What counts as 'remote work' for this visa?

You must be employed by or contracting with companies outside Korea. This includes remote employees, freelancers with foreign clients, and entrepreneurs with foreign-registered businesses.

Can I work for Korean clients on this visa?

No. The F-1-D is specifically for work with foreign companies. Working for Korean clients requires different work authorization.

What if my income varies as a freelancer?

You need to demonstrate average annual income of approximately ₩88,000,000 (GNI × 2). Provide 6-12 months of bank statements and invoices showing consistent income.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, spouse and children can apply for dependent visas (F-3). They cannot work on dependent visas without separate authorization.

What health insurance is accepted?

International health insurance plans covering Korea are accepted. Popular options include SafetyWing, Cigna Global, and Allianz. The policy must be valid for your entire stay.

Can I extend beyond 2 years?

The maximum stay on F-1-D is 2 years. After that, you'd need to leave Korea or qualify for a different visa type.

What are the tax implications of staying in Korea on an F-1-D visa?

According to Korean tax law, individuals who maintain a domicile in Korea or reside for 183 days or more during a tax year may be considered tax residents. Tax residents may be subject to Korean income tax on worldwide income. Tax treaty provisions between Korea and your home country may apply. Consult a licensed tax professional for specific guidance.

Can I switch from F-1-D to an employment visa (E-7)?

According to published immigration guidelines, a change of visa status from F-1-D to E-7 is possible if you secure a job offer from a Korean company that meets E-7 sponsorship requirements. You would need to apply for a change of status at your local immigration office before the F-1-D expires. Note that E-7 requires working exclusively for the sponsoring Korean employer.

Can I start a business in Korea on an F-1-D visa?

The F-1-D visa does not authorize business operations in Korea. To start a business, you would typically need to transition to a D-8 (Corporate Investment) visa, which requires a minimum investment of approximately ₩100,000,000 and a registered Korean business entity.

Is it possible to change status within Korea, or must I leave the country?

According to published immigration procedures, change of visa status within Korea is generally possible at the local immigration office (출입국·외국인청). However, certain transitions may require exiting and re-entering Korea. Check with the Korea Immigration Service or HiKorea portal for current requirements.

How does the income requirement work for freelancers?

Freelancers must demonstrate average annual income of approximately ₩88,000,000 (GNI × 2) from foreign clients. Published requirements indicate that acceptable proof includes: invoices and contracts from the previous 12 months, bank statements showing deposits, and tax returns from the home country. Income must be from work performed for entities outside of Korea.

Can my family accompany me to Korea?

According to published requirements, spouses and children of F-1-D holders may apply for F-3 (dependent) visas. F-3 holders cannot work in Korea without separate work authorization. The dependent visa application requires proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) and the primary visa holder's documentation.

What happens when my F-1-D visa expires after 2 years?

The F-1-D visa has a published maximum duration of 2 years (1 year initial + 1 year extension). After expiration, holders must either leave Korea or transition to a different visa type. Published transition options include: E-7 (if employed by a Korean company), D-8 (if investing in a Korean business), or D-10 (job-seeking visa, if holding a bachelor's degree or higher).

Korea Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D)

Work remotely, live in Korea

At a Glance

Duration

1 year

Fees

₩60,000

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Stay

2 years

Must be at least 18 years old (만 18세 이상)
Working remotely for foreign employer
1+ year of experience in the same industry as current employment
Annual income of ₩88,000,000+ (GNI × 2)
Health insurance with Korea coverage
Not working for Korean companies

Key Requirements

Remote employment with foreign company + income ≥ GNI×2 (~₩88M/year)

RequiredMust be at least 18 years old (만 18세 이상)
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application, per MOJ guidelines.
RequiredWorking remotely for foreign employer
Employment must be with company outside Korea
Required1+ year of experience in the same industry as current employment
Applicants must have worked in the same industry (동일 업종) for at least 1 year. This is verified through employment contracts and documentation from the overseas employer.
RequiredAnnual income of ₩88,000,000+ (GNI × 2)
Approximately ₩88,000,000 per year (GNI × 2)
RequiredHealth insurance with Korea coverage
Private health insurance with minimum coverage of approximately ₩100,000,000. F-1-D holders are generally not eligible for Korea's National Health Insurance (국민건강보험) as workplace subscribers. Maintain private coverage for the entire duration of stay.
Must maintain valid health insurance throughout stay

Not AllowedNot working for Korean companies
Cannot work for Korean clients/companies on this visa
Working for Korean companies is a visa violation

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

RestrictionOnly for foreign employer/clients
RestrictionCannot work for Korean companies
RestrictionCannot be employed by Korean entities

This visa is specifically for remote work. Working for Korean clients requires different visa.

Insurance Details

Minimum Coverage:: ₩100,000,000
Type:: Private health insurance

Published requirements specify private health insurance with minimum coverage of ₩100,000,000.
F-1-D holders are generally not eligible for Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI) as they are not employed by a Korean entity.
International plans such as SafetyWing, Cigna Global, and World Nomads are commonly used.
Insurance must cover the entire duration of stay.

Source: Ministry of Justice, Immigration Service

Tax Implications

Threshold:: 183 days

According to Korean tax law, individuals who stay in Korea for 183 days or more in a calendar year may be classified as tax residents.
Tax residents may be subject to Korean income tax on worldwide income.
The tax rate is progressive (6-45%).
Double tax treaties may apply depending on nationality.
Consult a licensed tax professional (세무사) for specific guidance.

Source: National Tax Service (NTS)

Documents

0/8

Required Documents (0 of 8 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Process

1-2 months

Estimated total timeline

1-2 months

Processing times vary by embassy, nationality, and season. According to published guidelines, apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. Some embassies may offer expedited processing for additional fees.

Check Eligibility

Verify you meet income requirement (₩88,000,000+) and have remote work arrangement.

Calculate your annual income carefully
Gather 6-12 months of income proof

Prepare Documents

1-2 weeks

Collect all required documents. Get employer letter and income proof.

Get background check apostilled
Ensure health insurance covers Korea

Apply at Korean Embassy

1 day

Submit application at Korean embassy/consulate in your country. Alternatively, if you are currently in Korea on a valid visa status (e.g., B-1, B-2, D-10), you may apply for a change of status at the local immigration office.

Book appointment in advance
Some embassies accept mail applications

Wait for Processing

1-3 weeks

Embassy reviews your application.

Receive Visa & Enter Korea

1-5 days

Pick up your visa and enter Korea.

Register at Immigration

1-2 weeks

Within 90 days of arrival, register at local immigration office to get ARC.

Got my ARC card in 10 business days after registering at Mokdong immigration. They give you a receipt right away that works as temp ID.

FAQ

Show all 13 questions

Tips

Apply well in advance - processing times vary by embassy
Keep detailed income records - you'll need them for extension
Get international health insurance before applying
Consider time zones - Korea is GMT+9
Join digital nomad communities in Seoul for networking
Popular areas: Gangnam (business), Itaewon (international), Hongdae (creative)

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-02-16

Visa Status Change

Looking to change your visa status?

See 3 available paths from F-1-D

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized immigration guidance, consult a licensed immigration consultant (행정사) or attorney (변호사). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Korean Ministry of Justice and immigration authorities.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.