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Head to head

Mexico vs South Korea: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Mexico has the lower entry bar: €3,955 per month versus €4,030 for South Korea.
  • Only Mexico offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
Side-by-side comparison of the Mexico RT and the South Korea F-1-D Workation.
Criteria Mexico RT South Korea F-1-D Workation
Minimum income / month €3,955 (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 4 years 2 years
Path to permanent residence Yes (better) No
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Limited Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Not required Required (explicit), min. €70,000
Insurance duration required — Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €48.50 ≈ €40 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 0.2–2 weeks 3–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Mexico RT →

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 Mexico → Insurance for South Korea →

Sources