South Korea Workation visa (F-1-D) for founders: can you run your own company?
Can a founder run their own company on South Korea's Workation visa (F-1-D)? Yes. The Korea Immigration Service lists overseas business owners, as well as people affiliated with international companies, as eligible, provided they can work remotely and have worked in the same industry for at least a year. Work for local clients or employers is barred. Income needed: More than 2 x the previous year's GNI per capita announced by the Bank of Korea. The notice gives the 2022 base: KRW 84.96 million a year (KRW 7.08 million a month).
South Korea's Workation visa (F-1-D), from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | The Digital Nomad (Workcation) visa was announced by the Korea Immigration Service on 22 February 2024. | immigration.go.kr |
| Own company | Overseas business owners, or people affiliated with international companies, who can work remotely and have at least one year in the same industry are eligible. | immigration.go.kr |
| Experience | Applicants need at least one year in the same industry and must be 18 or older (except dependent children). | immigration.go.kr |
| Local work | Employment and profit-making activities in Korea are restricted. | immigration.go.kr |
| Income | More than 2 x the previous year's GNI per capita from the Bank of Korea. Based on 2022 GNI the notice states KRW 84.96 million a year (KRW 7.08 million a month). | immigration.go.kr |
| Stay | One year from entry when registering as a foreigner, extendable once for one more year, for a maximum of 2 years. | immigration.go.kr |
| How to apply | At a Korean diplomatic mission abroad, or at a local immigration office if already in Korea. Short-term B-1, B-2 or C-3 visitors may change status if they qualify. | immigration.go.kr |
| Health insurance | Individual medical insurance with at least KRW 100 million of cover for treatment and repatriation is mandatory. | immigration.go.kr |
| Documents | Proof of income (employment and salary certificates, bank transaction certificate), an apostilled criminal record certificate and insurance certificate. | immigration.go.kr |
| Family | Accompanying family members are eligible; a family relations certificate is needed for dependants. | immigration.go.kr |
Questions founders ask about South Korea
- Can I run my own company on the South Korea Workation visa (F-1-D)?
- Yes. The Korea Immigration Service lists overseas business owners, as well as people affiliated with international companies, as eligible, provided they can work remotely and have worked in the same industry for at least a year.
- Can I work for clients in South Korea on it?
- Barred. The Korea Immigration Service says employment and profit-making activities in Korea are restricted.
- How much income do I need for the South Korea Workation visa (F-1-D)?
- More than 2 x the previous year's GNI per capita announced by the Bank of Korea. The notice gives the 2022 base: KRW 84.96 million a year (KRW 7.08 million a month).
- How long can I stay on the South Korea Workation visa (F-1-D)?
- One year from entry on registering as a foreigner, extendable for one more year (2 years maximum).
Other countries
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To compare the routes, read digital nomad visas for founders and tax residency for remote founders.
- Official name
- Digital Nomad (Workcation) visa, F-1-D
- Own company
- Yes
- Local clients
- Barred
- Stay
- One year from entry on registering as a foreigner, extendable for one more year (2 years maximum).
- Official page
- immigration.go.kr
- Checked
Visa rules, fees and income bars change, and consulates apply them differently. Check immigration.go.kr before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.