🇰🇷 How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in South Korea (2025 Guide)
The Digital Nomad / Workation visa (F-1-D) lets remote professionals live in Korea while working for overseas employers. This step-by-step guide covers eligibility, documents, and official links—including the New York consulate application form.
What is the F-1-D (Workation / Digital Nomad) Visa?
The F-1-D is a pilot visa designed for foreign nationals who work remotely for overseas employers. You can reside in Korea and perform your duties online, but you cannot take on local employment or earn Korean-source income under this status.
Note: As a pilot program, details may evolve. Always confirm with your local Korean embassy/consulate before applying.
Eligibility (at a glance)
| Requirement | Summary |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ at the time of application. |
| Employment / Activity | Employed by or contracted with an overseas company; at least ~1 year experience in the same field. |
| Minimum Income | At least 2× Korea’s GNI per capita (threshold updated periodically—provide recent proof of income). |
| Health Insurance | Private policy covering medical treatment & emergency repatriation (often cited: coverage around KRW 100 million). |
| Criminal Record | Clean national background check (apostille/notarization may be required). |
| Passport & Photo | Valid passport (≥6 months) and recent passport-style photo. |
| Dependents (optional) | Spouse and minor children may accompany; provide proof of relationship and coverage. |
How to Apply — Step by Step
- 1 Gather documents and ensure translations/apostilles are in order.
- 2 Apply at your nearest Korean embassy/consulate (jurisdiction matters).
- 3 Pay the visa fee (check your consulate’s schedule and payment method).
- 4 Wait for processing (commonly ~10–15 business days; can vary).
- 5 After approval and entry to Korea, register for your Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days at the local immigration office.
FAQs
- Can freelancers apply?
- If you can document a stable overseas client base/contractual relationship and meet the income threshold, some consulates accept applications. Confirm with your consulate.
- Can I switch status inside Korea?
- Some applicants can change status at immigration if currently on a valid short-term visa. Check with your local office before making plans.
- Can I work for a Korean company on F-1-D?
- No—local employment and Korean-source income are not permitted under this visa.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Requirements can change; always verify with your Korean embassy/consulate.
🌏 Living in Korea as a Digital Nomad
Once you secure your 🇰🇷 F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll quickly notice how convenient and exciting life in South Korea can be. Here are some essential tips to make the most of your stay:
- 🚇 Transport: Korea’s metro systems (Seoul, Busan, Daegu) are fast, safe, and cheap. Get a T-money card for seamless subway and bus rides.
- 🏠 Housing: Options range from modern officetels to shared coliving spaces. Monthly rent outside Seoul can be half the price.
- ☕ Cafés & Coworking: Korea has one of the world’s strongest café cultures — ideal for remote work. Coworking hubs like WeWork Seoul and local startups thrive in Gangnam and Hongdae.
- 🍜 Food: Affordable, delicious, and healthy. Street food like tteokbokki and kimbap are must-tries, while vegan/healthy options are expanding in big cities.
- 🌿 Nature: Balance city life with hiking trails, hot springs, and Jeju Island’s beaches — all easy weekend escapes.
- 💳 Cashless society: Almost everything is paid via cards or apps (KakaoPay, NaverPay). Carrying cash is rarely necessary.
- 🛂 Language: While English is widely understood in big cities, learning basic Korean phrases makes daily life easier and more fun.
✨ South Korea offers a unique balance of efficiency, safety, and adventure, making it one of the top destinations for digital nomads in Asia.
