🇰🇷 Workation Visa (F-1-D) → pilot, extended into 2026
South Korea digital nomad visa for Americans
The Workation Visa (F-1-D) → pilot, extended into 2026 lets you live in South Korea while you keep working for clients or an employer outside the country. Income needed: 2x Korean GNI per capita (about $5,162 a month). Length: 1 yr.
🛂 Open to applications 🧾 Heavy tax East & South Asia
The visa in numbers
📊 At about $5,162 a month, South Korea's bar is higher than 37 and lower than 4 of the 42 open nomad visas with a set income minimum. Compare all nomad visas →
Requirements and details
| 🛂 Visa | Workation Visa (F-1-D) → pilot, extended into 2026 |
| 💵 Income needed | 2x Korean GNI per capita → ₩85M/yr (~$62-70k) after tax → steep ≈ $5,162 a month in US dollars at current rates |
| 💳 Fees | <€100 (e.g. PHP 4,500 at Manila post) |
| ⏳ How long it lasts | 1 yr |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes → +1 yr (2 total) |
| 📍 Where you apply | Consulate abroad only → in person |
| 📆 Time you must spend there | None |
| 🏠 Path to permanent residency | No → temporary status only |
| 🧾 Tax | 183 days → resident on worldwide income (progressive to 42%) 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income · top rate 45% |
| 📝 Good to know | 1+ yr in same industry with employer's remote-work permission; family can join; no minimum stay; still a 'test operation' |
| 📄 Documents |
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Can the income bar cover life in South Korea?
All-in monthly cost for one person (everyday living costs plus a 1-bedroom city-centre rent), from the cities we cover.
| City | All-in / month | Income bar covers it |
|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇷 Seoul | $2,039 | 2.5× |
Data last updated · Source: Curated immigration research (confidence: high)
South Korea nomad visa: common questions
How much income do I need for South Korea's digital nomad visa?
2x Korean GNI per capita → ₩85M/yr (~$62-70k) after tax → steep. That's about $5,162 a month in US dollars at current exchange rates.
How long does the Workation Visa (F-1-D) last, and can I renew it?
1 yr. Renewal: Yes → +1 yr (2 total).
Where do I apply?
Consulate abroad only → in person.
What documents do I need?
Passport, employment certificate (1+ yr), payslips, bank certificate, tax return, apostilled criminal record, insurance certificate; TB screening for some nationalities. Requirements vary by consulate, so check the current list before you book an appointment.
Can it lead to permanent residency in South Korea?
No → temporary status only.
Will I pay tax in South Korea as a digital nomad?
183 days → resident on worldwide income (progressive to 42%). As an American you also stay taxable by the IRS on your worldwide income wherever you live; the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits usually stop you paying twice. Compare taxes abroad for Americans.