The Essential Korea Work Visa Guide for Foreigners
The Korean immigration system is highly structured, requiring precision and cooperation from your employer. Unlike a casual tourist visa, the process is detailed, but if you follow the official blueprint, it’s entirely manageable.
As a local, I’m here to give you the honest, strategic breakdown of the process and the types of visas that will get you working in South Korea.
Pillar 1: Visa Types – Finding Your Category
Your visa type depends entirely on your job description and education level. The company must prove your skills are unique and necessary.
1. E-7 Specialized Profession Visa (The Professional’s Choice)
Who it’s for: Highly skilled workers in specialized fields like IT, engineering, finance, or global marketing. This is the goal for most professionals.
Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher plus 5 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree in a specific field. Your employer must submit a detailed plan proving your expertise is essential.
Benefit: This visa offers good job stability and high earning potential.
2. E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa (The Gateway)
Who it’s for: Individuals hired to teach English or other foreign languages at private academies (Hagwons) or public schools (EPIK).
Requirements: Requires a Bachelor’s degree (in any field) and a clean Criminal Background Check (CBC).
Benefit: Often the easiest visa to secure for first-time expats, serving as a reliable entry point to working life in Korea.
3. The Flexible F-Series (The Upgrade)
F-6 (Marriage Migrant): For those married to a Korean citizen. Provides full work rights and maximum flexibility in job searching.
F-2-7 (Resident): A points-based residency visa for highly skilled workers. Once secured, it offers excellent freedom to change jobs without needing new sponsorship.
Pillar 2: The Application Process (Company is Key)
Remember the golden rule: Your company initiates and sponsors the process.
1. The Company’s Responsibility: CVIYour company first applies to the Korean Immigration Office for the Certificate of Visa Issuance (CVI). This document essentially pre-approves your employment based on the company’s need and your qualifications.
2. Your Document Arsenal (Prepare Early!)
You must provide the following to your company and, eventually, the Embassy
- Notarized/Apostilled Degree: Proof of your highest degree (must be legalized).
- Criminal Background Check (CBC): Must be recent and often legalized (Apostilled).
- Health Check: May be required before entry or upon arrival.
- Resume/CV: Meticulously detailed, reflecting long-term stability and career progression.
3. Final Submission at the Embassy: Once your company secures the CVI (this takes a few weeks), they send the approval number to you. You then take your passport, the CVI number, and the required documents to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country for final visa issuance.
Pillar 3: Life After Landing (ARC and Stability)
Getting the visa is just the start of your life in Korea.
1. Getting Your ARC (Alien Registration Card)
Within 90 days of arriving, you must apply at the local Immigration Office for your Alien Registration Card (ARC). This card is your legal ID in Korea (like a social security card) and is essential for opening bank accounts, getting a phone line, and proving your residency status.
2. Job Changes and Sponsorship
Your E-visa (E-2, E-7) is tied to your specific employer and role. If you quit or are terminated, your visa status is jeopardized. You must secure a new job offer and apply for a change of employer with Immigration before your visa is canceled.
3. Knowing Your Rights (Labor Law)
While Korea has a demanding work culture, you are protected by the Labor Standards Act. Know your rights regarding severance pay, annual paid leave, and mandatory 150% pay for overtime (Yageun).
Stay organized, work closely with your HR department, and prepare for a rewarding, high-speed career in South Korea!