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Destination guide

Work visas for moving to South Korea

Companies hiring into South Korea have 3 realistic visa routes for technology and engineering roles. The most common are the E-7 Special Occupation Visa and the D-10 Job Seeker Visa. Requirements, government fees, and processing times for each are below.

Reviewed July 2026 · Sourced from official government fees and requirements

The short answer

Most employees moving to South Korea for work use the E-7 Special Occupation Visa or the D-10 Job Seeker Visa. Every option:

Visitor entry rules and a few special visa categories vary by passport. Check options for your passport in the visa checker.

E-7 Special Occupation Visa

Likely Eligible

Korea's main employer-sponsored visa for foreign professionals in designated occupations, including software engineering.

Processing time
2 weeks - 2 months
Validity
Up to 3 years, renewable
Government fees
Approx USD $60-120 depending on entry type

Requirements

  • Job offer from a Korean employer in a designated E-7 occupation
  • Bachelor's degree + 1 year experience, master's degree, or 5+ years experience
  • Salary generally at or above 80% of Korea's GNI per capita

Documents you will need

  • Employment contract: With the sponsoring Korean employer
  • Degree certificates (apostilled): Plus career certificates from previous employers
  • Company registration documents: Provided by the employer

Worth knowing

  • The occupation list and quotas are updated regularly; confirm the role code with the employer
  • Points-based F-2-7 residency visa is a common next step for professionals
  • Employer sponsorship and paperwork quality drive the timeline

Path to residency: F-2-7 points-based residency, then F-5 permanent residence

D-10 Job Seeker Visa

Potentially Eligible

Short-term visa to look for work or prepare a startup in Korea without a current sponsor.

Processing time
2-4 weeks
Validity
6 months, extendable up to 2 years total
Government fees
Approx USD $60-120 depending on entry type

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or points-based qualification
  • Concrete job-seeking or startup preparation plan
  • Proof of funds to support the stay

Documents you will need

  • Job seeking activity plan: Target companies and timeline
  • Degree certificates: Apostilled
  • Bank statements: Proof of funds

Worth knowing

  • Converts to an E-7 in-country once a job offer is secured
  • Common route for graduates of Korean universities

Path to residency: Convert to E-7, then F-2/F-5 track

D-8 Corporate Investment Visa

Requires Assessment

For founders and investors establishing or running a foreign-invested company in Korea.

Processing time
2-8 weeks
Validity
Up to 2 years, renewable
Government fees
Approx USD $60-120 depending on entry type

Requirements

  • Foreign direct investment of at least KRW 100 million
  • Registered foreign-invested company (FDI notification)
  • Active management role in the business

Documents you will need

  • FDI notification certificate: Foreign investment registration
  • Company registration: Business registration certificate
  • Proof of investment funds: Remittance records

Worth knowing

  • The D-8-4 technology startup track accepts founders via the OASIS startup program instead of the capital requirement
  • Renewals look at business performance and employment

Path to residency: F-5 permanent residence after qualifying residence

Common questions

What is the main work visa for moving to South Korea?

E-7 Special Occupation Visa: Korea's main employer-sponsored visa for foreign professionals in designated occupations, including software engineering. Typical processing time is 2 weeks - 2 months, with validity of Up to 3 years, renewable.

How much does the E-7 Special Occupation Visa cost?

Approx USD $60-120 depending on entry type. Fees change; confirm current amounts on the official government source before applying.

Do visa requirements for South Korea depend on my passport?

Work visa requirements for South Korea are largely the same across nationalities, but visitor entry rules and a few special categories differ by passport. Use the Gullie visa checker to see options for your specific passport.

Does this guide replace an immigration lawyer?

No. It is an informational starting point, not legal advice. Visa eligibility depends on your specific circumstances, so confirm your options with a qualified immigration professional before relying on them.

Official resources

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