D-10 Job Seeker Visa
Visa for qualified individuals to stay in Korea while job searching or completing internships in professional fields (E-1 through E-7 categories). Uses a points-based system requiring minimum 60 total points with at least 20 from core criteria. Eligible applicants include Korean university graduates (within 3 years), D-4 visa holders with foreign bachelor's or higher, Fortune 500 company employees with 1+ year experience, and graduates from top 200 THE/QS universities under age 30. Duration depends on previous visa: up to 2 years from D-2 student visa, up to 1 year from D-4. Points system exemption available with TOPIK level 4+ or high KIIP scores. Issued in 6-month terms, renewable up to 3 years in some cases.
Key Requirements:
- •Korean university graduate within 3 years, or foreign degree holder on D-4, or Fortune 500 experience
- •Minimum 60 points total (20 from core criteria) unless exempt
- •Proof of financial ability for living expenses (6 months bank statements)
- +2 more requirements
D-2 Student Visa
Study visa for international students enrolled in Korean universities (bachelor's, master's, PhD programs). Requires Certificate of Admission from SEVP-certified Korean institution and proof of financial support (~$21,000 USD covering 1 year tuition and living expenses). TB test required for nationals of 35 designated countries. Maximum stay up to 2 years per grant, renewable for duration of studies. Subcategories include D-2-6 for exchange students and D-2-8 for visiting students. Students must register for Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival. Can transition to D-10 job seeker visa after graduation.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance at Korean university (Certificate of Admission)
- •Proof of financial support (~$21,000 USD for 1 year)
- •High school diploma/transcript (internationally authenticated)
- +2 more requirements
D-8 Investor/Startup Visa
Business investment visa for foreign nationals establishing or investing in Korean companies. D-8-1 (most common) for foreign-invested corporations requires minimum ₩100 million investment and 10%+ ownership of voting shares. D-8-4 (Startup Visa) for technology startups uses the OASIS program - applicants earn points through courses (OASIS-1, 4, 5, 8) and must reach 80 points minimum. D-8-4 applicants typically start with D-10-2 preparation visa (up to 2 years) to complete OASIS requirements before transitioning. Investor must actively manage the business - passive investment does not qualify. Detailed business plan required showing revenue model, market analysis, and employment plans.
Key Requirements:
- •Investment of ₩100 million+ for D-8-1
- •Own 10%+ voting shares of invested corporation
- •Active management role (not passive investment)
- +2 more requirements
Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D)
South Korea's Workcation Visa (F-1-D), launched January 2024, allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to live in Korea for up to 2 years. Requires annual income of at least double Korea's GNI per capita (approximately ₩88-100 million or ~$66,000-70,000 USD for 2025-2026). Must have worked in the same industry for at least 1 year. Applicants must have medical insurance covering at least ₩100 million for hospital treatment and repatriation. Clean criminal record required. Family members can be included. Cannot engage in local employment or profit-making activities. The 183-day tax residency rule applies. Benefits include Alien Registration Card (ARC) for banking, faster immigration, and access to local services.
Key Requirements:
- •Remote worker for foreign company with 1+ year experience in same industry
- •Annual income at least double Korea GNI per capita (~₩88-100 million)
- •Medical insurance covering ₩100 million minimum
- +2 more requirements
E-7 Work Visa
South Korea's primary skilled worker visa for foreign professionals. Divided into four subcategories: E-7-1 (professionals/managers in 67 occupations), E-7-2 (semi-professionals in 10 occupations), E-7-3 (general skilled workers), and E-7-4 (points-based skilled tradespersons). 2026 salary requirements effective Feb 1: E-7-1 requires ₩31.12 million/year minimum, E-7-2/E-7-3 require ₩25.89 million/year. Qualification routes include master's degree in relevant field, bachelor's degree plus 1 year experience, or 5 years work experience. Graduates from top 200 QS/THE universities or Fortune 500 companies may have relaxed requirements. Korean university graduates exempt from career requirements. Initial stay up to 3 years, extendable to 5 years in special cases.
Key Requirements:
- •Job offer from Korean employer in E-7 eligible occupation
- •Master's degree OR bachelor's + 1 year experience OR 5 years experience
- •Meet minimum salary requirements for subcategory
- +2 more requirements
F-2 Residency Visa
Long-term residency visa allowing foreigners to live and work in South Korea for extended periods (up to 3 years). Multiple pathways: F-2-1 for ethnic Koreans (overseas Koreans from China, Russia, Central Asia), F-2-3 for spouses of F-5 permanent residents, F-2-7 points-based for skilled professionals. Points-based F-2-7 requires minimum score across categories including age, education, Korean language (TOPIK), income, and social integration. Investors with $500,000+ investment and 3+ years D-8 residence may qualify. Those with 5+ years continuous residence in Korea also eligible. Can transition to F-5 permanent residence after 3-5 years. No restrictions on employment type.
Key Requirements:
- •Meet specific subcategory requirements
- •F-2-7: Minimum points score across categories
- •Investors: $500,000+ investment with 3+ years D-8 residence
- +2 more requirements
F-5 Permanent Residence
South Korea's permanent residency visa allowing indefinite stay with renewal every 10 years. F-5-1 (General) requires 5+ years on E-7 or F-2 visa, annual income double GNI (~₩100 million), KIIP level 5 or permanent residence exam score 60+, and clean criminal record. F-5-2 for Korean spouses with 2+ years on F-6 visa. F-5-5 for investors with $500,000+ investment employing 5+ Korean citizens. F-5-9 for PhD holders in high-tech industries employed by Korean companies. F-5-16 for F-2-7 points-based residents after 3+ years. Benefits include unrestricted employment, access to government services including pensions and healthcare, and no job change restrictions. Must visit Korea once every 2 years to maintain status.
Key Requirements:
- •F-5-1: 5+ years residence on qualifying visa
- •Annual income double GNI per capita (~₩100 million)
- •KIIP level 5 completion or exam score 60+
- +2 more requirements
F-6 Marriage Visa
Spouse visa for foreign nationals married to Korean citizens. F-6-1 for those in valid marriage wishing to remain in Korea. F-6-2 for parents raising minor children from marriage with Korean national after divorce. F-6-3 for those unable to maintain marriage due to spouse's death, disappearance, or other circumstances not their fault. Requires proof of income (₩20 million for 2 persons), Korean language proficiency (TOPIK level 1+ or equivalent), and genuine relationship evidence (photos, communication records, remittance history). International Marriage Guidance Program completion required for nationals of 7 specified countries. No employment restrictions. Can apply for permanent residence (F-5) after 2 years, citizenship after 2-3 years of marriage.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid marriage to Korean national (marriage certificate)
- •Income of ₩20 million+ (combined with Korean spouse)
- •TOPIK level 1+ or equivalent Korean language proof
- +2 more requirements
Korean Citizenship
South Korea offers citizenship through naturalization after meeting residency and integration requirements. General Naturalization requires 5+ consecutive years residence with F-5 permanent residence, age 19+, good conduct, financial stability (income exceeding GNI ~₩30 million or ₩30 million bank balance), and Korean language/culture proficiency tested via comprehensive exam and interview. Simplified Naturalization for those with Korean connections: marriage-based requires 3 years married plus 1 year residence, or 2 years on F-6 visa; heritage-based requires 3 years residence. Special Naturalization for exceptional talent (sports, science, etc.) has reduced requirements. Application fee ₩100,000 (~$80). Processing takes 1-1.5 years. Dual citizenship permitted under Simplified Naturalization; General Naturalization typically requires renouncing original citizenship. Two reference letters from professionals required.
Key Requirements:
- •General: 5+ years residence with F-5, age 19+
- •Simplified (marriage): 3 years married + 1 year residence
- •Good conduct and financial stability
- +3 more requirements
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