The Republic of Korea Expands Digital Nomad Visa Expansion

Key Point  

• The Republic of Korea formally launched its Digital Nomad Visa program, lowering income requirements for certain applicants and extending the maximum stay period to three years to attract global talent and support regional economic growth. 

Digital Nomad Visa  

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice announced that its Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa program, which has operated on a pilot basis since 2024, was formally launched as a permanent immigration pathway on June 30, 2026.  

Background on the Digital Nomad Visa Pilot Program  

The reforms follow a review of the pilot program conducted in consultation with local governments and visa policy stakeholders. Between January 2024 and May 2026, the Republic of Korea issued 743 Digital Nomad Visas to foreign nationals working remotely while residing in the country. 

Lower Income Requirements for Certain Applicants 

South Korea has relaxed the visa’s income threshold based on an applicant’s age and intended region of residence. 

Previously, all applicants were required to demonstrate income equal to at least twice South Korea’s Gross National Income (GNI), regardless of age or location. Under the revised framework: 

• Reduced income thresholds will apply to younger applicants and those residing outside the Seoul metropolitan area. 
• Applicants living in regional or population-decline areas may qualify under more favorable income requirements. 
• Eligible applicants may satisfy requirements using between one and two times South Korea’s per-capita GNI, depending on their circumstances. 
• As an example, foreign nationals aged 18-34 planning to reside in non-metropolitan regions may qualify with income equal to one times per-capita GNI.  

Maximum Stay Increased to Three Years 

The government has expanded the maximum period of stay available under the Digital Nomad Visa. 

Previously: 

• Visa holders could stay for one year and extend once. 
• The maximum total stay was two years. 

Under the new program: 

• Digital Nomad Visa holders may remain in South Korea for up to three years.  

Authorities indicated that the longer duration is intended to: 

• Encourage highly skilled foreign professionals to spend more time in South Korea. 
• Increase local consumer spending. 
• Provide greater opportunity for participants to consider longer-term settlement in the country. 

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