Korea's Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the "Workation" visa, has officially launched, with the government accepting applications from January 1, 2024.
The concept of workation, a blend of work and vacation, has gained popularity in Korea, with many companies incorporating it into their employee benefits. Across the country, numerous public workation centers provide facilities for employees to work during the day, along with discounted accommodations and sightseeing options.
The primary objective of the Digital Nomad Visa is to extend workation opportunities to foreigners and stimulate local economies by encouraging foreigners to stay in Korea for an extended period. Consequently, there is a relatively high-income requirement for eligibility, targeting individuals with greater spending capacity.
For young professionals residing in high living-cost cities in the U.S. or other countries who are already enthusiasts of K-culture, the Digital Nomad Visa offers a unique chance to delve deeper into Korean life while continuing full-time employment with their home company.
On the other hand, for those who are a recent college graduate and do not meet the income or other requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa, it is encouraged to consider a Job Seeking Visa. Notably, Korea offers a Job Seeking Visa to individuals who have never been in the country.
To help you navigate these options, a table comparing the Job Seeking Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa is provided below:
Job Seeking Visa | Digital Nomad Visa | |
Period of Stay | Maximum 2 years | Maximum 2 years |
Age | 20~45 (preferred) | 18 or above (mandatory) |
Education | Minimum Korean junior college degree or overseas college degree (preferred) | N/A |
Work Experience | Minimum 1 year in Korea or 3 years overseas (preferred) | Minimum 1 year in the same field as the current job (mandatory) |
Payroll or Business Income | N/A | Minimum KRW 84,974,000 (USD 65,500 as of today) for the preceding year (mandatory) * This figure may change from April 1, 2024 |
Korean Language | Minimum TOPIK Level 2 (preferred) | N/A |
National Health Insurance | Eligible after 6 months of stay | N/A (private health insurance required) |
Income Tax * Korea has in place a double tax avoidance agreement with its most trading countries | Subject to Korean income tax on worldwide income for tax residents in Korea (e.g., those who stay in Korea for 183 days or more in a tax year) | Subject to Korean income tax on worldwide income for tax residents in Korea (e.g., those who stay in Korea for 183 days or more in a tax year) |
If you are interested in evaluating your eligibility for these visas, please feel free to contact me by e-mail.
