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Head to head

Costa Rica vs South Korea: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Costa Rica has the lower entry bar: €2,760 per month versus €4,030 for South Korea.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; South Korea — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the South Korea F-1-D Workation.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV South Korea F-1-D Workation
Minimum income / month €2,760 (better) €4,030
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years 2 years
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required (explicit), min. €70,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 ≈ €40 (better)
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 2–3 weeks 3–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

South Korea F-1-D Workation →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Costa Rica → Insurance for South Korea →

Sources