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Head to head

South Korea vs Sri Lanka: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Sri Lanka has the lower entry bar: €1,840 per month versus €4,030 for South Korea.
Side-by-side comparison of the South Korea F-1-D Workation and the Sri Lanka DNV.
Criteria South Korea F-1-D Workation Sri Lanka DNV
Minimum income / month €4,030 €1,840 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
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 Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €70,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €40 (better) ≈ €460
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country In country, Online
Processing time 3–4 weeks 1–6 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

Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka →

Sources