South Korea has officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D), making the program permanent after a successful pilot phase that ran from January 2024 to May 2026. The visa is designed for remote workers employed by overseas companies or those running businesses based outside South Korea, allowing them to live in the country while continuing to work remotely.
One of the biggest changes from the pilot program is the relaxation of income requirements for certain applicants. Under the new rules, individuals aged 18 to 34 who choose to live outside the Greater Seoul region—including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province—can qualify by demonstrating an annual income equivalent to one year’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita instead of the previous requirement of twice that amount. South Korea’s 2025 GNI per capita is estimated at $36,963.
The visa also offers a longer duration of stay. Eligible applicants can now remain in South Korea for up to three years with multiple-entry privileges, an increase from the previous maximum stay of two years.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have worked for a foreign employer or operated a foreign business for more than one year. They must also prove that their job can be performed remotely, satisfy the applicable income threshold, maintain a clean criminal record, and hold medical insurance with coverage of at least $75,000 for medical treatment and repatriation. Spouses and dependent children are also eligible to accompany the primary visa holder.
The application process requires submitting a completed visa application form, a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of employment or business ownership, criminal record certificates, proof of medical insurance, and financial documents such as tax returns and bank statements. Depending on the applicant’s nationality or country of residence, additional documentation may be requested.
Applications must be submitted through a South Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. Processing typically takes 10 business days to four weeks, depending on the location, and visa fees vary by country.
While the Digital Nomad Visa allows foreigners to work remotely for overseas employers and enjoy an extended stay in South Korea, it does not permit employment with South Korean companies or income-generating activities for Korean businesses.
By making the F-1-D visa permanent, South Korea aims to attract more global remote workers, encourage long-term stays, and promote economic activity beyond the Greater Seoul metropolitan region.
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