What is the F-1-D Workation Visa?
The F-1-D is Korea's digital nomad pilot visa, launched in 2024 as an extension of the existing F-1 visitor category. It allows remote workers employed by a company outside Korea (or self-employed with foreign clients) to live in Korea legally for up to one year, renewable once for a total of two years. Accompanying family members — spouse and minor children — can join on the same visa category.
F-1-D holders may not work for a Korean employer or serve Korean clients from inside the country. Income must come from outside Korea.
Eligibility & Income Requirement
To qualify for the F-1-D, you must have at least one year of work experience in your current field, hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and earn at least twice Korea's Gross National Income per capita — approximately ₩84 million per year (roughly US$65,000) in 2026. The income must come from a foreign employer or foreign clients.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- 1+ year experience in your current remote role
- Income of ~₩84,000,000+ per year (verify current threshold)
- Remote employer or clients based outside Korea
- Clean criminal record (apostilled police check)
- Private health insurance covering Korea (~US$100,000 minimum)
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Visa application form | Download from consulate website |
| Passport + copy | 6+ months validity |
| Proof of employment | Employment letter or client contracts |
| Income proof | Tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements |
| Degree certificate | Apostilled and notarized |
| Criminal background check | Apostilled, issued within 6 months |
| Private health insurance | Korea-valid, ~US$100K coverage minimum |
| Accommodation proof | Booking or lease in Korea |
Apostille processing for degrees and background checks can take 4-8 weeks in some countries. Start this step early — it is usually the bottleneck.
Stay Length, Family & Renewal
The F-1-D is issued for an initial 12 months. You can apply for a one-time extension of 12 more months through HiKorea or your local immigration office, for a total of two years. After the two-year limit, you must leave Korea or transition to a different visa category (such as D-8 business or F-2 points-based residence).
Spouses and minor children can apply as dependents on the same visa and may attend Korean schools. Dependents cannot work on the F-1-D category — they would need a separate work visa.
- Initial stay: 12 months
- Renewal: 1 extension of 12 months (total 2 years)
- Family: spouse + minor children eligible
- Work in Korea: not permitted (no local employer or clients)
- Tax residency: triggered after 183 days in Korea per year
The F-1-D is a pilot program and rules may change. Always verify the current income threshold, document list, and processing procedures at hikorea.go.kr before applying.
What is the F-1-D Workation Visa?
The F-1-D is Korea's digital nomad pilot visa, launched in 2024 as an extension of the existing F-1 visitor category. It allows remote workers employed by a company outside Korea (or self-employed with foreign clients) to live in Korea legally for up to one year, renewable once for a total of two years. Accompanying family members — spouse and minor children — can join on the same visa category.
F-1-D holders may not work for a Korean employer or serve Korean clients from inside the country. Income must come from outside Korea.
Eligibility & Income Requirement
To qualify for the F-1-D, you must have at least one year of work experience in your current field, hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and earn at least twice Korea's Gross National Income per capita — approximately ₩84 million per year (roughly US$65,000) in 2026. The income must come from a foreign employer or foreign clients.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- 1+ year experience in your current remote role
- Income of ~₩84,000,000+ per year (verify current threshold)
- Remote employer or clients based outside Korea
- Clean criminal record (apostilled police check)
- Private health insurance covering Korea (~US$100,000 minimum)
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Visa application form | Download from consulate website |
| Passport + copy | 6+ months validity |
| Proof of employment | Employment letter or client contracts |
| Income proof | Tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements |
| Degree certificate | Apostilled and notarized |
| Criminal background check | Apostilled, issued within 6 months |
| Private health insurance | Korea-valid, ~US$100K coverage minimum |
| Accommodation proof | Booking or lease in Korea |
Apostille processing for degrees and background checks can take 4-8 weeks in some countries. Start this step early — it is usually the bottleneck.
Stay Length, Family & Renewal
The F-1-D is issued for an initial 12 months. You can apply for a one-time extension of 12 more months through HiKorea or your local immigration office, for a total of two years. After the two-year limit, you must leave Korea or transition to a different visa category (such as D-8 business or F-2 points-based residence).
Spouses and minor children can apply as dependents on the same visa and may attend Korean schools. Dependents cannot work on the F-1-D category — they would need a separate work visa.
- Initial stay: 12 months
- Renewal: 1 extension of 12 months (total 2 years)
- Family: spouse + minor children eligible
- Work in Korea: not permitted (no local employer or clients)
- Tax residency: triggered after 183 days in Korea per year
The F-1-D is a pilot program and rules may change. Always verify the current income threshold, document list, and processing procedures at hikorea.go.kr before applying.