What is the “Digital Nomad Visa Korea”?
Workcation (a portmanteau of “work” and “vacation”) is when one travels and works remotely from a location other than an office. Digital nomads are workers who are unconstrained by space and can work remotely from anywhere, even traveling and working in foreign countries. In recent years, a growing number of people around the world have been engaged in this type of work.
Accordingly, the South Korea Ministry of Justice announced that from January 1, 2024 it would launch a digital nomad (workcation) visa that will allow foreign remote workers to stay in South Korea for an extended period of time so they can enjoy sightseeing.
Until now, for a workcation in South Korea, foreigners had to either: (1) obtain a tourist visa; or (2) stay for less than 90 days without a visa. Once the visa expired, however, they had to leave the country.
This new system is designed to remove this inconvenience for foreign remote workers. With the digital nomad (workcation) visa, workers employed by foreign companies can now stay in Korea for a longer period of time if they prove (1) at least one year of work experience and (2) earn more than a certain amount of income.*
* More than KRW 84,960,000 per year as of 2022.
Applicants can apply for a digital nomad (workcation) visa at the Korean Embassy in their respective country.
Family members of the applicants can also apply for the visa, and foreigners who are currently in Korea on a short-term visa are allowed to apply for this visa as well, if they meet the requirements.
It is important to note that a digital nomad (workcation) visa holder is strictly restricted from getting a job in Korea. (A work visa is required for domestic employment.)
Through this program, the Korean Ministry of Justice is hoping to revitalize local economies and promote Korean landmarks. The government is running this program as a test-run for now so it is subject to change.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay in Korea for an extended period of time and enjoy its unique culture, cities, and nature.
South Korea Digital Nomad [Workcation] Visa Eligibility Requirements
| Where to apply | Korean Embassies abroad |
| Who can apply | (1) A foreign national (and his/her family) who is employed by overseas company and is able to work remotely AND (2) who have worked in the same industry for more than one year AND (3) who is at least 18 years old (No age limit for his/her children) |
| Income requirement | More than double the previous year’s Korean gross national income (GNI) per capita (announced by BOK). *GNI for 2022: KRW 42,480,000 ($ 32,540) *GNI Doubled: KRW 84,960,000 ($ 65,080) |
| Health Insurance requirement | Holding a private health insurance of at least 100 million won to cover medical treatment and transportation to his/her home country is required. |
| Required Documents | 1. Application for visa issuance 2. Passport 3. Photo 4. Application fee 5. Proof of Income: Certificate of Employment, Certificate of Salary, Deposit transaction Certificate 6. Criminal Background Record 7. Proof of Private Health Insurance 8. (if needed) Certificate of Family relations |
| Period of Stay | 1 year from the date of entry (Alien registration is required), can be extended for another year (up to 2 years in total). |
| Restrictions on employment and for-profit activitiesChanging status from short-term tourist visas (B-1, B-2, C-3) to Digital nomad (Workcation) visa is possible. | |
If you would like to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa Korea, we can help. Contact us.
