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Head to head

Japan vs South Korea: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • South Korea has the lower entry bar: €4,030 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • South Korea grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; South Korea — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the South Korea F-1-D Workation.
Criteria Japan DN South Korea F-1-D Workation
Minimum income / month €4,500 €4,030 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months 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 Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required (explicit), min. €70,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €40
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 1 weeks 3–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

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 Japan → Insurance for South Korea →

Sources