South Korea lets many visitors stay 90 days, and its workation visa (F-1-D) gives remote workers a way to stay much longer. This page covers the position as of October 2026. Check the official Korea Visa Portal before applying.
Visa-Free Entry and K-ETA#
- Who: citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many others.
- Stay: usually 90 days (some nationalities get 30 or 60 days).
- K-ETA: the online travel authorisation is normally required, but is waived for 22 countries until 31 December 2026, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and much of Europe. Others apply online before travel.
- Arrival card: visitors without a K-ETA fill in an e-arrival card online or on arrival.
Workation Visa (F-1-D)#
- Who: remote workers employed by a company outside Korea for at least a year (or self-employed with an equivalent history).
- Income: linked to Korea’s gross national income (GNI) per head. Since the June 2026 changes, about one to two times GNI per head, depending on your age and where you live: roughly $37,000 a year for under-35s living outside the Seoul area, up to about $74,000 for others.
- Health insurance: private cover of at least ₩100 million for the whole stay.
- Other documents: proof of employment, income evidence, and a criminal record check.
- Length: up to three years since June 2026.
- Family: a spouse and children can join.
- How to apply: at a Korean embassy or consulate.
After arrival, register for an alien registration card (ARC) at an immigration office within 90 days. The ARC makes phone contracts, banking and online services much easier.
South Korea's Visa Options Compared#
South Korea: Workation Visa (F-1-D)
- Stay
- Up to 3 years (since June 2026)
- Valid for
- Up to 3 years
- Renewal
- Within the 3-year limit
- Money required
- 1x to 2x Korea's GNI per head depending on age and where you live: about $37,000 a year (under 35, outside Seoul) up to about $74,000
- Fee
- About $80
- Who qualifies
- Remote workers with a year in their field, working for a company outside Korea. Health insurance of ₩100 million needed.
- Family
- Spouse and children
- Tax
- Not tax resident under 183 days
- How to apply
- At a Korean embassy, or switch status in Korea. Official site
Made permanent in June 2026 with lower income bars for under-35s and for those living outside the Seoul area.
South Korea for digital nomads · Rules checked October 2026. Confirm with the official source before applying.
South Korea Visa FAQs#
Does South Korea have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. The workation visa (F-1-D) is for remote workers employed by companies outside Korea. Since June 2026 it can last up to three years.
How long can Americans stay in South Korea?
90 days visa-free, and K-ETA is waived for Americans until the end of 2026.
How much income do I need for the Korean workation visa?
About one to two times Korea’s GNI per head, depending on age and location: roughly $37,000 to $74,000 a year.
Do I need an ARC in South Korea?
On the F-1-D visa, yes, within 90 days of arrival. It makes phones, banking and many online services much easier.