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Head to head

South Korea vs Spain: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Spain has the lower entry bar: €2,442 per month versus €4,030 for South Korea.
  • Spain grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Spain offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: South Korea — standard resident taxation; Spain — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the South Korea F-1-D Workation and the Spain DNV.
Criteria South Korea F-1-D Workation Spain DNV
Minimum income / month €4,030 €2,442 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Limited
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Special tax regime (Régimen especial para trabajadores desplazados a territorio español (art. 93 LIRPF, 'Beckham regime') – optional)
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €70,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €40 (better) ≈ €73.26
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 3–4 weeks 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

South Korea F-1-D Workation →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Spain DNV →

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 South Korea → Insurance for Spain →

Sources