South Korea has officially launched its F-1-D “workation visa,” allowing foreign nationals to live in the country while continuing to work remotely for employers based overseas. The programme came into effect on June 30 following the successful completion of a pilot scheme that ran from January 2024 to May 2025.
The visa enables digital nomads and remote workers to reside in South Korea without seeking employment with a Korean company, making the country an increasingly attractive destination for location-independent professionals.
Income Requirements Relaxed
Following the pilot programme, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice revised the eligibility criteria to expand access to a wider range of applicants.
One of the most significant changes is the reduction of the minimum income requirement for younger applicants. Previously, applicants had to demonstrate an annual income at least twice the average income of a South Korean resident.
Under the new rules, foreign nationals aged between 18 and 34 who choose to live outside the Greater Seoul metropolitan area—which includes Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province—only need to prove an annual income equivalent to the country’s average income for the previous year.
For 2025, that threshold is approximately US$37,000.
Maximum Stay Extended to Three Years
The government has also extended the maximum permitted stay under the workation visa from two years to three years, providing greater flexibility for long-term remote workers.
Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho said the changes are intended to attract highly skilled professionals and encourage them to establish longer-term ties with South Korea.
The government hopes the revised programme will create a pathway for talented international professionals to integrate into Korean society while contributing to the country’s economy through long-term residence.
Growing Competition for Digital Nomads
South Korea joins a growing number of countries that have introduced dedicated visas for remote workers as governments compete to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to local economies without entering the domestic labour market.
By easing eligibility requirements and extending the permitted stay, South Korea aims to position itself as one of Asia’s leading destinations for digital nomads seeking a high quality of life, modern infrastructure and long-term residency opportunities.
