Ever thought about working from the heart of Seoul or opening your laptop surrounded by South Korea’s stunning natural beauty for a while?
The F-1-D Workation Visa makes it possible. Designed for digital nomads, this visa lets you mix work and adventure in a country packed with culture, cutting-edge tech and endless opportunities to explore. If you’re looking for a unique spot to set up your remote office, South Korea might just be the ideal place.
That being said, let’s get into the details of the F-1-D Workation Visa.
In this South Korea digital nomad visa guide
What exactly is the F-1-D Workation Visa (South Korea digital nomad visa)?
Launched in 2024, the F-1-D Workation Visa is a visa offered by South Korea for remote workers employed by companies in eligible countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and others.
This visa allows digital nomads to live and work in South Korea for an extended period of time. It provides the flexibility to work remotely while immersing yourself in South Korea’s dynamic culture.
Eligibility for South Korea's digital nomad visa
You must meet several requirements to be eligible for South Korea’s digital nomad visa. First, you must be at least 18 years old. You also need to earn a minimum monthly salary of approximately ₩8.3 million South Korean Won (around USD$6,200), though this figure is subject to change.
Additionally, you must have worked for your current employer, which must be based in an eligible country for at least one year. Your employer must also approve your remote work arrangement from South Korea for a period longer than 90 days.
Please note that freelancers and individuals not employed by a qualifying company are not eligible for this visa.
What do you need to apply?
To apply for the F-1-D Workation Visa, you will need to provide several documents. First, you must submit a completed visa application form along with a recent passport photo. You will also need to provide your passport, which must have at least six months of validity remaining. Proof of employment from a company based in an eligible country is required, including verification of your income.
Additionally, you must submit a criminal record certificate from your home country. Health insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation up to £90,000/US $112,000 (₩135,000,000 in Korean Won) is also necessary. You may also need to provide additional documents, such as recent bank statements and tax returns.
How to apply for the F-1-D Workation Visa
The application form for the South Korea digital nomad visa can be found directly through the Embassy’s official page:
Complete the visa application form
Ensure all required information is filled in accurately.- Collect all necessary documents
These include your passport, proof of employment, income verification, criminal background check and health insurance. Submit your application
You can either submit it in person at the embassy or consulate, or through an authorised visa agent.
The South Korea digital nomad visa costs £198, plus a £53 service fee at the visa application centre, per Wise. According to Digital Nomads Korea, it can take up to 15 working days to be processed. Dependents of the main applicant can apply for the F-1-D Workation Visa too.
How long can you stay, and can the visa be renewed?
The F-1-D Workation Visa allows you to stay in South Korea for up to one year. After the first year, you can apply for an extension of up to one additional year.
If you do opt to extend your stay beyond the initial year, your extension will be processed through the local immigration office in South Korea, and approval depends on meeting all of the visa requirements.
What about paying taxes in South Korea?
As a remote worker on the F-1-D Workation Visa, you generally will not be taxed in South Korea on income earned from foreign sources. However, if your stay exceeds 183 days in a calendar year, you may become a tax resident, which could subject your worldwide income to South Korean taxation.
Even if you remain a non-resident, it’s important to check your home country’s tax treaty with South Korea to avoid double taxation. Tax rules can be complex and change frequently, so it’s advisable to consult a tax advisor to ensure full compliance based on your individual circumstances.
Do you even need a visa?
If your trip to South Korea is short, you probably won’t need a visa. Citizens from countries like the US, UK, Canada and most of the EU can typically stay as tourists for up to 90 days.
But if your plan is to spend several months living in South Korea while working remotely, a regular tourist visa won’t cover you. That’s where the F-1-D Workation Visa comes in. It’s specifically designed for digital nomads, letting you reside in South Korea legally while continuing to work for a company outside the country.
Further assistance
If you have any doubts or need help with the visa application process, you can reach out to the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country. Additionally, using a visa agent can help ensure that all your documents are in order for a smooth application.
For detailed updates or changes in the visa process, check the official South Korean consular website or contact your local embassy.
