Digital Nomad Visa in South Korea: The Ultimate Guide

East Asia is increasingly becoming a popular destination for digital nomads and expats with a stable income.

If you are searching for an exciting location in modern East Asia, you might consider the South Korean F-1-D Workation Visa.

In this guide, you will find detailed information about South Korea’s digital nomad visa, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and how foreigners are taxed in South Korea.

The South Korea Workation (F-1-D) Visa Overview

The Workation Visa is South Korea’s response to the growing demand for digital nomad visas. Launched in 2024, this visa allows holders to live and work in South Korea for an initial period of one year, which can be extended for an additional year, totaling up to two years.

Applicants have the option to bring their spouses and children with them, making the F-1-D visa a family-friendly choice.

Once you are granted the Workation Visa, you will receive an Alien Registration Card (ARC). The ARC provides several benefits that are typically unavailable to foreigners, including:

The ability to open a local bank account

The option to enter into a long-term lease for housing

Access to long-term subscriptions for phone and internet services

Access to local shopping apps

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, you must be at least 18 years of age.

Remote workers must be employed by a foreign company. Working for a South Korean company or engaging in any local profit-generating activities is not allowed.

If you are self-employed or a freelancer, your clients must be based outside of South Korea. Additionally, if you own a business, it must be registered in a country other than South Korea.

Applicants are also required to demonstrate that they have worked in the same industry for at least one year.

To be eligible for the F-1-D visa, applicants must meet a minimum income requirement. Specifically, you need to demonstrate earnings of at least double the South Korean gross national income (GNI) per capita, based on the GNI from the previous year.

For example, in 2023, the GNI per capita was 42.5 million Korean won. Therefore, digital nomads applying for the visa in 2024 must have a minimum income of at least 85 million won (approximately $61,000 USD). This income requirement applies only to the main applicant.

Additionally, holders of the Workation Visa must obtain medical insurance that covers hospital and repatriation costs of at least 100 million won.

Finally, it is essential to have a clean criminal record to be admitted into the program.

How do you apply for the Workation Visa?

To apply for the South Korea digital nomad visa, applicants must provide the following documents:

Proof of employment or business

Bank statements

Proof of taxable income

An address in South Korea where you intend to reside

A criminal record extract

The visa application process typically takes around 10 to 15 days to complete.

How are foreigners taxed in South Korea?

To be considered a tax resident of South Korea, one must reside in the country for 183 days or more in a tax year.

All income earned by tax residents while in South Korea is considered locally sourced and subject to taxation.

However, if you are classified as a short-term foreign resident, any foreign income that is not brought into South Korea will not be taxable. This rule applies to individuals who have been tax residents for five years or less within the past ten years.

This provision can be particularly advantageous for expats who earn offshore income in low-tax jurisdictions – if you don’t bring the money into South Korea, you won’t be taxed on it.

Expats should also refer to the applicable double taxation treaty for additional guidance.

International taxation is complex. Any information in this article is made on a general basis only and is not tax advice. If you need taxation advice specific to your situation, you can get that here.

Who is the Workation Visa good for?

This visa is designed for more established digital nomads, such as remote workers and business owners who earn a reasonable salary comparable to western standards, due to the minimum income requirement.

It will appeal to those seeking to experience life in a developed East Asian country while enjoying a modern and exciting lifestyle.

Additionally, South Korea’s hybrid residency and territorial-based taxation system allows expats with offshore income to use this visa as a key component of their tax minimization strategy.

What are the other visa options in the region?

If this visa isn’t suitable for you or if you’re exploring additional digital nomad visas that complement it, there are plenty of options available in Asia.

Japan offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers earning $66,000 annually.

Taiwan has the Gold Card visa, which provides a pathway to permanent residency.

Indonesia has the E33G visa for nomads with an annual income of $60,000.

Thailand has the DTV visa, which is valid for five years.

And for Malaysia, take a look at the De Rantau Nomad Pass. This one requires an annual income of just $24,000.

These alternatives can help you find the right fit for your remote work lifestyle.

Next Steps

The South Korean digital nomad visa is an appealing option for many, attracting individuals for various reasons, including lifestyle, culture, and tax benefits.

East Asia is gaining popularity among expatriates, particularly as more countries introduce digital nomad visas. This experience offers a very different perspective of Asia compared to the more traditional tourist destinations of Southeast Asia.

If you’re interested in learning more or would like to discuss your expatriation options, feel free to reach out to us.

Thanks for reading.