Korea Visa Types: Complete Guide 2026 — All Categories, Requirements & How to Choose
Foreigners entering or staying in Korea must hold the visa status that matches their purpose of stay. Korea's immigration system covers approximately 30 distinct visa categories, ranging from short-term tourist visits to permanent residency. Engaging in activities outside the scope of your current visa status is a violation of immigration law.
This guide organizes the most commonly used visa types by purpose, summarizes their key requirements, and links to detailed guides for each category.
Table of Contents
- 1. Work Visas — For Employment in Korea
- 2. Investment and Business Visas — For Running a Business
- 3. Study and Training Visas — For Academic Purposes
- 4. Overseas Korean and Family Visas — For Ethnic Koreans and Families
- 5. Long-Term Residency Visas — For Extended Stay
- 6. Short-Term Visit Visas — For Brief Stays
- 7. Permanent Residency (F-5) — Living in Korea Permanently
- 8. Visa Selection Guide — Which Visa Is Right for You?
- 9. Major Visa Transition Pathways
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. Consultation
1. Work Visas — For Employment in Korea {#section-1}
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Korea need a work visa matched to their specific job type and qualifications.
Main Work Visas
| Visa | Name | Target Applicants | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-2 | Language Instruction | Native English speakers | 7 eligible nationalities, bachelor's degree minimum, criminal background check |
| E-7 | Special Occupations | Skilled professionals | Employer sponsorship, approved job category, education/experience |
| H-2 | Working Visit | Ethnic Koreans in China/CIS | Korean ancestry, annual quota, non-professional sectors only |
▶ Detailed guides:
2. Investment and Business Visas — For Running a Business {#section-2}
Entrepreneurs establishing a company in Korea or corporate employees transferred from overseas use these visa categories.
Main Investment and Business Visas
| Visa | Name | Target Applicants | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-7 | Intra-company Transfer | Executives/specialists transferred from overseas entity | ≥50% ownership link between foreign and Korean entities, 1+ year of prior employment |
| D-8 | Corporate Investment | Foreign investors establishing or investing in a Korean corporation | Minimum KRW 100 million investment; venture startups may qualify at KRW 30 million |
▶ Detailed guides:
3. Study and Training Visas — For Academic Purposes {#section-3}
Foreigners pursuing degree programs or non-degree training in Korea require a study or training visa.
Main Study and Training Visas
| Visa | Name | Target Applicants | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-2 | Study | Enrolled in a degree program at a Korean university or graduate school | Duration of degree program |
| D-4 | General Training | Language programs, vocational training | 1–2 years (extendable) |
D-2 vs D-4 key difference: D-2 is for degree-seeking students enrolled in an accredited university; D-4 covers non-degree language schools and vocational training. After graduation, D-2 holders can switch to D-10 (job-seeker) status to prepare for employment.
▶ Detailed guides:
4. Overseas Korean and Family Visas — For Ethnic Koreans and Families {#section-4}
These visas are designed for ethnic Koreans holding foreign citizenship and for family members of Korean residents.
Main Overseas Korean and Family Visas
| Visa | Name | Target Applicants | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-4 | Overseas Korean | Ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship | Broad employment freedom, no quota |
| H-2 | Working Visit | Ethnic Koreans in China/CIS countries | Employment allowed but sector-restricted, annual quota |
| F-3 | Accompanying Family | Spouses and minor children of long-term visa holders | No employment rights (separate work visa required) |
| F-6 | Marriage Immigration | Foreign nationals married to Korean citizens | Employment allowed; status based on spousal relationship |
▶ Detailed guides:
5. Long-Term Residency Visas — For Extended Stay {#section-5}
For foreigners who wish to live in Korea long-term without being tied to a specific employer or job category.
Main Long-Term Residency Visas
| Visa | Name | Target Applicants | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-2-7 | Points-Based Residency | Foreigners scoring 80+ points on the MOJ scoring table | No employment restrictions, freedom to change jobs |
| F-2-99 | Other Residency | Humanitarian reasons, etc. | Assessed on a case-by-case basis |
F-2-7 is a critical intermediate step between work visas (such as E-7) and permanent residency. It grants full employment freedom without requiring a specific employer sponsor.
▶ Detailed guides:
6. Short-Term Visit Visas — For Brief Stays {#section-6}
For tourism, short-term business visits, or visiting family in Korea.
Main Short-Term Visas
| Visa | Name | Maximum Stay | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-2 | Tourist/Transit | 90 days | Not permitted |
| C-3 | Short-Term Visit | 90 days | Not permitted |
| C-4 | Short-Term Employment | 90 days | Limited employment permitted |
Citizens of countries with visa-free agreements with Korea (USA, Japan, EU member states, etc.) may enter without a visa and stay up to 90 days. Employment is not permitted during a visa-exempt stay.
7. Permanent Residency (F-5) — Living in Korea Permanently {#section-7}
F-5 (Permanent Residency) status allows indefinite residence in Korea with full freedom to work and run a business.
Main F-5 Pathways
| Pathway | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| F-5-1 General Long-Term PR | 5+ years of lawful stay + income + clean record |
| F-5-5 Investor PR | D-8 for 5 years + sustained employment and revenue requirements |
| F-5-7 Overseas Korean PR | F-4 status + 2 years of domestic residence |
| F-5-16 Points-Based PR | F-2-7 for 3 years + income and conduct requirements |
▶ Detailed guides:
8. Visa Selection Guide — Which Visa Is Right for You? {#section-8}
Recommended Visas by Situation
| Situation | Recommended Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Received a job offer from a Korean company | E-7 | Employer sponsorship + approved job category required |
| Native English speaker who wants to teach | E-2 | 7 eligible nationalities + criminal background check |
| Want to start a company in Korea | D-8 | Minimum KRW 100 million investment |
| Transferred from overseas HQ to Korean entity | D-7 | ≥50% ownership link between entities required |
| Enrolled at a Korean university | D-2 | Must be in a registered degree program |
| Attending a Korean language school only | D-4 | Non-degree training |
| Working in Korea and want long-term stay | F-2-7 | Must reach 80+ points on scoring table |
| Ethnic Korean (조선족/Goryeo-in) wanting to work | H-2 or F-4 | H-2: quota + sector restrictions / F-4: fewer restrictions |
| Ethnic Korean wanting to live freely in Korea | F-4 | Minimal employment restrictions |
| 5+ years of lawful stay, want permanent residency | F-5-1 | Must meet income requirements |
9. Major Visa Transition Pathways {#section-9}
Common step-by-step pathways that foreigners follow toward long-term or permanent residency in Korea.
Employment Track
E-7 Special Occupations → Accumulate 80+ points for F-2-7 → F-2-7 Points-Based Residency → 3 years residence → F-5-16 Permanent Residency
Student Track
D-2 Study → After graduation: D-10 Job Seeker → Find employment → E-7 → F-2-7 → F-5-16
Overseas Korean Track (China/CIS)
H-2 Working Visit → Convert to F-4 Overseas Korean → 2 years domestic residence → F-5-7 Permanent Residency
Investor Track
D-8 Corporate Investment → Maintain employment and revenue for 5 years → F-5-5 Investor Permanent Residency
10. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-10}
Q. Can I change from a tourist visa (B-2) to a work visa after entering Korea? A. Yes, it is possible to apply for a status change from B-2 (tourist) to E-7, D-8, or other visa categories while inside Korea. However, engaging in employment activities immediately after entering on a tourist visa is a status violation.
Q. My spouse holds an E-7 visa — can I work too? A. Spouses of E-7 holders can stay in Korea on F-3 (accompanying family) status, but F-3 does not include employment rights. A separate work visa must be obtained.
Q. Can I apply for a long-term visa after entering Korea visa-free? A. In many cases, yes. Foreigners who entered visa-free can apply to change status to a long-term category (E-7, F-2-7, etc.) in Korea, provided they meet the requirements. However, working during the visa-exempt period is still prohibited.
Q. When should I apply to renew my visa before it expires? A. In general, you can apply for extension 1–2 months before your visa expiration date, either online through Hi Korea or in person at an immigration office. Overstaying your visa can result in fines and forced deportation.
Q. Does a multiple-entry visa allow me to enter Korea multiple times? A. Yes, a multiple-entry (M) visa allows multiple entries and exits within its validity period. Make sure not to exceed the authorized stay period on each individual entry.
11. Consultation {#section-11}
Choosing the wrong visa can lead to visa cancellation, forced deportation, or re-entry restrictions. If you're unsure which visa fits your situation — or planning a transition from your current status — consulting with a licensed immigration specialist is strongly recommended.
Vision Administrative Office provides full support for visa selection, application, status change, and permanent residency planning.
Free consultation: 02-363-2251