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Latest update August 2026
Have you dreamed of living in South Korea while continuing to work remotely for a company or business overseas? South Korea’s Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the F-1-D or Workation Visa, allows eligible foreign nationals to live in Korea while working remotely for an overseas company.
The visa was first introduced as a pilot program in January 2024. As of June 30, 2026, the Digital Nomad Visa has become a permanent program, with the maximum period of stay extended to three years.
If you’re considering a longer stay in Korea while working remotely, here’s what you need to know about the F-1-D visa.
Please note: Go! Go! Hanguk currently does not support F-1-D visa applications.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea?
The Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea, also known as the Workation Visa, is designed for foreign nationals (eligible digital nomads) to live in Korea without working for a Korean employer.
Unlike the original pilot program, which was introduced for a limited period, the F-1-D visa is now a permanent visa program.
The changes also make it easier for younger applicants and people who choose to live outside the Seoul Capital Area to qualify for the visa. This is part of Korea’s efforts to encourage digital nomads to experience different parts of the country and contribute to local economies.
Who is eligible?
The Digital Nomad Visa is intended for foreign nationals who:
- Are 18 years old or above
- Work remotely for an overseas company or operate a business overseas
- Have at least one year of experience in the same industry
- Meet the required income threshold
- Do not work for a Korean employer
Working for a Korean employer or engaging in profit-making activities for a Korean business is not permitted under this visa.
What are the income requirements?
One of the biggest changes to the F-1-D visa in 2026 is the introduction of different income requirements based on your age and place of residence. The requirements are based on Korea’s annual Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
If you are between 18 and 34 years old, the income requirement is:
Seoul Capital Area: 1.5× the GNI per capita =
KRW 78.62 million or more per year (~USD 55K/year)
Outside the Seoul Capital Area: 1× the GNI per capita =
KRW 52.41 million or more per year (~USD 37K/year)
If you are 35 years old or above, the income requirement is:
Seoul Capital Area: 2× the GNI per capita =
KRW 104.83 million or more per year (~USD 74K/year)
Outside the Seoul Capital Area: 1.5× the GNI per capita =
KRW 78.62 million or more per year (~USD 55K/year)
In other words, both your age and where you plan to live can affect the minimum income required for your application.
Note: The income figures above are based on Korea’s 2025 GNI per capita of KRW 52.41 million. GNI figures and exchange rates may change, so the applicable amount may be updated in the future.
What counts as the Seoul Capital Area?
The Seoul Capital Area (수도권) generally refers to Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
If you choose to live outside this area, you may qualify for a lower income threshold depending on your age.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Eligible F-1-D visa holders may be accompanied by their legal spouse and dependent children under 18. However, additional income requirements apply when bringing family members.
For family accompaniment, the required income is:
Seoul Capital Area:
Approximately KRW 104.83 million per year (~USD 74K/year), equivalent to twice the GNI per capita.
Outside the Seoul Capital Area:
Approximately KRW 78.62 million per year (~USD 55K/year), equivalent to 1.5 times the GNI per capita.
You will also need to provide appropriate documentation proving your family relationship.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Applicants are required to have private health insurance covering medical expenses during their stay in Korea. Make sure your insurance meets the requirements specified by Korean immigration authorities before applying.
What documents do I need?
While the exact documents required may vary depending on your circumstances and where you apply, applicants should generally prepare documents such as:
- Visa application form
- Passport (Valid during your period of stay)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Application fees
- Proof of overseas 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)
- Other documents requested by the Korean embassy, consulate or immigration office
Always check with the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence for the latest application requirements before submitting your application.
How long can I stay in Korea with the F-1-D Visa?
The maximum period of stay has been increased to three years under the permanent Digital Nomad Visa program. The visa is granted for one year at a time, with extensions available for eligible applicants, allowing a total stay of up to three years.
This is an increase from the previous pilot program, which allowed an initial one-year stay with a possible one-year extension, for a maximum of two years.
FAQs about Digital Nomad Visa
1. Can I work remotely for a company in my home country?
Yes. The visa is intended for people who work remotely for an overseas company or operate an overseas business.
2. Can I work for a Korean company?
No. The F-1-D visa does not allow employment or profit-making activities for a Korean employer.
3. Is the income requirement the same for everyone?
No. From 2026, the income requirement depends on your age and where you live in Korea.
Applicants aged 18–34 have a lower income threshold, and applicants living outside the Seoul Capital Area may also qualify with a lower income.
4. Can I live anywhere in Korea?
The visa allows you to stay in Korea, but your place of residence can affect the income requirement. Applicants who live outside the Seoul Capital Area may qualify under a lower income threshold.
5. Does Go! Go! Hanguk help with F-1-D visa applications?
No. Go! Go! Hanguk currently does not support F-1-D visa applications. If you are interested in studying Korean, however, we can still help you explore Korean language programs and life in Korea.
Please note that visa requirements and immigration policies can change. Always check the latest information from the Korean immigration authorities or the Korean embassy/consulate responsible for your application before applying.
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!
