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Head to head

Portugal vs South Korea: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Portugal has the lower entry bar: €3,680 per month versus €4,030 for South Korea.
  • Portugal grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Portugal offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
Side-by-side comparison of the Portugal D8 and the South Korea F-1-D Workation.
Criteria Portugal D8 South Korea F-1-D Workation
Minimum income / month €3,680 (better) €4,030
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years (better) 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 Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €70,000
Insurance duration required Not specified Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €110 ≈ €40 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 8.6 weeks 3–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Portugal D8 →

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 Portugal → Insurance for South Korea →

Sources