South Korea Launches F-1-D "Workation" Visa
South Korea has officially launched its F-1-D digital nomad visa, often referred to as a "workation" visa, on June 30. This initiative moves beyond a pilot phase that ran from January 2024 to May 2026, establishing a more permanent pathway for foreign nationals to live and work remotely from within the country.
The visa is designed for individuals employed by overseas companies or who own foreign businesses, enabling them to reside in South Korea while continuing their remote work. A key objective of the program is to attract remote workers to regions beyond the densely populated Greater Seoul area, encouraging a broader distribution of international talent.
Key Changes and Eligibility
Significant updates from the pilot program include extended permitted stays and adjusted income requirements. Previously, most applicants needed to demonstrate earnings equivalent to at least twice South Korea's gross national income (GNI) per capita from the previous year. Under the new rules, lower thresholds apply based on age and intended residency.
Applicants aged 18 to 34 who plan to live outside Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province now only need to show an income equivalent to one year's GNI per capita. In 2025, South Korea's GNI per capita was $36,963. The maximum permitted stay has also been extended from two years to three, allowing for multiple entries throughout this period.
To qualify for the South Korea digital nomad visa, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have worked for a foreign employer or owned a foreign business for more than a year. They must prove that their work can be performed remotely from South Korea, meet the applicable income threshold, possess a clean criminal record, and hold medical insurance covering at least $75,000 for treatment and repatriation.
Spouses and dependent children are permitted to accompany the primary applicant, making it an attractive option for families seeking a remote work lifestyle in South Korea.
Application Process and Requirements
Prospective digital nomads must book an appointment at a Korean embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Required documents typically include a completed visa form, a passport valid for over six months, a passport-size photograph, an employment verification letter, criminal record certificates from eligible countries of residence, a medical insurance certificate, and proof of income such as tax documents and bank statements. Additional documentation may be requested based on nationality and country of residence.
After submitting the necessary documents and paying the visa fee (which varies by country, for example, approximately $45 for US citizens and CAD 121.50 for Canadian applicants), processing times generally range from 10 business days to three to four weeks, depending on the specific consulate. There is currently no expedited processing option available.
What the Visa Permits – And What It Doesn't
Holders of the South Korea digital nomad visa are authorized to work remotely for their foreign employer or foreign-owned business, enter South Korea multiple times, and stay for up to three years. Their family members, including spouses and dependent children, are also allowed to accompany them during their stay.
However, the visa explicitly prohibits employment with any Korean company or engaging in any profit-generating work for businesses based within South Korea. The focus remains strictly on enabling remote work for entities outside of the country.