Korea E-10 Vessel Crew Visa: Complete Guide 2026 — Eligibility, Documents & Permitted Activities
The E-10 (Vessel Crew) visa is issued to foreign seafarers who are employed as crew members on Korean-flagged vessels or vessels covered under relevant conventions. It is the primary visa category for foreign nationals working aboard fishing boats, cargo ships, passenger vessels, and other commercial ships in Korea's maritime industry.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is the E-10 Visa?
- 2. Eligible Vessels and Industries
- 3. Eligibility Requirements
- 4. Required Documents
- 5. Application Process
- 6. Stay Period and Extension
- 7. Permitted Activities and Restrictions
- 8. E-10 vs E-9 Comparison
- 9. Transitioning from E-10 to Other Statuses
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. Consultation
1. What Is the E-10 Visa? {#section-1}
E-10 is the "Vessel Crew" status under Korea's Immigration Act, issued to foreign nationals who serve as crew members on Korean-flagged vessels or vessels covered by relevant international conventions.
Key features:
- For foreign crew members employed on Korean-registered vessels
- Stay permitted for the duration of the crew service contract
- Subject to the Seafarers Act and related maritime laws
- Covers coastal, deep-sea, and inland waterway vessels
2. Eligible Vessels and Industries {#section-2}
| Vessel Type | Key Positions |
|---|---|
| Fishing vessels (coastal and deep-sea) | Fishing crew, deck hands, engine crew |
| Cargo and container ships | Deck crew, engine crew, other mariners |
| Passenger and cruise ships | Deck crew, engine crew, service crew |
| Inland/coastal vessels | Crew for inland waterways and coastal routes |
| Other vessels | Tugboats, work vessels, special-purpose vessels |
Note: E-10 is only valid for the period aboard the designated vessel. Onshore employment after disembarkation requires a separate status.
3. Eligibility Requirements {#section-3}
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Employing vessel | Korean-flagged vessel or vessel covered under relevant convention |
| Seafarer qualification | Qualifications or experience required under the Seafarers Act |
| Employment contract | Crew employment contract with the shipping company or shipowner |
| Health requirements | Must pass maritime fitness medical examination (Seafarers Act standards) |
| Nationality | No restriction |
4. Required Documents {#section-4}
Common Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa application form | Korean embassy/consulate or MOJ format |
| Original passport | At least 6 months validity |
| Photo | 3.5×4.5cm |
| Crew employment contract | Specifying vessel, shipowner, and company |
| Seafarer's book | Issued by home country government (if available) |
| Maritime certificate or career proof | Qualification evidence appropriate for the position |
| Certificate of Visa Issuance Authorization | Applied for by Korean shipping company/shipowner |
| Medical certificate | Fitness certificate per Seafarers Act standards |
5. Application Process {#section-5}
- Sign crew employment contract with shipping company or shipowner
- Shipping company/shipowner applies to MOJ for Certificate of Visa Issuance Authorization
- Certificate issued — typically 2–4 weeks
- Apply for E-10 visa at Korean embassy/consulate
- Visa issuance and entry to Korea
- Board vessel and begin duties
- Foreign national registration if needed — for those planning to stay 90+ days
6. Stay Period and Extension {#section-6}
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial stay period | Up to 3 years, based on employment contract |
| Extension | Available when contract is renewed |
| Maximum stay | Duration of valid employment contract |
Even when a vessel is in a foreign port and entry/exit records are irregular, E-10 stay periods are calculated from the date of entry to Korea.
7. Permitted Activities and Restrictions {#section-7}
| Permitted Activities | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Crew duties on the designated vessel | No employment on other vessels outside the contract |
| All maritime duties related to vessel operation | No onshore employment after disembarkation |
| Shore leave at Korean ports (within permitted scope) | No unauthorized disembarkation or desertion |
8. E-10 vs E-9 Comparison {#section-8}
| E-10 Vessel Crew | E-9 Non-Professional Employment | |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Seafarers / vessel crew | Land-based workers in manufacturing, services, etc. |
| Work location | Vessel (at sea) | Land-based workplaces |
| Entry route | Certificate of Visa Issuance Authorization | MOL Employment Permit System (EPS) |
| Stay period | Up to 3 years (contract-based) | Up to 3 years (up to 4y 10m with extension) |
| Industry scope | Maritime crew duties only | Permitted land-based industries |
9. Transitioning from E-10 to Other Statuses {#section-9}
| Situation | Transition Path |
|---|---|
| Transitioning to land-based employment | E-7 or E-9 work visa |
| Marriage to a Korean national | F-6 Marriage Immigration |
| Meeting long-term residency requirements | F-2-7 points-based residency or F-5 permanent residency |
E-10 stay periods count toward F-2-7 point calculations, making the time spent as a crew member meaningful for those aiming for long-term Korean residency.
10. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-10}
Q. Is a maritime certificate required to apply for E-10? A. It depends on the position. Positions such as navigator and engineer require the relevant certificates. General crew positions such as deck hands may qualify with work experience and an employment contract.
Q. Does my E-10 stay period remain valid when my vessel is in a foreign port? A. Yes. The E-10 status remains valid for the duration of the crew employment contract. Even when the vessel is docked at a foreign port, the crew member is considered to be maintaining their Korean entry status.
Q. Can I bring my family to Korea on E-10? A. Yes. The spouse and minor children of an E-10 holder may stay in Korea on an F-3 (Accompanying Person) visa. In practice, family members typically reside onshore while the seafarer works at sea.
Q. Can I work onshore after my crew contract expires? A. No. The E-10 visa permits only onboard vessel employment. If you wish to work onshore after the contract ends, you must change to an appropriate work visa such as E-7 or E-9.
Q. Do E-10 stay periods count toward F-2-7 residency points? A. Yes. E-10 stay periods are included in F-2-7 point calculations. Meeting 80+ points across Korean language ability, income, and tax history makes you eligible to apply for F-2-7 residency.
11. Consultation {#section-11}
The E-10 Vessel Crew visa involves the Certificate of Visa Issuance Authorization process and compliance with the Seafarers Act, which can be complex. While the process is generally initiated by the shipping company, individual crew members seeking stay management support or long-term residency transition planning should consult with a specialist.
Vision Administrative Office provides guidance on E-10 visa procedures, Certificate of Visa Issuance Authorization applications, and status change consultations.
Free consultation: 02-363-2251
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