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Have you heard of the Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea? Are you looking for an opportunity to work remotely or at a place of your choice? Due to the occurrence of the global pandemic in early 2020, an increased demand to carry out remote work is seen all around the world. With much influence over the past few years, many seem to be exploring possibilities to work remotely. If you are wondering about such an opportunity in South Korea, good news! The Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea (Workation Visa) is available from January 1, 2024 onwards.
We list out all the criteria required and let’s see whether you qualify for it!
What is the Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea?
The Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea, also known as the Workation Visa, is a pilot operation led by the Ministry of Justice. Workation refers to a combination of work and vacation, and the Workation Visa is aimed at allowing any eligible individual to be based overseas for remote working while enjoying traveling or vacation.
Holding a Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea allows the individual to stay in Korea for an extended period. Do you want to spend more time in Korea to immerse yourself in Korean culture or go on short trips to explore this beautiful country? If you’ve been dreaming of a Workation in the land of K-dramas or K-pop, this is your chance!
Who is eligible?
Any foreign national who is 18 years or older and affiliated with overseas companies with a minimum of one year’s experience in the same industry.
Accompanying family members are also eligible to apply.
Additionally, travelers on short-term stay tourist visas (B-1, B-2, C-3) are eligible to change to a Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea (Workation Visa) if requirements are met.
Income requirements
Applicants must have an income exceeding twice the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) of the previous year, according to the Bank of Korea’s announcement. Let’s look at one example below:
Per capita GNI (as of 2022):
Yearly: KRW 42,480,000 = USD 32,267.38
Monthly KRW 3,540,000 = USD 2,688.95
Twice the GNI:
Yearly: KRW 84,960,000 = USD 64,534.76
Monthly: KRW 7,080,000 = USD 5,377.90
Your Annual income should exceed USD 64,534.76* in this case.
*Exchange rate as of this writing. Foreign exchange rates are subject to change.
Medical insurance enrollment
After obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea, medical insurance enrollment is mandatory. You are required to have medical insurance with coverage of at least KRW 100 million covering hospital treatment and repatriation to your home country.
Required documents
We know it can be complicated to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea, so below we list what you will need!
- Visa application form
- Passport (Valid during your period of stay)
- One standard-sized photo
- Application fees
- Proof of employment
- Salary statements, bank transaction records, and other income verification documents
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of personal medical insurance enrollment
- Family relationship documents (if family members are accompanying)
Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea (Workation) Visa at your Korean embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your residence! If you live in Canada, you can find further information on the Embassy of Korea in Canada here.
Permitted duration of stay
Once you’ve received approval for the Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea, you will be granted an initial stay of one year upon entry. If you wish to stay longer, an option for a one-year extension is available. However, the maximum duration of stay is 2 years.
Do note that work activities are restricted to employment and profit-generating activities from your overseas employer only. Separate work visas are required for domestic employment within Korea.
Ready to kickstart a Digital Nomad life in South Korea? Why not begin with learning some Useful Korean phrases for everyday life? Alternatively, follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content, and be sure to contact us about living and studying in Korea!
