South Korea has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D Visa), also known as the Workation Visa. The new visa came into effect on June 30, 2026, after running as a pilot program from January 2024 to May 2026.
The visa is designed for remote workers who want to live in South Korea while continuing to work for a foreign employer or their own business.
Under the new rules, eligible applicants can now stay in the country for a longer period than before.
Longer Stay and Easier Income Rules
The biggest changes in the new visa are related to income requirements and visa validity.
Earlier, applicants generally had to prove an income equal to twice South Korea’s previous year’s per capita Gross National Income (GNI).
Now, applicants aged 18 to 34 who plan to live outside Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province only need to show an income equal to one year’s GNI. In 2025, South Korea’s per capita GNI was $36,963.
The maximum visa duration has also been increased from 2 years to 3 years. During this period, visa holders can enter and leave South Korea multiple times.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have worked for a foreign company or operated a business abroad for at least one year
Have a job that can be done remotely
Meet the required income criteria
Have no criminal record
Hold medical insurance worth at least $75,000
Applicants can also bring their spouse and dependent children with them.
Documents You Need
Applicants must submit the following documents:
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Passport-size photograph
Employment verification letter
Criminal record certificate
Medical insurance with at least $75,000 coverage
Proof of income
Tax documents
Bank statements
The South Korean embassy or consulate may ask for additional documents depending on your nationality or country of residence.
How to Apply
Applicants need to book an appointment at the South Korean embassy or consulate in their home country.
After submitting all required documents and paying the visa fee, the application is processed. Processing usually takes 10 business days to 3–4 weeks. There is currently no express processing for this visa, and visa fees vary by country.
What You Can and Cannot Do
The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to:
Live in South Korea for up to 3 years
Work remotely for a foreign employer or your own overseas business
Enter and leave South Korea multiple times
Bring your spouse and dependent children
However, this visa does not allow you to work for a South Korean company or earn income from a Korean business. Applicants should carefully understand these rules before applying.
