Korea F-1-D Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa: Income Requirements, Tax Perks & 2-Year Stay Checklist
Official guidelines and verification criteria for South Korea's F-1-D Workation Visa in 2026. Covers the 2x GNI income threshold, private health insurance standards, required apostilled documents, and renewal rules.
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01 Overview of the Korea Digital Nomad (F-1-D) Visa
South Korea introduced the official Workation (F-1-D) Visa to allow foreign remote workers and digital nomads employed by overseas companies to live in Korea for up to 2 years while maintaining their overseas employment.
| Visa Category | Income Requirement | Permitted Stay | Tax Treatment in Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea F-1-D Workation Visa | 2x Korea GNI (~85M KRW / ~$65k USD) | 1 Year + 1 Year Extension (Max 2 Years) | No domestic tax on remote overseas salary |
| Working Holiday (H-1) | Age 18~30 (Specific countries) | 1 Year (Non-renewable) | Standard Korean resident tax |
| Short-Term Tourist (B-1/B-2) | None | 30 ~ 90 Days | Strictly prohibited from working locally |
| Points Resident (F-2-7) | 80+ Points System | 1 ~ 5 Years Renewable | Full Korean tax resident status |
This guide consolidates official immigration guidelines from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and HiKorea, detailing exact income thresholds, mandatory insurance requirements, and step-by-step application procedures.
02 2026 Eligibility & Income Criteria (The 2x GNI Threshold)
To qualify for the F-1-D visa, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have been employed by an overseas company or operating an overseas business for at least 1 year in the same field.
Income Requirement: The applicant's annual income for the previous year must be more than double the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of South Korea announced by the Bank of Korea. For 2026, this threshold is approximately 85M~90M KRW (roughly $65,000 USD, subject to official annual BOK GNI updates).
03 Mandatory Document Preparation Checklist
1) Valid Passport and standard passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm).
2) Visa Application Form (HiKorea Form No. 34).
3) Proof of Employment (Certificate of Employment showing at least 1 year tenure).
4) Proof of Income (Bank statements, tax returns, and official pay slips covering the previous 12 months).
5) Clean Criminal Record Certificate issued by the home country's federal government, authenticated with an Apostille (or consular legalization).
6) Private International Medical Insurance certificate confirming coverage of at least 100,000,000 KRW for medical treatment and emergency repatriation during the stay in Korea.
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04 Application Channels: Overseas Embassy vs In-Korea Status Change
Overseas Applicants: Submit the visa application and supporting dossier to the Republic of Korea Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Domestic Change of Status: Foreign nationals legally staying in Korea under short-term tourist status (B-1, B-2, C-3) from qualifying visa-waiver countries can apply for a change of status to F-1-D at their jurisdictional Korea Immigration Office via an advance HiKorea reservation.
Detailed Information Matrix
| Item / Parameter | Category / Scope | Details & Criteria | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Income Requirement | Financial Proof | 2x Previous Year Korea BOK GNI per capita (~85M+ KRW / ~$65k USD) | Official Link ↗ |
| Work Experience | Career Verification | Minimum 1 continuous year in foreign company / remote business | Official Link ↗ |
| Private Health Insurance | Medical Coverage | Minimum 100,000,000 KRW emergency medical & repatriation cover | Official Link ↗ |
| Initial Stay & Extension | Duration | 1 Year initial grant + 1 Year extension (Maximum 2 years total) | Official Link ↗ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QCan I work for Korean clients or earn Korean domestic revenue on an F-1-D visa?
No. The F-1-D visa strictly prohibits domestic profit-making employment or freelance contracts with Korean companies. All revenue must come from overseas employers.
QCan my spouse and children join me in Korea on this visa?
Yes. Accompanying family members (legal spouse and minor children) can apply for companion F-1-D visas upon submitting apostilled marriage and birth certificates.
QDo I need to obtain a Residence Card (ARC) on this visa?
Yes. Since the stay exceeds 90 days, all F-1-D visa holders must register with the local immigration office and obtain a Foreign Resident Card within 90 days of arrival.
References & Official Sources
※ This guide is drafted in adherence to official notices from South Korean ministries and authorized public agencies.
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