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Visa Types

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

Sections

1. Overview of South Korea's Visa System

South Korea's visa system is regulated by the Immigration Control Act, which outlines the requirements and procedures for foreign nationals entering and staying in the country. The visa types are categorized based on the purpose of entry, and each visa has specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

2. Types of Visas in South Korea

A. Short-Term Visas (Stay of 90 Days or Less)

  1. C-3 Tourist Visa

    • Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending conferences, or short-term business activities.
    • Eligibility: Citizens of countries that do not have visa-free agreements with South Korea.
    • Duration: Up to 90 days.
    • Cost: KRW 40,000–60,000 (USD 30–50), depending on single or multiple entries.
    • Special Considerations: Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., the U.S., EU countries, Canada) can enter without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days.

  2. C-4 Short-Term Employment Visa

    • Purpose: Temporary work such as performances, lectures, or short-term projects.
    • Eligibility: Requires a contract or invitation from a South Korean organization.
    • Duration: Up to 90 days.
    • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50) for single entry.

B. Long-Term Visas (Stay of More Than 90 Days)

  1. D-2 Student Visa

    • Purpose: For international students enrolled in degree programs (undergraduate, graduate, or PhD) at South Korean universities.
    • Eligibility: Admission letter from a recognized South Korean educational institution.
    • Duration: Valid for the duration of the academic program (renewable annually).
    • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50) for single entry.
    • Special Considerations: Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) with permission.

  2. D-4 General Training Visa

    • Purpose: For language training or non-degree educational programs.
    • Eligibility: Enrollment in a language school or training program.
    • Duration: Up to 6 months (renewable).
    • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50).

  3. E-Series Work Visas

    • E-1 to E-7 Work Visas: For professionals in specific fields such as teaching (E-2), research (E-3), technology (E-4), and skilled labor (E-7).

      • Eligibility: Requires a job offer and sponsorship from a South Korean employer.
      • Duration: 1–2 years (renewable).
      • Cost: KRW 60,000–80,000 (USD 50–70).
      • Special Considerations: The E-2 visa (English teaching) requires applicants to be from native English-speaking countries.

    • E-9 Non-Professional Employment Visa: For unskilled labor in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.

      • Eligibility: Requires participation in the Employment Permit System (EPS) and a job offer.
      • Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable).
      • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50).

  4. F-Series Family and Residency Visas

    • F-2 Resident Visa: For long-term residents or those married to South Korean citizens.

      • Eligibility: Based on family ties, marriage, or long-term residency.
      • Duration: 1–3 years (renewable).
      • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50).

    • F-4 Overseas Korean Visa: For ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship.

      • Eligibility: Proof of Korean ancestry.
      • Duration: 2–5 years (renewable).
      • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50).

    • F-6 Marriage Visa: For foreign spouses of South Korean citizens.

      • Eligibility: Proof of marriage and financial stability.
      • Duration: 1–3 years (renewable).
      • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50).

  5. H-1 Working Holiday Visa

    • Purpose: For young adults (18–30) to travel and work temporarily in South Korea.
    • Eligibility: Citizens of countries with working holiday agreements with South Korea.
    • Duration: Up to 1 year.
    • Cost: KRW 60,000 (USD 50).

3. General Visa Application Procedures

  1. Determine Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa based on your purpose of travel.
  2. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport-sized photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
    • Supporting documents (e.g., invitation letter, employment contract, proof of financial stability).
  3. Submit Application:
    • Applications can be submitted at the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
    • Some visas (e.g., E-9) require pre-approval from the Ministry of Justice or other government agencies.
  4. Pay Visa Fee: Fees vary by visa type and number of entries.
  5. Wait for Processing:
    • Processing times range from 5–15 business days, depending on the visa type and embassy workload.
  6. Receive Visa: Once approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.

4. Costs of South Korean Visas

  • Single Entry: KRW 40,000–60,000 (USD 30–50).
  • Multiple Entry: KRW 80,000–120,000 (USD 70–100).
  • Fees may vary slightly depending on the applicant's nationality and the embassy/consulate.

5. Unique Considerations for South Korea's Visa System

  1. Visa-Free Entry: South Korea has visa-waiver agreements with many countries, allowing short-term stays (up to 90 days) without a visa. Check the list of eligible countries before applying.
  2. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization):
    • Required for visa-free travelers from eligible countries.
    • Apply online before departure (fee: KRW 10,000 or USD 8–10).
  3. Alien Registration Card (ARC):
    • Long-term visa holders (staying over 90 days) must apply for an ARC within 90 days of arrival.
    • The ARC serves as an ID card for foreigners in South Korea.
  4. Employment Permit System (EPS):
    • For E-9 visa applicants, the EPS is a government-managed system that matches foreign workers with South Korean employers.
  5. Language Requirements:
    • Some visas (e.g., E-2 teaching visa) require proof of language proficiency or citizenship from a native-speaking country.
  6. Health Insurance:
    • Long-term residents must enroll in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).

6. Additional Resources

  • Hi Korea Portal: Official immigration website (www.hikorea.go.kr) for visa applications and updates.
  • South Korean Embassies: Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for country-specific requirements.
  • K-ETA Website: For visa-free travelers (www.k-eta.go.kr).

This guide provides a detailed overview of South Korea's visa system. If you have specific questions about a particular visa type or need assistance with the application process, feel free to ask!