South Korea makes its digital nomad visa permanent with lower income rules

South Korea has made its F-1-D "workation" visa a permanent fixture, ending a pilot that began in January 2024 and softening the income rules that kept uptake low. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the change on 7 July 2026, with the permanent version officially available from 30 June 2026. The headline benefits: lower income thresholds and a maximum stay of three years.

What changed

During the pilot, every applicant had to prove income of at least twice Korea's previous-year gross national income (GNI) per capita. With 2025 GNI per capita near US$36,963, that meant showing roughly US$74,000 a year, a bar high enough that only 398 registered foreigners held the visa as of May 2026.

The permanent scheme introduces lower thresholds, particularly for remote workers willing to base themselves outside the Greater Seoul region. Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho said the goal is to give overseas talent "more time to experience Korea." The move also reflects regional competition, as Japan and Taiwan have expanded their own nomad-style visas.

What stayed the same

Several core rules are unchanged. Holders cannot take local employment in Korea and must work for foreign employers or clients. Standard documentary requirements remain, including a clean criminal record, international health insurance, proof of income, and at least a year of remote-work history from the pilot rules. Crucially, the visa still offers no direct path to permanent residency, a longer stay simply buys more runway.

It is also not yet clear exactly how individual consulates will apply the new income bands. The Ministry has published the broad framework, but embassy-specific guidance may lag, and Seoul-based applicants may still face the higher threshold.

What it means for nomads

The clearest winners are younger remote workers earning around US$37,000 who are open to living outside Greater Seoul, in cities like Busan, Daegu, or Jeju. Those who need Seoul's infrastructure but earn under roughly US$74,000 may still find the visa out of reach.

Before applying, check which income band your intended base city falls under. Also factor in tax: Korean tax residency kicks in after 183 days in a calendar year, which can catch out nomads who assume remote work for foreign clients stays tax-light. Anyone planning a stay beyond six months should review the tax implications carefully.

If you already hold an F-1-D visa from the pilot, watch for updated guidance from your local Korean embassy or consulate on extensions under the permanent scheme. If you are planning a fresh application, the new rules are live now rather than a future proposal. And for short trips of up to 90 days, standard visitor rules and K-ETA entry still apply if you do not meet the income test.

Originally reported by Freaking Nomads.