South Korea Eases Visa Rules for Ukrainian Remote Workers

Updated Conditions for South Korea's F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa

According to УНІАН — Туризм: Starting June 30, South Korea has introduced a new visa category-F-1-D-designed for digital nomads, making it easier for remote workers to live in the country. The visa is available to foreigners employed by companies outside South Korea, allowing them to reside locally while working remotely. Key changes include a lower income threshold and an extended maximum stay period.

As part of its strategy to attract global talent, South Korea has revised the terms of the F-1-D visa, which was initially tested from January 2024 through May 2025. For applicants aged 18 to 34 who live outside the capital region-specifically Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province-the income requirement has been set at the national average from the previous year. In 2025, South Korea's average annual income was nearly $37,000, equating to just over $3,000 per month.

The maximum stay under the new visa has been extended from two to three years. These adjustments aim to bring in highly skilled professionals. According to South Korea's Minister of Science and ICT, Jeong Sang-hoon:

'We will create an integration model that encourages highly skilled professionals to experience the country's appeal, voluntarily settle here, and become valuable assets to Korea.' - Jeong Sang-hoon

Despite these relaxed requirements, Ukrainian blogger Oleksiy Bezmezhnyi notes that foreigners already living in South Korea still face various challenges. This highlights that while visa access has improved, adaptation and integration remain key concerns for newcomers.

The updated F-1-D visa conditions could significantly impact South Korea's labor market, as the country seeks to attract top talent from around the world. This move is part of a broader effort to boost innovation and global competitiveness. At the same time, the ongoing difficulties experienced by current foreign residents underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to help new arrivals settle in comfortably and work productively.