The Korea Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D / 워케이션 비자) officially launched in January 2024, allowing remote workers (원격 근무자) to legally work from Seoul (서울 원격 근무) while employed by an overseas company. To qualify, applicants must be 18 or older, hold at least 1 year of experience in the same industry, earn more than twice Korea's GNI per capita, and carry private medical insurance covering a minimum of KRW 100 million. This guide walks through every requirement, the HiKorea (하이코리아) application process, tax obligations, and daily life essentials for 2026.
What Is the Korea Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D)?
The F-1-D visa (워케이션 비자) is a long-term stay visa designed specifically for foreign professionals who work remotely for companies based outside of Korea. It is officially categorized under the F-1 family visa series but functions independently as a dedicated remote work permit. The visa was introduced as a pilot program on January 1, 2024, and as of 2026 the Ministry of Justice (법무부) has extended the test operation period indefinitely.
Unlike E-series work visas (E-1 to E-7), the F-1-D does not authorize employment with Korean domestic companies (국내 기업 취업 불가). All income must originate from a foreign employer or overseas business. Violation of this restriction can result in immediate visa cancellation.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility is defined by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부) and immigration authorities. The following conditions must all be met simultaneously.
| Category | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older (가족 동반 자녀는 예외) |
Accompanying children may be under 18 |
| Employment | Employed by or owner of a foreign company (해외 기업 재직/대표) |
Minimum 1 year in the same industry |
| Income | More than 2x Korea's GNI per capita (1인당 GNI의 2배 이상) |
Approx. KRW 88.1M/yr as of 2025 standard |
| Health Insurance | Private coverage of at least KRW 100M (의료보험 1억 이상) |
Covers treatment and repatriation to home country |
| Criminal Record | No serious criminal background (범죄경력 없음) |
Certificate required at application |
Income Requirement Explained
The income threshold is tied directly to Korea's Gross National Income per capita (1인당 GNI) as announced annually by the Bank of Korea (한국은행). Applicants must earn more than twice that figure. As of the 2025 standard, this equates to approximately KRW 88.1 million per year (roughly USD 65,000 / EUR 60,000 depending on exchange rates).
Income proof must cover the previous 6 months and may include bank statements, payslips, salary certificates, or tax documents. Income from gross earnings (세전 소득) is the accepted calculation base according to most Korean embassies, though applicants should confirm with their nearest Korean consulate (한국 영사관) as interpretations can vary slightly by jurisdiction.
F-1-D Visa Application Process & Required Documents
There are two routes to obtain the F-1-D visa: applying at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad (해외 한국 공관) before entry, or converting an existing visa status through the HiKorea Immigration Portal (하이코리아) if already in Korea. Processing typically takes around 15 business days.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Application routes differ depending on whether the applicant is currently inside or outside Korea. Both routes lead to the same outcome — a valid F-1-D multiple-entry visa (복수 비자). Processing time is approximately 15 business days (영업일 기준 약 15일).
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Check eligibility (자격 확인)
Age 18+, 1+ year same-industry experience, income 2x GNI, private insurance KRW 100M+ — all four must be met simultaneously. -
Prepare documents (서류 준비)
Employment certificate, 6-month income proof, insurance certificate, criminal record check (within 3 months of issue). See the document checklist below. -
Choose application route (신청 경로 선택)
Outside Korea: Submit at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate (한국 공관).
Inside Korea: Apply for status change (체류자격 변경) via HiKorea (하이코리아) or in person at the local immigration office (출입국사무소). -
Submit application & pay fee (신청서 제출 및 수수료 납부)
Fee: KRW 60,000 for single-entry / KRW 60,000 for multiple-entry. Some consulates accept payment in local currency — confirm in advance. -
Receive visa approval (비자 발급)
Approval is stamped into the passport. After entry, the stay period (체류 기간) begins from the date of arrival. -
Register ARC within 90 days of arrival (외국인 등록 — 입국 후 90일 이내)
Visit the nearest immigration office (출입국사무소) with passport, visa, photo, and proof of address. ARC is required for banking, housing contracts, and healthcare access. -
Extension (체류 기간 연장)
Apply at least 1 month before expiry via HiKorea or immigration office. Same eligibility conditions apply — updated income proof and insurance required.
The Korea Digital Nomad Visa F-1-D (워케이션 비자) is a well-structured option for remote professionals seeking to work from Seoul (서울 원격 근무) legally and long-term. Meeting the income threshold (GNI 2배 이상), securing private insurance, and registering ARC promptly are the three pillars that determine a smooth stay. Always verify the latest requirements through HiKorea (하이코리아) or your nearest Korean consulate before applying.
