South Korea's 'Workation' Visa: Your Gateway Is Open
Good news for Indian professionals: South Korea’s digital nomad visa, officially called the F-1-D or 'Workation' visa, is open to citizens of all countries, including India. Following a successful pilot program that began in January 2024, the visa became
a permanent fixture on June 30, 2026, with updated rules designed to attract more global talent. The visa allows you to live in South Korea for an initial period of one year, with the possibility to extend for a total stay of up to three years, all while working remotely for your employer or clients based outside of Korea. However, you cannot take up employment with a Korean company.
The Financial Threshold for South Korea
The primary financial requirement is tied to South Korea's Gross National Income (GNI). The standard rule requires applicants to prove an annual income from the previous year that is at least double the GNI per capita. For applications in 2026, this amounts to an income of approximately KRW 105 million, which translates to roughly ₹62-65 lakh. However, the government has introduced relaxed rules to encourage settlement outside the capital and attract younger talent. Applicants aged 18-34 who plan to live outside the greater Seoul area (Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province) may qualify with an income equal to just one time the GNI, effectively halving the financial requirement.
Other Key Requirements for Korea's Visa
Beyond income, applicants must meet several other criteria. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of one year of work experience in your current field. You must also submit a clean criminal record certificate and secure private medical insurance with a minimum coverage of KRW 100 million (approximately ₹60 lakh) for hospital treatment and repatriation for the duration of your stay. It's important to note that you must provide proof of employment, such as an employment letter or contracts, and all your income must originate from outside of South Korea.
Japan's Digital Nomad Visa: A High Bar
Japan also launched its own digital nomad visa in April 2024, but its requirements are currently more restrictive. The visa allows a stay of up to six months, but this period cannot be extended; you must leave the country and wait another six months before reapplying. The most significant financial requirement is a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million. This is a firm threshold, regardless of where you plan to live in the country. Like Korea, Japan also requires proof of private health insurance with a minimum coverage of JPY 10 million.
The Crucial Detail: Is India on Japan's List?
This is the most critical point for Indian applicants. Japan's digital nomad visa is currently only available to citizens of 49 countries that have both a tax treaty and a visa-waiver agreement with Japan. While India does have a tax treaty with Japan, it does not have a visa-waiver agreement. As a result, Indian citizens are not eligible to apply for Japan's digital nomad visa under the current rules. This makes South Korea the only viable option between the two for Indian remote workers at present. It's a situation worth monitoring, as policies can evolve, but for now, Japan's program is out of reach.
