1. What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
a. A Digital Nomad refers to a person who works remotely using the internet, regardless of physical location.
· To support the global workation (Work + Vacation) trend, Korea introduced the Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D) starting January 1, 2024.
· This visa allows foreign nationals to live in Korea long-term while continuing remote work for a foreign company, combining both work and tourism.
2. Eligibility Requirements
a. Basic Qualifications
· Must be 18 years or older
· Must be employed by a foreign company and capable of remote work
· Must have at least one year of experience in the same occupation
· Must have earned at least double Korea’s per capita GNI in the previous year
· 2025 per capita GNI: KRW 49.955 million → Minimum annual income required: KRW 99.91 million
b. Health Insurance Requirement
· Applicants must be covered by international health insurance with minimum coverage of KRW 100 million for hospitalization and emergency repatriation during stay in Korea
c. Accompanying Family
· Spouses and children under 18 can accompany the applicant
· Family members are not allowed to work in Korea
3. Stay Duration and Restrictions
a. Length of Stay
· Initial stay of 1 year
· One-time extension available, for a maximum stay of 2 years
b. Permitted Activities
· Only remote work for a foreign employer is allowed
· Employment, business, or commercial activity within Korea is strictly prohibited
c. Registration and Status Change
· Must register as a foreign resident within 90 days of entry
· Those already in Korea under short-term visas (B-1, B-2, C-3) may apply to change to F-1-D visa
4. Required Documents
a. General Documents
· Valid passport and completed visa application form
· One recent photo (3.5x4.5cm, taken within last 6 months)
· Proof of residence in Korea (rental contract, etc.)
b. Proof of Employment and Income
· Certificate of employment indicating remote work capability
· Documents verifying previous year’s income (salary slips, tax returns, bank statements, etc.)
c. Other Supporting Documents
· Criminal background check (apostilled or consular-authenticated)
· Proof of valid health insurance
· Family documents if applying with dependents (marriage or birth certificates)
5. How to Apply
a. While in Korea
· Visit the Immigration Office to apply for visa status change
· May change from short-term visa (e.g., tourist) to Digital Nomad Visa if qualified
6. How an Administrative laweyer Can Help
a. Visa Consultation
· Review if you meet the visa criteria
· Assist in preparing income and employment documents
b. Document Preparation
· Complete visa application forms and all required supporting documents
· Provide guidance on document translation and notarization
c. Change of Status and Registration
· Assist with switching to Digital Nomad Visa from a short-term visa
· Help with foreign registration and address change reports
d. Family Visa Assistance
· Help apply for spouse and children’s dependent visa and documentation
At Cheongdam Administrative Office, we specialize in visas and long-term stay permits for foreign nationals in Korea.