South Korea has introduced a permanent Digital Nomad Visa, allowing eligible foreign remote workers to live in the country while working for an employer or business based overseas.
Officially called the Workcation Visa, the program was first launched on a trial basis on January 1, 2024. South Korea made the visa permanent on June 30, 2026, following more than two years of testing.
Under the permanent program, eligible digital nomads can stay in South Korea for a maximum of three years. Previously, the visa allowed a stay of up to two years, with an initial one-year visa that could be renewed for another year.
The visa is aimed at foreign nationals who work remotely for companies outside South Korea or operate businesses overseas.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least one year of experience in their field.
They must also meet minimum income requirements set by the South Korean government. Under the original rules, applicants needed annual income equal to twice South Korea’s per capita Gross National Income.
However, the permanent program has relaxed the income requirement for certain applicants.
Younger applicants and those planning to live outside major metropolitan areas or in regions facing population decline may qualify with annual income equivalent to one-time South Korea’s per capita GNI, rather than twice the amount.
The change could make the visa more accessible while encouraging foreign remote workers to settle outside the country’s largest urban areas.
Applicants must provide proof of their employment status and income. This can include payroll records and an employment verification letter.
They must also submit a criminal history certificate showing a clean criminal record.
Private health insurance is another requirement. The policy must provide coverage of at least KRW 100 million.
Applicants bringing family members must also provide documents confirming their relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
Eligible digital nomads can bring their immediate family members with them.
Legal spouses and unmarried children under the age of 19 can accompany the main visa holder under the program.
This allows remote workers to relocate to South Korea without having to leave their immediate families behind.
Applicants should normally submit their documents to a South Korean embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
The diplomatic mission will review the application and issue the visa if the applicant meets the requirements.
After arriving in South Korea, digital nomad visa holders must apply for a residence card.
In some cases, foreigners already in South Korea under B-1 or B-2 visa waiver status or a C-3 short-term visitor visa may be able to change their status to the Workcation Visa.
However, applicants are generally advised to use the consular application process where possible.
The Workcation Visa does not allow holders to take regular employment with a South Korean company.
Visa holders must continue working remotely for their overseas employer or business. They are also prohibited from earning money through local for-profit activities in South Korea unless they obtain the appropriate immigration status.
The Digital Nomad Visa gives foreign remote workers a dedicated immigration route to live in South Korea while keeping their overseas jobs.
With the program now permanent and the maximum stay extended to three years, South Korea is positioning itself as another long-term destination for international remote workers.
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