What is a Visa?
A visa is a consul's recommendation for a foreigner's entry into Korea. Even with a valid visa, entry may be denied if you fail to satisfy immigration inspection requirements at the airport.
Apply for visas at Korean embassies or consulates abroad. Required: passport, visa application form, and documents depending on visa type. Details at www.hikorea.go.kr
Types of Stay
Stay permits are classified by length:
- Short-term stay — 90 days or less
- Long-term stay — 91 days or longer
- Permanent residency (F-5) — No limit on length of stay
Long-term stay and F-5 holders must register as aliens or declare their local address within 90 days of entering Korea.
Employment-Permitted Visa Types
Foreigners may only work in Korea if their visa permits employment. The following visa types allow employment:
C-4 (Short-term employment), E-1 (Professor), E-2 (Foreign language instructor), E-3 (Research), E-4 (Technology transfer), E-5 (Professional employment), E-6 (Arts & performances), E-7 (Special occupation), E-9 (Nonprofessional employment), E-10 (Vessel crew), H-2 (Working visit)
F-2 (Long-term resident), F-5 (Permanent resident), and F-6 (Foreign spouse) holders have no restrictions on employment. F-4 (Overseas Korean) holders may not engage in simple labor, except in manufacturing.
Alien Registration
Foreigners staying more than 90 days must register within 90 days of arrival.
Required documents:
- Application form
- Passport
- Photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
- Processing fee (exempt for D-8 visa holders)
Apply at the immigration office in your area or use Hi Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr) for online services.
Extension of Stay
Apply from two months before your stay expires up to the expiry date. Late applications incur a fine.
You must be physically present in Korea to apply. Applications from overseas or via proxy are not permitted.
Useful Contacts
Immigration Contact Center: 1345 (no area code needed, multilingual)
Hi Korea: www.hikorea.go.kr
KOTRA Investment Consulting Center: 82-2-3497-1055/1056
Source: KOTRA 2019 Guide to Living in Korea. Information may have changed — always verify with official sources.