South Korea has recently introduced a new visa category, the F-1-D Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa, starting from January 1st, 2024. This initiative, led by the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice, is designed to accommodate the growing trend of remote working while fostering global connectivity and cultural exchange.

Eligibility and Requirements
The F-1-D Visa targets professionals employed by foreign companies, or those owning a foreign company, who have been in their role for more than a year. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to work remotely from South Korea. This opportunity extends to their family members as well.

Key eligibility criteria include:

  • Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older, though family members can be younger.
  • Income Threshold: Applicants must earn at least twice the Korean Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, post-tax. As of 2022, the Korean GNI per capita was 42.48 million won, setting the minimum annual income requirement at 84.96 million KRW (approximately 7,080,000 KRW per month after taxes).
  • Criminal Record: Applicants must have a clean criminal history.
  • Medical Insurance: Applicants are required to have medical insurance covering at least 100 million KRW for medical treatments and emergency repatriation, valid for one year.


Conditions and Limitations
Visa holders are not permitted to seek employment or engage in profit-generating activities within South Korea. The goal is to allow individuals to continue their existing roles remotely, without entering the local job market.

Application Process - Applicants must submit:

  1. Visa application form, valid passport, passport-quality photo, and application fee.
  2. An employment letter verifying current employment and a history of at least one year with the company, issued within two weeks of the application date.
  3. Proof of income, such as recent payslips and bank statements from the past three months.
  4. A background check or police certificate, issued within the last six months and accompanied by an apostille.
  5. Detailed medical insurance documentation.
  6. A family relationship certificate, if applying for family members.

Additional documents may be requested by the head of Korean diplomatic missions abroad, based on the specific conditions of the applicant's country of residence.

Transition from Other Visas
Foreign nationals currently in Korea on K-ETA or short-term visas like B-1, B-2, and C-3 can apply for the F-1-D visa locally, provided they meet the necessary criteria. This new visa also allows holders to bring their spouse or children under the same status.

Pilot Phase and Future Prospects
The F-1-D visa is in a trial phase, with plans for the Korean government to assess its impact and decide on its permanent implementation. This innovative step reflects South Korea's commitment to adapting to the evolving global work environment and its openness to international talent and cultural diversity.

For more detailed information and updates, interested individuals are advised to consult the Korea Immigration Service website or contact relevant Korean diplomatic missions.