About the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa
South Korea offers the F-1-D Workation Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) for non-resident remote workers and self-employed professionals. The program lets eligible applicants live in South Korea for 1 year, renewable once for 1 additional year (maximum 2 years total). After 91 days in Korea, must register at local immigration office for Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of entry. while working remotely for clients or employers based outside the country.
Applicants typically need to demonstrate stable monthly income of at least USD65,000 per month, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record. It is renewable, allowing nomads to extend their stay.
Tax-wise, South Korea treats digital nomad visa holders distinctly from local residents — see the Taxes section below for the full picture.
Requirements & Eligibility
Income
Minimum KRW 88,102,000/year (~USD $65,000–$68,000/year). Equals 2× South Korea GNI per capita as announced by Bank of Korea. Income calculated after tax deductions. Must be earned entirely from employer or clients outside South Korea. Income must be met by primary applicant alone — combined spousal income not accepted.
Documents needed
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Recent passport photo
- CV proving 1+ year work experience in same industry
- Employment contract or company documents proving employment by/ownership of company registered outside South Korea
- Payslips and bank statements for last 3 months showing min KRW 88,102,000/year after-tax income
- Private health insurance certificate (min KRW 100,000,000 coverage)
- Criminal record check/FBI Background Check (apostilled by US Dept of State for US applicants, issued within 6 months)
- For family: marriage/birth certificates. Note: income must be met by primary applicant alone.
How to Apply for the South Korea DNV
Processing time: 10–15 business days at embassy/consulate. May include interview. Apply well in advance.
- 1Confirm eligibility: foreign national age 18+; at least 1 year experience in same industry; employed by foreign company or own foreign business (freelancers without company affiliation may NOT qualify); min KRW 88,102,000/year after-tax income; private health insurance min KRW 100,000,000 coverage; clean criminal record.
- 2Gather required documents — US applicants must apostille FBI background check.
- 3Apply in person at nearest Korean embassy/consulate or Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC).
- 4Pay visa fee (~USD $45 for US citizens; varies by nationality).
- 5Attend interview if required.
- 6Wait 10–15 business days.
- 7Enter Korea.
- 8Within 90 days of entry (if staying over 91 days): apply for Alien Registration Card (ARC) at local immigration office.
Application fees: Approximately USD $45 (US citizens). Varies by nationality (e.g., approximately EUR 225 for European applicants). Additional service fee if applying through Visa Application Center.
Official sourceVisa Duration & Renewal
Initial duration: 1 year, renewable once for 1 additional year (maximum 2 years total). After 91 days in Korea, must register at local immigration office for Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of entry.
Renewal: Yes — the F-1-D Workation Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) can be renewed beyond the initial period.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in South Korea
Tax residency after 183 days/year. Tax residents: worldwide income taxed progressively 6%–45%. Non-residents: taxed only on Korea-sourced income. Foreign-sourced remote work income for F-1-D holders generally not taxable. US-South Korea tax treaty provides double taxation protection. Tax guidance still evolving — consult Korean tax professional.
Living in South Korea as a Digital Nomad
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