🇰🇷 South Korea
Cutting-edge infrastructure and culture with a newly permanent digital nomad visa
Visa Options
- F-1-D Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa (Up to 3 years (renewable)) — Income ≈1x–2x Korea's per-capita GNI (~₩52.4M/~$38k baseline for younger applicants outside Seoul; higher elsewhere), 1+ year employed by/owning a foreign company
- E-7 Specialist Worker Visa (1–3 years (renewable)) — Job offer in an approved occupation matching qualifications
- D-8 Corporate Investor Visa (1–5 years (renewable)) — Minimum ₩100M investment in a Korean business
- D-2 Student Visa (pathway route) (Length of program) — Enrollment in accredited Korean university/language program
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: 6% – 45% (progressive, national)
- Local Income Tax: 10% surtax added on top of national income tax liability
- Corporate Tax: 9% – 24% (progressive by profit bracket)
- VAT: 10%
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): $1,400 – $2,200/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Seoul): $700 – $1,300/mo (+ possible key-money deposit)
- 1BR Apartment (Busan): $450 – $750/mo
- Groceries: $220 – $350/mo
- Utilities: $80 – $150/mo
- Dining out: $6 – $18/meal
- Public transport: $45 – $65/mo
- National Health Insurance (NHIS): $60 – $150/mo (income-based)
Relocation Checklist
- Confirm eligibility and income proof for F-1-D or relevant work visa
- Get required documents apostilled/notarized (employment/business proof)
- Apply at a Korean embassy or consulate in home country
- Arrange private health insurance meeting minimum coverage (F-1-D)
- Enter Korea and apply for Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days
- Register address with local immigration office
- Open a Korean bank account (ARC usually required first)
- Enroll in National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) if staying long-term