There are different categories of work visas in South Korea, so before the process of application you should determine which one suits your case best.

What categories of visas are suitable for employment?

1. Short-term visas of category C

This includes visa subtypes C-3-1 (general), C-3-4, C-3-5, C-3-6 (business).

This can include those involved in day-to-day business activities, including market research, business communication, consulting and contracting.

It has a time limit of 90 days and cannot be used for profit.

2. Type D investment visas

2.1. Visa of a transferred person within the company D-7.

This is available to an individual who has worked at the headquarters, branch or local office of a foreign organization or company for at least 1 year and is about to be transferred to South Korea as an "irreplaceable professional".

It is valid for a maximum of two years and is not available to D-8 visa holders.

2.2. D-8 Corporate/Foreign Investor Visa.

• D-8-1 visa (investment in a corporate enterprise);
• D-8-3 visa (investment in a non-corporate private enterprise);
• D-8-2 visa (investment in a business venture);
• D-8- 4 visa (technology and business start-up);

• D-10-1 (a person who plans to study or find work in a specialty that qualifies for a category E visa);
• D-10-2 (a person planning to create a start-up qualified under C D-8).

This visa is for foreign investors involved in technology businesses or businesses that require special skills. It is available for 2-5 years depending on the visa subtype.

3. Category E visa

E-1, E-2-2, E-2-91, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6-1, E-6-2, E-6-3, E-7- 1, E-7-91. These categories are for teachers, researchers, instructors, artists, hotel workers, artists, athletes and foreigners with special abilities.

4. Category F visas

• F-5-5 is suitable for large investors;
• F-5-11 for people with special talents.

Get fast and convenient legal assistance online! Pay for services and get answers to all your questions - all in just a few clicks!

5. Journalist visas

This is a visa specifically for foreign media journalists: short-term C-1, long-term D-5.

_____

The application process for a work visa for South Korea can be carried out online, on paper or in an official diplomatic place, such as an Embassy. In general, you will need an official job proposal that came from a registered South Korean organization.

Documents needed for  the visa application depend on the type of visa you had chosen.

However, for the issuance of any visa you will definitely need:

• A filled out application form;
• Your passport (original and/or copies, digital or physical);
• A colored photograph of the passport sample (3.5 mm by 4.5 mm).

Some visa application procedures also require you to present your employment contract, educational and professional certificates, a criminal record certificate or a letter of recommendation. You will also need to pay a fee when you apply.

Regardless of the type of work visa you apply for, the form can only be obtained if you apply through a sponsor (i.e. your employer) or a visa agency. Visas (both electronic and conventional) can be obtained by the applicant or with the help of a sponsor.

You can find out more about the types of visas and the necessary documents for each on the official website.

🔗 To safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

With our health insurance package, you get access to high-quality medical care anytime, anywhere. Our policy covers a wide range of medical services, including medical consultations, hospitalization, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Protect yourself from unexpected events right now. Choose insurance on our website and receive your policy by email in just a few minutes.

Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Most people who have been in South Korea for more than six months must obtain their Alien Registration Card (ARC). Expatriates use ARC in Korea as a personal card. With the help of this card, you will receive a resident registration number, which is necessary when opening a bank account or registering in a local medical practice. To apply for this card, you need to make an appointment at the nearest immigration office.