🇰🇷Visa options for South Korea
South Korea offers 31 visa types across 9 categories — from E-series skilled worker and the E-7 specially designated activities visa (87 occupations) to the F-1-D Digital Nomad/Workation visa, H-1 Working Holiday, and the F-5 Permanent Residence with 27 eligibility routes. 19 lead to PR; 18 don't require a job offer. Here's every South Korea visa tracked by VisaMatch.
31visa types
9categories
19PR pathways
18no job needed
Check which South Korea visas you qualify for →
Visa categories in South Korea
All South Korea visa types
Work (10)
E-1 Professor Visa Work
Employment contract with a Korean university or accredited higher education institution. Typically requires doctorate or master's degree.
E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Work
Native speakers employed to teach conversational language at approved Korean educational institutions. Requires criminal background check and health certificate.
E-3 Research Visa Work
Contract with a designated Korean research institution. Master's or doctorate degree in relevant field required.
E-4 Technology Instructor Work
Contract with a Korean company for technology transfer. Proven expertise in the specialist field required.
E-5 Professional Employment Work
Valid professional licence recognised in Korea (e.g., lawyer, accountant, architect). Employment contract with Korean employer required.
E-6 Arts & Entertainment Work
Performance contract with a registered Korean entertainment agency or organisation.
E-7 Specially Designated Activities (Skilled Worker) Work
Employer-sponsored visa covering 87 designated occupations. E-7-1 (professional) requires bachelor's degree and salary ≥ KRW 31.12M/year (2026 threshold). Pathway to F-2 and F-5 PR.
E-8 Training Employment Work
Transition from D-3 industrial trainee program to employment at the sponsoring company.
E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) Work
Employment Permit System for nationals of 16 partner countries. Job placement through Korea's EPS system required.
E-10 Maritime Crew Work
Employment contract with a Korean shipping or fishing company. Seafarer's book required.
Residence (5)
F-2 Resident Visa (incl. F-2-7 Points-Based)
F-2-7 requires minimum 3 consecutive years on the same visa class (D or E), 80+ points on the 135-point system, and meeting income and Korean language thresholds. Pathway to F-5 permanent residence.
F-4 Overseas Korean Visa
Foreign nationals of Korean descent (at least one Korean-born grandparent or parent who was a Korean citizen). Grants near-unrestricted work rights in Korea.
D-1 Culture & Arts Visa
Invitation or contract from a Korean cultural organisation. Portfolio or evidence of artistic activities required.
D-5 Journalism / News Coverage
Credential from an overseas news organisation. Accreditation from Korean Press Centre may be required.
D-6 Religion Visa
Invitation from a registered Korean religious organisation. Theological qualifications or ordination documents required.
Business (4)
D-7 Intra-Company Transfer
Must have worked for the multinational company for at least 1 year before transfer. Company must have a registered Korean entity.
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
D-8-1: Registered company in Korea with KRW 100M minimum investment. D-8-4: OASIS startup visa — bachelor's degree, 80+ points, KRW 10M minimum capital, physical office required.
D-9 International Trade Visa
Evidence of ongoing trade activities or company registration in Korea. Proof of business funds required.
D-10 Job Seeker Visa
D-10-1: Graduates of accredited Korean universities. D-10-2: Professionals who completed E-series work visas. Extended to 3 years as of October 2025. Internships permitted.
Special (3)
F-1-D Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa
Launched January 2024. Age 18+, minimum 1 year employment history, annual income ≥ KRW 100M (~USD 75,000), comprehensive health insurance. Up to 2 years. Remote work for overseas employer only.
H-1 Working Holiday Visa
Age 18–30 (some countries up to 35). National of a working holiday partner country. Sufficient funds required. Part-time and short-term work permitted.
H-2 Working Visit Visa
Ethnic Koreans (Joseonjok) from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other CIS states. Work rights in designated industries (manufacturing, construction, agriculture, services). Pathway to F-5 permanent residence.
Family (3)
F-1 Family Visitor / Accompanying
Proven family relationship with a Korean resident. Sponsor must meet income requirements.
F-3 Dependent Family Visa
Spouse or minor child of a D or E visa holder. Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) required.
F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa
Legally married to a Korean citizen. Korean spouse must meet income requirements (100% GNI per capita). Pathway to F-5 permanent residence.
Study (2)
D-2 Student Visa
Acceptance letter from a Ministry of Education-accredited Korean university. Proof of sufficient funds. Part-time work up to 20 hours/week during term.
D-4 General Trainee (Language School)
Enrolment letter from an approved Korean institution. Proof of funds. Part-time work permitted after 6 months with approval.
Visitor (2)
C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa Visitor
For nationals of countries not qualifying for visa-free entry or K-ETA. Up to 90 days. Proof of funds, return ticket, and accommodation required.
C-2 Short-Term Business Visit Visitor
Business meetings, trade negotiations, or market research for up to 90 days. Invitation letter from a Korean company required.
Permanent (1)
F-5 Permanent Resident Status
27 eligibility types. Key tracks: (1) General — 5+ years in Korea, TOPIK level 4+, income ≥ 2× minimum wage; (2) F-2-7 points route — 3+ years, 80+ points; (3) Investors, overseas Koreans, marriage migrants, and more.
Humanitarian (1)
G-1 Humanitarian / Medical / Asylum
Covers asylum seekers, persons facing serious medical conditions, and others not meeting refugee criteria but facing risk. Work permitted after 6 months for asylum seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions about moving to South Korea
How many visa types does South Korea offer?
South Korea offers 31 visa types across 9 categories — covering work (E-series), study, family, business, residence, special visas like the F-1-D Digital Nomad/Workation visa, and the F-5 permanent residence with 27 eligibility routes.
Can I move to South Korea without a job offer?
Yes — 18 of South Korea's 31 visa types don't require a pre-arranged job offer. These include the D-10 Job Seeker visa, F-1-D Digital Nomad visa, H-1 Working Holiday, D-2 Student, and various family and residence visas.
Does South Korea offer a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes. 19 of South Korea's 31 visa types lead to permanent residency via the F-5 visa. Key routes include: 5+ years general residence (TOPIK level 4 required), the F-2-7 points-based residence system (80+ points, 3 years), the D-8-4 OASIS startup visa, and marriage to a Korean citizen.
What is the South Korea F-1-D Digital Nomad visa?
The F-1-D Workation visa, launched in January 2024, allows remote workers and freelancers to live in South Korea for up to 2 years while working for overseas employers. Requirements: age 18+, minimum 1 year employment history, annual income of at least KRW 100 million (~USD 75,000), and comprehensive health insurance.
How do I check my eligibility for South Korea?
Use VisaMatch's free eligibility checker. Enter your nationality, age, occupation, income, and education, then select South Korea. You'll see every South Korea visa you qualify for, with links to the official Korea Immigration Service for each.
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