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 ~$66,000+ (~₩88M). 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 (~$75,000 USD) 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 $66,000 USD (~₩88M) 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) — Complete 2026 Guide

Work remotely, live in Korea

Important Notes

Income requirement is strict — approximately ₩88M (~$66K) based on GNI × 2
Working for Korean companies is a visa violation
Must maintain valid health insurance throughout stay
Maximum 2-year stay - plan accordingly

Duration

1 year

Fees

₩60,000 (~$42 USD)

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Stay

2 years

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.

Korea Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D) — Complete 2026 Guide

Work remotely, live in Korea

Important Notes

Income requirement is strict — approximately ₩88M (~$66K) based on GNI × 2
Working for Korean companies is a visa violation
Must maintain valid health insurance throughout stay
Maximum 2-year stay - plan accordingly

Duration

1 year

Fees

₩60,000 (~$42 USD)

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Stay

2 years

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Korea Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D) — Complete 2026 Guide

Important Notes

Key Requirements

Timeline & Fees

Documents

Application Steps

FAQ

Tips & Community

Sources & Related

Korea Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D) — Complete 2026 Guide

Important Notes

Key Requirements

Timeline & Fees

Documents

Application Steps

FAQ

Tips & Community

Sources & Related