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South Korea F-1-D Workation Visa (Digital Nomad)
South Korea’s version of the digital nomad visa was launched at the very beginning of 2024. It is open to all nationalities, for either “business owners or foreigners affiliated with international companies who can work remotely and have worked in the same industry for at least one year”. Freelancers are not eligible therefore. You must be over 18 years old and have proof of a monthly income of ‘more than twice the GNI per capita of the previous year as announced by the Bank of Korea’, which in 2024 was around 710 million Korean won (just under £4,000 pcm). As the UK has a ‘Double Taxation’ agreement with South Korea your basic income will not be subject to tax.
On this visa, you are eligible for a resident card which enables you to get a Korean bank account, rent long-term accommodation, get a long-term phone subscription, and access free Korean language classes and other practical local services.
The cost of living in south Korea is about the same as the UK, although rent is generally cheaper. One major advantage is that the country has a digital infrastructure ideal for the nomad, with the highest average internet connection speed in the world, almost 100% mobile connectivity throughout the land, and plenty of co-live-work spaces available (check out some fantastic examples here).
Visa fee: Free (as at time of writing in 2024)
Length of visa: 1 year. You can extend for 1 more year, but 2 years is the limit.
Basic Application Requirements:
- Completed visa application form (Form No.17) plus a valid passport for the duration of the stay
- Medical Insurance with coverage of at least KRW 100 million for medical treatment and repatriation to home country for duration of stay
- Proof of income (bank and tax statements) and employment contract
- Any criminal record documents. If you have any convictions, an ‘apostille’ will be required.
- Proof of family relation such as marriage certificate/birth certificate if accompanied by spouse or dependent
How to apply? You can get the necessary forms from the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in London (contact details here)
