What Documents Are Required for a Korea Visa? A Clear Checklist for Foreigners
Applying for a Korea visa often feels harder than it should be. Not because the rules are impossible, but because the document requirements can feel vague, inconsistent, or different depending on who you ask.
As a Korean local helping foreigners navigate the system, let me simplify this for you. Below is a clear explanation of what documents are required for a Korea visa, what is always required, and what changes depending on your situation.
Basic Documents Required for Almost All Korea Visas
No matter what type of visa you apply for, Korean immigration almost always asks for the following documents.
You should prepare these first.
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Completed Korea visa application form
- One recent passport size photo
- Proof of legal stay if applying from a third country
- Visa application fee
If any of these are missing or incorrect, your application may be delayed or rejected without review.
Financial Documents You Will Likely Need
Korean immigration wants to know one thing very clearly. Can you support yourself during your stay.
Common financial documents include:
- Recent bank statements
- Proof of income or salary
- Tax documents or payslips if requested
There is no fixed minimum amount published, but your finances should match the length and purpose of your stay. Inconsistent or unclear financial documents are one of the most common reasons visas get rejected.
Travel and Stay Related Documents
Depending on your visa type, you may be asked to show how and where you plan to stay in Korea.
These may include:
- Flight reservation or travel itinerary
- Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation
- Invitation letter if staying with a host
You do not always need paid tickets, but your travel plan should look realistic and consistent.
Documents Based on Visa Type
This is where requirements start to differ.
For a tourist visa:
- Travel plan or short explanation of visit purpose
For a business visa:
- Invitation letter from a Korean company
- Business registration documents of the inviting company
For a student visa:
- Certificate of admission from a Korean school
- Tuition payment confirmation
For a work visa:
- Employment contract
- Sponsorship documents from the employer
Applying with the wrong or missing visa specific documents almost always leads to rejection.
Translation and Format Rules You Should Not Ignore
All documents submitted must be in English or Korean.
If your documents are in another language:
- Official translations may be required
- Some embassies require notarized translations
Documents should be:
- Clear and readable
- Consistent across all forms
- Submitted exactly as requested
Adding unnecessary documents does not improve your chances. It often slows things down.
Why Korea Visa Applications Get Delayed Over Documents
From what I see locally, delays usually happen because:
- Documents do not match the stated purpose of visit
- Financial records look inconsistent
- Information differs between forms and attachments
- Applicants submit too many unrelated documents
Korean immigration prefers simple, logical, and well organized applications.
Final Advice from a Korean Local
The best Korea visa applications are not complicated. They are clear.
If your documents clearly explain who you are, why you are visiting, and how you will support yourself, immigration officers can make a quick decision.
When in doubt, follow the official checklist exactly and resist the urge to over explain.