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South Korea Visa Guide for Digital Nomads & Startups (2026)

Updated Jun 27, 2026

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 what to verify before applying.

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 ₩88,102,000 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 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
    • About 2× Korea's prior-year GNI per capita, so the KRW figure can change yearly; verify the current amount before applying
  • 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
  • Register for your ARC at a local immigration office within 90 days of entry
  • 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

  • Up to 2 years total
  • ARC unlocks local services (bank account, phone/internet, leases)
  • Can apply while already in Korea
  • No Korean language requirement

Cons

  • High income requirement (₩88M+ annually)
  • Does not lead to permanent residency
  • 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 common pathway is through the OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) program.

What is OASIS?

OASIS portal (oasis2025.kr) is a government-backed program that helps foreign entrepreneurs qualify for startup-related visas. It covers Korean business regulations, IP and tax rules, mentoring, and corporation setup.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Education: Degree or equivalent eligibility accepted by the current D-8-4 rules
  • Business Type: Must establish a technology-focused corporation
  • OASIS Requirements: Must meet the current OASIS point, certificate, or recommendation requirements

Application Process

Register for OASIS courses through the OASIS portal (oasis2025.kr)

Complete courses and activities to meet the current OASIS requirements

Establish corporation in Korea with OASIS support

Gather documents:

  • OASIS certificates or recommendations required for your route
  • 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

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: Varies by case and extension approval
  • Purpose: Preparation period before launching business
  • Requirements: Current OASIS certificate or recommendation requirements
  • 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 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 the current OASIS requirements
  • 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

  • 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

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