South Korea Digital Nomad Visa: Quick Guide

Are you dreaming of working remotely from a country that boasts rich culture, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes? South Korea might just be the perfect destination for your digital nomad lifestyle. South Korea has become a popular destination for remote workers, and the introduction of the South Korea digital nomad visa has made it easier for foreigners to live and work in the country legally.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Korea digital nomad visa, including how to apply, requirements, and the benefits of choosing South Korea as your next digital nomad destination.

What Is the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa?

South Korea’s digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who want to live and work in South Korea for an extended period. It allows you to work remotely in South Korea while legally residing there. This visa was introduced to attract global talent and foster the country’s growing remote work ecosystem.

The visa provides a flexible and legal pathway for remote workers who want to experience South Korea’s rich culture, high-tech environment, and excellent infrastructure, all while keeping their careers going.

South Korea Digital Nomad Visa: Key Features

South Korea’s digital nomad visa has several key features that make it appealing to remote workers:

Long-Term Stay: Unlike short-term tourist visas, this visa allows you to stay for up to one year. You can also apply for an additional year if you wish to extend your stay.
Minimum Income Required: To qualify for the visa, applicants must prove they meet the minimum income threshold. This is typically set at 100 million won (approximately $80,000) in gross income. The gross national income (GNI) of your country may also be considered when assessing your eligibility.
Remote Work Flexibility: If you’re a business owner, freelancer, or work remotely for a foreign company, you are eligible to apply for this visa. The key is that your income must come from outside South Korea.
Spouse and Children: If you’re married, you can bring your spouse and children along with you, making it an attractive option for families who wish to relocate.
Health Insurance: You must also show proof of medical insurance covering your stay in South Korea. The insurance must meet South Korean standards to be approved for the visa.

Also Read: Top Digital Nomad Destinations in 2025

How to Apply for the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the South Korea digital nomad visa involves a few key steps. Here’s the application process:

1. Gather Required Documents:

Proof of employment (e.g., remote work contract, business registration)
Proof of income (usually bank statements or tax returns)
Health insurance coverage that meets South Korean standards
A clean criminal record from your home country

2. Submit the Application: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can apply for the digital nomad visa at the South Korean embassy in your home country or through their online portal (if available).

3. Wait for Approval: The approval process typically takes a few weeks. You may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as a criminal record check, as part of the background verification.

4. Receive Your Visa: Once approved, you’ll be issued a visa that allows you to stay in South Korea for up to one year. After arrival, you’ll need to apply for the Alien Registration Card (ARC) at a local immigration office, which is required for all foreign residents.

Other Visa Options for Digital Nomads

If you’re not ready to apply for the digital nomad visa, South Korea also offers a workation visa. This is a short-term visa option for people who want to work remotely in South Korea for a limited time, typically up to 6 months. You can apply for the workation visa if you want to test out life in South Korea before committing to a long-term stay.

For more information on the visa application process and to apply, visit the Official South Korean Visa Portal

Why South Korea is an Attractive Destination for Digital Nomads

South Korea is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for digital nomads due to its advanced infrastructure, modern cities, and thriving tech scene. Here’s why it’s such an ideal spot for remote workers:

Excellent Internet Infrastructure: South Korea has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, making it easy for digital nomads to work without interruption.
Vibrant Culture: With its bustling cities like Seoul, rich history, and delicious food, South Korea offers plenty to explore during your downtime.
Affordable Living: While Seoul can be expensive, other cities like Busan offer more affordable living options for digital nomads, with a high quality of life.
Co-working Spaces: South Korea has a growing number of co-working spaces, providing remote workers with a productive and social environment to work from.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before applying for the Korea digital nomad visa, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Taxation: South Korea has a gross national income (GNI) tax system, and it’s important to understand your tax liabilities while living and working remotely in South Korea. You may be required to pay taxes based on your income and length of stay.
Language Barrier: While many people in South Korea speak English, learning basic Korean can help you integrate better into the culture and community.
Health Insurance: Keep in mind the health insurance requirements, if any.

Conclusion

Becoming a digital nomad in South Korea offers you the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most advanced countries while maintaining your remote career. With the introduction of the South Korea digital nomad visa, remote workers, business owners, and entrepreneurs can enjoy a streamlined process to live and work legally in South Korea.

If you meet the requirements, the Korea digital nomad visa could be your ticket to an exciting new chapter of your career and life.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for the South Korea digital nomad visa with my spouse and children?

Yes, you can bring your spouse and children with you if you meet the visa requirements.

2. What is the minimum income required for the South Korea digital nomad visa?

The minimum income required is typically 100 million won, or around $80,000, based on your gross income.

3. How do I apply for the workation visa?

You can apply for the workation visa if you want to work remotely in South Korea for up to 6 months. Check with the South Korean embassy for specific application instructions.