South Korea Digital Nomad / Workation visa in 2026

South Korea's Digital Nomad route, commonly identified as the F-1-D Workation Visa, is designed for qualifying remote workers connected to employment or a business outside Korea.

The program became permanent in June 2026

The route began as a pilot in January 2024. The Ministry of Justice announced formal operation from 30 June 2026 and changed two important features: the income test and the maximum period of stay.

This means older guides that still describe one universal income threshold and a two-year maximum can be stale.

Income now depends on age and where you live

The Ministry of Justice states that the permanent framework uses thresholds within 1 to 2 times Korea's per-capita GNI, depending on age and intended area of residence.

For the current framework, official tourism guidance uses 2025 per-capita GNI of KRW 52,416,000 and describes:

  • age 18-34 in the Seoul metropolitan area: 1.5 times GNI;
  • age 18-34 outside the metropolitan area or in designated population-decline/at-risk areas: 1 times GNI;
  • age 35 or older in the Seoul metropolitan area: 2 times GNI;
  • age 35 or older outside the metropolitan area or designated population-decline/at-risk areas: 1.5 times GNI.

Because regional classifications and annual GNI figures can change, confirm the current amount for the application date.

Up to three years

The 2026 reform increased the maximum stay from the pilot's two years to up to three years. The current public guidance describes an initial period with extensions rather than an automatic three-year grant.

Who the route is for

The official framework targets adults who work remotely for an overseas company or operate an overseas business and have relevant work experience. The earlier English KIS materials require at least one year in the relevant industry, and the 2026 permanent program retains the remote-overseas-work concept.

Insurance and supporting evidence

The established Workation requirements include private medical insurance with substantial treatment/repatriation coverage, evidence of overseas employment or business, income documentation, criminal-record evidence and family documents when dependants accompany the applicant.

The current VISITKOREA guide describes at least KRW 100 million medical/repatriation coverage. Always confirm the latest consular checklist because documentary requirements can vary by mission and implementation guidance.

Local Korean employment is restricted

F-1-D is not a Korean employment visa. It is built around remote work connected to an overseas employer or overseas business. Normal Korean employment or local profit-making activity should not be assumed permitted.

If the actual goal is to take a Korean job, compare Professional Work E-7. If the goal is to operate a Korean startup, compare Startup D-8-4 or Corporate Investor D-8.

Family

The Workation framework permits qualifying family accompaniment. Family members need their own qualifying dependent status and documentary evidence; the principal's remote-work permission does not automatically create open Korean work authorization for accompanying family.

Is F-1-D a permanent-residence route?

It is a long-stay remote-work status, not automatic F-5 permanent residence. The Ministry of Justice has described the program as a way for international talent to experience Korea and potentially settle later, but a later change to another qualifying residence/work category would still be a separate immigration decision.

Return to the Korea immigration hub, review Permanent Residence F-5, or explore digital nomad visas.

Verified against current Ministry of Justice and official tourism material on 20 September 2026.

Official and supporting sources

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