South Korea has introduced a new visa aimed at digital nomads and international remote workers, allowing them to live and work in the country for up to two years. This visa is a significant change from the previous tourist policy, which only allowed visitors to stay for up to 90 days.
The new visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional year. One notable feature of this visa is that it permits spouses and children under 18 to accompany the primary visa holder without requiring separate visas.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet several criteria. They need to have earned at least twice the South Korean gross national income per capita in the previous year, which amounts to approximately $64,000 USD. Additionally, applicants must have been employed in their current field for at least one year, provide proof of health insurance, and have a clean criminal record.
Applications for the visa can be submitted at the nearest South Korean consular office. Those currently vacationing in South Korea can apply for the visa and obtain it without leaving the country. The visa’s validity begins from the applicant’s arrival date in South Korea.
South Korea’s new visa follows a trend of countries creating digital nomad visas. Japan, Costa Rica, Greece, and Spain have also introduced similar programs to attract remote workers.
The digital nomad lifestyle gained traction with the rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, digital nomads have existed long before this, with Portugal offering a notable visa for travelers earning $40,000 annually.
In addition to the new workation visa, South Korea has also garnered attention for its “K-Culture Training Visa,” announced earlier this summer. This visa targets foreign nationals aspiring to train in K-pop activities such as dancing, performing, and modeling.
For those who have dreamed of living in South Korea, this new visa might be the perfect opportunity to turn that dream into reality.