South Korea's Digital Nomad Visa Now Permanent – Workcation Visa Offers Up to 3-Year Stay

South Korea's digital nomad visa now permanent with up to 3-year stay

SEOUL — July 24, 2026 — South Korea's digital nomad visa, officially known as the "Workation Visa," has transitioned from a trial program to a permanent program effective June 30, 2026 . The visa allows eligible foreign nationals and their family members to reside in South Korea while teleworking for their home employer for an extended period.

The permanent program introduces significant improvements over the pilot phase, including extended maximum stay, reduced income requirements for certain applicants, and continued family inclusion .

Quick Facts: South Korea Workcation Visa 2026

Feature	Details
Visa Type	Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa)
Status	Permanent program (as of June 30, 2026)
Maximum Stay	Up to 3 years (1-year initial + renewable)
Minimum Income	Previously: KRW 84,960,000 (2x GNI)
New Income (2026)	Reduced for younger applicants and those outside metro areas
Work Experience	At least 1 year in the field
Age	At least 18 years (excluding children)
Family Members	Spouses and unmarried children under 19 can accompany
Local Work	Prohibited (cannot work for Korean employers)

Key Features of the Permanent Program

Extended Stay: Up to 3 Years

• Initial Visa: Granted for 1 year

• Renewal: Renewable for additional periods

• Maximum Stay: Up to 3 years (extended from the pilot's 2-year limit)

Reduced Income Requirements for Some Applicants

Under the pilot program, applicants were required to earn at least KRW 84,960,000 (approximately twice Korea's per capita Gross National Income).

Under the permanent program, lower income thresholds apply depending on factors such as age and intended place of residence :

Profile	Income Requirement
Younger applicants	Reduced income threshold
Outside metro areas	Reduced income threshold
Population-declining regions	Reduced income threshold
Standard applicants	2x per capita GNI

"Eligible younger applicants and those planning to reside outside metropolitan areas or in regions experiencing population decline may qualify with an annual income as small as the same amount of Korea's per capita Gross National Income."

Trial Program Information (Historical)

The visa was initially launched as a trial program effective January 1, 2024, for an indefinite period. The trial program allowed eligible foreign nationals and family members to reside in South Korea while teleworking for their home employer for up to two years .

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply?

Requirement	Details
Age	At least 18 years old (excluding accompanying children)
Income	Sufficient minimum income (varies by age and location)
Work Experience	At least 1 year in the field
Criminal Record	Clean criminal history
Health Insurance	Private health insurance with at least KRW 100 million coverage
Employment	Proof of employment with a home employer (outside Korea)
Family	Spouses and unmarried children under 19 can accompany

Documentation Required

• Proof of income (payroll records)

• Employment verification letter

• Criminal history certificate (clean record)

• Private health insurance (minimum KRW 100 million coverage)

• Family relationship documents (marriage/birth certificates for accompanying family)

Restrictions

• Cannot be employed by a South Korean company

• Cannot engage in for-profit activities in South Korea

• Cannot earn money from Korean sources

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

Step	Action
1	Gather all required documents (income proof, employment verification, health insurance, criminal record, family documents)
2	Submit application to the South Korean consular post in your country of residence
3	Consular post adjudicates and issues the visa
4	Enter South Korea
5	Apply for a residence card within 90 days of arrival

In-Country Applications

In exceptional cases, it may be possible to adjust from visa waiver status (B-1, B-2) or C-3 visitor status to the digital nomad visa in South Korea. However, the immigration department has not published detailed guidelines on the in-country adjustment process and recommends that applicants use the consular application route .

Benefits for Digital Nomads

For Remote Workers

Benefit	Impact
Extended Stay	Up to 3 years in South Korea
Family Inclusion	Bring spouse and children
Flexible Income Requirements	Lower thresholds for younger and regional applicants
Stable Environment	Reliable internet and infrastructure
Cultural Experience	Opportunity to experience Korean culture

For Families

• Spouses and unmarried children under 19 can accompany the primary visa holder

• Children are excluded from the minimum age requirement

Comparison: Pilot vs. Permanent Program

Feature	Pilot Program	Permanent Program (2026)
Maximum Stay	2 years	3 years
Income Requirement	2x per capita GNI	Reduced for younger/regional applicants
Status	Trial (indefinite)	Permanent

For the latest digital nomad visa updates, remote work news, and 2026 immigration developments, visit: Digital nomad visa page