Planning a move to South Korea. Where to begin.

Where the visa stands

Official guidance needs review before we describe any available visa option for this destination.

Start with your work plans

South Korea has a digital nomad visa — the F-1-D "workation" visa — for people employed by an overseas company or running an overseas business. It was formalized as a permanent program on June 30, 2026 after a two-year pilot and allows stays of up to three years. You must meet an income threshold of one to two times Korea's per-capita GNI, depending on your eligibility category and where you live, so confirm the current figure with the Korean mission serving your address. Employment with Korean companies is not permitted.

Describe who pays you, where your employer or clients are based and what you would do while living abroad. Use those details when checking the official route. Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Take the first application step

Use the immigration authority or embassy serving your place of residence. Use the country chat room to ask other members about their experiences; verify legal requirements with the authority.

Eligibility depends on nationality, work arrangements, length of stay, and the conditions of the specific permission. This directory also includes separately administered destinations.

Keep two money questions separate

The visa income test concerns the evidence required for an application. A living budget concerns your housing, healthcare, transport and daily spending. Compare both before committing to a move.

This destination’s visa availability has not been verified. Confirm the route with the relevant government authority.

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