South Korea's introduction of a digital nomad visa marks a progressive step towards accommodating the evolving landscape of remote work. This initiative reflects the country's commitment to attracting and supporting individuals who choose a location-independent lifestyle.
Does South Korea have a digital nomad visa?
The Ministry of Justice in South Korea introduced the digital nomad ("workcation") visa on January 1, 2024. This visa allows foreign remote workers to reside in South Korea for an extended duration, offering the opportunity to blend work and leisure while exploring the country's attractions.
Digital nomad visa in South Korea: eligibility and requirements
Eligibility and requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa in South Korea include submitting a visa issuance application along with essential documents such as a valid passport, a recent photo, and the required application fee. Applicants must provide proof of income through documents like a Certificate of Employment, Certificate of Salary, or Deposit Transaction Certificate. A clean criminal background record and private health insurance covering at least 100 million won for medical treatment and repatriation are mandatory. Additionally, applicants should be 18 or older with a minimum of one year of work experience in the same industry. Those working for a foreign company or freelancing abroad are eligible.
What is the minimum income required to be a digital nomad visa in South Korea?
To qualify for a digital nomad visa in South Korea, individuals need to demonstrate an annual income of at least 84.96 million won (approximately US$65,550).
How long does it take for the digital nomad visa to be delivered in South Korea?
The processing period for the digital nomad visa in South Korea typically ranges from 10 to 15 days upon submission of the application. However, it's important to note that embassies and consulates are currently refining their internal procedures, and applicants should remain vigilant for potential updates or specific instructions during the application process.
Digital nomad visa in South Korea: cost and taxes
Given the recent launch of South Korea's Digital Nomad Visa program, the exact application fees remain unclear at this time. The fees are anticipated to vary based on the applicant's nationality and the specific Korean embassy through which they apply.
In addition to the basic visa application cost, individuals should factor in potential expenses related to documentation:
When it comes to taxation for digital nomads in South Korea, understanding the system involves considering several key factors:
In addition to the basic visa application cost, individuals should factor in potential expenses related to documentation:
- Fees for criminal background checks
- Costs associated with obtaining health insurance
- Expenses for document translations or notarization
When it comes to taxation for digital nomads in South Korea, understanding the system involves considering several key factors:
- For remote workers employed by foreign companies, their tax obligations may be influenced by various factors, such as international tax treaties and the details of their employment contracts.
- South Korea's tax system categorizes individuals as residents or non-residents for tax purposes. Residents, defined as those staying over 183 days in a tax year or having a domicile in South Korea, are subject to tax on their global income. Non-residents typically face taxation only on income sourced within South Korea.
- Depending on the individual's circumstances and the applicable tax treaty, they may qualify for specific deductions or credits to offset taxes paid in another country, potentially reducing their overall tax burden.
What if I’m not eligible for South Korea digital nomad visa as a digital nomad?
If the South Korea digital nomad visa doesn't align with your eligibility or preferences, there are several alternative visa options to explore:
- Tourist Visa: South Korea welcomes citizens from 69 countries with visa-free entry for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. The streamlined Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) offers quick online approval for visa-free entry.
- Working Holiday Visa: An option for working vacations in South Korea lasting up to one year, available to passport holders from specific countries with allocated quotas.
- Long-Term Stay Visas: Depending on your circumstances, other visa options cater to studying, work transfers, or extended stays in South Korea.
- Other Digital Nomad Visas: Consider exploring digital nomad hotspots like Indonesia, Croatia, Costa Rica, or Portugal, each offering unique cultural experiences, activities, and visa criteria outside of South Korea.
Digital nomad visa in South Korea on Reddit
Li from Tokyo says: "With the introduction of the new digital nomad visa in South Korea on January 1, 2024, I now have the unique opportunity to blend work and leisure while residing in the country for an extended period. This innovative initiative by the Ministry of Justice allows foreign remote workers to not only engage in their professional activities but also explore the diverse attractions of South Korea under the umbrella of a unified "workcation" program."
