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South Korea

Workation Visa (F-1-D)

Asia & Pacific

Last verified 26 May 2026

About this visa & living in South Korea

South Korea's Workation Visa offers up to two years in one of the most digitally advanced societies on earth. Seoul has 24-hour cafe culture, world-class public transport and one of the best food scenes in Asia, while Busan offers a coastal alternative. Internet speeds are legendary, healthcare is excellent value, and the country is becoming a serious remote-work destination beyond just K-pop and K-drama tourism.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: $5,500 / month
Length of stay: 1 year
Processing time: ~2 months
Application fee: ~$45
Tax treatment: Local tax applies
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: No
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: From abroad only
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: No lump-sum requirement
Cost of living: ExpensiveGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Heavy paperwork
Nationality restrictions: Open to all nationalities

Required documents

Passport valid for stay
Bachelor's degree or 5+ years experience in same field
Employment contract with foreign company (1+ year remaining)
Income proof ≥ US$66,000 / year
Health insurance ≥ US$70,000 medical coverage
Criminal background check (apostilled)

Things to know

Tax residency trigger: Tax residency is typically triggered after spending more than 183 days (roughly 6 months) in the country in a calendar year — at that point local income tax rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Confirm with a local tax advisor before relying on this.
Cannot perform any work for Korean entities.
Apply at Korean embassy or in-country immigration office.
F-1-D does not lead to PR; convert to F-2 if you qualify.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the South Korea Workation Visa (F-1-D)?

The Workation Visa (F-1-D) requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly $5,500 per month. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in South Korea on this visa?

You can stay for 1 year. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes ~2-4 weeks. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Workation Visa (F-1-D)?

You must apply from outside South Korea, usually at a consulate or embassy in your home country.

Can I bring my family on the Workation Visa (F-1-D)?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in South Korea?

Local income tax may apply, especially if you spend more than 183 days (about 6 months) in South Korea within a calendar year. At that point you typically become tax resident and local rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Always confirm with a local tax advisor.

Is the Workation Visa (F-1-D) renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Workation Visa (F-1-D) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

No, the Workation Visa (F-1-D) is a temporary permit and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in South Korea.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid for stay; Bachelor's degree or 5+ years experience in same field; Employment contract with foreign company (1+ year remaining); Income proof ≥ US$66,000 / year; Health insurance ≥ US$70,000 medical coverage; and other supporting documents. Always check the official source for the latest list.