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Visa Types

Overview of the different types of visas available for entry into South Korea, including tourist, work, student, and family visas.

Sections

1. Overview of South Korean Visa Types

South Korea categorizes visas into short-term and long-term visas, each with specific subcategories. The visa types are denoted by alphanumeric codes (e.g., C-3, D-2, E-2). Below is a breakdown of the main visa categories:

A. Short-Term Visas

  1. C-3 (Short-Term Visit Visa)

    • Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, family visits, or short-term cultural exchanges.
    • Duration: Up to 90 days.
    • Eligibility: Citizens of countries without visa-free agreements with South Korea.
    • Cost: KRW 40,000–60,000 (USD 30–50), depending on single or multiple entries.
    • Special Notes: Visa-free entry is available for citizens of 112 countries (e.g., the U.S., EU nations, Japan) for stays of up to 30–90 days. Check the visa-free list for your country.

  2. B-2 (Transit Visa)

    • Purpose: For travelers transiting through South Korea to a third country.
    • Duration: Up to 30 days.
    • Eligibility: Available to certain nationalities or those with valid visas for the U.S., Canada, Australia, or EU countries.
    • Cost: Free for eligible travelers.

B. Long-Term Visas

  1. D-Series (Study, Research, and Training)

    • D-2 (Student Visa)

      • Purpose: For students enrolled in degree programs at South Korean universities.
      • Duration: Valid for the duration of the academic program (renewable).
      • Requirements: Admission letter, proof of financial support, and tuition payment receipt.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).
      • Special Notes: Some scholarships (e.g., GKS) may simplify the visa process.

    • D-4 (General Training Visa)

      • Purpose: For language training or non-degree programs.
      • Duration: Up to 6 months (renewable).
      • Requirements: Enrollment in a language institute or training program.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

  2. E-Series (Work Visas)

    • E-2 (Teaching Visa)

      • Purpose: For foreign language instructors at schools or private academies.
      • Eligibility: Native speakers from specific countries (e.g., U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia).
      • Requirements: Employment contract, degree certificate, and criminal background check.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

    • E-7 (Specialized Work Visa)

      • Purpose: For professionals in specialized fields (e.g., IT, engineering, healthcare).
      • Requirements: Job offer, proof of qualifications, and employer sponsorship.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

    • E-9 (Non-Professional Employment Visa)

      • Purpose: For manual labor in industries like agriculture, construction, or manufacturing.
      • Eligibility: Limited to workers from specific countries under the Employment Permit System (EPS).
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

  3. F-Series (Family and Residency Visas)

    • F-2 (Resident Visa)

      • Purpose: For long-term residents, including those married to Korean citizens.
      • Requirements: Proof of income, housing, and family ties.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

    • F-4 (Overseas Korean Visa)

      • Purpose: For ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship.
      • Eligibility: Former Korean nationals or descendants of Korean citizens.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

    • F-6 (Marriage Visa)

      • Purpose: For foreign spouses of Korean citizens.
      • Requirements: Marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, and financial stability.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

  4. H-Series (Working Holiday and Temporary Work)

    • H-1 (Working Holiday Visa)
      • Purpose: For young travelers (18–30 years old) to work and travel in South Korea.
      • Eligibility: Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements (e.g., Australia, Canada, U.K.).
      • Duration: Up to 1 year.
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

C. Permanent Residency and Special Visas

  1. F-5 (Permanent Residency Visa)

    • Purpose: For long-term residents who meet specific criteria (e.g., income, language proficiency).
    • Eligibility: Typically requires 5+ years of continuous residence.
    • Cost: KRW 100,000 (USD 85).

  2. D-8 (Business Investment Visa)

    • Purpose: For foreign investors or entrepreneurs.
    • Requirements: Minimum investment of KRW 100 million (USD 85,000).
    • Cost: KRW 60,000–90,000 (USD 50–75).

2. General Application Procedures

The application process for South Korean visas typically involves the following steps:

  1. Determine Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa based on your purpose of stay.
  2. Prepare Documents: Common requirements include:
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
    • Passport-sized photo.
    • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements).
    • Supporting documents (e.g., employment contract, admission letter, marriage certificate).
  3. Submit Application: Apply at the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Some visas allow online applications via the Korea Visa Portal.
  4. Pay Fees: Fees vary by visa type and number of entries (single or multiple).
  5. Wait for Processing: Processing times range from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the visa type and embassy workload.
  6. Collect Visa: Once approved, collect your visa and verify the details.

3. Country-Specific Considerations

  • Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of countries with visa-free agreements (e.g., U.S., EU, Japan) can enter South Korea for short stays without a visa. However, they must apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before arrival (cost: KRW 10,000 or USD 8).
  • Employment Permit System (EPS): Workers from certain countries (e.g., Vietnam, Nepal, Philippines) can apply for E-9 visas under the EPS program, which simplifies the process for non-professional employment.
  • Special Agreements: Some countries have bilateral agreements with South Korea that provide additional benefits (e.g., extended visa durations, simplified requirements).

4. Costs and Processing Times

  • Visa Fees: KRW 40,000–100,000 (USD 30–85), depending on visa type and entries.
  • Processing Times: 5–15 business days, but may vary by embassy or consulate.

5. Additional Tips

  • Language: Most visa applications and interviews are conducted in Korean or English. Consider hiring a translator if needed.
  • Health Insurance: Long-term visa holders must enroll in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) within 6 months of arrival.
  • Immigration Office: For extensions or changes to visa status, visit the Korea Immigration Service or use the HiKorea website.

This guide provides a detailed overview of South Korean visa types, regulations, and procedures. For the most accurate and personalized advice, consult the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country.