Visa & Residency

Overview

**F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa (2024)**: South Korea's newest long-stay option for remote workers, launched January 2024. Requirements: annual foreign income of at least ₩85 million (~$63,000 USD), employment by a foreign company (not Korean), valid health insurance, and clean criminal record. Grants 1 year, renewable once (total 2 years). Holders cannot work for Korean companies but can work remotely without restriction. **Visa-Free**: Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and 100+ other countries may stay up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business meetings (not work). **D-10 Job Seeker Visa**: 6 months for those actively seeking Korean employment — useful as a bridge before securing an E-class work visa. **E-Class Work Visas**: Various E-series visas for specific occupations: E-2 (English teaching — most common), E-3 (research), E-7 (special designated activities for sponsored skilled workers). **F-5 Permanent Residency**: Granted after 5+ years of legal residence, meeting income/tax contribution thresholds, and language proficiency (TOPIK Level 3+). The points-based F-2-7 visa can accelerate permanent residency for high earners, investors, and certain professionals. **Jeju Island Special Rule**: Jeju Island offers 30-day visa-free access for nationalities not covered by the mainland 90-day rule (excluding a small restricted list).