🇰🇷
Active Visa 2026

South Korea Digital Nomad Visa

Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation F-1-D)

How to Apply Compare
Seoul city skyline at night viewed from Namsan Mountain, South Korea
Photo: Matt Kieffer / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Unsplash
Min. Income
$5,500
per month
Stay
12 mo
Renewable to 24mo
Foreign Tax
Tax-Free
No foreign income tax
App. Fee
$225
14-30 days
Family
Allowed
Dependents eligible
Apply Online
In-Person
No citizenship path
Data verified: 2026-04-05  ·  See all All Visas

Overview

South Korea offers the Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation F-1-D) for remote workers and digital nomads. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income of ~$66,000 USD (88.1 million KRW, 2x GNI per capita). The visa grants an initial stay of 12 months, renewable up to 24 months total. Foreign income is not taxed during your stay.
Apply Online
Family Allowed
Renewable
Citizenship Path
67
/ 100
Very Good

Nomad Score

Our unique composite rating
Visa Accessibility 12/25

Fees, processing, online application

Stay & Flexibility 12/20

Duration, renewability, family

Tax Benefit 10/15

No tax on foreign income

Living Quality 21/25

Safety, healthcare, development

Digital Infrastructure 12/15

Internet, English, tap water

Nomad Score is calculated from visa accessibility, stay flexibility, tax benefits, living quality (UNDP, UNODC, WHO data), and digital infrastructure. Updated 2026-04-05.

Application Process

📋

Prepare Documents

Gather 6 required documents including valid passport, proof of income (2x korea's gni per capita, ~88.1m krw/year)

📝

Submit Application

Submit at an embassy or consulate abroad

⏳

Processing

Wait 14-30 days for a decision

✅

Approval

Receive your visa approval (fee: $225)

✈️

Arrive & Register

Arrive in South Korea and complete any local registration

Min. Monthly Income
$5,500 ~88,100,000 KRW
Initial Stay
12 mo Renewable after first term
Application Fee
$225 Excludes insurance & legal fees

Visa Requirements

Financials

  • Income Proof

    Must earn at least double Korea's GNI per capita (approximately 88.1 million KRW / ~$66,000 USD per year). Employment contract or proof of freelance income required.

  • Income Type

    yearly

Background & Health

  • Health Insurance
    Required
  • Background Check
    Required
  • Minimum Age 18+ years old

Advantages

  • • No tax on foreign income
  • • 12-month initial stay period
  • • Visa is renewable
  • • Family members can be included
  • • Can apply from abroad without visiting an embassy
  • • Can switch from tourist visa to F-1-D within South Korea

Disadvantages

  • • High income requirement (~$5,500/month / $66,000/year)
  • • Among the highest income thresholds of any digital nomad visa
  • • No direct pathway to permanent residency
  • • Background check required (adds processing time)
  • • Cannot apply fully online

Policy Change History

Tracking visa requirement changes over time to help you stay informed.

💰
2026-04 fee change

Application fee increased from $80 to $225

Fee updated for the Workcation visa program.

Source: Korean Immigration Service

📋
2026-04 requirement change

Income requirement adjusted from $5,833 to $5,500/month

Minor income threshold adjustment.

Source: Korean Immigration Service

🚀
2024-01 launch

South Korea Workcation Visa (H-1-W) launched

Korea introduced the Workcation visa for digital nomads with a high income threshold.

Source: Ministry of Justice

Real Nomad Experiences

What people are saying about applying for this visa — sourced from public social media posts.

💬 u/goforbroke510 r/digitalnomad 2025-02 Positive

"Recently acquired the new (or fairly new) South Korea Workation F-1-D (Digital Nomad) Visa. I obsessed over the entire process wondering if I kept doing things wrong or right, scouring Reddit and Facebook, so thought I'd share my process here in case it helps out someone else."

Detailed first-hand F-1-D visa acquisition walkthrough from San Francisco consulate

View original post →

Quotes are from public social media posts and may not reflect current visa policies. Always verify with official sources.

Tax & Legal

Taxation Profile
Foreign Income Tax-Free

Foreign Income

South Korea generally does not tax foreign-sourced income for holders of this visa, making it highly attractive for remote workers.

Local Income

Income earned from local South Korea sources is taxable at standard rates.

Digital nomad visa holders working for foreign companies are generally not subject to Korean income tax on foreign-source income. Local employment is prohibited under this visa.

Living in South Korea

All ratings use a unified A–D scale. A = best for digital nomads in each category.

💰 Affordability
C

Moderate

Numbeo Cost of Living Index: 55/100 (NYC=100, lower=cheaper)

🛡️ Safety
A

Very Safe

UNODC Homicide Rate: 0.5/100k population

🏥 Healthcare
A

Excellent Coverage

WHO Universal Health Coverage Index: 86/100

📶 Internet
A

Excellent for Remote Work

Ookla Speedtest: 200 Mbps median download

🌐 Development
A

Very High Development

UNDP Human Development Index: 0.929

🌤️
-2° – 27°C

Continental with monsoon — cold winters, hot humid summers, cherry blossoms in spring

🚰
Tap Water Safe

WHO/UNICEF JMP

💬
Local Language

Basics recommended

🌡️
Köppen

Climate classification

A = Excellent B = Good C = Moderate D = Caution

Sources: UNDP HDR 2024 · UNODC Homicide Data · WHO UHC 2023 · Numbeo · Ookla · WHO/UNICEF JMP. Updated 2025-07.

Common Questions

How much does the South Korea digital nomad visa cost?
The application fee for the Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation F-1-D) is $225. You will also need to budget for health insurance, document translation, and notarization costs.
How long can I stay in South Korea with a digital nomad visa?
The initial stay is 12 months. The visa is renewable, with a total possible stay of 24 months.
Can I bring my family on a South Korea digital nomad visa?
Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation F-1-D) allows family members. Eligible dependents include spouses and children under 18. Appropriate documentation required..
Do I need to pay taxes in South Korea as a digital nomad?
South Korea does not tax foreign-sourced income for digital nomad visa holders. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Can I apply for the South Korea digital nomad visa online?
No, the Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation F-1-D) requires an in-person application. However, you can apply from abroad at an embassy or consulate.
How do I renew my South Korea digital nomad visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation F-1-D) is renewable. Total stay can be up to 24 months. Renewal conditions: Extendable for an additional year. Must continue to meet income and employment requirements.. Apply for renewal before your current visa expires.

Where to Live & Work

Seoul

Hyper-connected city with the world fastest internet, K-culture, amazing food, and efficient public transit.

Avg 200 Mbps

Popular Neighborhoods

Gangnam / Seocho

Business district, modern, upscale dining and shopping

1BR Rent $1000/mo

Best for: Professionals wanting a polished, modern area

Hongdae / Mapo

University area, indie music, nightlife, creative energy

1BR Rent $750/mo

Best for: Young creatives and nightlife lovers

Itaewon / Hannam

International, diverse food scene, expat-friendly

1BR Rent $900/mo

Best for: English speakers and those wanting international community

Coworking Spaces

WeWork Seoul

Multiple locations, English-friendly

$300/mo
FAST FIVE

Korean chain, modern spaces

$200/mo
Maru180

Startup-focused, good for networking

$150/mo

Local Tips

  • ● Seoul internet is the fastest in the world - you will never have connectivity issues
  • ● T-money card works on all public transit and many convenience stores
  • ● Jjimjilbangs (Korean spas) are great for relaxation and even sleeping overnight

Busan

Korea beach city with incredible seafood, film festival fame, mountains, and a more relaxed pace.

Avg 180 Mbps

Popular Neighborhoods

Haeundae

Famous beach, high-rises, restaurants, nightlife

1BR Rent $700/mo

Best for: Beach lovers and those wanting resort-style living

Seomyeon

Central shopping and dining district, good transit hub

1BR Rent $550/mo

Best for: Budget nomads wanting urban convenience

Coworking Spaces

FAST FIVE Busan

Korean coworking chain, modern facilities

$150/mo
B.Hive Coworking

Local space, friendly community

$120/mo

Local Tips

  • ● Busan is significantly cheaper and less hectic than Seoul
  • ● BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) in October is a highlight
  • ● KTX bullet train connects to Seoul in just 2.5 hours

General Tips for South Korea

  • ● South Korea Workcation visa (K-ETA) is being developed for digital nomads
  • ● Korean language basics help enormously - Hangul alphabet can be learned in a day
  • ● ARC (Alien Registration Card) is needed for stays over 90 days

Prices are approximate and based on publicly available data as of 2026-04. Actual costs vary by individual circumstances and market conditions.

Advanced Questions

What is the F-1-D Workcation visa?
South Korea's F-1-D is a dedicated digital nomad visa launched for remote workers. It requires a minimum annual income of $66,000 ($5,500/month) and is valid for 12 months.
Is foreign income taxed in South Korea for digital nomads?
No. F-1-D Workcation visa holders are exempt from Korean income tax on foreign-sourced earnings.
Can I apply for South Korea's digital nomad visa online?
No. Applications must be submitted at a Korean embassy or consulate. You will need to provide extensive documentation including proof of income and health insurance.
Can I bring my family to South Korea on this visa?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in your application with additional documentation.
What is Seoul like for digital nomads?
Seoul offers world-class internet (among the fastest globally), excellent public transportation, cutting-edge technology infrastructure, and a vibrant culture. Coworking spaces are plentiful, and the food scene is exceptional.

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