Imagine starting your mornings in Seoul with a steaming cup of coffee, taking a stroll along the Han River, and then logging in to work for your overseas employer — all without quitting your current job. Thanks to South Korea’s F-1-D Workation Visa, this dream is now possible for Indian remote workers.
Launched on January 1, 2024 as a pilot program, the visa allows qualified applicants to live in South Korea for up to two years while working remotely for companies based outside the country. However, there’s a catch — the eligibility rules are strict, and the income threshold is high.
What is the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa?
The F-1-D Workation Visa, often called the Digital Nomad Visa, is designed for remote professionals who want to work from South Korea without taking up a local job.
- Initial validity: 1 year
- Extension: Possible for 1 more year (maximum stay of 2 years)
- Processing time: 10–15 days (may take longer in some cases)
This visa is aimed at high-earning professionals — applicants must show an annual income of at least USD 66,000 (about ₹58 lakh), which is roughly double South Korea’s per capita GNI.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
To qualify for the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have at least 1 year of work experience in your current field
- Be employed by a company outside South Korea or run your own overseas business
- Work remotely only — no local employment or profit-making activities allowed
- Have written approval from your employer to work remotely from overseas
- Hold medical insurance covering at least ₹83 lakh for treatment and repatriation, valid for your entire stay
Required Documents for Indian Applicants
When applying from India, you’ll need:
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form No. 17) with passport-size photo
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Employment verification letter confirming your remote work arrangement for at least 3 months in South Korea
- Proof of income (any two of the following):
- Employment certificate
- Salary slips
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Pay stubs
- Indian criminal record certificate (issued within the last 6 months, apostilled or notarised by the Korean Embassy)
- Criminal record certificates from any other country you’ve lived in for over 1 year in the past 5 years
- Medical insurance certificate meeting coverage criteria
How to Apply for the South Korea Workation Visa
From India
You can apply at any South Korean embassy or consulate in:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
From South Korea
If you’re already in South Korea on a tourist visa (B-1, B-2, or C-3), you can apply directly at a local immigration office.
Application Process:
- Check your eligibility (income, age, experience, and work type)
- Gather and translate all documents into English or Korean; apostille Indian documents
- Book an appointment at the nearest embassy/consulate (walk-ins may be accepted at some locations)
- Submit your application with a visa fee of around USD 45 — your passport will be held during processing
- Wait 10–15 days for approval (no express option available)
- Once approved, travel to South Korea within the visa validity period and apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days
Bringing Family Along
Your spouse and children under 18 can join you. You’ll need:
- Apostilled marriage and birth certificates (if issued outside Korea)
- Employer or school letters confirming work or study arrangements
Important Things to Know
- The F-1-D Workation Visa does not lead to permanent residency in South Korea
- After 2 years, you must leave the country or switch to another visa category
- You cannot work for a South Korean company under this visa
Bottom Line
For high-earning Indian professionals and entrepreneurs, South Korea’s Workation Visa is an incredible opportunity to blend work, travel, and cultural immersion. While the income requirement makes it exclusive, those who qualify can enjoy up to two years of living in one of Asia’s most dynamic and technologically advanced nations — without giving up their existing careers.
If you meet the criteria, the Land of the Morning Calm could be your next remote work paradise
