Jeju Lowers Workation and International School Visa Barriers, Boosting Global Talent Influx

Workation Stay Extended from 30 to 90 Days
Student Visas for International Schools Officially Institutionalized
Eased Income Requirements to Attract Digital Nomads

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has significantly improved its "Jeju-style visa system" by extending the maximum stay for visa-free workation residents to 90 days through close consultation with the Ministry of Justice's Visa and Residency Policy Council, and by formalizing the issuance of student visas for international school students. These measures have strengthened the institutional foundation for attracting global talent and revitalizing the local economy.

As Jeju Island significantly lowers the threshold for its workation visa, the influx of global digital nomads working against the backdrop of the blue sea is expected to accelerate further. Photo by Park Changwon

According to Jeju Province, the improvements, which were adopted on April 24, focus on resolving legal uncertainties related to attracting overseas digital nomads and operating international schools. Until now, foreign workation visitors entering visa-free were required to leave the country every 30 days. Going forward, however, those recommended by the Governor will be able to stay for up to 90 days, enabling them to work and enjoy leisure in Jeju at the same time.

As Jeju has significantly lowered the threshold for its workation visa, the influx of global digital nomads working against the backdrop of the blue sea is expected to accelerate further.

The most notable achievement of this policy change is the substantial reduction of the previously unrealistic "income threshold," thereby removing barriers for highly skilled young professionals.

Previously, the workation visa required applicants to earn twice the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (approximately 8.32 million won per month), which was a significant barrier even for IT developers or creative professionals worldwide. By lowering the standard to one times the GNI (approximately 4.16 million won per month), the policy is expected to maximize the practical effect of attracting global talent.

In addition, the issuance of student visas (D-4-3) for students entering international schools in the Jeju English Education City will now be officially institutionalized. Whereas visa issuance previously depended on the discretion of the Ministry of Justice, the establishment of a legal foundation is expected to further accelerate the attraction of outstanding overseas talent.

Yang Kicheol, policy chief of Jeju Province, stated, "We will actively consult with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant agencies to ensure that these improvements are institutionalized as soon as possible," adding, "Our focus is on transforming Jeju from a short-term tourist destination into a global hub for medium- to long-term remote work, and on securing a stable population of remote workers who will invigorate the local economy." The province plans to proceed with formal implementation after preparing the necessary supporting documents and completing detailed procedures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.