Moving to South Korea in 2026

Moving from Russia: entry, first 30 days, 3-month budget

Russian citizens enter South Korea visa-free for up to 60 days, but before the trip they obtain electronic travel authorisation: the fee is 10,000 won, about $8, and it is valid for 3 years and multiple trips. You cannot work on a visa-free entry. To move you need a purpose visa for work, investment, remote work, study or family, issued by a consulate before the trip.

1. Before the trip. The purpose visa, an apostilled and translated police clearance, and a contract or proof of income and investment.
2. Days 1-14. Rent a home, get a local SIM card and book an immigration office appointment online.
3. Days 14-90. Foreigner registration and the resident card, due within 90 days of entry; the fee is 30,000 won, about $23.
4. After 6 months. National health insurance: foreigners are enrolled automatically after six months in the country, and employees from day one through their employer.

The larger the deposit, the lower the monthly rent: with a very large deposit a flat is let with no monthly payments at all, but such sums are hard to raise for a foreigner without a credit history. Busan is cheaper than Seoul. The rate is about 1,343 won to the dollar in 2026. We work out a family budget in the chat, and you can compare with other countries in our guide on where to move from Russia in 2026.

South Korea at a glance

South Korea is a technology economy in East Asia with about 51 million residents, half of them in the capital region. The capital is Seoul, and other large cities are Busan, Incheon and Daegu. The language is Korean, and the currency is the won, about 1,343 won per dollar on 6 October 2026.

The economy rests on electronics, cars, shipbuilding, chemicals and the cultural industry. The country is safe, with fast internet, excellent transport and strong healthcare.

Who the move suits

• professionals with a contract from a Korean employer, especially in IT, engineering and manufacturing;
• remote workers with high foreign income;
• entrepreneurs investing in a Korean company;
• students at Korean universities and language schools.

It is harder for those not ready to learn Korean: without the language, work and daily life outside Seoul are difficult.

Entry for Russian citizens

Russian citizens need no visa for trips of up to 60 consecutive days and no more than 90 days in 180, but an electronic travel authorisation is obtained before the trip. Border checks can be long and refusals happen, so prepare the purpose of the trip and a return ticket in advance. Work, study and long-term living require a purpose visa.

Residence options

• Work visa - under a contract with a Korean employer;
• investor visa - for an investment from 100 million won, about $74,500, in a Korean company;
• remote work visa - since 2024 for those working for a foreign employer with high income, for a year with one more year of renewal;
• study and family - separate visas;
• points system - long-term status for specialists by age, education, income and language.

Permanent residence is granted after several years on work and points-based statuses. We choose the visa and prepare the documents.

Taxes

Income tax runs from 6% to 45%, plus a local tax of 10% of the amount, up to 49.5% in total. A foreign worker can choose a flat rate of 20.9% including local tax. Employees pay about 9.7% in contributions. VAT is 10%, and corporate tax is 10% to 25% from 2026 plus local tax. More in taxes in South Korea.

Cost of living in Seoul

Flats are let with a large deposit and lower monthly rent; the deposit is returned when you move out, but you need it upfront.

Where to live

• Itaewon and Haebangchon - Seoul's most international area at the foot of Namsan.
• Gangnam and Seocho - the business south, offices and strong schools, expensive rent.
• Mapo - youthful neighbourhoods by the universities, cafés and coworking spaces.
• Busan - a seaside city in the south, cheaper than the capital.

Property for foreigners

Foreigners can buy housing and land, but since 26 August 2025 in the capital region - all of Seoul, 23 cities and counties of Gyeonggi Province and 9 districts of Incheon - a foreigner needs prior permission to buy housing. The regime has been extended until 25 August 2027. Outside these zones purchases must still be reported to the state. We find the property and obtain the permission and help with company registration and a personal account.