Overview
Introduced in January 2024 and since made a permanent programme, the F-1-D Workation visa is for remote workers employed by, or contracting with, companies outside South Korea. Spouses and minor children can accompany the main applicant.
As of 2026 you can switch into the F-1-D from a visa-free or tourist stay at a local immigration office without leaving the country, provided you meet the income and other conditions.
Editor's note — South Korea's F-1-D rewards high earners with one of Asia's most convenient lifestyles — and the new in-country switching option makes it far easier to start from a tourist stay.
Who is eligible
- Non-Korean national working remotely for a foreign employer or clients.
- Annual income of at least roughly ₩88.1 million (about US$66,000) — set at twice Korea's GNI per capita.
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the field, in most cases.
- Private health insurance with coverage of at least ₩100 million (~US$75,000).
- A clean criminal record and 3–6 months of supporting bank statements.
Income & financial requirements
About ₩88.1M — twice Korea's GNI per capita.
One year, renewable once.
Private coverage of about ₩100M required.
Spouse and minor children may accompany you.
The income bar is high by Asian standards: at least ₩88.1 million per year (~US$66,000), pegged to twice the previous year's GNI per capita. Prove it with 3–6 months of bank statements, contracts or freelance agreements, and tax returns.
All income must derive from work for clients or employers outside South Korea.
Costs & fees
- Visa fee that varies by nationality — for example, around US$45 for US citizens.
- Mandatory private health insurance with substantial coverage (~₩100 million).
- Document translations into Korean or English, and apostilles where required.
Taxes
Spending 183+ days in Korea can make you a Korean tax resident on worldwide income, subject to progressive rates.
Short stays under the threshold usually avoid Korean residency, but confirm your position — and any treaty interaction — with a tax adviser.
How to apply
Check the income test
Confirm you meet the ~US$66,000 annual income and experience requirements.
Prepare documents
Bank statements, employment/freelance contracts, tax returns, insurance and a criminal-record check.
Apply
Lodge at a Korean consulate, or switch in-country at an immigration office from a visa-free/tourist stay.
Register
Complete immigration registration in Korea and collect your residence card.
Duration & renewal
Granted for one year and renewable once, for a maximum of two years. It is a designated-activity status and is not a direct route to permanent residency.
Bringing family
Spouses and minor children are eligible to accompany the main visa holder under the programme.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- World-class infrastructure, internet and transit
- Up to two years with family included
- In-country switching now possible
- Safe, convenient, food-and-culture rich
Considerations
- High ~US$66,000 income requirement
- Substantial insurance coverage required
- Worldwide tax residency after 183 days
- No path to permanent residency via this visa