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Head to head

Philippines vs South Korea: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Tax treatment differs: Philippines — territorial taxation; South Korea — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Philippines DNV and the South Korea F-1-D Workation.
Criteria Philippines DNV South Korea F-1-D Workation
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €4,030
Income basis Savings accepted 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 No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion No Yes (better)
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Territorial taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €70,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee — ≈ €40
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, Online Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time — 3–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Philippines 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 Philippines → Insurance for South Korea →

Sources