All visa information for visiting Korea at a glance!
Are you interested in working or staying in Korea? This page provides the latest South Korean visa information by type, providing a quick guide to visa application, eligibility requirements, procedures, and required documents.
⚠️ Visa policies may change at any time, so be sure to check the official guidance from the Immigration Office or the Ministry of Justice for final information.
Single Entry Visa
A single-entry visa is a visa that allows only one entry, and if you enter Korea using the visa and then leave the country again, it will automatically be invalidated. This visa is generally issued for purposes such as tourism, short-term business trips, and short-term training, and can only be used once within the visa validity period.
Multiple Entry Visa
A multiple visa is a visa that allows multiple entries into Korea during the validity period, and is issued to foreigners who meet certain conditions. A multiple visa is advantageous for business trips, long-term contract work, family visits, etc., and is suitable for those who frequently enter and leave the country. Usually, a D-8 (investment visa), D-9 (trade visa), or F-4 (overseas Korean visa) for long-term stays can be issued as a multiple visa.
Explore Visa Options
Visa information may vary depending on the applicant's purpose, qualifications, country, etc.
For more accurate information, please check the official information that applies to your individual situation.
Visa information may vary depending on the applicant's purpose, qualifications, and nationality.
Please refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
A Series (Diplomatic, Official, and Agreement Visas)
🅰️ A-1 (Diplomatic Visa) | Diplomatic Visa
This visa is issued to diplomats and their families of foreign governments when they are officially dispatched to the Republic of Korea.
🅰️ A-2 (Official Visa) | Official Visa
This visa is used by foreign government officials and military personnel entering the country to perform official duties.
🅰️ A-3 (Agreement Visa) | Agreement Visa
This is a special visa granted to foreigners and their families entering the country in accordance with international agreements (e.g., the Korea-US Forces Agreement).
Short-Term Stay Visas | Short-Term Stay Visas
🅱️ B-1 (Visa Exemption) | Visa Exemption
Applies to nationals of countries that can enter without a visa under the Visa Waiver Agreement.
🅱️ B-2 (Tourist/Transit Visa) | Tourist/Transit Visa
This is a visa that allows you to travel to a third country via Korea if certain conditions are met.
C-3 (Short-Term Visit Visa) | Short-Term Visit Visa
It is used for short-term stays of up to 90 days for various purposes such as tourism, business, visiting relatives, and medical treatment.
C-3-1 (General Tourism) | Tourist Visa
This visa is for short-term tourism purposes for individual or group travel.
C-3-2 (Short-term Business) | Business Visa
Used for short-term visits for business purposes such as meetings, contracts, and consultations.
C-3-3 (Family Visit) | Family Visit Visa
This visa is used for short-term visits to relatives or family.
C-3-4 (Medical Tourism) | Medical Tourism Visa
This is a short-term visa for medical services such as treatment and plastic surgery in Korea.
C-3-9 (Short-term Comprehensive) | General Short-Term Visa
This is a short-term comprehensive visa that covers a variety of purposes, including tourism, visiting relatives, and business.
C-4 (Short-term Employment Visa) | Short-Term Employment Visa
This visa is for short-term employment of up to 90 days in fields such as broadcasting, advertising, IT, and modeling.
Study & Research Visas | Study & Research Visas
📘 D-2 (Student Visa) | Regular Student Visa
Issued to international students who wish to complete regular educational courses (bachelor's, master's, doctoral, etc.) at a university or higher.
📗 D-2-1 (Undergraduate Course) | Bachelor's Degree
This applies to those who complete a bachelor's degree (4-year program) at a university in the Republic of Korea.
📗 D-2-2 (Master's Program) | Master's Degree
Issued to international students who wish to complete a master's degree at a graduate school in the Republic of Korea.
📗 D-2-3 (Doctoral Program) | Doctoral Degree
Issued to international students completing a doctoral program at a graduate school in the Republic of Korea.
📗 D-2-4 (Research Course) | Research Course
This course is for non-degree research or thesis preparation prior to registering for a master's or doctoral degree.
📗 D-2-5 (Exchange Student) | Exchange Student
This applies to students studying for a short period at a Korean university through an exchange agreement with the university in their home country.
📗 D-2-6 (Language study) | Language Trainee (within university)
This visa is for foreign students studying Korean at a university-affiliated language institute.
📗 D-2-7 (Industry-Academic Cooperation Linkage Course) | Industry-Academia Cooperation
It is issued when entering the country through a practical training course linked to a company (employment-linked study abroad).
📗 D-2-8 (dual degree program) | Joint/Dual Degree
This applies if you are enrolled in a dual degree program at a foreign university and a domestic university.
📙 D-4 (General Training Visa) | General Training Visa
Issued to foreigners staying for training purposes (language, technology, culture, etc.) other than regular degree programs.
📘 D-4-1 (Language study) | Korean Language Training
This is a training visa for learning Korean at general language schools, private institutions, etc.
📘 D-4-2 (Technical Training) | Technical Training
This applies to those who receive short-term training at an institution or company to acquire skills.
📘 D-4-3 (Vocational Training) | Vocational Training
This visa is for training purposes to receive training to develop vocational skills, etc.
📘 D-4-4 (Training) | Educational Institution Training
This visa is used when taking classes or undergoing short-term training at educational institutions (elementary, middle, high school, etc.).
📘 D-4-5 (Industrial Training) | Industrial Training
This applies to those who receive short-term practical training in an industrial or production site.
📘 D-4-6 (Technical Training – Employment Linkage) | Employment-linked Training
This visa is for a government-approved program that links employment after overseas technical training.
Work & Professional Visas | Work & Professional Visas
E-1 (Professor) | Professor Visa
This visa is for foreign professors who will be teaching and conducting research at universities and other higher education institutions in Korea.
E-2 (Conversation Instructor) | Foreign Language Instructor Visa
This visa is for foreign teachers who teach English and other foreign language conversation at elementary, middle, and high schools and academies.
※ Although there are actual administrative distinctions based on nationality and employer, there are no official sub-codes (such as E-2-1).
E-3 (Research) | Research Visa
Issued to foreigners conducting scientific and technological research at government agencies, universities, corporate research institutes, etc.
E-4 (Technical Guidance) | Technical Instructor/Technician Visa
This applies to foreigners who perform tasks such as guidance, installation, and maintenance in technical fields such as industrial technology, computer, machinery, and electricity.
E-5 (Professional Employment Visa) | Professional Employment Visa
This visa is granted to foreign professionals with specific professional qualifications, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants.
E-6 (Art Performance) | Culture and Art Visa
This visa is for foreigners entering the country for arts and entertainment-related activities such as performances, broadcasting, modeling, and sports.
E-6-1 (Performing Artist) | Performer / Artist
This is a sub-visa for foreigners working in pure performing arts fields such as music, dance, and acting.E-6-2 (General Performance Activities) | Entertainer / Model
This visa is for general mass media or commercial artistic activities such as TV, advertising, YouTube, and modeling.E-6-3 (Restricted Business Workers) | Adult Entertainment
This visa is for foreigners engaged in activities related to entertainment establishments such as Danran Pub (subject to social restrictions).
E-7 (Special Activities) | Special Occupation Visa
This visa is issued to specialized technicians and skilled workers in specific fields to obtain employment under an employment contract with a Korean company.
E-7-1 (Professional Foreigner) | Highly Skilled Professional
Granted to foreigners working in highly specialized fields such as law, accounting, medicine, and aviation.E-7-2 (Foreign Investment Company Professionals) | Foreign-Invested Company Specialist
This visa is for professional foreign workers working at foreign investment companies.E-7-3 (Skilled Workers) | Skilled Worker (Welding, Manufacturing, etc.)
Issued to skilled workers in manufacturing and functional fields such as welding, CNC, and machine assembly.
※ The core visa of the project run by my brother!E-7-4 (Score System Skilled Workforce) | Point-based Skilled Worker
This visa is issued based on a points system that evaluates various factors such as education level, work experience, Korean language ability, and period of stay.
Non-professional & Industrial Visas | Non-professional & Industrial Visas
E-8 (Seasonal Worker) | Seasonal Worker Visa
Short-term work visa to meet seasonal manpower needs in agriculture, fishing, etc.
It is possible to stay for up to 8 months and is operated through programs hosted by local governments and public institutions.
E-8-1: Seasonal workers in agriculture
A form in which selected foreigners work in agricultural fields in cooperation with local governments, agricultural cooperatives, etc.E-8-2: Seasonal workers in the fishing industry
Short-term manpower deployed in coastal fishing, etc., operation centered on fishing companies and fishing villages
Key changes in 2025:
Restrictions on participating local governments in case of false invitations
Enhanced accommodation and insurance conditions
Strengthening the ban on re-entry in case of unauthorized departure
E-9 (Non-professional Employment Visa) | Non-professional Employment Visa
Visa for entry through **Employment Permit System (EPS)** in the manufacturing, construction, agriculture, livestock, and fishing industries.
The target country and personnel are agreed upon in accordance with the intergovernmental MOU, and employers are assigned when certain conditions are met.
No official subdivisions (industry-specific distinctions are applied administratively)
Examples: manufacturing / construction / agriculture / fishing, etc.
Key changes in 2025:
Strengthening the criteria for issuing employment permits (checking industrial accident and non-payment history)
Mandatory Electronic Entry/Exit System for Foreign Workers
Strengthening employer education and expanding penalties for violations
E-10 (Seafarer Employment) | Vessel Crew Visa
Visa for foreigners working on board ships in the Republic of Korea.
Focused on international maritime work, including deep-sea fishing vessels, oceangoing vessels, and transport vessels.
E-10-1: Ocean fishing vessel crew
Mainly conducting deep-sea fishing operations on board vessels (large fishing vessels) contracted with fishing companiesE-10-2: Foreign ship crew
Personnel on board commercial ships and transport ships for transporting import and export cargo, etc.
Key changes in 2025:
Strengthening of prehistoric registration criteria
Strengthening health checkups and crew safety education obligations
5-year entry ban for unauthorized disembarkation
Investment & Business Visas | Investment & Business Visas
D-8 (Corporate Investment Visa) | Corporate Investment Visa
A foreigner who establishes a corporation in Korea or invests in a foreign investment company
This is a representative foreign investment visa granted to those who participate directly in management.
D-8-1: Foreign Investor – Incorporated Company
When a foreigner invests capital in a Korean corporation and registers as a registered director to participate in actual managementD-8-2: Technology Provider
Issued to foreign technicians or representatives who have signed technology introduction contracts with Korean companiesD-8-3: Venture Founder (Startup Visa)
For foreigners who are pursuing startups through government-approved technology startup support programs (including K-Startup Visa)D-8-4: Dispatch to Invested Company
When an employee of an overseas headquarters is dispatched to a Korean investment corporation
D-9 (Trade and Management Visa) | International Trade and Management Visa
Foreign individual business owners who engage in trade, distribution, service, etc. in Korea or
This visa is for corporate business operators.
Certain conditions, such as foreign exchange income and business scale, must be met.
No official subcode, but there are industry-based classifications such as trade/wholesale/retail/distribution, etc.
D-10 (Job-Seeking Visa) | Job-Seeking Visa
Foreigners who wish to find employment in Korea
This is a visa granted to those who have certain qualifications (expected graduates, holders of qualifications, etc.) and are able to seek employment.
D-10-1: General job seeking visa
Experienced workers, graduates, etc., including professionals, technicians, and highly skilled workers, can stay for the purpose of seeking employment.D-10-2: Startup ideator and preparer
Sub-types that allow startup founders, etc. to stay to prepare for starting a business
Key changes in 2025:
Relaxation of conditions for D-8-3 (venture startup visa) (strengthening of K-Startup program linkage)
D-10-2 Detailed evaluation criteria for startup preparation applicants
Countries with high rates of illegal stays are subject to stronger visa issuance restrictions
Family & Residency Visas | Family & Residency Visas
F-1 (Visiting & Cohabitation Visa) | Visiting & Cohabitation Visa
This visa is for short-term, non-profit stays, such as family visits, cohabitation, and private stays.
Example: Parents of married immigrants, family visits of long-term residents, etc.
F-2 (Resident) | Resident Visa
A residence visa granted to long-term foreign residents who meet certain requirements.
Various activities such as employment, business, and family life are possible, and conversion to permanent residence (F-5) is also possible.
F-2-7: Point-based residence visa
Granting residency qualifications by comprehensively evaluating education, income, age, Korean language proficiency, etc.F-2-99: Visa for conversion to long-term residence
Used when a foreigner who has maintained a D/E series visa for a certain period of time changes to a resident (F-2) status
F-3 (Accompanying) | Dependent Visa
Spouses or children of foreigners legally residing in Korea
This is a visa issued to allow for joint stay.
Example: Family members of E-7 or D-8 visa holders
F-4 (Overseas Korean Visa) | Overseas Korean Visa
Visa granted to **Koreans of foreign descent (overseas Koreans)** residing overseas.
This applies to those who have foreign nationality but are related to Korea through blood relationship, birth, etc.
Representative audience: Koryo people, Korean Americans, Chinese Koreans, etc.
Key changes in 2025:
Strengthening of conditions for conversion from H-2 to F-4
Permanent ban on those with a history of false entry (fake identity)
F-5 (Permanent Residency Visa) |
Long-term stay in Korea Permanent Residence StatusThis visa is for foreigners who are granted a visa.
There are various transition paths: F-2 long-term residents, marriage immigrants, high-income earners, etc.
Some countries and occupations will have stricter screening criteria (2025)
F-6 (Marriage Migrant Visa) | Marriage Migrant Visa
This visa is for foreign spouses residing in the country based on marriage to a Korean national.
F-6-1: General marriage immigrants
A foreigner who is living together and living in a married life after marrying a KoreanF-6-2: Child custody after divorce or death
If your marriage is over but you are raising children in KoreaF-6-3: Victims of marriage immigrant protection
Visa to protect foreign spouses who have suffered damage due to domestic violence, abuse, etc.
Key changes in 2025:
Strengthening the criteria for marriage immigration visa screening (verification centered on financial ability and cohabitation)
F-6-3 Victim Protection Extension Period Extended
Special Purpose & Other Visas | Special Purpose & Other Visas
G-1 (Other Status) | Miscellaneous Visa
Treatment, litigation, refugee applications, etc. Foreigners who need to stay for other reasonsThis visa is granted to:
Subtypes exist (G-1-1 to G-1-11, etc.), and specific codes are assigned according to purpose.
Examples: G-1-1 (refugee applicant), G-1-3 (therapeutic purposes), G-1-10 (domestic violence victim)
H-1 (Working Holiday) | Working Holiday Visa
Young people from countries that have signed agreements with the Republic of Korea Visa for short-term work while travelingno see.
Up to 1 year stay, 1 extension possible for some countries.
H-2 (Working Visit Visa) | Working Visit Visa
**Overseas Koreans (Joseonjok, etc.)** who meet certain requirements
In South Korea Visa that allows you to engage in non-professional work activitiesno see.
※ Frequently used as a route for conversion to F-4 (overseas Koreans)
M-1 (Military Cooperation Visa)
In accordance with the US military and military agreements Foreigners performing military cooperation activities in the Republic of Korea This is the subject's visa.
※ Similar to A-3, but specialized for military exchanges
R-1 (Religious Worker Visa) | Religious Worker Visa
In religious institutions Religious activities such as evangelism, missionary work, education, and social serviceIt is granted to foreigners who perform the duties.
Examples: missionaries, monks, foreigners belonging to religious organizations, etc.
🗂️ Full summary of South Korea visa categories (as of 2025)
A. Diplomatic & Official Visas
A-1 Diplomatic Visa
A-2 Civil Service Visa
A-3 Agreement Visa
B, C. Visa Exemption & Short-Term Stay
B-1 Visa Waiver
B-2 Tourist Pass
C-3 Short-term visit (including tourism, business, family visit, medical, etc.)
C-4 Short-term employment
D. Study & Research Visas
D-2 Study Abroad (including Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Exchange Student, Dual Degree, etc.)
D-4 General training (including language, technology, vocational training, educational training, etc.)
E (Professional). Work & Professional Visas
E-1 Professor
E-2 Conversation Map
E-3 Study
E-4 Technical Map
E-5 Professional Occupation
E-6 Arts Show (including E-6-1 to E-6-3 details)
E-7 Special Activities (including E-7-1 to E-7-4 details)
E (Non-professional). Non-professional & Industrial Visas
E-8 Seasonal Work (E-8-1 Agriculture / E-8-2 Fisheries)
E-9 Non-professional Employment
E-10 Seafarer Employment (E-10-1 Ocean Fishing Vessel / E-10-2 Overseas Vessel)
D-8~D-10. Investment & Business Visas
D-8 Corporate Investment (including details of D-8-1 to D-8-4)
D-9 Trade Management
D-10 Job Search (D-10-1 General / D-10-2 Startup Prospective Entrepreneur)
F. Family & Residency Visas
F-1 Visiting Cohabitation
F-2 Residence (including details such as F-2-7, F-2-99, etc.)
F-3 companion
F-4 Overseas Koreans
F-5 permanent residence
F-6 Marriage Immigration (including details of F-6-1 ~ F-6-3)
Other (Special Purpose & Other Visas)
G-1 Other Stay (refugee, medical, victim protection, etc.)
H-1 Working Holiday
H-2 Visiting Employment Visa
M-1 Military Cooperation
R-1 Religious Activities
