Skip to content

Head to head

South Korea vs Uruguay: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • South Korea grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: South Korea — standard resident taxation; Uruguay — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the South Korea F-1-D Workation and the Uruguay Nómada Digital permit.
Criteria South Korea F-1-D Workation Uruguay Nómada Digital permit
Minimum income / month €4,030 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 1 year (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years 1 year
Path to permanent residence No Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Territorial taxation (Sistema de fuente territorial (IRPF/IRNR); optional new-resident tax holiday for those who become tax residents)
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €70,000 Not required
Insurance duration required Full visa period —
Application fee ≈ €40 ≈ €8 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, In country
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

Uruguay Nómada Digital permit →

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 Uruguay →

Sources