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South Korea Visa Guide for Digital Nomads & Startups (2025)

Updated Nov 9, 2025

Planning to work remotely or launch a tech startup in South Korea? Here's what you need to know about South Korea's Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D) and Startup Visa (D-8-4), including the OASIS program.

Arriving in South Korea soon? To make arrival as frictionless as possible, see our South Korea Arrival Guide.

Quick Comparison

Visa Type Duration Income/Capital Required Best For
Digital Nomad (F-1-D) 1 year + 1 year extension ₩88.1M annual income Remote workers employed by foreign companies
Startup Visa (D-8-4) 1 year (renewable) Varies Tech entrepreneurs starting a Korean business
Startup Prep (D-10-2) 6 months - 2 years None initially Pre-launch preparation through OASIS

Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D Workation)

The F-1-D visa launched January 2024 and runs through December 31, 2025. It allows remote workers to live and work in Korea for up to two years.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age & Experience: Minimum age 18 with at least 1 year of relevant work experience
  • Income: Annual income ≥ ₩88,102,000 (~$65,000 USD)
    • This is double Korea's GNI per capita from the previous year
  • Employment: Must be employed by or run a company registered outside Korea
  • Health Insurance: Private health insurance covering ≥ ₩100,000,000 for treatment and repatriation
  • Criminal Record: Clean criminal background check (apostilled)

Key Benefits

  • Alien Registration Card (ARC) included, enabling:
    • Local bank accounts
    • Long-term leases
    • Mobile and internet plans
    • Easier day-to-day life in Korea

Key Details

  • Initial 1-year stay with option for 1-year extension
  • Does not lead to permanent residency
  • Must leave or change visa category after 2 years maximum

Application Process

You can apply at a Korean embassy/consulate or at a local immigration office if you're already in Korea on a short-term visa.

You'll need:

  1. Visa application form
  2. Passport (6+ months validity recommended)
  3. Passport photo
  4. Proof of remote employment (employment contract, business registration)
  5. Income verification (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns)
  6. Apostilled criminal background check
  7. Health insurance certificate

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Longest digital nomad visa in Asia (2 years total)
  • Get an ARC card for local services
  • Can apply while already in Korea
  • No Korean language requirement

Cons

  • High income requirement (₩88M+ annually)
  • Does not lead to permanent residency
  • Visa status is currently extended through December 31, 2025 - future availability beyond this date is uncertain
  • Requires significant paperwork

Startup Visa (D-8-4)

The D-8-4 visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish and run a technology-based business in South Korea. The most common pathway is through the OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) program.

What is OASIS?

OASIS portal (oasis2025.kr) is a government program that helps foreign entrepreneurs qualify for the D-8-4 visa. It teaches you about Korean business regulations, IP and tax rules, provides mentoring, and helps you establish a legal corporation.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Education: Bachelor's degree or higher (Associate degree if you studied in Korea) OR acceptance letter from Global Startup Immigration Center
  • Business Type: Must establish a technology-focused corporation
  • OASIS Points: Score 60+ points through OASIS courses and activities

Application Process

Register for OASIS courses through OASIS portal (oasis2025.kr) or partner organizations like oasisvisa.com

Complete courses to earn 60+ points (typically takes several months)

Establish corporation in Korea with OASIS support

Gather documents:

  • OASIS certificates (showing 60+ points)
  • Corporation registration certificate
  • Business certificate
  • Office residence/rent agreement
  • Patent, utility, or design application (if applicable)
  • Personal bank statement (Korean account)

Apply for D-8-4 visa at Korean immigration office (must be physically present in Korea)

Key Details

  • Visa is valid for 1 year, renewable as long as business operates successfully
  • Must be physically in Korea to apply (cannot apply from abroad)
  • Focus is on technology companies (software, hardware, biotech, etc.)
  • Access to government startup support programs and funding

2025 Updates

  • K-Startup Grand Challenge visa recommendations expanded to allow up to 3 founders per winning team (can receive D-10-2 or D-8-4 visa recommendations)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Path to long-term residency
  • Access to Korea's robust startup ecosystem
  • Government support and mentoring through OASIS
  • Can lead to permanent residency
  • Strong tech infrastructure and talent pool

Cons

  • Must be physically in Korea to apply
  • Time-intensive OASIS program (several months)
  • Requires establishing a Korean corporation
  • Limited to technology businesses
  • Renewable status depends on business performance

Startup Prep Visa (D-10-2)

If you're not ready to establish a company yet, the D-10-2 visa allows you to prepare for starting a business through the OASIS program.

  • Duration: 6 months to 2 years
  • Purpose: Preparation period before launching business
  • Requirements: One OASIS certificate
  • Transition: Can transition to D-8-4 once you establish a corporation
  • Location: Must be physically in Korea to participate in OASIS and apply

This is ideal if you want to:

  • Explore the Korean market before committing
  • Complete OASIS training while in Korea
  • Build networks and partnerships
  • Validate your business idea

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Choose Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D) if:

  • You work remotely for a foreign company
  • You earn ₩88M+ annually
  • You want to experience Korea for 1-2 years
  • You don't plan to start a Korean business
  • You want an ARC card for local services

Choose Startup Prep Visa (D-10-2) if:

  • You want to start a tech business in Korea
  • You need time to validate your business idea
  • You want to complete OASIS training in Korea
  • You're not ready to establish a corporation yet

Choose Startup Visa (D-8-4) if:

  • You're ready to establish a Korean tech company
  • You've completed or can complete OASIS (60+ points)
  • You can be physically present in Korea for application
  • You want a renewable visa tied to business performance
  • You're serious about building a long-term business in Korea

Startup Ecosystem Support

South Korea offers extensive support for foreign entrepreneurs:

Additional Resources

Important Notes

  • The F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa program runs through December 31, 2025. Check official sources for updates about 2026 and beyond.
  • Verify current requirements with official sources or an immigration attorney before applying
  • Processing times vary by embassy
  • Consider working with an immigration specialist for complex situations