South Korea's Digital Nomad Visa Goes Permanent — Extended to Three Years

South Korea officially launched its Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa — designated F-1-D — on 30 June 2026, converting the pilot programme that began in 2024 into a permanent immigration pathway. The Ministry of Justice announced the formalisation on 7 July 2026. The visa allows foreign nationals working remotely for overseas employers or operating foreign businesses to reside in South Korea for up to three years, extended from the two-year maximum under the pilot. For global mobility and HR teams managing internationally mobile professionals, the permanent framework provides significantly more clarity and planning certainty than the pilot allowed.

The Key Changes Under the Permanent Framework

Maximum stay extended to three years

The most significant change from the pilot: holders can remain in South Korea for up to three years under a single visa framework. Dependants — spouses and dependent children — may accompany the principal applicant.

Income thresholds

• Standard (all ages, all locations): annual income equivalent to at least twice South Korea's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita — approximately USD 65,800 after tax deductions
• Reduced threshold for applicants aged 18–34 intending to reside outside the Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province): equivalent to the previous year's GNI per capita — USD 36,963 in 2025

Other eligibility requirements

• At least 18 years old
• Employed by a foreign company (or owner of a foreign business) for more than one year, with the ability to perform work remotely
• Clean criminal record
• Medical insurance of at least USD 75,000 for treatment and repatriation throughout the period of stay

What the F-1-D Does Not Cover

The F-1-D is specifically for remote workers employed by foreign companies. It does not authorise working for a Korean employer or conducting commercial activity within South Korea. Employers should confirm that employees residing in Korea under F-1-D are not inadvertently creating Korean employment tax obligations or corporate permanent establishment exposure. South Korea has a robust tax enforcement framework, and 183+ days of residence in a calendar year generally triggers tax residency.

What This Means for HR and Mobility Teams

The permanent framework removes the uncertainty that made planning difficult during the pilot period. For mobile professionals interested in extended time in South Korea — or for companies looking to support talent flexibility in the APAC region — the F-1-D is now a stable, multi-year option.

Key planning considerations

• The standard income threshold (USD 65,800) limits eligibility to senior or high-earning professionals. The reduced threshold for under-35s outside Seoul significantly broadens access for earlier-career mobile talent.
• The three-year duration is competitive with other digital nomad destinations in the region. Companies supporting employee-initiated mobility requests for South Korea now have a clear framework to reference.
• Pre-departure tax and social security assessments are strongly recommended for any F-1-D placement lasting more than six months.

xpath.global provides end-to-end support for organisations managing remote work and assignment compliance across South Korea and the broader Asia-Pacific region. From visa advisory to tax and social security compliance, our specialists manage the complexity so your mobile professionals can focus on the work.

Sources: Crown World Mobility — July 16, 2026; Korea Immigration Service — July 7, 2026.

xpath.global Editorial Team — July 2026