South Korea unveils digital nomad visa dubbed Workcation

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South Korea has joined a growing list of countries offering digital nomad visa.

Effective 1 January 2024, eligible foreign nationals and their dependents may apply for and obtain Digital Nomad Visas that are valid for up to two years.

Officially known as workcation, the visa makes it easier than ever for digital nomads to travel the world and work legally wherever they go. And while the location is already a popular remote work location, the launch of South Korea’s digital nomad visa will act as another draw for travelers in the Asian region.

Interested individuals will be able to apply for the visa from Korean embassies abroad.

Additionally, those currently  in South Korea as tourists (e.g., holders of B-1, B-2, C-3 visas) may apply for and obtain Digital Nomad Visas from within South Korea provided they meet all the requirements.

How it works

To qualify for the Korean digital nomad visa ab applicant must show proof of employment with a company outside South Korea. They will also be required to proof that they have private health insurance that covers at least KRW 100,000,000 (approx. USD 76,350)in expenses.

Other regular requirements apply for instance providing criminal records certificates (confirming the applicant does not have a criminal record) issued by competent authorities in the applicant´s country of citizenship and any country where the applicant resided for over one year in the 10 years leading up to the filing of the application.

Eligible individuals may enter with their qualifying dependent family members (i.e., spouse and children under the age of 18). Individuals who enter with their spouse must provide their marriage certificate and criminal records certificate(s) for their spouse.

Individuals who enter with their children must provide the children´s birth certificates, and for children above the age of 14, criminal records certificates.

With the introduction of the workcation visa, South Korea hopes to attract top international talent by enabling people to live temporarily in the nation while working remotely.

“To make remote work and vacation of foreigners in Korea smoother, we have decided to launch a new digital nomad visa,” the Justice Ministry said. “The new system will allow employees and employers in overseas firms to tour and work remotely in Korea for a longer period of time,” it added.

The number of countries offering Digital Nomad Visas has risen significantly over recent years, with almost half now offering visas for at least one year, according to a new analysis by the World Tourism Organization covering 54 destinations.

A digital nomad visa allows individuals to live and work in a foreign country while maintaining employment or conducting freelance work for employers or clients in their home or another country.

With this visa, digital nomads can continue their professional pursuits while embracing the opportunity to immerse themselves in the host destination’s unique lifestyle in line with much of the trends of the future of work.

Furthermore, destinations use Digital Nomad Visa to attract professionals from creative and technology areas to stimulate these areas nationally.

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