The concept of residing and working in one of the vital dynamic and tech-savvy nations on this planet—South Korea—has at all times been alluring. With the introduction of South Korea’s Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D), distant employees now have a novel alternative to dwell, work, and immerse themselves in Korean tradition whereas contributing to their respective industries globally.
Whether you’re a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or an worker of an organization overseas, this visa affords a really perfect option to discover Korea’s distinctive mix of historical traditions and reducing-edge innovation. The aim of this information is to offer you a complete understanding of the visa course of, empowering you to confidently plan your transfer to South Korea.
Key Highlights of the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa
- F-1-D Visa Launch Date: January 1, 2024.
- Availability in 2025: Yes, this system continues, with minor clarifications and changes made based mostly on its preliminary rollout section in 2024.
- Purpose: Enable distant employees to dwell and work in South Korea whereas stimulating the native financial system and showcasing Korean tradition.
- Duration: 1 yr, extendable for an additional yr (complete 2 years).
- Changes for 2025: Updated minimal revenue necessities and streamlined application processes to cut back delays.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa, candidates should meet the next standards:
- Age Requirement: Applicants should be 18 years or older.
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Employment:
- Work remotely for a corporation positioned exterior of South Korea.
- Be a freelancer with worldwide shoppers.
- Income Threshold: Earn a minimal annual revenue of 88 million received (~$64,000), equal to 7.3 million received (~$5,300) monthly. The revenue requirement relies on South Korea’s gross nationwide revenue (GNI) per capita for the earlier yr.
- Work Experience: Have not less than 1 yr of expertise in the identical business or function.
- Medical Insurance: Possess personal medical insurance coverage masking as much as 100 million received (~$75,000) for therapy, accidents, and repatriation.
- Clean Criminal Record: No prison convictions in your home nation or in South Korea.
- Residence: Provide a legitimate residential handle in South Korea at some stage in your keep.
Application Process
Applying for the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa includes the next steps:
1. Prepare Documents
You will want:
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- Visa Application Form: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761493&page=1
- Valid Passport: Minimum of 6 months validity remaining.
- Passport Photo: Recent, taken towards a white background.
- Proof of Employment/Work: Employment contract, freelancing agreements, or enterprise registration.
- Income Proof: Pay slips, tax returns, or financial institution statements masking the final 12 months.
- Medical Insurance Certificate: Demonstrating the required protection.
- Criminal Record Clearance: Apostilled or notarized paperwork out of your home nation and different nations of residence prior to now 5 years.
- Address in Korea: A rental settlement or lodge reservation for preliminary lodging.
2# Submit Application
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- Where: Apply on the South Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home nation. If you’re already in South Korea on a brief-time period visa (B-1, B-2 (Ref), or C-3), you possibly can apply on the native immigration workplace.
- How: Submit paperwork both in particular person or by way of an authorized visa agent.
- Processing Time: Typically 10–15 enterprise days. Delays could happen if further verification is required.
3# Receive Visa and Arrive in Korea
Once accredited, you’ll obtain a visa grant discover (no bodily visa sticker) and can obtain it on-line. Upon arrival, you will need to:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I work for a South Korean firm on this visa?
No. This visa solely permits distant work for firms or shoppers exterior of South Korea.
2. Can my partner mix their revenue with mine for eligibility?
No. The revenue threshold should be met by one particular person.
3. Do I have to pay taxes in Korea?
Short-term residents (lower than 5 years) are solely taxed on revenue remitted to Korea. Long-term residents could face further tax liabilities. Consult a tax skilled for readability.
4. What if I lose my job whereas on this visa?
You could stay in Korea at some stage in your visa however can’t prolong it with out assembly revenue necessities.
South Korea Digital Nomad (F-1-D) Visa 2025: Application Process and Requirements FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS