South Korea Officially Launches Digital Nomad Visa

South Korea has officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa, making permanent a program that had been operating as a pilot since 2024.

Announced by the Ministry of Justice on 7 July 2026, the updated F-1-D Workation Visa officially came into effect on 30 June 2026, introducing more accessible eligibility requirements and extending the maximum period of stay.

Lower Income Requirements

One of the biggest changes is a reduction in the minimum income threshold.

During the pilot program, applicants had to demonstrate an annual income equal to twice South Korea's per capita Gross National Income (GNI), regardless of their age or where they planned to live.

Under the new rules, income requirements now vary depending on the applicant's age and intended place of residence.

Younger applicants and those choosing to live outside the Seoul metropolitan area, particularly in regions experiencing population decline, benefit from lower thresholds. For example, remote workers aged 18 to 34 living outside the capital region now need to meet an income requirement of one times the per capita GNI.

Maximum Stay Extended to Three Years

The government has also increased the maximum period of stay.

Previously, Digital Nomad Visa holders could remain in South Korea for up to two years through annual renewals.

The officially launched program now allows eligible applicants to stay for up to three years, giving remote workers more time to live and work in the country.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the extension is intended to attract more international professionals, encourage longer-term stays, and support domestic economic activity through increased local spending.

Who Can Apply?

The Digital Nomad Visa is available to foreign nationals who:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have been employed by a foreign company for more than one year, or own a foreign company
• Can perform their work remotely while residing in South Korea

Eligible family members can also accompany the main applicant under the program.

South Korea Continues to Expand Its Appeal to Remote Workers

With lower financial requirements, a longer permitted stay, and family inclusion, South Korea's officially launched Digital Nomad Visa is designed to attract a broader pool of international remote professionals.

The changes also reflect growing competition among countries seeking to position themselves as attractive destinations for digital nomads and location-independent workers.