Working from a Seoul cafe with fast Wi-Fi, great food and a subway that runs everywhere sounds like a dream. Korea’s F-1-D “workation” visa, often called the digital nomad visa, is designed for exactly that: people who work remotely for a company outside Korea but want to live in Korea for a longer time.
This guide explains the main rules as reported in 2026, in plain English.
Important: The income amount and length of stay are reported differently by different sources, and they can change. Treat the numbers below as a guide and confirm everything with the Korean immigration authorities (HiKorea) or the Korean embassy in your country before applying.
Last checked: October 2026.
What is the F-1-D visa?
It’s a long-stay visa for remote workers. You can live in Korea while working for an employer, or running a business, that is registered outside Korea. It does not allow you to work for a Korean company.
Typical requirements (as reported)
- Age and experience. At least 18 years old, with about one year of experience in your current field.
- Overseas employer. You work remotely for a company outside Korea, or you own a business registered outside Korea.
- Income. Roughly twice the previous year’s GNI per capita in Korea. Some guides cite around KRW 104.8 million a year for 2026, while older sources mention about KRW 85 to 88 million. Applicants aged 18 to 34 living outside the Seoul metropolitan area may qualify with a lower threshold, but check the current rules.
- Health insurance. Private insurance covering around KRW 100 million, including medical treatment and repatriation.
- Clean criminal record.
- Address in Korea. You’ll usually need to show where you will live.
- Documents. Income documents such as pay stubs, bank statements or tax returns, which may need to be apostilled or notarized. A simple screenshot of your bank balance usually isn’t accepted.
How long can you stay?
Sources disagree. Some say the visa is granted for up to one year and can be extended, others mention shorter stays. Ask the embassy or immigration office for the current maximum.
Where to apply
Applications are generally made through a Korean embassy or consulate in your country, and immigration services such as HiKorea provide official information. Processing times vary, so apply well before your planned move.
Taxes and money
If you stay in Korea for a long period (for example, over 183 days in a year), you may be treated as a tax resident. Rules depend on your country and your income, so talk to a tax professional before you move.
Don’t qualify, or just visiting?
- For short stays, many travelers can enter visa-free (and may need K-ETA depending on nationality and date).
- Working remotely on a short tourist stay has its own rules. Check what is allowed for your nationality.
Checklist
- Confirm the current income threshold and stay length on official sources.
- Prepare apostilled or notarized income documents.
- Arrange qualifying health insurance.
- Line up your Korean address.
Are you working remotely from Korea? Share your experience in the community.