I looked through a few pages of previous posts on Korea, and I didn’t see this specific topic. Mods spare me idk where else to get information on this.
So I work remotely in a field in the US that has plenty of job prospects for me. Employment isn’t the issue. However I have been learning Korean and will be staying there for a month next summer. If I like it I would prefer to make it my permanent residence. I did some research on digital nomad visas and general work visas, but the information is mixed and I don’t see much information on long term stays regarding US employment of a US citizen in Korea for extended periods. I don’t want to jump around in AirBnBs for 3+ years, I want all the normal stuff: leases, taxes, health insurance, car ownership, just normalcy. What is the best way to go about this? Is there specific Visa requirements? Should I get a visa sponsorship for my employer, or is this more of an issue between me and the Korean government, vs. my employer and the Korean government.
I need a starting point so I can set this plan up for success. I don’t think Ill have an issue getting my company behind it.
Thanks
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the easiest way will be for u to get an official visa.
from all the places i’ve been a DN, korea is one of the ones that is toughest as a DN.
for example, u can’t use the biggest food delivery app, you can’t use coupang (equivalent of amazon), you couldnt use the taxi app (now uber is available so it’s fine), etc.
You can use kakaotaxi as a foreign visitor (used it myself with cash I think although it’s a hassle to get it working)
I need a starting point
Marry a local.
PR requires residency which can come in the form of local job or study and you have neither of those.
The virtual work visa isn’t actually available yet.
If you are recently out of university, you can get an H-1 visa.
car ownership
Well, you won’t want that in Seoul.
Should I get a visa sponsorship for my employer,
If your employer is a not a SK registered employer, how do you expect them to sponsor you?
A resource recommendation - the people behind the channel The Suitcase Designer on YouTube have stayed in Korea for several years (as American citizens), and are doing so at the moment on tourist visas. I imagine some of their past videos might be helpful resources to see how they got the right approvals.