South Korea is set to launch a “digital nomad” visa on January 1 to accommodate the growing trend of remote employment and vacations. This will allow foreign residents to stay in the country for up to two years while continuing to work in their home country, according to media sources quoting officials.
The Justice Ministry of South Korea acknowledged the growing popularity of the “workcation” phenomenon. Individuals work remotely from several locations in this case.
The ministry said, “To make remote work and vacation of foreigners in Korea smoother, we have decided to launch a new digital nomad visa.”
Previously, travelers visiting Korea on a ‘workcation’ had to seek tourist visas or limit their stay to less than 90 days without a visa. The new visa system is intended to allow overseas personnel and businesses to tour and operate remotely in Korea for an extended amount of time.
Documentation is required
Applicants for the digital nomad visa must submit paperwork to their respective South Korean embassies. They must be able to demonstrate an annual income of more than 84.96 million won (S$86,700), which is double South Korea’s gross national income per capita in 2022.
Additional documentation, such as job verification and a criminal background check, are required.
Applicants must also have private health insurance with a minimum coverage of 100 million won. This is to ensure that they can return home in the event of an emergency.
Age restrictions
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least one year of experience in their present field.
Once given a visa, digital nomads can bring their spouses and children with them. Most notably, the visa initially permits a one-year stay in South Korea, with an option to extend for another year.
Another appealing offer is that foreigners who are already in Korea on short-term tourist visas such as B-1, B-2, or C-3 can apply for the new digital nomad visa. However, there is a catch. This change does not give digital nomads the ability to work in South Korea.
