Articles on: Asia and the Middle East

South Korea — Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa, F-1-D): Everything you need to live and work remotely in Korea

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Korea

Ultra-fast internet, spotless transport, K-culture everywhere—plus temples and mountain trails a train ride away. With the Workation Visa (F-1-D) you can enjoy Korea’s innovation without leaving your overseas job.


What the Workation Visa (F-1-D) is

A temporary stay permit for remote workers employed by non-Korean companies or for freelancers serving clients outside Korea.

  • Stay: 1 year, renewable once (max 2 years).
  • Work scope: remote work only; not a permit to work for Korean employers.
  • Family: spouse and dependent children may accompany you.


Who handles it

Korea’s Ministry of Justice / Korea Immigration Service (KIS). You apply at the Korean embassy/consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. After arrival, you register at immigration for your ARC (Alien Registration Card).


Who qualifies?

If you’re 18 or older and have at least one year of professional experience, you’re on track. The big one is income: they look for twice Korea’s per-capita GNI. In practice, this usually lands around KRW 85–86 million (about USD 65–66k), but your consulate will confirm the exact figure. You’ll also need to prove you work remotely for a foreign employer or freelance clients abroad, carry solid health insurance, and have a clean criminal record.


Typical document list

  • Valid passport + photos
  • Visa application form (your consulate’s version)
  • Proof of remote work (employer letter/contract; for freelancers: invoices + registration/portfolio)
  • Proof of income (payslips, employer letters, bank statements and/or tax returns)
  • International health insurance (treatment + evacuation/repatriation for the full stay)
  • Police clearance (recent)
  • Marriage/birth certificates for dependents (apostilled/translated if required)
Note: Each consulate has small differences (translations, apostilles, formats). Follow their checklist line by line.


How to apply — step by step

  1. Prepare documents per your consulate’s checklist.
  2. Submit at the Korean embassy/consulate and pay the fee (varies by nationality/post).
  3. Wait for a decision (usually a few weeks if the file is complete).
  4. Enter Korea and register at the local immigration office to obtain your ARC within the required window (often within 90 days).


Fees & timelines

  • Fees: depend on nationality and consulate.
  • Timing: plan for several weeks; extra document requests can extend this.


Arrival admin (mini-checklist)

  • ARC: essential for mobile plans, banking, and many services.
  • Housing: demand in Seoul/Busan is high—book early.
  • Health coverage: keep your international policy valid throughout; some holders later explore local options depending on status changes.


Family members

Spouse and dependent children can apply for residence linked to your F-1-D status. Bring apostilled/translated civil documents to avoid delays.


Work rules & taxes (quick view)

  • This visa doesn’t authorize employment with Korean companies.
  • Many remote workers keep taxes in their home country—but days of presence, double-tax treaties, and permanent-establishment risks can apply if you set up locally. Speak with a cross-border tax advisor for your specifics.


Common pitfalls (and how to dodge them)

  • Income not clearly evidenced: combine employer letter + payslips + statements/tax proofs.
  • Insurance too light: make sure it explicitly covers treatment and medical evacuation/repatriation for the whole stay.
  • Ignoring consulate nuances: every post has its quirks—use their exact forms, wording, and timelines.


One-page checklist (save this)

  • [ ] Valid passport + photos
  • [ ] Consulate’s application form
  • [ ] Employer letter/contract or freelance evidence (clients outside Korea)
  • [ ] Income proof that meets 2× GNI
  • [ ] International health insurance (treatment + evacuation)
  • [ ] Recent police clearance
  • [ ] Family civil docs (if applicable)
  • [ ] Consular fee payment
  • [ ] ARC appointment plan after arrival


Need a tailored plan?

If you want us to package your evidence and map your Seoul/Busan + ARC steps, book a consult at fromquestravel.com.


Official references

(Per your request, links only here and the fromquestravel.com mention above.)


Updated on: 06/11/2025