F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea: 7 Exciting Changes for 2026

F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea officially entered a new phase on June 30, 2026, when the Korean Ministry of Justice moved the Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa from a pilot program into formal operation.

For remote professionals interested in living in South Korea while continuing to work for an overseas company, the changes are significant. The new program introduces lower income thresholds for certain applicants, incentives for living outside the Seoul metropolitan area, and a maximum stay of up to three years.

The Ministry of Justice explained that the changes are intended not only to attract global talent but also to encourage digital nomads to experience more regions of Korea and contribute to local economies. (법무부)

This guide explains seven important points prospective applicants should understand about the new F-1-D program.

Important: This article provides general information based on the Ministry of Justice announcement and should not be treated as individualized legal advice.

Table of Contents

1. What Is the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa?
2. Who Can Apply?
3. New Income Requirements
4. Special Rules for Applicants with Family
5. Maximum Stay Extended to Three Years
6. Required Documents and Health Insurance
7. Changing to F-1-D While Already in Korea
8. What the New Program Means for Digital Nomads
9. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea?

The F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea, commonly referred to as the Digital Nomad or Workation Visa, is designed for eligible foreign nationals who work remotely for overseas companies while residing temporarily in South Korea.

Korea first introduced the program on a pilot basis in January 2024. The Ministry of Justice subsequently reviewed the program and consulted with local governments before formally launching the revised system on June 30, 2026. (법무부)

The concept is relatively straightforward: an eligible foreign professional can live in Korea while continuing to perform remote work connected to an overseas company.

However, the visa does not generally permit employment or profit-making activities in Korea. Applicants should therefore distinguish remote work for an overseas employer from employment or business activities carried out in the Korean market.

For additional government information, applicants can refer to the Korea Immigration Service.

Why Was the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea Changed?

The pilot program provided the Korean government with useful information about who was using the visa and where they were choosing to live.

According to the Ministry of Justice, 743 digital nomad visas were issued between January 2024 and May 2026. As of May 2026, 398 registered foreign residents were staying in Korea under the visa. Of those residents, approximately 70% were nationals of OECD member countries. (법무부)

An especially important figure was geographic concentration: approximately 85% were residing in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, or Incheon.

The revised system therefore gives applicants a financial incentive to consider living outside the main metropolitan area.

2. Who Can Apply for the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea?

The visa is intended for foreign nationals associated with overseas companies who are capable of working remotely.

Under the Ministry of Justice’s published program outline, the principal applicant must generally:

• Be 18 years of age or older;
• Be associated with an overseas company;
• Be capable of performing his or her work remotely; and
• Have worked in the same industry for at least one year.

Eligible applicants may also be accompanied by their spouse and minor children. The minimum age requirement does not apply to accompanying children.

Applicants should remember that satisfying these basic criteria does not automatically establish eligibility. Income, insurance, criminal-record documentation, and other immigration requirements must also be considered.

3. New Income Requirements for the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea

This is arguably the most important change to the program.

During the pilot period, the general income requirement was based on two times Korea’s per-capita Gross National Income (GNI).

Under the formally launched program, the income threshold can now vary according to two factors:

the applicant’s age and the location where the applicant intends to reside in Korea.

Using the 2025 per-capita GNI of approximately KRW 52.41 million, the Ministry of Justice provided the following thresholds:

*Designated population-decline or population-decline-concern areas are treated separately for purposes of the reduced threshold.

The practical difference can be substantial.

For example, an applicant between 18 and 34 years old who qualifies based on residence outside the Seoul metropolitan area may be subject to an income threshold of only one times per-capita GNI, rather than two times GNI. (법무부)

Why Location Matters for the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea

The lower threshold reflects a broader regional policy objective.

The Korean government wants the Digital Nomad Visa to encourage foreign professionals to experience regions outside Seoul rather than concentrating almost exclusively in the capital region.

That means a decision about where to live in Korea can directly affect visa eligibility.

Applicants relying on the reduced regional threshold may need to demonstrate that they actually intend to reside in the relevant area. According to the Ministry of Justice’s program outline, supporting documents may include a lease of at least one month, confirmation from a specialized workation facility, or accommodation reservation documentation.

This makes housing strategy an immigration consideration—not merely a lifestyle choice.

4. F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea Rules for Families

Applicants planning to bring family members need to pay particular attention to the income rules.

The favorable income threshold available to a young individual applicant does not necessarily remain the same when a spouse or minor children accompany the applicant.

According to the official program outline, an applicant accompanied by family members who will reside in the Seoul metropolitan area is subject to an income threshold of two times GNI regardless of age.

If the family resides in a non-metropolitan or qualifying population-decline area, the threshold is 1.5 times GNI.

This distinction can materially affect an application.

For example, a 30-year-old individual applicant planning to live outside the metropolitan area may potentially qualify under the one-times-GNI threshold. If that applicant brings a spouse or minor child, however, the applicable income requirement may increase to 1.5 times GNI.

Applicants relocating as a family should therefore calculate the appropriate threshold before making major relocation arrangements.

5. F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea Now Allows Up to 3 Years

The second major improvement is the longer period of stay.

Previously, the Digital Nomad Visa permitted a maximum stay of up to two years.

Under the formally launched program, the maximum is now three years. (법무부)

The basic structure is:

Initial period: 1 year
Extension: 1 year at a time
Maximum: 3 years

According to the program outline on page 3 of the Ministry of Justice material, the initial one-year period is granted from the date of entry when the foreign national completes foreigner registration, with subsequent one-year extensions available up to the three-year maximum.

For a remote professional who wants to experience Korea as a genuine place of residence rather than simply take an extended vacation, that additional year can be meaningful.

The Ministry of Justice has stated that the longer period is intended to allow talented foreign professionals to experience Korea more fully while also extending their contribution to domestic and regional consumption. (법무부)

6. Documents and Insurance for the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea

Applicants should expect the immigration authorities to review both their remote-working status and their financial circumstances.

The official program outline identifies documents including:

• Visa application form;
• Passport;
• Standard passport photograph;
• Applicable visa fee;
• Certificate of employment;
• Pay statements;
• Bank transaction records or other income evidence;
• Criminal record certificate;
• Proof of private medical insurance; and
• Family-relationship documents when accompanying family members are included.

Applicants relying on a reduced income requirement based on regional residence should also prepare documentation establishing their intended residence in that region.

The standard Korean visa application form can be reviewed through the official Korea Visa Portal application form.

Health Insurance Requirement

Private health insurance is an important part of the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea application.

The Ministry of Justice requires private medical insurance providing coverage of at least KRW 100 million for medical treatment and repatriation during the applicant’s stay.

Applicants should review the actual terms of their insurance rather than assuming that any ordinary travel-insurance policy will satisfy the requirement.

7. Can You Change to the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea From Inside Korea?

For some applicants, yes.

The formal program allows eligible individuals holding certain short-term statuses—specifically B-1, B-2, and C-3—to apply for a change of status to the Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa if they satisfy the applicable requirements.

This is important for individuals who initially come to Korea for a short visit and subsequently decide that they would like to remain while continuing their overseas remote work.

However, the availability of a status change should not be interpreted as an automatic right to change status.

The applicant must still satisfy the relevant F-1-D requirements, and immigration authorities may review the applicant’s circumstances and supporting documents.

Before making long-term housing or relocation commitments, it is advisable to determine whether an in-country change of status is appropriate for the particular case.

What Does the New F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea Mean for Remote Workers?

The formal launch represents more than a simple extension of the pilot program.

Korea has created a structure that actively rewards certain applicants for living outside the Seoul metropolitan area. Younger applicants in particular may see a substantial reduction in the income threshold when they choose a qualifying regional destination.

At the same time, extending the maximum stay to three years gives eligible remote professionals more time to build a life in Korea.

That combination makes the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea potentially attractive to professionals who want more than a brief workation.

But it also makes planning more important.

Your age, annual income, intended residence, family composition, insurance coverage, and current Korean immigration status can all change how the rules apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea

How long can I stay in Korea on an F-1-D visa?

The initial period is generally one year. Extensions may be granted one year at a time, with a maximum total stay of three years under the formally launched program.

Can my spouse and children come with me?

Eligible applicants may be accompanied by their spouse and minor children. However, bringing family members can change the applicable income requirement.

Can I work for a Korean company on an F-1-D visa?

The F-1-D program is designed for remote work connected to an overseas company. The official program outline states that employment and profit-making activities in Korea are restricted.

Do I need to live outside Seoul?

No. Living outside Seoul is not a universal requirement.

However, qualifying applicants who reside in a non-metropolitan or designated population-decline area may benefit from a lower income threshold.

When did the permanent F-1-D program begin?

The revised program formally began on June 30, 2026, following approximately two and a half years of pilot operation. The Ministry of Justice subsequently announced the formalization publicly in July 2026. (법무부)

Planning to Apply for the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea?

The permanent F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea creates new opportunities for remote professionals who want to live and work remotely in South Korea.

For some applicants, the difference between living in Seoul and living elsewhere in Korea can now mean a substantially different income requirement. For others, questions about family accompaniment, proof of income, insurance, or changing status from within Korea may determine whether the application is practical.

Because immigration eligibility depends on individual circumstances, reviewing those details before applying can help avoid unnecessary complications.

Let us help.

If you have questions about the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa Korea, including eligibility, income requirements, required documents, accompanying family members, or changing your status while already in Korea, please contact Pureum Law Office at ask@pureumlawoffice.com.

For official immigration announcements and updates, you may also consult the Korea Immigration Service and the Ministry of Justice’s official announcement on the 2026 Digital Nomad Visa changes. (법무부)

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements, documentary standards, and immigration practices may change, and individual cases should be evaluated based on their specific circumstances.