South Korea Launches New Digital Nomad Visa with Easier Eligibility and 3 Years of Stay. Apply now!

South Korea's F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign nationals employed by overseas companies or those who own foreign businesses to live in South Korea while working remotely. The visa supports long-term stays of up to three years and is intended for professionals who wish to reside in South Korea without joining the local workforce.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have worked for a foreign employer or owned a foreign business for more than one year, meet the applicable income requirements, hold valid medical insurance, and have a clean criminal record. Eligibility may vary depending on the applicant's age and intended place of residence in South Korea.

No. The F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa only permits remote work for foreign employers or foreign-owned businesses. Visa holders are not allowed to work for South Korean companies or undertake any income-generating activities for businesses based in South Korea during their stay.

Under the new rules introduced on June 30, 2026, eligible applicants can stay in South Korea for up to three years. The visa also allows multiple entries, enabling holders to leave and re-enter the country without applying for a new visa during its validity period.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children are permitted to accompany the primary visa holder during their stay in South Korea. However, accompanying family members must comply with the applicable immigration requirements and conditions set by the South Korean authorities.

Applicants must submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport, passport-size photograph, employment verification letter, proof of income, tax documents, bank statements, criminal record certificate, and proof of medical insurance. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant's nationality or country of residence.

Applicants must schedule an appointment with a Korean embassy or consulate in their country of residence. They need to submit the required documents, pay the applicable visa fee, and wait for processing. There is currently no expedited processing option available for this visa category.

Processing times generally range from 10 business days to three or four weeks, depending on the Korean embassy or consulate handling the application. Applicants should apply well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid delays.

Income requirements vary based on factors such as the applicant's age and intended place of residence. Some applicants, particularly those aged 18 to 34 planning to live outside the Greater Seoul area, may qualify under reduced income thresholds compared to the earlier pilot program.

South Korea officially launched the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa on June 30, 2026, following the successful completion of its pilot program that ran from January 2024 to May 2026. The updated visa introduces more flexible eligibility criteria and extends the maximum stay to three years.