South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Korea F-1-D Workation Visa)
South Korea offers the F-1-D Workation Visa, often referred to as the Korea Digital Nomad Visa. This visa allows foreign professionals and freelancers to live in Korea while continuing their work for overseas employers or clients.
What Is the South Korea F-1-D Workation Visa?
The F-1-D Workation Visa is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote employees who wish to live in South Korea while working online.
Unlike standard work visas, it does not require sponsorship from a local employer. Instead, applicants must demonstrate they have stable remote work income from abroad.
The visa allows holders to reside in South Korea for up to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.
Who Is Eligible for the Korea Digital Nomad Visa?
Eligibility is based on meeting a set of financial and professional requirements. Applicants must generally:
- Be employed by or contracted with a company outside Korea (or operate their own foreign-registered business).
- Show proof of income above a set minimum threshold and usually higher than the average Korean wage (to ensure financial stability).
- Hold valid health insurance covering their stay in South Korea.
- Be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport.
Some family members, such as spouses and dependent children, may also be eligible to join under the same visa category.
How to Apply for the Korea F1 Workation Visa
Applying for the F-1-D Visa involves several steps:
- Prepare your documents (see below).
- Submit your application at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Pay the application fee, which varies by location.
- Attend an interview (if requested).
- Wait for approval – processing times depend on the embassy.
Once approved, you’ll receive the visa sticker in your passport, which allows you to enter South Korea as a digital nomad.
On arrival, you may also need to register with local immigration authorities to obtain a residence card.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for the Korea Digital Nomad Visa?
The exact list may vary by embassy, but common requirements include:
- Valid passport (6+ months’ validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Flight itinerary or proof of travel plans
- Health insurance certificate valid in Korea
- Bank statements or tax returns proving sufficient income
- Criminal background check from your country of residence
- Proof of employment or freelance contracts with foreign companies
Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.
FAQs About the South Korea F1 Visa
Here you can find answers to commonly asked questions about the F1 visa:
How can I work with the Workation Visa in South Korea? Toggle faqs
Holders may work only for foreign employers or clients. They cannot take employment with a Korean company under this visa.
Do Korea digital nomad visa holders receive a resident card? Toggle faqs
Yes. After arrival, applicants usually register at the local immigration office to obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC), which functions as an official ID in Korea.
How long does it usually take to process the Korea Workation Visa? Toggle faqs
Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks, though times vary depending on the embassy and the completeness of your documents.
Can I apply for the Korea Digital Nomad Visa while I am already in Korea? Toggle faqs
Generally, applications must be submitted outside Korea before entry. Switching visa types while already in Korea is not commonly allowed.
How can the Korea Workation Visa be renewed? Toggle faqs
The visa can usually be renewed for an additional year if the applicant continues to meet the income, insurance, and work requirements. Renewal is handled at a Korean immigration office before the visa expires.
Can family members accompany me under the F-1-D Visa? Toggle faqs
Yes, dependents such as spouses and children may be eligible for accompanying visas, provided you can show sufficient income and insurance coverage for them.
Is the Korea F-1-D Visa the same as a tourist visa? Toggle faqs
No. A tourist visa or K-ETA allows only short-term stays without work rights. The F-1-D is specifically for long-term stays for digital nomads working remotely.
Do I need to pay taxes in Korea as a digital nomad? Toggle faqs
Tax obligations depend on your residency status and income source. Many digital nomads continue paying taxes in their home country, but if you stay in Korea long enough to be considered a resident, Korean tax rules may apply.
Consulting a tax advisor is recommended.