South Korea vs Japan: digital nomad visa
On the income bar, South Korea is the more accessible of the two: its requirement is ~USD 65,800/year (~USD 5,483/mo), versus JPY 10,000,000/year (~USD 67,000) for Japan. South Korea's Workation Visa (F-1-D) runs for 1 year (multiple-entry) (yes, extendable once, up to 2 years total); Japan's Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities) runs for 6 months (no. not renewable; must spend 6 months outside japan before reapplying.). Tax, fees and family rules differ — see the table below, and verify both on the official sources before deciding.
Data as of June 2026.
South Korea vs Japan side by side
| Item | South Korea | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | ~USD 65,800/year (~USD 5,483/mo) | JPY 10,000,000/year (~USD 67,000) |
| Approx USD/month | $5,483/mo | $5,580/mo |
| Duration | 1 year (multiple-entry) | 6 months |
| Renewable | Yes, extendable once, up to 2 years total | No. Not renewable; must spend 6 months outside Japan before reapplying. |
| Government fee | Consular long-stay visa fee (varies by post, commonly ~USD 80-160) | Low single-entry issuance fee (~JPY 3,000 / ~USD 20); varies by consulate |
| Tax for nomads | Holders must not earn income from Korean entities; tax on foreign income (verify with NTS) | Stay is <1 year on foreign-sourced income, so Japanese income tax generally does not apply |
| Family / dependents | Yes (family may accompany); no separate per-dependent income figure published | Yes (spouse and children under Notification No. 54; same JPY 10M insurance); no added per-dependent income figure |
| Processing | Varies; allow several weeks | Varies; allow several weeks |
Sources: South Korea official page and Japan official page. Figures change — verify before applying.
Verdict
Neither visa is strictly "better" — it depends on what you optimise for. If the income threshold is your constraint, South Korea wins on that single axis. But weigh the full picture: how long you can stay and renew, the all-in cost, the tax treatment of your foreign income, and whether your family can come. Read the full profiles for South Korea and Japan, and use the eligibility checker to see every country you qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the South Korea or Japan digital nomad visa easier to qualify for on income?
On the income threshold, South Korea is the more accessible of the two: ~USD 65,800/year (~USD 5,483/mo), versus JPY 10,000,000/year (~USD 67,000) for Japan. Income is only one factor — duration, documents and tax also matter.
How long can I stay on each visa, South Korea vs Japan?
South Korea: 1 year (multiple-entry) (yes, extendable once, up to 2 years total). Japan: 6 months (no. not renewable; must spend 6 months outside japan before reapplying.).
Do nomads pay less tax in South Korea or Japan?
South Korea: Holders must not earn income from Korean entities; tax on foreign income (verify with NTS). Japan: Stay is <1 year on foreign-sourced income, so Japanese income tax generally does not apply. This is general information, not tax advice — your actual liability depends on tax residency, where your income arises and your home-country rules. Verify with each country's tax authority.
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Last updated: 2026-06-20