South Korea Digital Nomad Visa

 

South Korea is set to introduce a new digital nomad Duration: Initially valid for one year, with the option to extend for an additional year.

1. Target audience: Digital nomads and remote workers from around the world.
2. Cultural focus: Alongside the digital nomad visa, South Korea is also launching visas centered around K-Culture, including K-Pop, to capitalize on the global popularity of Korean entertainment.

This initiative demonstrates South Korea’s efforts to diversify its tourism sector and tap into the growing digital nomad market. By offering a two-year potential stay, the country aims to attract long-term visitors who can contribute to the local economy while experiencing Korean culture firsthand. The inclusion of K-Culture visas further highlights South Korea’s strategy to leverage its soft power and cultural exports to draw international visitors and enthusiasts.

 

Visa category

Digital nomad (Workation) visa*

What are the visa fees/charges?

~EUR81

Is there a minimum income threshold applicable for digital nomad/remote work visa?

• The applicant is required to earn more than twice the Korean Gross National Income of previous year
• As per current standard from 2022 Korean GNI, the applicant should earn KRW84.96 million annually or KRW7.08 million monthly

Are digital nomad/remote work visa holders subject to income tax?

Depends

Are digital nomad/remote work visa holders subject to social security contributions?

Depends

Is there Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) relief available in the country?

Yes

Is there an income tax requirement in the country, in general?

Yes

Is there a social security requirement in the country, in general?

Yes

Are criminal checks required for this visa?

• Background check/police certificate is required
• The certificate should be issued within 6 months, affixed with apostille
• If the applicant has lived for more than a year in a foreign country, he is required to submit that country’s background check/police certificate along with apostille

For how long is the digital nomad/remote work visa valid?

• 1 year**
• Can be renewed to additional 1 year

Is the applicant bound to any work restraints/limitations?

Visa holders are restricted from working in Korea

What are the standard requirements for the digital nomad/remote work visa?

Eligibility:
• Applicant should be at least 18 years old, employed to an overseas company
• He should be allowed to work remote and should be working in the same industry for more than a year
Requirements:
• Visa application form
• Proof of fulfilling minimum income requirement (income certificate or bank account transaction details, etc.)
• Valid passport
• 1 Passport-sized photo
• Employment certificate
• Criminal record certificate (apostille required)
• Personal health insurance certificate required with coverage of at least KRW100 million for hospital treatment and evacuation to the home country during the period of stay
• Family relationship proof document (required if applicant is accompanied by family)

Which countries are eligible to apply for the digital nomad/ remote work visa?

Available for all nationals

Is applicant required to provide proof of employment?

• Employment letter proving the current employment
• Proof of at least 1 year of experience in the past

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