Introduction
In my previous post, I described what the Korean Digital Nomad Visa is all about. You can read more about it here:
Today we go into more detail and confusion that was created around this visa with basically just an announcement and no further clarification, but the Korean Immigration Office and Embassies have responded. I am going to share with you some of the insights and details that we have gathered.
Application Period
- The visa will be piloted from January 1st, 2024 to December 31st 2024.
This means that the visa could either end after the application period concludes or be extended with adjustments. If you are genuinely interested in living in Korea through the Digital Nomad Visa, I would recommend applying as early as possible since there are no quotas currently in place.
Taxation
- According to the Immigration: There is no Taxation on Income in South Korea. File Tax in your Home Country
*Immigration is not in charge of Tax issues in Korea, make sure to check if Korea has a Tax Treaty with your home country
Subject to Korean income tax on worldwide income for tax residents in Korea (e.g., those who stay in Korea for 183 days or more in a tax year)
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Required Income Pre-Tax or Post-Tax?
Some embassies require post-tax income, while others require pre-tax income. It's best to contact the individual embassies and ask for clarification. The requirement may depend on your pay slip, specifically if it states a monthly income of 7 Million Won or on your employment verification letter.
Korean Embassy in Canada and Ireland
Korean Embassy in Germany
Employment Verification Letter:
- Employment Verification Letter, with official letterhead, start date, salary, position, and duties, and that you can work remotely in Korea.
- 재직증명서 Template
Employment Types
- Foreign company owner with an active business for at least 1 year
- An employee working in the same field for at least 1 year and for a company that officially approved working from abroad
- Freelancer working actively in the same field for at least 1 year
*Some local embassies are confirming that they will not accept Freelancers
Income Verification
*The document must have been issued within 6 months of the date of receipt.
- 3 months Pay Stub (W-2, or other official Wage Statement)
- 3 months Bank Balance Statement
- 3 months Account Transaction Statement
- 2 years Tax report (IRS 1040, or other official Tax Report Statement)
Criminal Background Check FBI Criminal Records [US]
If you are a U.S. green card or long-term visa holder, you must submit not only your FBI criminal background check but also your home country's criminal background check.
- Apostille U.S. by Federal Government
*The criminal record must have been issued within 6 months of the date of visa submission and has to be authenticated by the Apostille from the Department of States.
(If the document is issued from a country that is not a signatory country of the Apostille Convention, the document can be confirmed by a consulate of a respective country’s diplomatic mission in ROK.)
Resident Card
Applying for a resident card within 90 days of arrival in Korea is crucial to avoid late fees and additional expenses. To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to make a reservation at the immigration office as soon as you arrive in Korea. Appointments for Seoul are around 3 weeks. Having a resident card offers various benefits, including the ability to easily open a Korean bank account, access mobile online authentication services, and more.
Remote Work on a Tourist Visa?
The embassy has confirmed that it is possible to work remotely while in Korea on a tourist visa, as long as it does not involve any Korean organization/consumer/company.
Conclusion
The digital nomad visa for South Korea has generated significant interest among individuals seeking remote work opportunities in the country. In this blog post, we have provided valuable insights and details regarding the application period, taxation, employment requirements, income documentation, criminal background checks, and resident card application.
Story of a Digital Nomad Visa Applicant
A reader, Andrew Zah, has provided a fantastic breakdown and timeline, complete with costs, about the entire process. I highly recommend checking out his blog for a detailed explanation and step-by-step process.
Source:
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