Have you ever dreamed of sitting in a beautiful café in Seoul, sipping coffee, and working on your laptop? Imagine sending emails to your Indian boss while enjoying the view.
Now, South Korea’s F-1-D workcation visa, also called the Digital Nomad Visa, can make that dream come true. This started as a pilot from January 1, 2024.
With this visa, you can live and work in South Korea for up to 2 years while working for a company outside South Korea.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The visa is first given for 1 year and can be extended once to total 2 years. The processing usually takes 10-15 days but may take longer sometimes.
Important to note, you cannot work for Korean companies or run any local business while on this visa.
Conditions to Qualify
Your annual income must be more than $66,000 (about ₹58 lakh), which is nearly double the average income in South Korea.
You need at least 1 year of experience in your field.
You must be above 18 years old.
Important Terms and Conditions
Your work must be fully remote.
Your company must be based outside South Korea, or you must own a business abroad.
Your employer must approve you to work remotely from South Korea.
You must have medical insurance covering up to ₹83 lakh, valid for the full visa period.
You can bring your spouse and children under 18, but you need marriage and birth certificates.
Documents Required for Indian Applicants
Visa Application Form (Form No. 17) and passport-sized photo
Passport with at least 6 months validity
Employment Verification Letter (permission to work remotely from Korea for at least 3 months)
Income proof (salary slips, bank statements, ITR, etc.)
Indian Police Clearance Certificate (issued within 6 months, embassy-verified)
Police clearance from any country where you stayed for over 1 year in the last 5 years
Medical Insurance Certificate
Where and How to Apply?
Apply at the Korean Embassy or Consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. If you are already in Korea on a tourist visa (B-1, B-2, C-3), you can apply at the local immigration office.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Check your eligibility (income, age, experience).
Get your documents translated and apostilled in English or Korean.
Make an appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
Pay the visa fee (around $45).
Wait 10-15 days for processing.
After approval, enter Korea within 90 days and get an Alien Registration Card.
Keep in Mind
This visa does not give permanent residency. After 2 years, you must leave South Korea or switch to a different visa.
If you are a well-paid professional or business owner wanting to experience Korea while keeping your job abroad, this visa is a great work + travel opportunity — as long as you meet all the conditions.
