Korea Visa & Stay Guides
Guides to every Korean status of stay — who it is for, what you can do, how long you can stay and which documents to submit — based on the Ministry of Justice visa issuance and residence manuals.
Based on Ministry of Justice manual (2026-09-18)
Short-term visits
- B-1
Visa Exemption (B-1) — Eligibility, Permitted Activities, Period of Stay, Extensions and Changes
Visa Exemption (B-1) is a status of stay that applies when nationals of countries that have concluded a visa waiver agreement with the Republic of Korea enter to engage in activities permitted under the agreement. Permitted activities and periods of stay vary by country-specific agreement. Those who intend to work or engage in activities excluded under the agreement must obtain the relevant visa before entering Korea.
- B-2
Visa-Free Entry for Tourism or Transit (B-2) — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Extensions and Changes
This is a status of stay for foreign nationals seeking to enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for tourism or transit. The permitted activities are tourism and transit, and the period of stay is the period separately determined by the Minister of Justice (법무부장관).
- C-1
Short-Term News Coverage (C-1) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Visa Issuance and Extension
Short-Term News Coverage (C-1) is a status of stay for people who are dispatched by a foreign media organization or have a contract with a foreign news organization and intend to conduct news-gathering and reporting activities in Korea for a short period. It may also apply to people who engage in short-term activities to prepare to establish a branch of a foreign media company.
- C-3
Short-Term Visit (C-3) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Employment Restrictions, and Extension of Stay
The Short-Term Visit (C-3) status is for people who wish to stay in Korea for a short period for purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives or acquaintances, participating in events, general training, or business activities. It cannot be used for employment for profit, and the general maximum period of stay for a single stay is 90 days.
- C-4
Short-Term Employment (C-4) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Required Documents, and Change of Workplace
Short-Term Employment (C-4) is a status of sojourn for foreign nationals who intend to engage in short-term work in Korea for profit. It includes seasonal work (C-4-1~4) and activities other than seasonal work (C-4-5), and the eligibility requirements and documents differ depending on the type of activity.
Study, training, religion & media
- D-1
Culture and Arts (D-1) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Application and Extension Documents
The Culture and Arts (D-1) status of stay is for people who intend to engage in academic or artistic activities that are not intended to generate income. This may include writing a thesis, engaging in creative activities, conducting specialized research on Korea’s traditional culture or arts, or receiving instruction from an expert.
- D-2
Study Abroad (D-2) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Applications, Extensions, and Part-Time Work
The Study Abroad (D-2) status of stay is for foreign nationals who wish to study a regular course or conduct specific research at an educational institution at the junior college level or higher, or at an academic research institution, that meets requirements set by the Ministry of Justice. It covers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, research programs, exchange programs, work-study-linked study programs, and visiting student programs.
- D-3
Technical Training (D-3) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Certificate of Visa Issuance, Extension, and Registration Documents
The Technical Training (D-3) status of stay is for foreign nationals who meet the training requirements set by the Minister of Justice and who will receive technical training at an industrial establishment in Korea. It covers training related to companies making overseas direct investments, companies exporting technology, or companies exporting industrial plants.
- D-4
General Training (D-4) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Extension, and Change
General Training (D-4) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who wish to receive education or training, or conduct research, at an institution other than an educational institution or academic research institution eligible for Study (D-2). The eligible applicants and procedures vary by subcategory, which range from training at university-affiliated language institutes to corporate internships, study at high school or lower-level schools, and training in Korean cuisine or specialized technical skills.
- D-5
News Gathering and Reporting (D-5) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Change, and Extension
News Gathering and Reporting (D-5) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who reside in Korea on behalf of a foreign news organization and engage in news gathering and reporting. Eligible applicants include people dispatched by a foreign news organization and people who have a contract with one.
- D-6
Religion (D-6) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Issuance and Extension
The Religion (D-6) status of stay is for people dispatched or invited by foreign religious or social welfare organizations to engage in religious or social welfare activities in Korea. People who engage in religious practice, training, or research on the recommendation of a domestic religious organization may also qualify.
Business, investment & job seeking
- D-7
Intra-company Transferee (D-7) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Extension, and Change of Status
The Intra-company Transferee (D-7) status is for professionals who have worked for a foreign head office or similar entity and are assigned to an affiliated company, branch, or similar entity in Korea, or for certain employees of overseas branches who are assigned to the Korean head office to provide or receive specialized knowledge, technology, or skills. Requirements and supporting documents vary according to the type of assignment and the applicant’s work experience.
- D-8
Corporate Investment (D-8) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Change of Status, and Extension
Corporate Investment (D-8) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who intend to work at a company in which they have invested in Korea or operate a venture or technology-based startup. The subcategories, from D-8-1 to D-8-4S, and required documents vary according to the investment method and the applicant’s qualifications.
- D-9
Business Investment (D-9) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Application and Extension Documents
Business Investment (D-9) is a status of stay for people who intend to engage in trade or manage a company in Korea, or to install, operate, or maintain export equipment, or to participate in shipbuilding or the manufacture or supervision of industrial equipment. Depending on the activity and application type, they may apply for a visa or a change of status of stay.
- D-10
Job-Seeking (D-10) Visa — Eligibility, Scope of Activities, Period of Stay, and Required Documents
The Job-Seeking (D-10) status of stay is for foreign nationals who wish to seek employment in a professional field in Korea, prepare to start a technology-based business, or engage in an internship in an advanced technology field. It is divided into General Job-Seeking (D-10-1), Preparation for Technology-Based Startup (D-10-2), Advanced Technology Internship (D-10-3), and Top Talent (D-10-T).
Employment
- E-1
Professor (E-1) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Change, and Extension
Professor (E-1) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who meet the eligibility requirements and provide education or research guidance at an institution of higher education or an equivalent institution. Eligible individuals include professors at academic institutions such as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, associate professors or higher at institutions of higher education, and research professors in specialized fields at universities or university-affiliated research institutes.
- E-2
Conversational Language Instruction (E-2) Visa — Eligibility, Scope of Activities, Period of Stay, and Application Documents
The Conversational Language Instruction (E-2) status of stay is for foreign nationals who meet specified qualifications and teach students how to communicate in a foreign language at eligible institutions such as academies, schools, and businesses. Activities that use a foreign language to teach a specific language, literature, or interpreting or translation techniques do not constitute conversational language instruction.
- E-3
Research (E-3) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application, Change, and Extension
Research (E-3) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who intend to conduct natural science research, research and development in advanced industrial technology, or research in the social sciences, humanities, or arts and sports. Eligible applicants include those conducting research at the relevant research institutions and highly qualified science and technology personnel who have received an employment recommendation. Applicants must meet the degree and experience requirements.
- E-4
Technical Guidance (E-4) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Application, Extension, and Workplace Changes
Technical Guidance (E-4) is a status of stay for providing specialized knowledge in the natural sciences or technology in a specialized industrial field at a public or private institution. It is intended for foreign nationals who provide domestic institutions with advanced industrial technology or other expertise that is difficult to obtain in Korea.
- E-5
Professional (E-5) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Application and Extension
Professional (E-5) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who intend to engage in professional work that they are legally permitted to perform under the laws of the Republic of Korea. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements for the work, including holding a foreign, state-certified qualification recognized under the laws of the Republic of Korea.
- E-6
Arts and Entertainment (E-6) Visa — Eligibility, Activities, Period of Stay, and Extension and Change Procedures
The Arts and Entertainment (E-6) status is for foreign nationals seeking to engage in remunerated artistic activities or performance, entertainment, sports, advertising, and fashion modeling activities for profit. It is divided into Arts and Entertainment (E-6-1), Hotels and Entertainment Establishments (E-6-2), and Sports (E-6-3).
- E-7
Specific Activities (E-7) Visa — Eligible Occupations, Qualification Requirements, Period of Stay, and Application Documents
Specific Activities (E-7) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who intend to enter into a contract with a public or private institution in Korea and work in an occupation designated by the Ministry of Justice. Eligible occupations are divided into categories such as professional workers, semi-professional workers, general skilled workers, and skilled workers. Applicants must meet the requirements for their occupation and pass an assessment of the employing company.
- E-8
Seasonal Worker (E-8) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Application and Extension Documents
The seasonal worker (E-8) status of stay is for foreign nationals seeking to work in crop cultivation and harvesting and related primary processing, or in primary processing of fishery products. The Local Government assigns workers and handles the visa application process on their behalf. The period of stay granted at one time is up to 8 months.
- E-9
Non-professional Employment (E-9) Visa — Eligible Sectors, Period of Stay, and Procedures for Changing or Extending the Period of Stay
E-9 is a status of stay for foreign workers who intend to work in Korea on the condition that they are employed by an employer who has received an employment permit. Those who meet the employment requirements specified in the manual may work in permitted sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture and livestock, and fishing.
- E-10
Seafarer Employment (E-10) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Extensions, and Workplace Change Documents
Seafarer Employment (E-10) is a status of stay for foreign nationals who intend to work as ratings on designated domestic coastal vessels, fishing vessels, or international cruise ships. The detailed categories are coastal vessel crew (E-10-1), fishing vessel crew (E-10-2), and cruise passenger ship crew (E-10-3).
Residence, family & permanent residence
- F-1
Visiting and Joining Family (F-1) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Application Documents by Subcategory
The Visiting and Joining Family (F-1) status is for people staying in Korea for purposes such as visiting relatives, living with family, dependent status, or handling household affairs. Application requirements, documents, and periods of stay vary according to the specific category, including parents of international students, family members of marriage immigrants, and domestic helpers of foreign diplomatic mission officials.
- F-2
Residence (F-2) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Employment, and Application Procedures
Residence (F-2) is a status of stay granted to people who wish to stay in Korea long term to obtain permanent resident status. It covers various categories, including minor foreign children of Korean nationals, family members of permanent residents, recognized refugees, investors, and points-based outstanding talent. The application route and required documents, such as visa issuance or a change of status of stay, vary by category.
- F-3
Dependent (F-3) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Work, and Application Documents
Dependent (F-3) is a status of stay for the spouse and minor children of a person holding certain long-term statuses of stay. The period of stay is subject to the limit for each status of stay. To work, you must check whether you are among those permitted and whether your field of activity is allowed, and obtain permission to engage in activities outside the scope of your status of stay.
- F-4
Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa — Eligibility, Stay Period, Employment Restrictions, and Application Procedures
F-4 is a status of stay for foreign nationals of Korean origin who previously held Republic of Korea nationality and their direct descendants. Documents proving Korean-language proficiency and an overseas criminal record may be required when applying for a visa or for permission related to your stay in Korea.
- F-5
Permanent Resident Status (F-5) — Eligible Applicants, Period of Stay, Required Documents, and Criminal Record Certificates
Permanent resident status (F-5) is not subject to activity restrictions based on a person’s status of residence. Applicants and requirements vary by specific eligibility category. Overseas Koreans (F-5-6 and F-5-7) and refugees (F-5-27) are covered by separate guidelines and are therefore not included in this guide.
- F-6
Marriage Migrant (F-6) Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay, and Documents for Extension or Change
The Marriage Migrant (F-6) status of stay is for foreign nationals who are living in a marital relationship with a Korean national, raising a minor child born of the marriage, or whose marriage has ended for reasons not attributable to them. The specific categories are spouse of a Korean national (F-6-1), child-rearing (F-6-2), and marital breakdown (F-6-3).
Working visit, working holiday & other
- G-1
Other (G-1) Status of Stay — Eligibility, Period of Stay, Work Permits, and Extension Documents
Other (G-1) is a status of stay granted to people recognized by the Minister of Justice who do not fall under Diplomat (A-1) through Working Visit (H-2), or Permanent Resident (F-5). Eligibility and required documents vary depending on the reason, such as an industrial accident, medical treatment for an illness, litigation, unpaid wages, or a refugee application.
- H-1
Tourism Employment (H-1) Visa — Eligibility, Work and Study Restrictions, Period of Stay, and Alien Registration
Tourism Employment (H-1) is a status for nationals of countries that have concluded a tourism-employment agreement or memorandum of understanding with Korea. People who intend to visit Korea primarily for tourism and work for a short period to help cover their travel expenses may apply.
- H-2
Working Visit (H-2) Visa — Eligibility, Permitted Industries, Stay and Reporting Guide
Working Visit (H-2) is a status of stay that permits employment in industries specified in the manual. Employment is permitted only in an authorized industry and after the employer completes the prescribed procedures. After starting work, a report must be filed within the specified deadline.
Special programs
Regional Visa Pilot Program — Eligibility for Study (D-2) and Specific Activities (E-7), and Regional Exceptions
The regional visa is a pilot program through which the Ministry of Justice and metropolitan and provincial governments work together to attract international students, foreign professionals, and others who meet regional needs. It covers Study (D-2) and Specific Activities (E-7). Applicants must meet the relevant regional criteria, including those concerning eligible universities, departments, occupations, and local-government recommendations.
Region-Specific Visas — Eligibility, Requirements, and Stay Procedures for F-2-R, E-7-4R, and F-4-R
Region-specific visas are a system that provides special provisions for changes of status of stay and extensions of the period of stay, among other matters, so that foreign nationals recommended by local governments can settle in population-decline areas and other designated areas. The categories include Regional Talent (F-2-R), Region-Specific Skilled Worker (E-7-4R), and Region-Specific Overseas Korean (F-4-R), with residence and employment conditions varying by category.
- D-10-T, E-7-T, F-2-T, F-5-T
Top-Tier Visas: D-10-T, E-7-T, F-2-T, and F-5-T — Eligible Applicants and Procedures in the Manual
The excerpt does not specify the detailed eligibility requirements or periods of stay for D-10-T, E-7-T, F-2-T, or F-5-T. It does, however, describe the K-Tech Pass program, the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Top-Tier recommendation process, and a form for stating reasons for failure to meet the livelihood requirements.
Employment and Settlement Statuses for Foreign Youth Raised in Korea — D-10-1, E-7-Y, and F-2-R Eligibility and Application Documents
This program supports foreign youth raised in Korea who wish to seek work, take up employment, and settle in Korea after graduating from high school, even if they do not go on to university. Those who meet the common requirements may apply to change their status of stay to Job-Seeking (D-10-1), Korea-Grown Talent (E-7-Y), or Region-Specific Outstanding Talent (F-2-R).
This is general guidance; the immigration office makes the final decision. Before applying, check the latest rules on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345.