South Korea – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to South Korea?

All foreign nationals arriving in the Republic of Korea must carry a valid passport along with either a valid Korean visa issued by a Korean diplomatic mission or an e-Visa obtained through the official Visa Portal — although many nationalities are permitted to enter without a visa for a defined period under specific conditions.

Travellers from countries that do not have a visa-exemption agreement with South Korea must obtain a visa from a Korean diplomatic mission before departing. Citizens of the roughly 110 visa-exempt nationalities may instead apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) and enter for tourism or brief business purposes without a formal visa. Even among visa-exempt nationalities, the specific rules and conditions differ, so you should always confirm your individual situation with the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) or a South Korean embassy before making travel plans.

The K-ETA became a compulsory pre-departure requirement for travellers from visa-exemption countries on 1 September 2021; all eligible ordinary passport holders must secure a K-ETA before they board their flight. However, as of January 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice formally extended a K-ETA waiver for nationals of certain countries, permitting visa-free entry without a K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Countries whose nationals benefit from this temporary waiver include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany, and others.

For holders of US passports, no visa is required for visits of 90 days or fewer for tourism or business; however, a visa is mandatory for all other purposes, including taking up employment, teaching, and staying beyond 90 days. This general principle applies broadly across most visa-exempt nationalities: short-stay tourism or business visits are permitted without a visa, but longer-term residence or employment requires a formal visa obtained before arrival.

Nationals of visa-waiver or visa-free countries are permitted to enter for tourism only; any other purpose — such as working or studying — requires the appropriate visa. Nationals of countries without a visa-exemption arrangement must apply for a visa at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate before travelling.

Overstaying your authorised period or entering without a valid visa can lead to an exit ban, detention, and financial penalties. Always verify your current entry requirements with the Korea Immigration Service or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea.

What types of visa are available for people moving to South Korea?

South Korea organises its visa categories using an alphanumeric coding system, similar in structure to the classification systems employed by countries such as the United States and Japan. Every code corresponds to a defined purpose of stay. The principal categories relevant to expats are described below.

Work visas (E series)
As of early 2026, the three visa types most commonly used by expats relocating to South Korea are the E-7 (Specialty Occupation) visa for skilled workers, the E-2 visa for foreign language instructors, and the F-1-D (Workation/Digital Nomad) visa, which was introduced in January 2024. The E-7 requires a job offer from a Korean employer in a designated specialist field, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, and the employer must act as the visa sponsor throughout the immigration process. The E-7 spans 87 specific occupational fields, from engineering to marketing; it demands a Korean company sponsor who must supply an employment contract; and applicants are generally expected to hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, or a Bachelor’s degree combined with at least one year of relevant experience.

Digital Nomad / Workation Visa (F-1-D)
Launched initially as a pilot scheme and now a permanent feature of Korea’s approach to attracting international talent, the Digital Nomad Visa is aimed at higher-income remote workers. It allows holders to live in Korea while employed by a foreign company but does not permit work for a Korean employer. The F-1-D Workation visa enables remote workers to remain in the country for up to two years, extendable by one additional year, provided they earn at least twice Korea’s gross national income per capita — approximately 88 million KRW, or roughly USD 66,000 annually as of 2025 — and hold health insurance providing a minimum coverage of 100 million KRW.

Student visas (D series)
The D-2 visa is for degree-level enrolment at an accredited Korean university, while the D-4 covers language training and other general study programmes. Both require formal admission to a recognised Korean educational institution. D-2 visa holders may apply for limited part-time work authorisation during their studies, subject to satisfying attendance and academic performance requirements.

Investor visas (D-8 / D-9)
The D-8 visa applies to foreign nationals making substantial capital investments in Korean businesses, and the D-9 covers trade activities and business start-ups. Applicants must assemble thorough investment documentation, a credible business plan, and evidence of available capital. The D-8 Corporate Investment Visa serves as the principal route for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in South Korea, and involves a 100 million KRW investment threshold alongside completion of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) registration process.

Family and spousal visas (F series)
The F-6 visa is South Korea’s primary visa for foreign nationals married to Korean citizens. The F-2 visa provides long-term residency for a broader range of family ties and qualifying circumstances, including a points-based residency stream. The F-1 visa covers accompanying family members — such as parents of student visa holders — in certain specifically defined situations.

Job Seeker Visa (D-10)
The D-10 Job Seeker Visa acts as a transitional route for international graduates and professionals seeking employment in South Korea. It gives recent degree-holders and skilled workers a specified window of time to find a qualifying employer and convert to an appropriate work visa.

For a full and authoritative catalogue of visa categories, visit the HiKorea portal, which is operated by the Korea Immigration Service.

How do I apply for a visa for South Korea?

To obtain a long-term visa for South Korea, you will need to schedule an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate. South Korea also runs an official e-Visa portal for selected visa categories, through which applications can be lodged online. The process generally follows the steps set out below:

1. Identify the correct visa category. Consider your purpose of stay — work, study, family reunification, or investment — and determine the matching visa code. Both the HiKorea portal and the Korea e-Visa portal offer guidance on eligibility by category.
2. Establish whether your category can be applied for online or must be submitted in person. Certain categories are handled through the official e-Visa portal. Others — including the majority of work visa categories — require a personal appearance at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate. Confirm the correct procedure for your specific visa type before you proceed.
3. Assemble your documentation. Gather all required supporting materials (see the following section). Ensure that any documents not originally in Korean are accompanied by certified Korean translations where this is stipulated.
4. Lodge your application. For in-person submissions, attend your embassy or consulate appointment bringing your completed application form, passport, photographs, supporting documents, and the applicable fee. For e-Visa applications, submit your materials through the official portal.
5. Await the decision and collect your visa. Processing times differ depending on the visa category (see the relevant section below). Upon approval, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport if applying through a consulate, or a digital confirmation of approval for e-Visa applications.
6. Arrive in South Korea and complete immigration registration. If you plan to remain for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Residence Card (RC) within 90 days of entry by scheduling an appointment at HiKorea.go.kr, attending your local immigration office, submitting the required documents and fee, and collecting your card within one to four weeks.

Applicants based in the United States should apply through the nearest South Korean Consulate General. South Korea maintains consulates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Honolulu, Boston, and Houston, in addition to its embassy in Washington D.C. Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington D.C. for official contact details and appointment booking information.

Applicants based in the United Kingdom should apply through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in London, or via an authorised Visa Application Centre operating on the embassy’s behalf. Consult the embassy website for the latest appointment and submission procedures.

Applicants residing in other countries should contact the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate in their country of residence. A comprehensive directory of Korean diplomatic missions worldwide is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea website.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for South Korea?

The precise documentation required will depend on the visa category you are applying for; regardless of category, every applicant must present a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and one or two blank pages. Beyond this, the following documents are commonly required across most long-stay categories:

• Valid passport — with adequate remaining validity and blank pages to accommodate stamps and a visa sticker
• Completed visa application form — available from the relevant embassy, consulate, or the e-Visa portal
• Recent passport-size photographs — conforming to South Korean immigration specifications
• Proof of financial means — typically recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay
• Proof of accommodation — a tenancy agreement, hotel booking confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a host in Korea
• Employment or sponsorship letter — for work visa categories, an employment contract and a sponsor letter from the Korean employer are mandatory
• Educational qualifications — degree certificates or academic transcripts, particularly for the E-7 and comparable professional categories
• Criminal record certificate — this must generally have been issued within six months of the application submission date; if you have lived abroad for more than six months, you may also be required to provide a criminal record check from that country, with appropriate notarisation or apostille certification
• Health insurance — documentary evidence of sufficient health insurance coverage for your intended period of stay
• For the Digital Nomad (F-1-D) visa: evidence of income meeting the required threshold, an employment contract or freelance business registration documentation, and health insurance demonstrating the specified minimum level of coverage

Documents not originally written in Korean will in most cases need to be accompanied by a certified Korean translation. Translations must be accurate and complete; many applicants engage a professionally accredited translator to ensure this. For detailed requirements for each category of stay, refer to the Immigration/Stay Guide on the HiKorea website or contact the Immigration Contact Centre on 1345. Always consult the document checklist published by the Korea Immigration Service or your local Korean embassy for your specific visa category, as requirements are subject to revision.

How long does a visa application for South Korea take to process?

Processing times have become increasingly variable in recent years. While a standard work visa typically takes two to four weeks to process at a consulate, the domestic procedure for obtaining a Residence Card can take anywhere from three to six weeks depending on the caseload of your particular immigration office — with offices in Seoul tending to be the most heavily congested. These timescales are indicative as of 2025 and may change.

For e-Visa applications submitted through the official portal, processing is generally quicker for uncomplicated categories — the Korea Immigration Service targets completion of many e-Visa applications within five working days, though more involved categories may require additional time. K-ETA applications from eligible short-stay travellers are typically processed within 72 hours.

It is prudent to allow at least a two-month settling-in window during which access to a local bank account and certain digital services may be limited. This is particularly relevant for those relocating for work, as the Residence Card (ARC) is a prerequisite for many day-to-day activities in South Korea, including signing a lease and opening a bank account.

Processing timescales can be influenced by application volumes, the completeness of your submitted documentation, and your specific nationality. Applications that are missing documents are liable to be delayed or returned without a decision. Always consult the Korea Immigration Service website for the latest guidance and plan your application well ahead of your intended departure date.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for South Korea?

South Korea’s visa fees are broadly standardised according to the intended length of stay and the number of entries permitted. For long-term visas covering periods exceeding 90 days, the single-entry fee is typically around USD 60, while a multiple-entry visa costs approximately USD 90. These are indicative figures as of 2025. All visa fees are set by the Government of the Republic of Korea and are subject to revision.

The K-ETA application fee is KRW 10,000 — a modest processing charge broadly comparable to the ESTA fee in the United States or the eTA fee in Canada. The government will not issue refunds on this fee for applicants who have already submitted a K-ETA application, even where entry is ultimately denied.

Once you are living in South Korea on a long-stay visa, the fee for issuing a Residence Card (ARC) is 30,000 KRW, with an additional 3,000 KRW if you opt to have it delivered by post. These figures are current as of 2025; consult the Korea Immigration Service for the latest rates.

In addition to government fees, applicants should budget for ancillary costs that may include:

• Document translation fees — charges for professional certified Korean translation of supporting documents
• Apostille or notarisation fees — for criminal record certificates and other official documents requiring formal authentication
• Medical examination fees — mandatory for applicants in certain visa categories
• Health insurance premiums — of particular significance for the Digital Nomad visa, which requires a policy with a minimum coverage level of 100 million KRW
• Immigration lawyer or agent fees — optional but frequently used for more complex applications; costs vary considerably depending on the provider
• Visa Application Centre service fees — where applications are lodged via a third-party centre acting on behalf of the embassy

For the most current fee schedule, consult your nearest South Korean embassy or consulate, or the official Korea e-Visa portal. Fees may differ marginally depending on the country of application due to reciprocal arrangements.

Can my family members join me in South Korea on a visa?

South Korea has provisions allowing certain family members to accompany a primary visa holder, though the specific rules depend on the visa category and the nature of the family relationship. As a general rule, spouses and minor children are the most readily accommodated dependants.

Holders of E-series work visas can typically sponsor their spouse and dependent children for an F-1 (Accompanying Family) visa, which permits basic residence alongside the primary visa holder. The F-1 visa does not ordinarily confer independent work rights in South Korea. Under the F-1 category for parents of underage international students, only foreign students of middle school age or younger on D-4 visas who are self-funded may invite an accompanying parent under F-1 status.

The spouse and children of an F-5 (permanent residency) visa holder are eligible for an F-2 visa and may subsequently upgrade to F-5 status after two years. This establishes a clear progression for families seeking to settle together long-term once the primary applicant has secured permanent residency.

Where one partner is a Korean national, the F-6 Marriage Immigrant visa is the standard route for spousal reunification. A foreign national who has maintained a genuine marital relationship with a Korean spouse and has resided continuously in Korea for two years or more under F-6-1 status may qualify for permanent residency. Income conditions apply: the combined income of the applicant and their household must be at least equal to the previous year’s per capita gross national income (GNI) as published by the Bank of Korea, and the combined household assets must exceed the median level. These thresholds are reviewed annually; check the Korea Immigration Service for the current figures.

Each family member must normally submit a separate application accompanied by their own supporting documents — including passports, relationship certificates such as marriage or birth certificates, and evidence that the primary applicant’s visa and income entitle them to sponsor dependants. Documents originating from overseas will generally require apostille certification and certified Korean translation.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in South Korea?

The majority of commonly held expat visas in South Korea are issued with an initial validity of one to two years and may be renewed. The E-7 is typically renewed on an annual basis, while the Digital Nomad visa can be extended for a third year following the initial two-year period. Renewals must ordinarily be lodged before the existing visa expires and are processed through the Korea Immigration Service, either in person at a local immigration office or online via the HiKorea portal.

You should apply for a visa extension through the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) before making any plans to leave the country. Allowing your visa to lapse — even inadvertently — can result in financial penalties, an exit ban, or complications with future applications.

Permanent residency (F-5 visa)
The F-5 visa is designed for foreign nationals who wish to remain in South Korea on a long-term or indefinite basis. It confers permanent residency, granting the right to live and work in Korea without restrictions, subject to renewal every ten years, and enables the holder to sponsor family members.

Under the standard general route, applicants must have resided in Korea for a minimum of five consecutive years, demonstrate a stable income, have maintained regular tax payments, and fulfil integration requirements such as completing the KIIP programme (Korea Immigration and Integration Programme). There are also expedited or alternative F-5 routes for investors, highly skilled professionals, spouses of Korean nationals who have completed two years of marriage-based residence, and overseas Koreans. With 27 distinct sub-categories of F-5 permanent residency, each applicant must carefully assess their individual circumstances and apply for the appropriate sub-type.

Pathway to citizenship
F-5 visa holders may pursue Korean nationality in the future through the standard naturalisation process. Naturalisation typically requires a minimum period of legal residence (generally five years for the standard route, though shorter periods apply for certain categories), demonstrated Korean language proficiency, a working knowledge of Korean society and culture, evidence of financial self-sufficiency, and the renunciation of any prior nationality, as South Korea does not generally recognise dual citizenship for naturalised adults. Consult the Korea Immigration Service for the current eligibility rules governing naturalisation.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for South Korea are refused?

Familiarising yourself with the most frequent grounds for refusal can help you put together a more robust application from the outset. The most commonly cited reasons include:

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation — missing materials, unsigned forms, or discrepancies between submitted documents are among the most prevalent causes of delay and outright refusal. Review the document checklist for your specific visa category thoroughly before submitting anything.
• Insufficient financial resources — being unable to demonstrate adequate funds to support yourself, and any dependants, throughout your stay is a frequent basis for refusal, particularly for Digital Nomad and family-based categories where precise income thresholds are specified.
• Failure to satisfy employer sponsorship criteria — for E-series work visas, the employer must satisfy Korean immigration authorities that hiring a foreign national is genuinely necessary for the role. E-7 applicants must have a Korean company sponsor them, and that company must demonstrate the need for a foreign hire, which often involves meeting a prescribed ratio of foreign to local employees.
• Criminal record — a significant criminal history, or a failure to disclose relevant criminal convictions, will in most cases result in refusal. Criminal background certificates must be recent — typically issued within six months of the application date — and properly authenticated.
• Prior immigration violations — having overstayed a previous visa or having a history of breaching immigration rules, whether in South Korea or another country, will substantially weaken an application.
• Inability to demonstrate genuine intent — immigration officers assess whether an applicant’s stated purpose is credible and consistent with the supporting evidence. Vague or contradictory answers during interviews, or a clear mismatch between an applicant’s qualifications and the role applied for, can lead to refusal.
• Health grounds — certain medical conditions may result in a refusal, though the Department of State is not aware of any HIV/AIDS-related entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in South Korea.

If your application is refused, you should receive a written explanation of the grounds for the decision. In many instances, it is possible to reapply with a strengthened submission that specifically addresses the reasons given for the refusal. Over the years, there have been cases of foreign nationals being unfairly turned down at the application stage, though these outcomes are far less frequent when the applicant is supported by a qualified visa lawyer. If you believe a refusal was erroneous or unjust, seek advice from a qualified Korean immigration lawyer, who can advise you on available options including a formal appeal or a fresh application supported by additional evidence.

Immigration officers have a degree of personal discretion, and the way rules are applied can differ between offices — patience and thorough documentation are essential. Ensuring your application is complete and internally consistent before submission is the single most effective step you can take to minimise the risk of refusal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does South Korea offer a visa on arrival?

South Korea does not operate a general visa-on-arrival scheme. US citizens, for example, cannot obtain a visa upon arrival, although they do not need a tourist visa for short stays. Nationals from countries without a visa-exemption arrangement with South Korea must obtain a visa from a Korean embassy or consulate before travelling. Verify your country’s specific status with the Korea Immigration Service.

What is the K-ETA and do I need one?

The K-ETA is a compulsory pre-travel electronic travel authorisation for visitors arriving from visa-exemption countries, which took effect on 1 September 2021. As of January 2026, the Ministry of Justice extended a K-ETA waiver for nationals of certain countries through 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, travellers from those countries will be required to obtain a K-ETA before departing. Check the official K-ETA website for the up-to-date list of eligible and currently exempt countries.

Can I work in South Korea on a tourist or short-stay entry?

No. A visa is mandatory for all purposes that include employment, teaching, and stays exceeding 90 days. Carrying out work without an appropriate visa constitutes a serious immigration offence and can lead to deportation, fines, and a future entry ban. If you intend to work in South Korea, you must obtain the relevant E-series or other work-authorised visa before you begin any employment.

Is there a retirement visa for South Korea?

South Korea does not provide a dedicated retirement visa in the same manner as certain other countries. However, the F-5-13 subcategory of permanent residency is available to overseas pension beneficiaries aged 60 and above. Retirees who do not qualify for this route may wish to explore the Digital Nomad visa if they meet the eligibility criteria, or investigate other long-stay categories. Contact the Korea Immigration Service for the most up-to-date information on available options.

Do I need to speak Korean to get a visa for South Korea?

Korean language proficiency is not ordinarily a requirement for obtaining an initial work or study visa. However, a basic command of Korean and a foundational understanding of Korean society and culture are required for certain longer-term residency and permanent residency pathways. Completing the Korea Immigration and Integration Programme (KIIP) is a widely used means of satisfying this requirement and may also generate points towards the F-2 points-based long-term residency visa.

Can I apply for a South Korean visa online?

Yes, for certain categories. The Korea e-Visa portal accepts online applications for a range of visa types. However, many long-stay work visa categories continue to require an in-person application at a South Korean embassy or consulate. Confirm whether your specific category is eligible for online submission before proceeding, as procedures are subject to revision.

How long can I stay in South Korea before needing to renew my visa?

Most expat visas are initially valid for one to two years and can be extended. The E-7 is generally renewable on an annual basis, and the Digital Nomad visa may be extended for a third year after the initial two-year period. Renewals must be completed through the Korea Immigration Service before the current visa reaches its expiry date. Always apply well in advance of the expiry to avoid any interruption in your legal status.

Where can I get the most up-to-date information about South Korean visa requirements?

The most reliable and current sources are the Korea Immigration Service (KIS), the Korea e-Visa portal, the HiKorea portal, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea. For visa-related enquiries, contact the Immigration Contact Centre at +82-1345 from outside Korea, or on 1345 within the country; assistance is available on weekdays in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, French, Russian, and several other languages. For complex or unusual situations, seeking independent advice from a qualified Korean immigration lawyer is strongly advisable.