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Head to head

South Korea vs Turkey: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Turkey has the lower entry bar: €2,584 per month versus €4,030 for South Korea.
Side-by-side comparison of the South Korea F-1-D Workation and the Turkey DNV.
Criteria South Korea F-1-D Workation Turkey DNV
Minimum income / month €4,030 €2,584 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
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 in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €40 —
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 3–4 weeks 4–12 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

Turkey 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 Turkey →

Sources