Moving to South Korea: every visa & residency route in 2026
There is 1 way to move to South Korea legally as of 2026 — spanning digital nomad routes. Here's every one, what it actually requires, and where it leads.
This route checked against official government sources · July 2026
Every route, side by side
| Route | Type | Requirement | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workation Visa (F-1-D) | Digital nomad | $5,480/mo income | Temporary residency |
Digital nomad route to South Korea
Compare digital nomad visas across every country →
$5,480/mo income
The F-1-D 'Workation' visa became a permanent program on 30 June 2026 after a two-year pilot. Standard income requirement is ~2x Korea's GNI per capita (~$65,800/yr, ≈$5,480/mo); reduced to ~1x GNI (~$36,963/yr) for applicants aged 18-34 who reside OUTSIDE Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi. Requires private health insurance covering >=$75,000 for treatment + repatriation. Max stay 3 years (issued 1yr, renewable). Only remote work for foreign employers/clients; spouse and dependent children may accompany.
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Moving to South Korea: FAQ
How many ways are there to move to South Korea?
This dataset tracks 1 residency or visa route into South Korea as of 2026, across digital nomad pathways. Each has its own income, investment, or heritage requirement.
Does South Korea have a digital nomad visa?
Yes — the Workation Visa (F-1-D) lets remote workers live in South Korea. It requires about $5,480/month in income. The F-1-D 'Workation' visa became a permanent program on 30 June 2026 after a two-year pilot. Standard income requirement is ~2x Korea's GNI per capita (~$65,800/yr, ≈$5,480/mo); reduced to ~1x GNI (~$36,963/yr) for applicants aged 18-34 who reside OUTSIDE Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi. Requires private health insurance covering >=$75,000 for treatment + repatriation. Max stay 3 years (issued 1yr, renewable). Only remote work for foreign employers/clients; spouse and dependent children may accompany.
What's the lowest-income way to get residency in South Korea?
The most accessible income-based route is the Workation Visa (F-1-D) at roughly $5,480/month. Requirements reset annually and move with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source before you apply.
Does moving to South Korea lead to a second passport?
The routes in this dataset lead to residency in South Korea rather than a fast passport. Some may still qualify you for naturalization after the standard residency period, but that isn't guaranteed — verify with the authority or an immigration attorney.
South Korea, compared
Visas, cost, and healthcare side by side with the alternatives people weigh.