South Korea — Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa (F-1-D)
US citizens can apply at a Korean consulate for the F-1-D Workation (digital nomad) visa — be 18+, have worked over a year at a foreign company you can work for remotely, earn more than twice Korea's per-capita GNI, and hold medical insurance covering EUR 70,000.
South Korea's F-1-D Workation visa for digital nomads — people employed by (or owning) a foreign company for over a year who can work remotely while staying in Korea.
- Validity
- Multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, with a sojourn period of 1 year, extendable up to 1 additional year.
- Entries
- Multiple entry.
- Max stay per visit
- Up to 2 years total (1 year initial sojourn plus up to 1 year extension).
When to start
Start 30–45 days before your travel date.
You must be 18 or older and have been employed by (or own) a foreign company for more than 1 year, and be able to work remotely while in Korea.
Gather an employment verification letter proving current employment and at least 1 year of employment, and documents proving income — you must earn more than twice the Korean GNI per capita of the previous year (currently approx. US$65,800/year).
Obtain an FBI criminal history record check with apostille from the US Department of State, and arrange medical insurance covering EUR 70,000 for medical treatment and return home in an emergency.
Submit the visa application form, passport, photo and supporting documents and pay the fee — in person or by mail at the Korean consulate. Processing takes about 3-4 weeks.
What you'll need
- Visa application form — The completed Korean visa application form. ✓ verified
- Valid passport — Valid US passport (valid for more than 6 months) submitted in person, or a notarized copy of the biographic/signature page by mail. ✓ verified
- One photo — A physical/printed 2x2 photo taken within the last 6 months (do not print at home). ✓ verified
- FBI criminal history check — A criminal history record check issued by the FBI with apostille confirmation by the US Department of State. ✓ verified
- Employment verification letter — An employment verification letter that proves your current employment and at least 1 year of employment. ✓ verified
- Income documents — Documents proving your income (salary) — pay stubs, bank account statements for the last 3 months, and tax returns. ✓ verified
- Medical insurance proof — Documents proving medical insurance that covers EUR 70,000 for medical treatment and return to home country in an emergency, including coverage details. ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
Apply at the Korean consulate with jurisdiction over where you live; you may submit your visa application in person or by mail. Processing takes about 3-4 weeks with no expedited service.
Fees
| Visa application fee | USD 45 |
Gotchas to watch
- You cannot be hired in Korea or do any local profit-making activity on this visa — you may only work remotely for an overseas company.
- Income test: more than twice the Korean GNI per capita of the previous year (currently approx. US$65,800/year after tax).
- Medical insurance must cover EUR 70,000 including return home in an emergency, for the duration of the stay.
- Processing takes about 3-4 weeks and there are no expedited services; dependent family may be younger than 18.