Complete Guide to Korean Work Visas: Types, Requirements, and Application Process
South Korea has become one of the most attractive destinations for international workers, researchers, and students seeking employment opportunities. The country’s booming economy, diverse industries, and cultural dynamism attract thousands of foreigners every year. However, before engaging in employment, one must obtain the proper visa.
Korean work visas are divided into several categories depending on the purpose of stay, level of skill, and nationality of the applicant. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most important work visas available in Korea, along with their eligibility criteria, application process, duration, and extension possibilities.
1. H-1 Working Holiday Visa
Eligibility
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Available to nationals of countries that have signed a Working Holiday agreement with South Korea (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, UK, USA, etc.).
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Applicants must be aged 18–30 (in some countries, the limit is 25).
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The purpose is primarily cultural exchange and travel, with the possibility of short-term employment.
Application Process
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Apply through the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
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Required documents: valid passport, visa application form, financial proof (usually at least USD 3,000 in savings), return flight ticket (or proof of funds to purchase one), health insurance, and sometimes a criminal background check.
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Processing time: around 2–4 weeks.
Duration of Stay
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Usually valid for 12 months.
Extension
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Not extendable. After 1 year, applicants must return home or change visa status if eligible.
2. E-Series Professional Work Visas
E-1 (Professor Visa)
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Eligibility: University or higher education instructors.
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Application: Sponsored by the university; requires employment contract, academic credentials, and professional experience.
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Duration: 1 year initially, renewable.
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Extension: Renewable in 1–3 year increments.
E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor Visa)
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Eligibility: Native speakers of English (and some other languages depending on demand), holding at least a Bachelor’s degree.
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Application: Requires job contract, apostilled diploma, criminal record check, health certificate, and sponsorship from an educational institute.
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Duration: 1 year, renewable.
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Extension: Renewable annually, usually up to 4–5 years with the same employer.
E-3 (Research Visa)
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Eligibility: Researchers invited by Korean research institutions or government projects.
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Application: Requires official invitation letter and proof of qualifications.
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Duration: 1–2 years.
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Extension: Renewable depending on the project timeline.
E-4 (Technological Guidance Visa)
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Eligibility: Specialists providing high-level technological instruction or transfer of skills.
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Application: Requires contract with a company or organization, and proof of expertise.
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Duration: 1 year.
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Extension: Renewable based on employer’s request.
E-5 (Professional Employment Visa)
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Eligibility: Certified professionals (lawyers, accountants, doctors, architects, etc.).
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Application: Must hold valid professional license and employment offer in Korea.
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Duration: 1 year.
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Extension: Renewable annually, sometimes longer if licensed in Korea.
E-6 (Arts & Entertainment Visa)
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Eligibility: Artists, models, entertainers, performers.
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Application: Requires agency contract, government approval (especially for performance venues).
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Duration: 6 months–1 year.
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Extension: Renewable if continuing contract.
E-7 (Specially Designated Activities Visa)
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Eligibility: Foreign professionals in fields designated by the Korean government (IT, engineering, international trade, culinary specialists, etc.).
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Application: Requires confirmed job offer, qualifications, and approval by Ministry of Justice.
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Duration: 1–2 years.
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Extension: Renewable if employment continues.
3. Industrial and Labor Work Visas
E-9 (Non-Professional Employment Visa)
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Eligibility: Foreign workers from countries with labor agreements with Korea (e.g., Vietnam, Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka).
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Application: Managed through Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS). Applicants must register through sending country’s labor ministry.
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Duration: Up to 3 years.
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Extension: Renewable for up to 4 years and 10 months maximum.
E-10 (Crew Employment Visa)
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Eligibility: Foreign nationals working on Korean-registered ships.
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Application: Requires sponsorship from a Korean shipping company.
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Duration: 1 year.
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Extension: Renewable based on employment.
H-2 (Work Visit Visa)
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Eligibility: Ethnic Koreans (Korean-Chinese, former USSR Koreans) who want to work in Korea.
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Application: Requires proof of Korean heritage and job placement.
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Duration: 3 years.
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Extension: Renewable; can later convert to F-4 (Overseas Korean Visa) for more freedom.
4. Other Employment-Related Visas
D-3 (Industrial Training Visa)
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Eligibility: Foreigners invited for industrial training in manufacturing, agriculture, or other technical fields.
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Duration: 6 months–1 year.
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Extension: Sometimes extendable depending on training program.
D-5 ~ D-9 (Certain Cases)
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Some D-series visas (like D-7 for intra-company transferees, D-8 for investors, D-9 for international trade experts) also allow employment under specific conditions.
F-Series (Residency/Marriage Visas)
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F-2 (Resident Visa): Long-term residents; employment unrestricted.
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F-5 (Permanent Residency Visa): Full permanent residency; employment unrestricted.
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F-6 (Marriage Migrant Visa): Foreign spouse of a Korean national; unrestricted work rights.
Comparative Table: Korean Work Visas
| Visa Type | Eligibility | Duration | Extension | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H-1 | 18–30 yrs, WH agreement countries | 1 year | No | Travel + part-time work |
| E-1 | Professors | 1 year | Yes | University employment |
| E-2 | Language Instructors | 1 year | Yes | Requires clean record |
| E-3 | Researchers | 1–2 years | Yes | Research invitation |
| E-4 | Tech Specialists | 1 year | Yes | High-tech expertise |
| E-5 | Licensed Professionals | 1 year | Yes | Must hold license |
| E-6 | Entertainers/Artists | 6–12 months | Yes | Requires approval |
| E-7 | Skilled Workers | 1–2 years | Yes | Gov’t-designated fields |
| E-9 | Unskilled Workers (EPS) | 3 years | Up to 4 yrs 10 mo | Labor quota based |
| E-10 | Crew Members | 1 year | Yes | For shipping industry |
| H-2 | Ethnic Koreans | 3 years | Yes | Can convert to F-4 |
| F-2 | Long-term residents | Indefinite | Yes | Free work rights |
| F-5 | Permanent residency | Indefinite | N/A | No restrictions |
| F-6 | Marriage migrants | Indefinite | N/A | No restrictions |
5. Key Notes on Extensions and Change of Status
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Most E-series visas can be renewed as long as the applicant maintains valid employment and sponsorship.
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Some visas (like H-1 Working Holiday) cannot be extended.
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Many workers eventually seek to change status to an F-series visa (Resident, Permanent Resident, or Marriage Migrant) for greater freedom in employment.
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Employment changes require reporting to immigration and sometimes re-approval.
6. Practical Advice for Applicants
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Always secure sponsorship before applying – almost all Korean work visas require a sponsoring employer or institution.
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Prepare documents early: Apostille, notarization, and background checks often take weeks.
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Check eligibility by nationality: Some visas (E-9, H-1, H-2) are limited to nationals of specific countries.
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Health and criminal background checks are mandatory for most teaching, entertainment, and industrial visas.
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Plan long-term: If you intend to settle in Korea, consider pathways toward an F-series visa after securing employment with E-series visas.
Conclusion
South Korea offers a wide range of work visa options depending on whether you are a student on a cultural exchange, a professional researcher, an industrial worker, or a skilled specialist. Understanding the differences between visa categories is essential for smooth application and long-term career planning.
The visa you apply for will determine not only your job opportunities but also your rights to extend your stay and potentially move toward permanent residency.
