South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4) (2026)
Requirements, income thresholds, and step-by-step application guide
Visa Type
Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4)
Min. Income (USD)
$4,700/mo
Tax Residency After
183 days
Entry for US Citizens
90-day tourist + visa
Key facts for the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4)
Last updated 2026-07-20Workation Visa / Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D)
Program exists; the mechanics below (beyond tax) could not be independently verified — confirm with a Korean consulate.
Commonly cited ~84 million KRW/year (≈ 2× GNI per capita, roughly US$63,000)
Not officially confirmed here — verify the current threshold.
Consular fees vary — verify
Commonly cited 1 year, extendable by 1 year (2 years total)
Apply at a Korean embassy/consulate or immigration office
You are a tax resident if you have a domicile in Korea or a residence there for 183+ days in a tax year
Source: PwC Tax Summaries →Disclaimer: This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. Visa rules, income thresholds, and fees change and vary by nationality and consulate. Figures tagged “commonly cited” are widely reported but not officially confirmed — always verify current requirements with the official South Korea immigration authority or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
What is the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4)?
Launched in 2023. Allows remote workers to live and work in South Korea for 1 year (extendable). Requires proof of overseas employment, annual income of at least KRW 84 million (~$63,000 USD), and no domestic employment for Korean companies. Apply at a Korean consulate before travel.
Important note: 90-day tourist entry is visa-free for US citizens. The D-8-4 workation visa is the formal long-term option. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for tourist entry — apply at k-eta.go.kr for USD 10.
What are the requirements for the South Korea digital nomad visa?
Most South Korea digital nomad visa applications require the following documents. Requirements can change — always verify with the official South Korea immigration authority or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
Valid passport
Typically required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Proof of remote income
Bank statements or employment contracts showing at least $4,700/month in consistent remote income.
Health insurance
Valid international health insurance covering your stay in South Korea. SafetyWing and Cigna Global are common choices.
Proof of accommodation
Lease agreement, coliving contract, or hotel reservation for initial accommodation.
Clean criminal record
Background check from your home country, often requiring an apostille and certified translation.
Application fee
Consulate application fees vary by nationality and processing location.
Health insurance for the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4)
Proof of valid international health insurance is one of the most common South Korea nomad-visa requirements — and consulates often want it before they'll approve you. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is popular with applicants because it's monthly, cancellable, and covers you across borders. Check a live price for your age and dates below.
Insurance pricing for South Korea
Live quote — enter your age and travel dates. Monthly billing, cancel anytime, covers most nomad-visa requirements.
Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission if you buy through this widget, at no extra cost to you — it helps keep Settled Nomad free.
Does the South Korea digital nomad visa trigger tax residency?
Tax residency in South Korea is typically triggered after spending 183 days in a calendar year. If you stay under this threshold, you may avoid South Korea tax residency — but you still have obligations in your home country.
183 days triggers Korean tax residency. Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 45%. D-8-4 visa holders may have special arrangements — confirm with the Korean National Tax Service or a Korean CPA. The US-Korea tax treaty prevents full double taxation.
Banking and money in South Korea
KEB Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank are the most foreigner-accessible for account opening with a tourist visa. ATMs (especially GS25 and 7-Eleven convenience store ATMs) reliably accept foreign cards with fees of KRW 2,000–3,000 per transaction. Wise transfers in efficiently. Kakao Pay and Naver Pay are the dominant digital payment systems — link a foreign card via Kakao Pay for broad acceptance.
Where to live in South Korea on the Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4)
Full South Korea guide →Every city we cover in South Korea — cost of living, neighborhoods, and visa-friendly logistics.
Check your eligibility
Our visa eligibility checker covers South Korea and 40+ other countries — compare options side by side.
Need help with your application?
Visa requirements change fast and mistakes are costly. A qualified immigration attorney can review your application, flag issues before they become rejections, and handle filings on your behalf.
Disclosure: This link may earn Settled Nomad a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4)?
Launched in 2023. Allows remote workers to live and work in South Korea for 1 year (extendable). Requires proof of overseas employment, annual income of at least KRW 84 million (~$63,000 USD), and no domestic employment for Korean companies. Apply at a Korean consulate before travel.
How much income do I need for the South Korea digital nomad visa?
The South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4) requires proof of at least $4,700 per month in remote income. Income proof typically includes bank statements, employment contracts, or client invoices.
Does the South Korea digital nomad visa lead to tax residency?
In South Korea, tax residency is typically triggered after 183 days in a calendar year. 183 days triggers Korean tax residency. Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 45%. D-8-4 visa holders may have special arrangements — confirm with the Korean National Tax Service or a Korean CPA. The US-Korea tax treaty prevents full double taxation.
Can US citizens get the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4)?
Yes — US citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists, and can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa D-8-4) to extend their stay legally for remote work.
Related
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, income requirements, and processing times change frequently — always verify current requirements on the official South Korea government website or consulate before applying. Settled Nomad is not responsible for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.