Work Permit in South Korea

Types of South Korean Work Visas

In South Korea, work visas are categorized into the following fields:

1. Business Visa:

Issued to individuals under the following criteria:

• D-7 Intra Company Transfer Visa:
  This visa is issued to an employee upon their transfer to South Korea. An employee who works at an MNC and is now being transferred to a South Korean branch will be issued the D-7-1. An employee who works for a South Korean company in a foreign branch and is now being transferred to a domestic branch will be issued the D-7-2.
• D-8 Business Investment Visa:
  Issued to those who plan to set up or invest in a business in South Korea and will undertake related activities during their stay. For more information, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Korea.
• C-3-4 Business Visitor Visa:
  Issued to individuals who plan to conduct meetings, market research, or take part in negotiations. This visa is for short-term visits.

2. Professional Visa:

Issued to individuals entering South Korea under the following categories:

• C-4 Short-Term Employee Visa:
  For individuals working less than 90 days, regardless of the employment visa type they are applying for.
• D-10-1 Job Seeker Visa:
  Individuals wishing to find a job in South Korea in one of the professional visa categories must apply for this visa.
• E-1 Professor Visa:
  For foreigners who want to conduct research or lecture at a higher education level. The visa is valid for one year and offers a multiple-entry option, renewable annually.
• E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa:
  Issued to those teaching a foreign language in schools or organizations. The visa lasts for two years with the option to renew.
• E-3 Researcher Visa:
  For those conducting research in natural sciences or advanced technology. The visa is valid for one year with multiple-entry options, renewable annually.
• Technical Instructor or Technician Visa:
  For experts in science and technology invited by a South Korean institution to share knowledge. Single and multiple-entry options are available with extensions as needed.
• E-5 Professional Visa:
  Issued to foreign professionals practicing law, medicine, or accounting in South Korea. Applicants must hold international licenses and meet Korean national certification standards.
• The E-7 Visa has seen a rise in demand.
  This visa now has various subcategories (E-7-1 to E-7-4) tailored for specialized professionals in fields such as engineering, medicine, law, and high-tech manufacturing.​

3. Non-Professional Visa:

Issued to individuals entering South Korea to work in these sectors:

• E-9-1 Manufacturing
• E-9-2 Construction
• E-9-3 Agriculture
• E-9-4 Fishery
• E-9-5 Service
• E-10 Coastal Crew
• F-1 Household Assistant

Expats planning to live in South Korea for more than six months must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival. More details are available at Hi Korea – South Korean Immigration Service.

Requirements for a South Korea Work Visa

While document requirements vary depending on the visa type, some standard requirements include:

• A completed visa application form
• A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages for visa stamps
• A copy of the passport
• Passport-size photographs taken in the last three months
• Professional and educational certificates
• Employment contract
• Business registration license (in select visa applications)
• Tax returns and financial documents from the employer’s previous financial year
• Sponsor letter from an MNC or a South Korean Business/Government/Organization
• Proof of private health insurance is now required as of 2024.
• Application fee

South Korea Work Visa Processing Time

Depending on the visa type, the application processing time for a South Korea work visa can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Expats are advised to start the application process well in advance.

The Alien Registration Card application is processed within three to five weeks.

South Korea Work Visa Cost

The fees mentioned on the South Korean visa website are indicative only. Depending on South Korea’s bilateral agreements and other factors, the costs may vary between countries.

Visa Type | Fee

• Single Entry Visa up to 90 Days | 40 USD
  
• Single Entry Visa more than 90 Days | 60 USD
  
• Double Entry Visa | 70 USD
  
• Multiple Entry Visa | 90 USD
  
• Alien Registration Card | 25 USD

How Multiplier Can Help With the South Korea Work Visa

We are a global EOR service provider with experience in handling HR solutions and a local presence in over 150 countries. Our expert team helps businesses with onboarding and managing employees worldwide.

With increasing complexity in visa categories, especially for skilled workers, Multiplier offers comprehensive services to ensure smooth work permit applications and compliance with new regulations.