more than 1 year in the past 5 years (must be apostilled or notarized)
Medical Insurance Certificate — covering at least $75,000 USD for the full year of stay
Proof of Income — tax documents and bank statements demonstrating the required income level
Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant's nationality and country of residence
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
Check Eligibility — Confirm you meet the age, employment, and income requirements.
Gather Documents — Prepare all required documents, ensuring criminal record checks are apostilled where necessary.
Book an Appointment — Schedule an appointment at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country of residence (appointments are mandatory).
Submit Application — Apply in person or by mail at the designated Korean consular office.
Pay Visa Fee — Fees vary by country (e.g., $45 for US citizens, $121.50 CAD for Canadian applicants).
Wait for Processing — Processing times range from 10 business days to 3-4 weeks depending on the consulate.
Receive Visa — The F-1-D visa is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries.
Important Notes
There is no expedited service for this visa — plan accordingly.
Applicants from certain countries applying in Canada must have resided in Canada for at least 2 years before applying.
What the Visa Allows
Permitted Activities
Remote work for a foreign employer
Remote work for a foreign-owned business
Living in South Korea for up to 3 years (with renewals)
Multiple entries and exits during the visa validity period
Family members (spouse and children) can join
Not Permitted
Employment with a Korean employer
Conducting profit-generating work in Korea
Working for a Korean business or entity
Government's Vision
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho emphasized the strategic importance of the new visa:
"The digital nomad visa aims to broaden opportunities for creative talents worldwide to explore South Korea. We will create a settlement model that motivates highly skilled individuals to discover the country's allure, willingly settle here, and become valuable contributors to Korea."
Why This Matters for Remote Workers
Key Benefits
Lower Income Requirements — Young professionals (18-34) living outside Seoul can qualify with just 1x GNI ($36,963)
Longer Stay — Up to 3 years of legal remote work in Korea
Family Inclusion — Bring your spouse and children
Multiple Entries — Flexibility to travel in and out of Korea
Pathway to Settlement — The government aims to encourage long-term settlement
Strategic Regional Incentives
Outside Greater Seoul — Lower income thresholds for those living beyond the capital region
Population-Declining Regions — Additional incentives for those willing to live in designated areas
The policy aims to address regional population decline while attracting global talent
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the minimum income required for the F-1-D visa?
A: The standard requirement is twice Korea's GNI per capita (approximately $65,800+ per year after tax deduction). However, applicants aged 18-34 living outside Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province need only 1x GNI ($36,963).
Q2: Can I work for a Korean company on this visa?
A: No. The F-1-D visa is strictly for remote work with foreign employers. You cannot be employed by or conduct profit work for a Korean employer.
Q3: How long can I stay on the F-1-D visa?
A: The visa is valid for up to 3 years (extended from the pilot's 2-year limit).
Q4: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes. Spouses and dependent children can accompany the primary applicant.
Q5: How long does the application process take?
A: Processing times range from 10 business days to 3-4 weeks depending on the consulate. No expedited service is available.
Q6: What health insurance do I need?
A: You must have medical insurance covering at least $75,000 USD for medical treatment and repatriation, valid for the entire stay.
Q7: Is there a criminal record requirement?
A: Yes. You must have a clean criminal record from your home country and any country where you have lived for more than 1 year in the past 5 years.
Q8: Where can I apply for the visa?
A: Applications must be submitted at a Korean embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Q9: Does the pilot program affect current applicants?
A: The pilot ended in May 2026. All new applications from June 30, 2026 onward are processed under the new official rules.
Q10: What is South Korea's GNI per capita?
A: Korea's GNI per capita stood at $36,963 in 2025.
Official Resources
For the latest South Korea digital nomad visa updates, F-1-D application guidance, and 2026 immigration news, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/south-korea
About the Author: Xavi is an immigration policy analyst and content lead at VisasUpdate.com, covering global migration trends, visa regulations, and employment-based immigration pathways