Korean visa frameworks & procedures

Official parameters managed by the Ministry of Justice (법무부) and Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인청). Verify current rules before applying.

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D-2 / D-4

Student visas

For degree courses (D-2) or certified language schools (D-4).

Eligibility: University acceptance + funds

Processing: 2–4 weeks

Read guide →
D-8

Investor visa

Foreign direct investment into Korean business corporations.

Eligibility: Min 100M KRW legal capital

Processing: 4–6 weeks

Read guide →
E-7

Foreign professional

Technical specialists and engineers hired by certified Korean enterprises.

Eligibility: Degree or 5yr experience

Processing: 3–7 weeks

Read guide →
E-9

EPS unskilled worker

Manufacturing, construction, and agriculture under the EPS bilateral program.

Eligibility: Bilateral selection agency

Processing: Official batch schedule

Read guide →
F-2

Long-term resident

Points-based F-2-7 residence (min 80 of 120 points) and other long-term routes.

Eligibility: Score ≥ 80/120 points

Processing: 2–3 months

Read guide →
F-4

Overseas Korean

Status for persons of ethnic Korean heritage and ancestry.

Eligibility: Korean ancestry validation

Processing: 2–3 weeks

Read guide →
F-5

Permanent resident

Unrestricted residence and employment after long-term qualification.

Eligibility: 5yr stay + GNI benchmarks

Processing: 4–6 months

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F-6

Marriage migrant

Stay permission based on legal marriage to a Korean national.

Eligibility: Marriage cert + financials

Processing: 1–2 months

Read guide →
H-1

Working holiday

Bilateral travel and part-time seasonal employment for youth.

Eligibility: Age 18–30, agreement country

Processing: 2–3 weeks

Read guide →
B-1 / B-2

Voluntary departure

Compliance guidelines for overstay and voluntary exit.

Special program ended Feb 28, 2026

Standard overstay rules now apply

Read guide →
ARC

Alien registration

The 90-day mandatory ARC registration for arriving foreigners.

Required: Passport + address proof

Fee: KRW 30,000

Read guide →
Renewal

Stay period extension

Extending your visa validity before expiration.

When: Within 4 months of expiry

Book via HiKorea appointment

Read guide →
Conversion

Stay status modification

Converting between visa categories under official guidelines.

E.g., D-2 (student) → E-7-1

Points or job sponsorship required

Read guide →
K-ETA

Electronic travel authorization

Pre-travel entry approval for visa-free short-term visitors.

Apply before boarding; not a visa

Online at k-eta.go.kr

Read guide →
Matrix

Visa comparison matrix

Side-by-side comparison of requirements, timelines, and rights.

Criteria for 10 visa types

GNI targets and companion rights

Read guide →
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