Seoul Calling: South Korea Introduces Digital Nomad Visa

Want to move to K-Town? If you’re a digital nomad, now is the time!

In a significant move reflecting the evolving dynamics of work and travel, South Korea has declared its plan to introduce a digital nomad visa effective January 1, 2024. This visionary visa aims to cater to the rising trend of “workcation,” providing foreign residents the opportunity to stay in the country for an extended period of up to two years while pursuing remote work.

Here’s what you need to know:

The visa is exclusively designed for foreign nationals engaged in remote work. Applicants are not permitted to seek employment within South Korea. To be eligible, remote workers must boast an annual income surpassing 84.96 million won. This income threshold is double the country’s gross national income per capita, standing at 42.48 million won. Applicants need to be 18 years or older and possess a minimum of one year of work experience in their current field. Successful applicants have the additional privilege of bringing along a spouse and children under the age of 18.

The launch of this digital nomad visa marks a departure from the previous norm where foreigners were limited to tourist visas or a stay of fewer than 90 days without a visa for work-related activities in Korea. The new system opens up avenues for employees and employers in overseas firms to engage in both tourism and remote work within Korea for an extended duration.

Digital nomads keen on leveraging this opportunity need to submit their applications along with all necessary documentation to the Korean embassy in their respective countries. South Korea’s move reflects a broader global shift towards accommodating the preferences and needs of the growing digital nomad community, offering a tantalizing blend of work and exploration in the vibrant landscape of South Korea.

So, if you want to live closer to BTS, BLACKPINK or just immerse yourself in K-culture, go apply for the visa while you have the chance!