S. Korea officially launches digital nomad visa with eased eligibility rules

South Korea has officially launched its digital nomad visa (F-1-D visa), allowing foreign employees of overseas companies to live in Korea while working remotely. Unlike a regular work visa, applicants do not need to be employed by a Korean company. The visa became available on June 30 after a pilot program that ran from January 2024 to May 2026.

The new visa includes more relaxed eligibility requirements than the pilot program. Instead of requiring applicants to earn at least twice South Korea's previous year's gross national income (GNI) per capita, some applicants—particularly those aged 18 to 34 who plan to live outside the Greater Seoul area—only need to earn the equivalent of the previous year's GNI per capita. In addition, the maximum period of stay has been extended from two years to three years.

The Ministry of Justice hopes the revised visa will attract more talented professionals from around the world. Officials believe the program will encourage skilled individuals to experience life in South Korea, settle in the country, and contribute to its economy and society, especially in regions with declining populations.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10801376

Comprehension

What is the purpose of South Korea's F-1-D digital nomad visa?
How is the digital nomad visa different from a regular work visa?
How have the income requirements changed under the new visa rules?
Who can qualify with a lower income requirement?
How long can digital nomads now stay in South Korea under the new visa?

Discussion

Would you like to become a digital nomad? Why or why not?
What are the advantages of working remotely from another country?
Why do you think South Korea wants to attract digital nomads?
Do you think offering a longer visa will encourage more foreigners to move to Korea? Why?
What challenges might digital nomads face while living abroad?
If you could work remotely from any country, where would you choose and why?
Do you think digital nomads help the local economy? Explain your answer.
Should more countries introduce digital nomad visas? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

digital nomad – a person who works remotely while living or traveling in different places
eligibility – the qualifications needed to be accepted
pilot program – a small trial project before full implementation
remote work – working from a location outside the office, usually using the internet
threshold – the minimum level or requirement
gross national income (GNI) – the total income earned by a country's residents and businesses
reside – to live in a particular place
settlement – the act of establishing a permanent place to live