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Head to head

Italy vs South Korea: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Italy has the lower entry bar: €2,065.83 per month versus €4,030 for South Korea.
  • Only Italy offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
Side-by-side comparison of the Italy DNV and the South Korea F-1-D Workation.
Criteria Italy DNV South Korea F-1-D Workation
Minimum income / month €2,065.83 (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 No fixed limit 2 years
Path to permanent residence Yes (better) No
Path to citizenship Yes No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €30,000 Required (explicit), min. €70,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €116 ≈ €40 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 4–18 weeks 3–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Italy 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 Italy → Insurance for South Korea →

Sources