🇰🇷 Southeast Asia Visa
Visas for South Korea
Digital Nomad Visa (Workation)
Visa overview
South Korea's Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa is a permanent program for qualifying overseas remote workers. Under rules effective June 30, 2026, the income threshold varies by age and intended region of residence (1× to 2× Korea's per-capita GNI), the visa is granted for one year, and it can be extended one year at a time up to a maximum stay of three years. Korea is excellent for urban nomads and remote professionals but less straightforward for traditional retirement migration.
Who it may suit
Remote workers who meet the age- and region-based income threshold and want to base themselves in a safe, high-infrastructure East Asian city for up to three years.
Eligibility
Applicants must show annual income of 1× to 2× Korea's per-capita GNI (about KRW 52.4 million as the 2025 reference), depending on age (18–34 vs 35+) and whether they live in the Seoul metropolitan area or a non-metropolitan / population-declining area. Verify the current GNI benchmark and your exact threshold with Korean immigration before applying.
Required documents
1) Passport valid for the intended stay. 2) Proof of annual income meeting the age/region threshold. 3) Evidence of remote work for an overseas employer or clients. 4) Application form and fee. 5) Family documents if dependents accompany you.
Income requirements
1–2× Korea GNI (~KRW 52.4M–104.8M), varies by age and region
Stay length
1 year initially, extendable one year at a time up to a total of 3 years.
Extensions
One-year extensions up to a 3-year maximum stay, subject to continued eligibility.
Remote work rules
The Workation Visa authorizes remote work for overseas employers and clients. It does not permit employment in the Korean labor market — that requires a separate work visa arranged by a Korean employer.
Local employment rules
Local employment not permitted
Tax residency warning
Staying 183+ days in a tax year can make you a Korean tax resident. The US-Korea tax treaty helps avoid double taxation. This is not tax advice — consult a qualified tax professional.
Application process
1) Determine your income threshold by age and intended region. 2) Gather income and remote-work documentation. 3) Apply through the Korea Immigration Service. 4) Pay the fee and receive a 1-year visa. 5) Extend annually up to the 3-year maximum.
This information is not immigration advice.
Educational use only: Verify with official agencies & qualified professionals. Not legal, tax, financial, or immigration advice.