South Korea

South Korea's D-10 visa is designed for foreign job seekers looking for employment in Korea. It allows holders to stay in Korea for up to 6 months while searching for work. The visa is particularly popular among graduates of Korean universities and skilled professionals. Once employment is found, holders can transition to appropriate work visas (E-series).

## Requirements

- Bachelor's degree or higher, OR
- Completion of studies at Korean university (D-2 visa holders), OR
- Completion of training program in Korea (D-4 visa holders), OR
- Previous E-series employment visa holders
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Health insurance
- Diploma/degree certificate
- Transcript (for recent graduates)

## Restrictions

- Cannot engage in employment during visa validity
- Part-time work limited to certain categories and hours
- Must actively search for employment
- Must transition to work visa once employed

## Processing

**Processing time:** 2-4 weeks

**Fee:** KRW 60,000 (approximately USD 45)

Apply at Korean immigration office in Korea (for status change) or Korean embassy/consulate abroad

D-10 visa is for single applicants only. Family cannot accompany during job search

6 months initially. Can be extended once for additional 6 months (1 year total). Graduates of Korean universities may receive longer initial period

Korea Immigration Service

D-10 Job Seeker Visa

Must demonstrate sufficient funds for stay. Generally KRW 30 million (~USD 22,000) in savings or equivalent proof of financial support

Naturalization in South Korea generally requires 5 years of continuous residence (3 years for marriage-based applicants). F-5 permanent residence obtained via this program is a step toward naturalization eligibility under the Nationality Act.

The Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business (IISPB, 공익사업 투자이민제) is South Korea's passive capital investment immigration program. Foreign nationals obtain F-2-12 residence status by depositing a specified amount in a public fund managed by the Korea Development Bank (KDB), with a path to F-5 permanent residence after five years. A higher-value route (F-5-25) grants immediate permanent residence. KDB uses the pooled capital to provide low-interest loans to small and medium-sized enterprises and smart factories, supporting job creation. The program has no educational, professional, or language requirements, making it well-suited to high-net-worth individuals seeking residence without having to manage a business or secure employment.

## Requirements

- Minimum investment of KRW 1.5 billion (~USD 1.1 million) for F-2-12 residence, or KRW 3 billion (~USD 2.4 million) for direct F-5-25 permanent residence
- Investment funds must be remitted from overseas — domestic funds do not qualify
- Clean criminal record
- No unresolved tax delinquencies
- No more than four prior violations of the Immigration Act
- Preliminary investment screening must be completed in person at a Korea Immigration Service office in South Korea

The program imposes no age, education, professional experience, or Korean language requirements. F-5-25 holders are also exempt from the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP).

## Investment Options

Two investment structures are available:

- **Principal-guaranteed, interest-free (원금보장·무이자형)** — Funds are deposited in a KDB-operated public fund that makes low-interest loans to SMEs and smart factories. The principal is returned in full after 5 years, with no interest paid to the investor.
- **Risk-based (손익발생형)** — Investment in regional development projects designated by the Minister of Justice, including underdeveloped areas (Yeongju, Andong, Yecheon) and tourism-leisure enterprise cities (Taean, Yeongam, Haenam). The investor bears profit or loss risk on the underlying project.

## Direct Permanent Residence (F-5-25)

Investors who deposit KRW 3 billion and pledge to maintain the investment for at least 5 years receive F-5-25 permanent residence status directly, bypassing the F-2-12 step. The KIIP and Korean language requirements do not apply. Any withdrawal of the KRW 3 billion principal during the maintenance period revokes F-5-25 status.

## Required Documents

- Application form
- Valid passport and photographs
- Investment deposit certificate from Korea Development Bank
- Proof of overseas fund remittance
- Family relationship certificate (for dependants)
- Criminal background check
- Proof of tax compliance

## Duration & Renewal

F-2-12 residence is issued for 2–3 years and is renewable while the investment is maintained. Early withdrawal of the deposit before the 5-year maturity results in visa cancellation. After 5 years of maintained investment, F-2-12 holders may convert to F-5 permanent residence, which remains valid even after the principal is returned. F-5-25 is granted as permanent residence from the outset.

## Family Members

The investor's spouse and unmarried children receive F-2 status alongside the principal investor, with the same unrestricted right to work, run a business, or study. When the investor converts to F-5 after 5 years, dependants become eligible for F-5-19 status. No separate investment or income requirement applies to dependants.

## Tax Implications

South Korea taxes residents on worldwide income. Investors who spend 183 or more days per year in South Korea are tax residents under the Income Tax Act, and double taxation agreements with numerous countries may reduce the overall burden. National Health Insurance enrollment is mandatory for F-2 and F-5 holders residing in South Korea for 6 months or more.

## Application Process

The investor must undergo preliminary investment screening in person at a Korea Immigration Service office, requiring at least one visit to South Korea. The screening confirms identity, source of funds, and eligibility. After approval, the investor opens a KDB account and remits the required amount from overseas. Once the deposit is confirmed, the investor applies for F-2-12 (or F-5-25) status at the local immigration office. Subsequent procedures such as extensions and status changes can be handled through a representative with a notarised power of attorney. The application fee is KRW 130,000 per person.

Upon receiving F-2 status, the investor must register as a foreign resident and obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of entry. F-2 holders need a re-entry permit for extended departures; F-5 permanent residents may leave and re-enter freely but must return within 2 years to maintain their status.

## Local Obligations

Foreign residents must register address changes with the local immigration office within 14 days. Starting **2 January 2026**, F-2 visa holders (including F-2-12 investors) engaged in for-profit activities must submit employment information — employment status, occupation, industry, and annual income bracket — online via the Hi Korea portal (hikorea.go.kr) at foreign resident registration and within 15 days of any subsequent change. During a pilot period from January through June 2026, paper submissions at immigration offices remain accepted; thereafter, reporting is exclusively online. F-5 permanent residents are exempt from this reporting requirement.

## Recent Changes

The June 2023 reforms — tripling the F-2-12 threshold to KRW 1.5 billion, doubling the direct permanent residence threshold to KRW 3 billion (creating F-5-25), and eliminating the retiree discount — remain the current rules as of April 2026. On 3 March 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced its "2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy," which focuses on expanding the Top-Tier Visa (D-10-T / E-7-T / F-2-T) for advanced-industry talent; the strategy does not modify IISPB thresholds or categories.

Spouse and unmarried children receive F-2 status alongside the principal investor, with unrestricted economic activities. Family members transition to F-5-19 when the investor converts to F-5. No separate investment or income requirement for dependants.

F-2-12 residence granted for 2-3 years, renewable while the investment is maintained. After 5 years, holders may convert to F-5 permanent residence. F-5-25 grants immediate permanent residence with a KRW 3 billion investment.

KRW 1.5 billion for F-2-12 residence visa; KRW 3 billion for direct F-5-25 permanent residence

Korea Immigration Service - Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business

Korea Immigration Service - Public Business Investment Immigration (Korean)

Hi Korea - Official Immigration Portal

Korea Immigration Service - Investment Immigration Programs Overview

Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business

This visa is itself permanent residence. F-5 status holders may apply for naturalisation (Korean citizenship) after meeting additional requirements including 5 years of continuous residence and Korean language proficiency.

The Permanent Residence for Overseas Pension Beneficiaries (F-5-13) allows foreign nationals aged 60 or older who receive qualifying pension income from abroad to reside indefinitely in South Korea. It is one of the more accessible permanent residence routes, as it does not require prior residence in Korea, completion of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP), or a social integration assessment. The program grants unrestricted stay duration and freedom to engage in economic activities, including employment and business ownership. Only pension income from a foreign government or institution qualifies — other forms of passive income such as rental income, investment dividends, or private annuities are not accepted.

## Requirements

- Age 60 or older
- Annual overseas pension income of at least 2x South Korea's per capita GNI. For applications from April 2026 through March 2027 the minimum is KRW 104,832,000/year (~USD 73,700/year), based on the 2025 per capita GNI announced by the Bank of Korea. The threshold is recalculated every April.
- Must hold a lawful visa status in South Korea at the time of application (any valid sojourn status)
- Only the applicant's own pension income counts — spouse or family member income cannot be combined
- No educational, professional, or Korean language qualifications required
- Clean criminal record

## Required Documents

- Integrated application form
- Passport and copy
- Alien Registration Card (ARC) and copy, or passport photo if no ARC
- Proof of residence (property lease agreement or residence registration certificate)
- Foreign criminal record certificate with apostille or consular authentication
- Letter of reference / identity guarantee
- Pension certificate from the foreign pension authority
- Bank account statements showing pension deposits for the preceding 12 months
- General information form

## Duration & Renewal

F-5-13 grants permanent residence with no expiration on the underlying status. The permanent residence card is valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiration. Holders who remain outside Korea continuously for more than 2 years without obtaining a re-entry permit will lose their permanent residence status. There is no minimum days-in-country requirement per year, but the 2-year continuous absence rule effectively requires periodic return.

## Family Members

Permanent residence holders may sponsor their spouse and unmarried minor children for F-2 (Residence) status. Family members on F-2 status have the right to engage in economic activities. After maintaining F-2 status for at least 2 years, family members may apply for F-5-4 (Family of Permanent Resident) permanent residence. Separate applications are required for each family member, including proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) with apostille or consular authentication.

## Tax Implications

F-5 permanent residents are considered tax residents of South Korea. Residents who have lived in Korea for more than 5 years within the preceding 10-year period are subject to income tax on all worldwide income. Otherwise, only Korean-source income and foreign-source income remitted to Korea are taxable. Overseas pension income may be subject to Korean income tax depending on applicable bilateral tax treaties. South Korea has progressive income tax rates ranging from 6% to 45%. Permanent residents are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance system from the date of obtaining F-5 status, with premiums calculated at the same rate as Korean citizens.

## Application Process

Applicants must first hold a lawful visa status in Korea, which means entering on a valid visa (such as a short-term visit C-3 or other appropriate status) before applying for the status change. Applications are submitted in person at the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over the applicant's registered address. Reservations must be made through the HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr). The pension income verification covers the 12 months preceding the application date, and only pension income actually received is evaluated. Processing takes approximately 3 to 6 months. Upon approval, the applicant receives a permanent residence card valid for 10 years.

F-5 holders may apply for naturalisation (Korean citizenship) after meeting additional requirements including 5 years of continuous residence and Korean language proficiency. Any change of address must be reported to the immigration office within 14 days.

Spouse and unmarried minor children may be sponsored for F-2 (Residence) status. After maintaining F-2 status for at least 2 years, family members may apply to upgrade to F-5-4 permanent residence. Separate applications and documentation are required for each family member.

Permanent residence with no upper limit on stay duration. Permanent residence card valid for 10 years, renewable. Underlying F-5 status does not expire.

Annual overseas pension income of at least 2x South Korea's per capita GNI. For April 2026 - March 2027: minimum KRW 104,832,000/year (~USD 73,700/year). The threshold is updated annually each April when the Bank of Korea announces the previous year's per capita GNI. Only the applicant's own pension income qualifies — spouse income, investment income, or other non-pension passive income cannot be counted.

Korea Immigration Service - Official Website

HiKorea - Immigration Information

Korea Immigration Service - F-5 Permanent Residence Types

Permanent Residence for Overseas Pension Beneficiaries

The Technology Startup Visa (D-8-4) allows foreign nationals with advanced technology or intellectual property to establish and operate a corporation in South Korea. It is a subcategory of the D-8 Corporate Investment residence status. There are two pathways: the standard D-8-4 route, which uses a points-based evaluation system requiring a bachelor's degree and 60+ points, and the newer Startup Korea Special Visa (D-8-4(S)), introduced in November 2024, which replaces the point-based evaluation with a qualitative business plan assessment and removes the degree requirement. The visa targets foreign entrepreneurs who can contribute to economic revitalization and job creation through technology-based startups.

## Requirements

**Standard D-8-4 pathway:**
- Bachelor's degree or higher from a recognised institution (or Korean associate/vocational-college degree)
- Score 60+ points on the Startup Immigration Points System (maximum 300 points, roughly 180 in mandatory/technical items and 120 in optional items)
- Must establish a new corporation based on intellectual property or equivalent technical capabilities
- Must be the founder of the corporation

The points system requires at least one mandatory item. Point values include:
- Registered patent — 60 points
- Registered utility model or design — 30 points
- Patent application — capped at 10 points regardless of the number filed
- Government startup-support beneficiary, or completion of OASIS-6/9 — 30 points
- 3+ years on E-1 (professor) or E-3 (researcher) status — 60 points
- Investment of KRW 100 million+ from an accelerator, VC firm, or policy-finance institution — 60 points

Optional items add to the score: individual OASIS courses (10–15 points each), a master's degree or higher (10 points), and TOPIK Level 5+ or KIIP Level 5 Korean-language proficiency (10 points).

**D-8-4(S) Startup Korea Special Visa:**
- No academic qualifications required
- Business plan evaluated by a private screening committee on viability, innovation, team capability, Korean market entry potential, and economic contribution
- 10-minute pitch presentation with Q&A required

## Required Documents

**Standard D-8-4:**
- Application form, passport copy, photograph
- Degree certificate with apostille
- Corporate registration certificate and business registration certificate
- Business plan
- Proof of points (patent/utility model certificates, OASIS completion certificates, investment proof)
- Proof of residence and office lease contract

**D-8-4(S):**
- Business plan and supporting documents on startup viability and innovation
- Team information
- Recommendation letter from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups or designated evaluator (issued after successful evaluation)

## Duration & Renewal

The visa is granted for a maximum of 1 year initially, extendable up to 2 years per issuance for applicants who have filed intellectual property applications or score 35+ points. Extension applications must be filed before the current period expires and require updated business performance records, tax compliance documentation, and an updated business plan. The D-8-4(S) recommendation letter is valid for 6 months, during which the applicant must incorporate and apply for the visa.

## Family Members

Spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 19) may apply for F-3 Dependent Family status. Family relationship documents (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children) must undergo apostille or consular authentication and be translated into Korean or English. F-3 holders may not engage in employment without obtaining separate activity permission.

## Tax Implications

Foreign nationals residing in South Korea for 183+ days in a tax year are considered tax residents and are subject to Korean income tax. Corporate income tax applies to the startup at progressive rates: 9% on income up to KRW 200 million, 19% on KRW 200 million to 2 billion, 21% on KRW 2 to 20 billion, and 24% above KRW 20 billion. National Health Insurance enrollment is mandatory for all foreign nationals with residence status of 6 months or more. Tax incentives may be available through Free Economic Zones and government startup support programmes.

## Application Process

**Standard D-8-4:** Most applicants begin with a D-10-2 (Startup Preparation) visa, providing up to 2 years to prepare the startup while in South Korea. During this period, applicants participate in OASIS courses, develop their business plan, file intellectual property applications, and register a corporation. Once 60+ points are accumulated and the corporation is registered, applicants change their status to D-8-4 at the local immigration office (status change processing takes about 10 business days). Aside from the points system, selection among the K-Startup Grand Challenge TOP 20 or as a government startup-support beneficiary are also recognised routes to D-8-4.

**D-8-4(S):** Applicants submit a business plan through the K-Startup Portal or Global Startup Center website during open application rounds; they may apply even before incorporating. The startup must fall within a new-industry or technology-startup category and be within 7 years of establishment (10 years for new-industry fields). Shortlisted applicants deliver a 10-minute pitch presentation with Q&A before a private screening committee. Successful applicants receive a recommendation letter valid for 6 months, during which they must incorporate and apply for the visa at a Korean embassy or immigration office (the visa can be obtained within 6 months of establishing the corporation). Since September 2025, local governments and accredited private accelerators can also issue recommendations, not just the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

After 3+ years of continuous residence on D-8-4 status, holders may apply for F-5-24 permanent residency if they have attracted KRW 300 million or more in investment and continuously employed 2 or more Korean nationals for 6+ consecutive months. Upon arrival, an Alien Registration Card must be obtained within 90 days.

Spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 19) may apply for F-3 Dependent Family status. F-3 holders may not engage in employment without separate activity permission. Family relationship documents must have apostille authentication.

Maximum 1 year initially. Extendable up to 2 years per issuance for applicants who have filed intellectual property applications or score 35+ points on the points system. After 3+ years of continuous residence, a path to permanent residence (F-5-24) is available.

HiKorea - Technology Startup Immigration

OASIS - Global Start-up Immigration Center

Ministry of SMEs and Startups - Startup Korea Special Visa

Ministry of SMEs and Startups - Global Startup Center

Technology Startup Visa

No fixed minimum capital requirement. Standard D-8-4 pathway uses the Startup Immigration Points System (60+ of a maximum 300 points needed), where an investment of KRW 100 million+ from an accelerator, venture capital firm, or policy-finance institution earns 60 points and qualifies an applicant outright. D-8-4(S) Startup Korea Special Visa has no capital requirement — evaluated on business plan viability. For the preparatory D-10-2 visa, applicants must show at least KRW 1,100,000/month in personal bank statements.

After 5 years of maintaining the qualifying investment, holders may convert to F-5 permanent residence. Naturalization as a South Korean citizen is possible after 5 years of lawful, continuous residence under the Nationality Act, subject to language, integration, and good-character requirements.

The Tourism and Leisure Facility Investment Immigration program (관광·휴양시설 투자이민제, formerly the Real Estate Investment Immigration System) grants foreign nationals F-2-8 residence status upon purchasing designated tourism and leisure properties worth KRW 1 billion or more in specified geographic zones. The program was originally established in February 2010, initially covering Jeju Province, and was renamed in May 2023 to reflect its focus on tourism and leisure infrastructure rather than general real estate. It provides a path to F-5 permanent residence after maintaining the investment for five years.

**Program sunset: 31 December 2027.** The implementation period was extended in February 2026 (at the request of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and applied by the Ministry of Justice) from its previous 30 April 2026 expiry to **31 December 2027**. The investment threshold and eligible property types remain unchanged, and the IFEZ (Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority) has updated its program materials to reflect the new end date. The program may not be renewed further, so prospective investors should plan around this deadline.

## Requirements

- Purchase of a designated tourism and leisure property worth **KRW 1 billion (~USD 780,000) or more**
- Property must be located in an approved investment zone and specifically listed by the Minister of Justice
- Funds must be remitted from overseas — domestic funds do not qualify
- Property must be purchased in the investor's own name (not through a corporate entity)
- Clean criminal record; applicants posing a national security risk are ineligible
- Property cannot be sold, leased, encumbered, or used for commercial purposes other than personal accommodation during the investment period
- No educational, professional, or language requirements

## Designated Zones

Five regions are currently designated for the program:

- **Jeju Special Self-Governing Province** — tourism districts and tourism zones (the original zone, designated since 2010)
- **Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ)** — Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna districts
- **Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province** — Alpensia resort area
- **Yeosu, South Jeolla Province** — Gyeongdo area
- **Busan** — Haeundae and eastern Busan areas

Designated areas and properties may change through ministerial notifications.

## Eligible Properties

Only specific types of tourism and leisure accommodation qualify:

- Luxury condominiums (콘도미니엄)
- General accommodations (일반숙박시설)
- Residential accommodations (생활숙박시설)
- Housing connected to sports facilities
- Tourist pensions (관광펜션)

General residential apartments and commercial real estate do not qualify. Properties must be in designated zones and specifically listed by the Minister of Justice.

## Required Documents

- Application form
- Valid passport and photographs
- Property purchase contract
- Property registry (등기부등본 / title deed)
- Proof of overseas fund remittance (foreign exchange certificate, 외국환매입증명서)
- Family relationship certificate (for dependants)
- Criminal background check

## Duration & Renewal

F-2-8 residence is granted for up to 3 years and is renewable as long as property ownership is maintained. Applicants must demonstrate continued ownership at each renewal. Selling, leasing, or encumbering the property results in visa cancellation. If the property's value drops below the minimum threshold, the visa may be affected. The property must remain in the investor's name for the full investment period. Application fee is KRW 130,000 per person.

## Path to Permanent Residency (F-5 after 5 years)

After maintaining the qualifying investment for a minimum of **5 years**, F-2-8 holders may convert to **F-5 permanent residence**, which has no expiry. Family members transition to F-5-19 status alongside the principal investor. F-5 residents may leave and re-enter South Korea freely but must return within 2 years of departure to maintain their status. Korean naturalization (full citizenship) is available after 5 years of continuous lawful residence, subject to the Nationality Act's language, integration, and good-character requirements.

## Family Members

The investor's spouse and unmarried children receive F-2 status alongside the principal investor, granting them unrestricted economic activities including employment, business, and study. When the investor converts to F-5 permanent residence, family members are eligible for F-5-19 status. No separate investment or income requirement applies to dependants.

## Tax Implications

Property owners are subject to acquisition tax at the time of purchase, annual property tax, and comprehensive real estate tax if applicable. Investors who spend 183 or more days per year in South Korea are considered tax residents and are taxed on worldwide income under the Income Tax Act. National Health Insurance enrollment is mandatory for all F-2 and F-5 visa holders residing in South Korea for 6 months or more.

## Application Process

The process follows these steps:

1. Select a designated property in an approved investment zone
2. Apply for pre-approval from the local immigration office
3. Receive a foreign registration number upon pre-approval
4. Open a Korean bank account
5. Sign the property purchase contract and make full payment using overseas-remitted funds
6. Register the property in the investor's name
7. Apply for F-2-8 status at the local immigration office with all required documents

The entire process requires the investor to visit South Korea in person. Upon receiving F-2 status, the investor must register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC); biometric data is collected during registration. F-2 holders must obtain a re-entry permit for extended departures from Korea.

Spouse and unmarried children receive F-2 status alongside the principal investor. Family members transition to F-5-19 upon the investor's conversion to permanent residence. No separate investment or income requirement for dependants.

F-2-8 residence granted for up to 3 years, renewable while property ownership is maintained. Convertible to F-5 permanent residence after maintaining the investment for 5 years.

KRW 1 billion investment in approved tourism/leisure property in designated zones

Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea) - Investment Immigration Overview

Korea Immigration Service - Investment Immigration Programs

Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) - Investment Immigration

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province - Tourism Investment Immigration

Tourism and Leisure Facility Investment Immigration

The F-1-D visa does not lead to permanent residency (F-5) or citizenship; the maximum stay is 3 years and time on this visa does not count toward permanent residence eligibility

South Korea's F-1-D Workation Visa is a digital nomad visa that lets foreign nationals employed by or running businesses outside South Korea live in the country while working remotely. It falls under residence status F-1-D within the broader F-1 (Visiting/Family Stay) category and is administered by the Ministry of Justice through the Korea Immigration Service. The program first ran as a pilot from 1 January 2024 and, after a review, became a permanent official program on 30 June 2026 — with eased eligibility (a tiered income requirement) and a longer maximum stay of up to 3 years. It targets remote workers and overseas business owners who earn their income from foreign sources and want to experience life in South Korea.

## Requirements

- Age 18 or older
- Employed by a foreign company or the owner of an overseas business, with the ability to work remotely
- At least 1 year of work experience in the same industry
- Gross annual income scaled between 1x and 2x South Korea's per capita GNI depending on age and region: applicants aged 18-34 in a non-capital or population-decline area qualify at 1x GNI (~KRW 52,416,000, ~USD 37,000/year), while older applicants and/or capital-region residents fall higher in the band, up to 2x GNI (~KRW 104,832,000, ~USD 74,000/year)
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Criminal background check from the home country with apostille, issued within 6 months
- Private medical insurance with minimum coverage of KRW 100,000,000 (~USD 76,000) for hospital treatment and medical repatriation
- Open to all nationalities; dual Korean citizens are ineligible

## Required Documents

- Completed visa application form (Form 17)
- Valid passport and a copy
- Passport-size colour photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Employment verification letter confirming remote work capability, 1+ year tenure in the same industry, and intended stay of 90+ days (issued within 1 month of application)
- At least 2 income documents from: 3 months of pay stubs, 3 months of bank statements, 3 months of account transaction records, or 2 years of tax returns (all issued within 6 months)
- Criminal background check with apostille (issued within 6 months)
- Medical insurance certificate meeting the KRW 100 million coverage threshold
- Family relationship documents if applicable (marriage/birth certificates with English translations and apostille)

## Duration & Renewal

The visa is granted in 1-year increments from the date of entry, with multiple entries permitted. Holders may apply for extensions at a regional immigration office in Korea, up to a maximum total stay of 3 years (raised from 2 years when the program became permanent on 30 June 2026). Full documentation must be resubmitted for each extension. If employment ends after arrival, extension is not available and the holder must depart by the expiration date.

## Family Members

Legal spouses and unmarried children under 18 may accompany the primary applicant on the same F-1-D visa category. Each family member requires a separate application with their own passport, photograph, and individual medical insurance meeting the KRW 100 million coverage threshold. Family relationships must be proven with official marriage certificates (for spouses) or birth certificates (for children), including notarised English translations and apostille authentication. Working spouses must also provide a company letter from their employer, and school-age children must provide a school enrolment letter. No additional income requirement applies to dependants. Children under 14 are exempt from the criminal background check. Dependants are subject to the same employment restrictions as the primary holder.

## Employment Restrictions

Employment within South Korea and profit-making activities in the country are strictly prohibited. Holders may only work remotely for overseas employers or their own overseas businesses. Violations are punishable under the Immigration Control Act, which may include fines, detention, and deportation.

## Tax Implications

Tax liability is determined by physical presence, not visa type. Individuals present in Korea for 183 or more days in a tax year are classified as tax residents. Foreign tax residents whose cumulative period of residence in Korea is five years or less within the preceding ten-year period are taxed only on Korean-sourced income and on foreign income paid in or remitted to Korea. Bilateral double taxation avoidance agreements may apply.

## Application Process

Applications are submitted at the Korean embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. Many consulates require an appointment booked in advance; some also accept mail-in applications. Processing takes roughly 10 to 15 days at most consulates, though some report 3 to 4 weeks, and no expedited processing is available. The visa is issued electronically as a multiple-entry visa with no physical sticker in the passport. Application fees vary by nationality: USD 45 for US citizens, CAD 121.50 for Canadian applicants, and standard Korean visa rates for other nationalities.

Foreign nationals already in South Korea on short-term visas (B-1, B-2, or C-3) may apply for a status change to F-1-D at a regional immigration office without leaving the country.

## After Arrival

Holders intending to stay more than 91 days must apply for Foreigner Registration at a local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. Registration provides an Alien Registration Card (ARC), which enables access to Korean banking services, mobile phone subscriptions, delivery services, and a faster immigration lane at airports. Any change of address must be reported within 14 days. Foreigners staying more than 6 months become subject to mandatory enrollment in Korea's National Health Insurance system.

## Path to Residency

The F-1-D visa does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. The maximum stay is 3 years, and time on this visa does not count toward permanent residence eligibility.

Legal spouses and unmarried children under 18 may accompany the primary applicant. Each family member requires a separate application, passport, and individual medical insurance. No additional income requirement for dependants.

Granted in 1-year increments from the date of entry, with multiple entries permitted. Extendable at a local immigration office in Korea up to a maximum total stay of 3 years (raised from 2 years when the program became permanent on 30 June 2026).

Tiered from 1x to 2x South Korea's per capita GNI depending on the applicant's age and region. Applicants aged 18-34 doing their workation in a non-capital or population-decline area qualify at the 1x baseline (~KRW 52,416,000/year, ~USD 37,000/year or ~USD 3,083/month); older applicants and/or those in the Seoul capital region fall higher in the band, up to 2x GNI (~KRW 104,832,000/year, ~USD 74,000/year or ~USD 6,167/month). Based on gross (pre-tax) income; only the primary applicant's income counts. The threshold is recalculated each year from the Bank of Korea's per capita GNI figure.