Digital Nomads Visa Now Available in Japan and Korea!

Japan's and Korea's digital nomad visas offer remote workers exciting opportunities to explore new cultures while continuing their careers. 

Let's see what these countries offered and the requirements to apply!

Japan's Digital Nomad Visa  

Japan launched its digital nomad visa in late March, offering a validity period of up to 6 months.  

Citizens from 49 eligible countries, including Europe, the US, Canada, Singapore, and many more, can apply for this visa.  If you're not eligible for this visa, Japan also offered few visa options for you!

The visa permits spouses and children to accompany the primary visa holder, fostering a family-friendly environment.  

However, it's worth noting that the visa is non-renewable, necessitating leave from Japan after the six-month period expires. 

Eligibility & Requirements for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa 

1. Income Requirements: A minimum income of 10 million Japanese Yen (approximately USD 65,000) required. 
2. Employment Status: Working remotely as employees, freelancers, or business owners of companies registered outside Japan are eligible. 
3. Nationality Requirements: Available for citizens of countries with visa-free entry and double taxation agreements with Japan. 
4. Private Insurance: Private health insurance is needed. 

Documents Needed for Registration 

• Passport  
• Passport-size photos  
• Proof of employment or work (e.g., employment contract, employment letter, or client invoice)  
• Proof of earnings with income statements (e.g., pay slip, bank statements, or tax returns)  
• Proof of health insurance  
• Visa application form  
• Visa application fee  
• Certificate of Eligibility  
• Birth certificate (If applicable)  
• Marriage certificate (If applicable)

Korea's Digital Nomad Visa

The Korean government introduced the Workation Visa (F-1-D) in 2024, allowing foreigners to work and travel in Korea for up to 2 years (initial one year with a possible one-year extension).  

Unlike Japan, Korea imposes no nationality-based restrictions on visa applications, offering greater accessibility. 

Eligibility & Requirements for Korea's Workation Visa 

1. Income Requirements: Requires a minimum annual income of 85 million Korean Won (approximately USD 63,000), which is twice the country's previous year's gross national income per capita.
2. Employment Status: Have at least 1 year of experience in the same industry, working as employees or freelancers for companies registered outside Korea. 
3. Age Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above. 
4. Private Insurance: Health insurance covering a minimum of 100 million Korean Won is mandatory for hospital treatment and repatriation. 

Documents Needed for Registration  

• Passport  
• Passport copy  
• Passport-size photos  
• Proof of employment or work (e.g., employment contract, employment letter, or client invoice)  
• Proof of earnings with income statements (e.g., pay slip, bank statements, or tax returns)  
• Proof of health insurance (Need to cover accidents, transports and medical help)  
• Visa application form  
• Extract of criminal record (Applicants must have a clean criminal record, with no prior convictions in their home country or Korea)  
• An address in Korea is required for the application 

  Don't know which city to stay? Read our previous article: Top 5 Liveable Cities In Korea

How to apply? 

You can apply for these visas by visiting the nearest embassy of the respective country in your home country.  

The rise of digital nomad visas reflects a growing trend of remote work and location-independent lifestyles.  

With more countries likely to introduce similar programs in the future, the world is becoming an even more exciting playground for adventurous professionals.  

So, if you've ever dreamed of working from a cafe in Tokyo or exploring the Korean countryside while managing your projects, now might be the perfect time to explore your digital nomad options!