Korea C-4 Short-Term Work Visa: Complete Guide 2026 — Eligibility, Documents & Permitted Activities

The C-4 (Short-Term Work) visa is issued to foreign nationals who engage in compensated employment activities in Korea for a short period (90 days or less). It is used for temporary professional service delivery, freelance contracts, and short-term project participation — not long-term employment.

Table of Contents

• 1. What Is the C-4 Visa?
• 2. Permitted Activities and Fields
• 3. Eligibility Requirements
• 4. Required Documents
• 5. Application Process
• 6. Stay Period
• 7. Permitted Activities and Restrictions
• 8. C-4 vs C-3 and E-7 Comparison
• 9. Transitioning from C-4 to Other Statuses
• 10. Frequently Asked Questions
• 11. Consultation

1. What Is the C-4 Visa? {#section-1}

C-4 is the "Short-Term Work" status under Korea's Immigration Act. It is issued to foreign nationals who engage in compensated employment activities in Korea for a short period. It is limited to stays of 90 days or less and is distinct from long-term work visas (the E-series).

Key features:

• Limited to short-term employment activities of 90 days or less
• Used for professional services, technical guidance, lectures, and short-term projects
• Compensated activities permitted under short-term status
• Streamlined process compared to long-term work visas (e.g., E-7)

2. Permitted Activities and Fields {#section-2}

Note: Depending on the nature of the activity, C-4 may overlap with E-series visas (E-2, E-4, E-6, etc.). The appropriate status must be selected based on the duration and nature of the work.

3. Eligibility Requirements {#section-3}

4. Required Documents {#section-4}

Common Documents

5. Application Process {#section-5}

1. Conclude contract with Korean employer/institution
2. Apply for C-4 visa at Korean embassy/consulate
3. Document review — typically 1–2 weeks
4. Visa issuance and entry to Korea
5. Carry out short-term work activities
6. Depart within 90 days (mandatory departure within stay period)

As a short-term visa of 90 days or less, alien registration is not normally required for C-4.

6. Stay Period {#section-6}

If more than 90 days of employment is needed, you must apply for a long-term work visa (E-2, E-4, E-7, etc.) from the start — not C-4.

7. Permitted Activities and Restrictions {#section-7}

8. C-4 vs C-3 and E-7 Comparison {#section-8}

9. Transitioning from C-4 to Other Statuses {#section-9}

Due to the short-term nature of C-4, direct in-country change to a long-term status is generally not possible. If long-term employment is confirmed, departure and re-entry with the appropriate visa is typically required.

10. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-10}

Q. I entered on a visa-free C-3 stay. Can I work for pay during my visit? A. No. The C-3 (Short-Term Visit) status does not permit compensated employment. To engage in paid short-term work, you must obtain a C-4 visa in advance before entering Korea.

Q. Can my C-4 stay be extended if my contract is extended? A. C-4 cannot generally be extended. If your contract exceeds 90 days, you should apply for E-7 or another appropriate long-term work visa from the start, or depart and re-enter with the appropriate visa.

Q. Does a business traveler from a foreign company need a C-4? A. For simple business meetings or negotiations with no compensation received from Korean sources, a C-3 (Short-Term Visit) is sufficient. If services are being delivered in Korea with compensation, C-4 is required.

Q. Can I bring my family to Korea on C-4? A. C-4 is a short-term work visa of 90 days or less, so family accompaniment (F-3) visas are generally not issued for C-4 holders.

Q. What is the difference between C-4 and E-7? A. C-4 is limited to short-term work of 90 days or less. E-7 is for long-term professional employment. Even for the same type of work, if the employment will exceed 90 days, E-7 is required.

11. Consultation {#section-11}

The C-4 Short-Term Work visa has a short activity window and a relatively simple process, but the appropriate visa category can vary depending on the nature of the work and the form of compensation. Choosing the right visa from the start — especially with an eye toward potential long-term employment — is important.

Vision Administrative Office provides guidance on C-4 visa applications, selecting the right work visa category, and long-term residency transition planning.

Free consultation: 02-363-2251

Related guides:

• E-7 Designated Activities Visa Guide
• E-4 Technology Guidance Visa Guide
• C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa Guide
• Korea Visa Types Complete Guide