South Korea · Nomad / Remote work

South Korea Workcation visa (F-1-D)

Income needed: from ₩52.4M a year ≈ $39k

Digital Nomad (Workcation) Visa (F-1-D)

First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026Rule changed 30 Jun 2026 Change log

Key facts

Workcation visa (F-1-D) is a nomad / remote work route for South Korea. Applicants need income from ₩52.4M a year ≈ $39k. You can stay 1 yr, renewable. You can work remotely for foreign employers or clients, not for local ones. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.

Money needed: from ₩52.4M a year ≈ $39k
Government fees: $60
First stay: 1 yr

Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fee $60; income to show from ₩52.4M/yr ≈ $39k. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

Government fees$60

$60Visa application fee for a single-entry visa for a stay of 91 days or longer; the amount differs for some passport countries and multiple-entry visas cost more.

Shown, not spent₩52.4M+/yr ≈ $39k · +2 more

KRW 52,410,000 a year (≈ $39,300)Ages 18 to 34 staying outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline (concern) area: 1x GNI. Approximate: the release states about KRW 52.41 million (≈ $39,300).
KRW 78,620,000 a year (≈ $58,900)Ages 18 to 34 in the Seoul metropolitan area (1.5x GNI), or age 35 and over outside the metropolitan area or in a population-decline area (1.5x GNI). Also applies to applicants bringing family to a non-metropolitan or population-decline area (1.5x).
KRW 104,830,000 a year (≈ $78,600)Age 35 and over in the Seoul metropolitan area (2x GNI). Also applies to any applicant bringing family to the metropolitan area, regardless of age.

RenewalRenewable, 3 years max

The first year is granted at foreign registration; it can be extended 1 year at a time up to 3 years in total.

Ministry of Justice

Permanent residenceConditions

The official visa guide lists D-7 to D-10, E-1 to E-7 and F-2 as the statuses that count toward the general 5-year permanent residence rule; F-1-D is not listed.

Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice

Where to applyAbroad or in-country

Apply at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad. People already in Korea on a B-1, B-2 or C-3 short-stay status can change to this visa if they meet the requirements.

Ministry of Justice

Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

Time on this route is capped at 3 years in total
No local jobs: remote work for employers or clients abroad only
Some ways in have an age limit

What you'll need

Who can apply3

The applicant is an employee of an overseas company able to work remotely.
The applicant has at least 1 year in the same industry.
The applicant is aged 18 or over; accompanying children are exempt.

What you must show7

Ages 18 to 34 outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline area: income of about KRW 52,410,000 (≈ $39,300) a year (1x GNI).
Ages 18 to 34 in the Seoul metropolitan area: KRW 78,620,000 (≈ $58,900) a year (1.5x GNI).
Age 35 and over outside the metropolitan area or in a population-decline area: KRW 78,620,000 (≈ $58,900) a year (1.5x GNI).
Anyone bringing family to a non-metropolitan or population-decline area also needs KRW 78,620,000 (≈ $58,900) (1.5x).
Age 35 and over in the Seoul metropolitan area: KRW 104,830,000 (≈ $78,600) a year (2x GNI).
Anyone bringing family to the metropolitan area needs KRW 104,830,000, (≈ $78,600) regardless of age.
Private medical insurance covers at least KRW 100 million (≈ $75,000) for hospital treatment and repatriation for the stay.

Documents2

Documents are an employment certificate, pay slips, bank statements, a criminal record certificate and proof of insurance.
For non-metropolitan stays, a lease of at least 1 month or a workation facility or accommodation booking is also required.

Steps2

Apply at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad.
Holders of short-term B-1, B-2 or C-3 status can change to this status in Korea if the criteria are met.

What happens at day 183

How South Korea decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

Stay on this route

Up to 3 years in total

Tax residence

At least 183 days in a continuous residence in KoreaA person with no domicile who has a residence in Korea for 183 days or more is a resident

Foreign-source income

Remittance basis (5 years)

A foreign resident whose total period of domicile or residence in Korea is five years or less in the ten years before the end of the tax period is taxed on foreign-source income only to the extent it is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea.

Special regime

Remittance basis for foreign-source income of foreigners with 5 years or less of residence · Tax relief

All tax rules for South Korea Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026

Official site

Household figures

Household	Income a year
Single, aged 18 to 34, outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline area	KRW 52,410,000 a year (≈ $39,300)
Single, aged 18 to 34, in the Seoul metropolitan area	KRW 78,620,000 a year (≈ $58,900)
Single, aged 35 and over, outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline area	KRW 78,620,000 a year (≈ $58,900)
Single, aged 35 and over, in the Seoul metropolitan area	KRW 104,830,000 a year (≈ $78,600)
With family, outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline area	KRW 78,620,000 a year (≈ $58,900)
With family, in the Seoul metropolitan area, any age	KRW 104,830,000 a year (≈ $78,600)

1x, 1.5x and 2x gross national income (GNI) per person; the release states the 1x figure as about KRW 52.41 million. Accompanying children are exempt from the age rule.

Added up from the amounts in Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11

What you need to arrange

Health insurance
Private medical insurance covers at least KRW 100 million (≈ $75,000) for hospital treatment and repatriation for the stay
Accommodation
For non-metropolitan stays, a lease of at least 1 month or a workation facility or accommodation booking is also required
Police certificate and civil documents
Documents are an employment certificate, pay slips, bank statements, a criminal record certificate and proof of insurance

Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.

Full official text

Formal digital nomad scheme since 30 June 2026 for overseas-employed remote workers, with income thresholds set by age and region. ^{1 2 3 4}

What you must show and pay

Income of at least KRW 52,410,000 a year (≈ $39,300) · Ages 18 to 34 staying outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline (concern) area: 1x GNI. Approximate: the release states about KRW 52.41 million (≈ $39,300). ¹
Income of at least KRW 78,620,000 a year (≈ $58,900) · Ages 18 to 34 in the Seoul metropolitan area (1.5x GNI), or age 35 and over outside the metropolitan area or in a population-decline area (1.5x GNI). Also applies to applicants bringing family to a non-metropolitan or population-decline area (1.5x). ¹
Income of at least KRW 104,830,000 a year (≈ $78,600) · Age 35 and over in the Seoul metropolitan area (2x GNI). Also applies to any applicant bringing family to the metropolitan area, regardless of age. ¹
A fee of $60 · Visa application fee for a single-entry visa for a stay of 91 days or longer; the amount differs for some passport countries and multiple-entry visas cost more. ³

Requirements

The applicant is an employee of an overseas company able to work remotely. ¹
The applicant has at least 1 year in the same industry. ¹
The applicant is aged 18 or over; accompanying children are exempt. ¹
Ages 18 to 34 outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline area: income of about KRW 52,410,000 (≈ $39,300) a year (1x GNI). ¹
Ages 18 to 34 in the Seoul metropolitan area: KRW 78,620,000 (≈ $58,900) a year (1.5x GNI). ¹
Age 35 and over outside the metropolitan area or in a population-decline area: KRW 78,620,000 (≈ $58,900) a year (1.5x GNI). ¹
Anyone bringing family to a non-metropolitan or population-decline area also needs KRW 78,620,000 (≈ $58,900) (1.5x). ¹
Age 35 and over in the Seoul metropolitan area: KRW 104,830,000 (≈ $78,600) a year (2x GNI). ¹
Anyone bringing family to the metropolitan area needs KRW 104,830,000, (≈ $78,600) regardless of age. ¹
Private medical insurance covers at least KRW 100 million (≈ $75,000) for hospital treatment and repatriation for the stay. ¹
Documents are an employment certificate, pay slips, bank statements, a criminal record certificate and proof of insurance. ¹
For non-metropolitan stays, a lease of at least 1 month or a workation facility or accommodation booking is also required. ¹
Apply at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad. ¹
Holders of short-term B-1, B-2 or C-3 status can change to this status in Korea if the criteria are met. ¹

Stay

1 year granted at foreign registration from the date of entry, extendable 1 year at a time to a maximum of 3 years.
Initial permitted stay: 12 months.
Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Nationality

No nationality list in the release; 70% of holders in May 2026 were from OECD countries.

Work

Remote work for foreign employers or clients only; no local employment.

Family

Spouse and minor children can accompany; the higher GNI multiple applies when family comes to the metropolitan area (2x) or to non-metropolitan/population-decline areas (1.5x). Your spouse or partner may not work in South Korea on this visa.

Checked 2026-10-11

Official sources

Digital Nomad (Workcation, F-1-D) visa formal operation from 30 June 2026 — press release with scheme overview · Ministry of Justice (Korea Immigration Service) · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-07-07
Digital Nomad Workcation Visa: formal program announced effective 30 June 2026 · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-07-08
Visa application fees for each visa type · Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · checked 2026-10-11
Digital Nomad (Workcation) Visa guide · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-10
Visa Navigator: Customized Stay Guide for Foreign Residents · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-12

Workcation visa (F-1-D) and its alternatives

Route	Money needed	Stay	Work
Workcation visa (F-1-D)	Needs income from ₩52.4M a year ≈ $39k	1 yr, renewable	Remote only
DTV nomad visa Thailand	Needs savings of ฿500k+ ≈ $15k	6 mo, renewable	Remote only
Digital nomad visa Japan	Needs income of ¥10M+ a year ≈ $63k	6 mo	Remote only
Remote worker visa Indonesia	Needs income of $60k+ a year	1 yr, renewable	Limited
Virtual Work Visa United Arab Emirates	Needs income of $3,500+ a month	1 yr	–

Questions people ask

How much money do I need for the Workcation visa (F-1-D)?

Income of at least KRW 52,410,000 a year (≈ $39,300). Ages 18 to 34 staying outside the Seoul metropolitan area or in a population-decline (concern) area: 1x GNI. Income of at least KRW 78,620,000 a year (≈ $58,900). Ages 18 to 34 in the Seoul metropolitan area (1.5x GNI), or age 35 and over outside the metropolitan area or in a population-decline area (1.5x GNI). Income of at least KRW 104,830,000 a year (≈ $78,600). Age 35 and over in the Seoul metropolitan area (2x GNI). A fee of $60. Visa application fee for a single-entry visa for a stay of 91 days or longer; the amount differs for some passport countries and multiple-entry visas cost more.

How long can I stay on the Workcation visa (F-1-D)?

1 year granted at foreign registration from the date of entry, extendable 1 year at a time to a maximum of 3 years.

Can I work on the Workcation visa (F-1-D)?

Remote only. Remote work for foreign employers or clients only; no local employment.

Can I bring my family on the Workcation visa (F-1-D)?

Spouse and minor children can accompany; the higher GNI multiple applies when family comes to the metropolitan area (2x) or to non-metropolitan/population-decline areas (1.5x).

Does the Workcation visa (F-1-D) lead to permanent residence in South Korea?

The official visa guide lists D-7 to D-10, E-1 to E-7 and F-2 as the statuses that count toward the general 5-year permanent residence rule; F-1-D is not listed.

Is there a tax break for Workcation visa (F-1-D) holders in South Korea?

Korea: remittance basis for foreign-source income of foreigners with 5 years or less of residence: A foreign resident whose total period of domicile or residence in Korea is five years or less in the ten years before the end of the tax period is taxed on foreign-source income only to the extent it is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

Tax

Special regime

Korea: remittance basis for foreign-source income of foreigners with 5 years or less of residence

Tax relief

Foreign-source income: Remittance basis (5 years)

Details

On: Foreign-source income that is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea
Who: Foreign national (not a Korean citizen) who is a Korean tax resident

Taxed on

Foreign-source income that is paid in Korea or remitted to Korea; Korean-source income and all other income is taxed in full under the progressive income tax.

Who it applies to

Foreign national (not a Korean citizen) who is a Korean tax resident.
Sum of periods with a domicile or residence in Korea over the 10 years before the end of the taxable period is 5 years or less.
Resident means having a domicile in Korea or a residence of 183 days or more.

Exclusions

After more than five years of domicile or residence within the ten-year look-back, foreign-source income is taxed on a worldwide basis as for Korean residents.
Income not paid or remitted into Korea stays outside the Korean base for qualifying foreigners.

Days in the country

At least 183 days in continuous residence in Korea · A person with no domicile who has a residence in Korea for 183 days or more is a resident

Tax residence

The five-year test is counted over the ten years before the end of the relevant taxable period; non-residents are taxed only on Korean-source income (article 3(2)).

Visas

Applies by tax residence status and nationality, not by visa category.

Other taxes

Local income tax, VAT and social insurance apply separately; see “Optional flat tax rate for foreign employees” and “Korea progressive comprehensive income tax rates” for employment tax rates.

Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026Change log

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Head to head

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

Ask the AI about this route AI

An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.

How this was checked

Checked on 2026-10-11 against 5 official sources. Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

Digital Nomad (Workcation, F-1-D) visa formal operation from 30 June 2026 — press release with scheme overview · Ministry of Justice (Korea Immigration Service) · checked 2026-10-12
Digital Nomad Workcation Visa: formal program announced effective 30 June 2026 · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-10
Visa application fees for each visa type · Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · checked 2026-10-11
Digital Nomad (Workcation) Visa guide · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-10
Visa Navigator: Customized Stay Guide for Foreign Residents · Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-12

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.