Planning to move to South Korea? Whether you're coming for work, study, family, or just to explore, the first step is getting the right visa. South Korea has a detailed immigration system, and choosing the right visa can make your stay much smoother.
This in-depth 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know as a foreigner—from understanding visa categories and basic requirements to navigating the application process, extending or switching your visa, and avoiding common mistakes.
We’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow sections so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Table of Contents :
- Understanding South Korea's Visa Categories
- General Requirements for Most Visas
- Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
- After You Arrive in Korea
- Extending or Changing Your Visa
- Working Legally in Korea
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Useful Links and Contacts
Understanding South Korea's Visa Categories
South Korea offers a wide range of visas depending on your purpose of stay. The main categories include:
A. Short-Term Stay Visas (C-type)
C-3 (Tourist/Business): For short visits up to 90 days. Often used for tourism, visiting family, attending conferences, or short business trips.
C-4 (Short-term Employment): For temporary paid work, such as performances, lectures, or filming.
B. Study and Training Visas (D-type)
D-2 (Student Visa): For full-time degree programs (undergraduate, master’s, PhD) at accredited Korean universities.
D-4 (General Training Visa): For language school students and other short-term trainees.
C. Work Visas (E-type)
E-2 (Foreign Language Teaching): For those teaching a foreign language in schools, hagwons, or universities.
E-7 (Specially Designated Activities): For professionals in specific fields such as IT, engineering, design, etc.
E-1 to E-9: Cover various professions including professors, researchers, and skilled labor.
D. Family and Long-Term Stay Visas (F-type)
F-1 (Visiting Family): For staying with immediate family in Korea.
F-2 (Long-Term Resident): Often issued to those on point-based immigration, spouses of Koreans, or parents of Korean children.
F-4 (Overseas Koreans): For ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship.
F-6 (Marriage Migrants): For spouses of Korean citizens.
E. Special Visas
H-1 (Working Holiday Visa): For citizens of specific countries aged 18–30 (35 in some cases), allowing up to 1-year travel and part-time work.
Digital Nomad Visa (NEW in 2025): For remote workers employed by overseas companies who want to live in Korea.
Note: Always check the Korea Visa Portal for the latest updates.
General Requirements for Most Visas
While each visa has specific requirements, here are the most common documents needed:
Valid Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
Visa Application Form (can be downloaded from the Korea Visa Portal)
1 Passport-Sized Photo (taken within 6 months)
Visa Fee (varies by visa type and duration)
Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, sponsor letter, or scholarship)
Flight Itinerary and Accommodation Info
Supporting Documents:
University admission letter (for D-2)
Employment contract (for E-2, E-7)
Marriage certificate (for F-6)
Invitation letter (for business/tourist)
➡ Some embassies may ask for additional documents like medical records, criminal background checks, or translations.
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
🔳 Step 1: Identify the Correct Visa
Use the Korea Visa Portal “Visa Navigator” to check which visa fits your purpose and nationality.
🔳 Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Organize your documents in advance and check your local Korean embassy’s website for country-specific requirements.
🔳 Step 3: Book an Appointment (if required)
Some consulates require appointments. Others allow walk-in applications. Double-check online.
🔳 Step 4: Submit Your Application
Visit the embassy or consulate with all documents and the visa fee. In some cases, applications can be submitted online or through a visa agency.
🔳 Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing usually takes 5–15 business days. Some may take longer for background checks or interviews.
🔳 Step 6: Collect Your Visa
Once approved, the visa will be attached to your passport or issued electronically.
After You Arrive in Korea
Once you’ve entered Korea on your visa:
Apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days (for stays longer than 90 days)
Visit the Immigration Office in your jurisdiction to register your residence and biometric data
Enroll in National Health Insurance (required after 6 months or immediately for some visas)
💡 You can manage these steps via the HiKorea website
Extending or Changing Your Visa
🔳 Extension
Most long-term visas can be extended by visiting the immigration office before your visa expires. Bring your ARC and updated documents (e.g., employment contract, school transcript).
🔳 Visa Conversion
Want to switch from a D-4 (language school) to D-2 (university)? Or from E-2 to F-2 for long-term residency? Some conversions are allowed within Korea, others require exiting and reapplying abroad.
Working Legally in Korea
Not all visas allow work. For example:
C-3 and D-4: Work is restricted or requires special permission.
D-2 Students: Can work part-time with immigration approval (max 20 hours/week during semesters).
F-type visas: Typically allow open employment.
Working without permission can lead to fines, visa cancellation, or deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for a visa from Korea?
In most cases, initial visa applications must be made from your home country. Some extensions or changes can be done in Korea.
Q2. Can I bring my spouse or children?
Yes, with visas like F-3 (dependent) or F-6 (marriage). Additional documentation required.
Q3. Can I switch to a job-seeking or long-term visa after studying?
Yes, depending on your degree and job offer, D-10 or F-2 visas may be possible.
Useful Links and Contacts
HiKorea (Immigration)
K-ETA (for visa-free travelers to get electronic travel authorization)
☎ Immigration Call Center: 1345 (press 1 for English)
Applying for a Korean visa doesn’t have to be intimidating. The key is preparation. Know what kind of visa you need, gather all documents early, and consult official sources often. With the right steps, your journey to living in Korea can begin with clarity and confidence.
If you're unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Korean embassy or immigration office—or drop your question in an expat community online. Thousands of foreigners move to Korea every year—you’re not alone!
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