Korea Visa Types for Foreign Workers

Overview of Korean Visa Categories

Korean visas are organized into letter-number categories managed by the Ministry of Justice (법무부). Understanding the category system helps you identify which visa fits your situation. Each letter represents a broad purpose of stay, and the number specifies the exact visa type within that category.

Key point: Only E-series, F-series (except F-1), H-series, and some D-series visas permit employment in Korea. Working on a tourist visa (C-3) or student visa (D-2) without proper authorization is illegal and can result in deportation, fines, and re-entry bans.

Most Common Work and Residence Visas

Below is a detailed breakdown of the visa types most relevant to foreign workers and long-term residents in Korea as of 2026:

E-7 Visa: Salary Requirements in 2026

The E-7 visa is the most common professional work visa for IT workers, engineers, translators, and other specialists. Immigration authorities set minimum salary thresholds (최저임금기준) to ensure foreign professionals are hired at competitive wages:

• General professionals: Annual salary must be at least equivalent to the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, which is approximately 42,000,000 KRW in 2026. Some occupations listed as "shortage" categories may have lower thresholds.
• IT and tech professionals: For software developers, data scientists, and other tech roles in designated "specialized" categories, the minimum is typically 1.0x to 1.5x GNI per capita depending on experience level.
• Less than 1 year experience: New graduates or those with less than 1 year of relevant experience may qualify at 80% of the standard threshold under certain conditions.
• Regional exceptions: Companies outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area may qualify for reduced salary thresholds, especially in government-designated innovation zones (혁신도시).

Use our Salary Calculator to calculate your net pay after deductions and verify that your offered salary meets the E-7 threshold.

Alien Registration Card (ARC / 외국인등록증)

Within 90 days of arriving in Korea on a long-term visa, you must register at your local immigration office (출입국관리사무소) and obtain an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). The ARC is your primary ID in Korea and is required for virtually everything: opening a bank account, getting a phone, signing a lease, and receiving medical care.

• Application: Visit your local immigration office with your passport, visa, a passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm), completed application form, and the fee of 30,000 KRW.
• Processing time: The ARC is typically issued within 2-3 weeks. You will receive a receipt with your ARC number in the meantime, which can be used for some purposes.
• ARC number format: A 13-digit number starting with your birth date (YYMMDD) followed by a gender digit and registration numbers. This number functions like a Korean resident registration number (주민등록번호).
• Must carry: You are legally required to carry your ARC at all times. Failure to present it when requested by authorities can result in a fine of up to 1,000,000 KRW.
• Address changes: If you move, you must report your new address within 14 days at immigration or online via Hi Korea (하이코리아).

Work Hour Restrictions by Visa Type

Not all visas allow the same working hours. Violating these restrictions can jeopardize your visa status:

• E-2, E-7, E-9 (full work visas): Standard Korean labor law applies. Maximum 52 hours per week (40 regular + 12 overtime). Overtime must be compensated at 1.5x the regular hourly rate.
• D-2 (student visa): Part-time work is limited to 20 hours per week during semesters and unlimited during vacations, but only with a part-time work permit (시간제취업허가).
• D-10 (job seeking): Part-time work up to 20 hours per week is permitted while you search for full-time employment.
• H-1 (working holiday): No restriction on hours, but you may not work at the same employer for more than 6 months. Certain industries like entertainment and adult establishments are prohibited.
• F-2, F-4, F-5 (residence visas): No work hour restrictions. You may work in any legal occupation without employer sponsorship.

Visa Renewal and Status Changes

Renewing your visa (체류기간연장) or changing your visa status (체류자격변경) must be done before your current visa expires. Here is how the process works:

Warning: Overstaying your visa is a serious offense. Even one day of overstay can result in fines (200,000 KRW per month), detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban of 1-10 years. Always apply for renewal well in advance.

Useful Contacts and Resources

These resources are essential for navigating the Korean immigration system:

• 1345 Immigration Hotline: Free consultation in 20 languages. Call 1345 from any Korean phone, or +82-1345 from abroad. Available Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM. Provides guidance on visa types, application procedures, and immigration law.
• Hi Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr): The official immigration portal for online visa applications, appointment booking, status checks, and document submissions. Available in Korean, English, and Chinese.
• Immigration offices (출입국관리사무소): Located in all major cities. Seoul Immigration Office in Mokdong handles the largest volume. Arrive early as wait times can exceed 2-3 hours during peak periods.
• MOEL Foreign Workers Center (외국인근로자지원센터): Call 1350 for employment rights issues, wage disputes, and workplace problems. Provides counseling in multiple languages.
• Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP / 사회통합프로그램): Free Korean language and culture classes for immigrants. Completing KIIP courses earns points toward the F-2 and F-5 visa applications.

Frequently Asked Questions