150817 efSojourn Guide for Foreigners (English)

T h e S o jo u rn G u id e fo r
F o re ig n e rs

2015. 08. 17

Ministry of Justice
Korea Immigration Service

C ONTENTS

2015.
2015. 08. 17.

ELIGIBILITY, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND OTHER
PREREQUISITES FOR ALL VISA TYPES
1. DIPLOMAT(A-1)

18. JOB SEEKER (D-10)

2. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL

19. PROFESSOR (E-1)

(A-2)
3. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS(A-3)

20. FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR
(E-2)

4. VISA EXEMPTED(B-1)

21. RESEARCHER (E-3)

5. TOURIST/TRANSIT(B-2)

22. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR (E-4)

6. SHORT-TERM NEWS COVERAGE (C-1)

23. PROFESSIONAL (E-5)

7. SHORT-TERM GENERAL(C-3)

24. ARTIST & ATHLETE (E-6)
25. FOREIGN NATIONAL OF SPECIAL

8. SHORT-TERM EMPLOYEE(C-4)

ABILITY (E-7)

9. KOREAN ARTS AND CULTURE(D-1)

26. NON-PROFESSIONAL (E-9)

10. STUDENT(D-2)

27. MARITIME CREW (E-10)

11. INDUSTRIAL TRAINEE(D-3)

28. FAMILY VISITOR (F-1)

12. GENERAL TRAINEE(D-4)

29. RESIDENT (F-2)

13. LONG-TERM NEWS COVERAGE (D-5)

30. DEPENDENT FAMILY (F-3)
31. PERMANENT RESIDENT (F-5) : NOT

14. RELIGIOUS WORKER (D-6)

including overseas Koreans

15. INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFEREE (D-7)

32. MARRIAGE MIGRANT (F-6)

16. JOB SEEKER (D-8)

33. MISCELLANEOUS (G-1)

17. INTERNATIONAL TRADE (D-9)

34. WORKING HOLIDAY (H-1)

35. THE OVERSEAS KOREAN POLICY MANUAL: OVERSEAS KOREANS (F-4), WORK
AND VISIT (H-2), PERMANENT RESIDENT (F-5)
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N O T I C E
1. If the expiry dates are NOT specified on documents issued in Korea, such as a copy of
resident registration, these documents are presumed to have three months of validity from
the date of issuance.
2. The head of an immigration (branch) office may request additional documents if it is
deemed necessary.
3. You are not required to submit documents that have already been submitted for your visa
applications and others, and that are already stored on our registered aliens record.
4. If the document is too long, please extract and submit only the important parts or pages.
5. Even if your personal reference letter is valid for more than 4 years, we only acknowledge
the validity period of your reference up to 4 years. This also means that the validity period
of any permit may not exceed the acknowledged validity period of your personal reference
letter.
6. Administrative information that can be verified by common electronic access, such as a
copy of resident registration, certificate of family relations, certificate of business
registration, tax return form, fishery license and others, in accordance with Article 36(1) of
the Electronic Government Act do not have to be submitted. However, if you disagree to
give a consent to this access, you must enclose documents mentioned above to your
application.
7. Documents such as medical examination certificate, drug test certificate, physical
examination certificate for employment must be sealed by the issuing hospital. (Do NOT
open the envelope.)
8. Foreigners who plan to apply for any permits regarding stay in Korea must stay in the
country at the time of application and the permit may not be granted if the foreign
applicant departs after application. In addition, agencies cannot apply for permits regarding
stay in Korea on behalf of the applicant while the applicant is outside of Korea.
9. Application fees for each permit related to stay in Korea are charged for review purpose in
accordance with Article 87 of the Immigration Control Act and Article 72 of the
Enforcement Rules of the Act, etc. and the fees are not returned to applicants after the
application is filed.

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Fees for Each Application
Governed by

Types of Permits
Activities not Covered by
Status of Sojourn
Change/Addition of Workplace
Grant of Status of Sojourn
(Marriage Migrant [F-6])
Status of Sojourn
(Others)
Change of Status of Sojourn

‣ Article 82 of the
Immigration Control Act

(to Others)
Extension of Period of Sojourn

and Article 72 of the
Enforcement Rules of the
Act

‣

(to Permanent Resident [F-5])
Change of Status of Sojourn

(Marriage Migrant [F-6])
Extension of Period of Sojourn
(Others)

Article

12

of

Fees (KRW)
120,000
120,000
40,000
80,000
200,000
100,000
30,000
60,000

the

Enforcement Rules of the

Permit for Single Re-entry

30,000

Permit for Multiple Re-entry

50,000

Act on the Immigration
and

Legal

Status

Overseas Koreans

of

Issue and Re-issue of
Alien Registration Card
Issue and Re-issue of
Domestic Residence Card
Certificate of Fact on
Entry and Departure
Certificate of Fact on
Alien Registration
Certificate of Fact on
Domestic Residence Report

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30,000
30,000
2,000
2,000
2,000

Eligible Applicants and Required
Documents for All Visa Types
Diplomat (A-1)
A person who
- is a member of the foreign government's diplomatic corps or consulates accredited to the ROK
ELIGIBLE
APPLICANTS

government;
- has diplomatic immunity and privileges equivalent to diplomats, in accordance with
international agreements or customs; or
- is a family member of the people listed above.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

Until the expiry of the term of office

STAY
PARTICIPATION

1. "Family members of the foreign government's diplomatic mission or consulate" are allowed

IN ACTIVITIES

to be employed in Korea if they are recommended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Director

UNCERTIFIED

for Protocol of Visits and Foreign Missions) on the basis of reciprocity.

FOR CURRENT

Countries Allowed (25 countries as of June. 2012)

SOJOURN
STATUS

Japan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Israel, US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Sweden, Czech
Republic, Poland, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway,
Ireland, Australia, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Portugal
Activities Allowed
Teaching a foreign language at universities, private institutions, etc. (E-2)
Engaging in any artistic performing activities such as appearing on TV shows or movies (E-6),
working as an editor, translator, interpreter or other foreign-language-related occupations at
culture/research/media institutions or teaching at international schools (E-7) or having
occupations where Koreans cannot replace foreign workers
D-1, D-6, E-1, E-3
Working as an indispensable professional specialist at a Korean branch office of a foreign
company/a foreign investment company or as a management consultant of a foreign company
(E-7)
※ Permission of participation in activities uncertified in the current sojourn status is expanded
to family members of staff of the Canadian Embassy in the Republic of Korea (as of Mar.

 CONTENTS

09, 2009).

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- All activities except those in the non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, E-10, H-2) (if qualified)
2. The principle of reciprocity does not apply to the spouse and minor children of a staff member
of an international organization that has signed an agreement with the Republic of Korea and
is located in the ROK. Instead, they must obtain a permission from the head of an immigration
(branch) office, who will examine their qualifications.
Activities Allowed
- All activities except non-professional occupations
Permission Procedures
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

- The head of an Immigration (Branch) Office will examine your request after you submit proof
of your qualifications for the activity you are applying for. (You are not required to submit
a recommendation letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.)
3. Permission for "A-1, A-2 Holders" (This is entrusted to the heads of Immigration (Branch)
Offices.)
Activities Allowed
Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Foreign Language Teacher at International Schools (E-7),
Foreign Language Editor (E-7), Korea Arts and Culture (D-1), Religious Worker (D-6),
Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3), IT E-business-related expert recommended by the
Minister-in-charge among administrative personnel hired by foreign diplomatic missions or
foreign institution (E-7)
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Director for Protocol of Visits
and Foreign Missions) is a must.
You must submit documented proof of your qualifications for the activity you are applying
for.

CHANGE/ADDITI
ON OF

N/A

WORKPLACE
Application must be submitted within 90 days after birth.
GRANT OF
STATUS

CHANGE OF

Required Documents

① an application form (enclosed form No. 34), passport ② a copy of birth certificate ③ official
documents from the embassy requesting cooperation
Required Documents

STATUS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport
Applic
ant

origin requesting cooperation
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport

MANDATORY
DOCUMENTS

② an official document from the embassy of the country of

Accom
panied

② Under age 14 : documented proof of family relationship (i.e.
birth certificate)

 CONTENTS

Family

③ Over age 14 : ID card issued by the Ministry of Foreign
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Affairs

④ Diplomat ID card of the applicant
SUPPLEMENT
ARY

documented proof of the dispatch or employment

DOCUMENTS
The scope of accompanied family members of a member of the foreign government's
diplomatic mission, and etc.

(A-1, A-2)

1. Legal spouse. However, the status of spouse may be denied if it is against Korean laws,
public morals or social order.
2. Parents of the applicant or his/her spouse who are over 61 years old
3. Parents under age 60 who entered the ROK on a condition that they would not engage in
any economic activities in the Republic of Korea
4. Unmarried and minor (under the ⌜Korean Civil Act⌟) children who

live with the

applicant.
5. Unmarried children who are under 26 years old and currently attending formal education
institutions (full time).
6. Unmarried and adult (under the ⌜Korean Civil Act⌟) children who
applicant and cannot make a living on their own due to

live with the

mental or physical disability.

※ Legal Basis : Regulations for Issuance and Maintenance of Identification Card for Diplomatic
Officials and Consuls (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regulations No. 114, Feb. 1, 2011)
EXTENSION OF
STAY

You do not need to apply for extension during your term of office.

You do not need a re-entry permit if you plan to return to Korea within 1 year from the
departure date.
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

A-1 ~ A-3 single entry visa holders may receive a re-entry permit on a condition that they
plan to return to the ROK within their term of office, the period of diplomatic status or the
period of sojourn determined by an agreement.
※ If you have a valid multiple-entry visa for your term of office, you do not need a re-entry
permit.
 single/multiple re-entry permit during the term of office (in multiple ports of entry)
 fee : free
 Required Documents: an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Diplomat ID card, an

 CONTENTS

official document from the embassy requesting cooperation, documented proof of the dispatch
or employment

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ALIEN
REGISTRATION

You are exempted from the alien registration requirement but, if you wish, you may apply
for an alien registration card.
- You are also exempted from the obligations of registered aliens. (i.e. notification of change
in registration information and place of stay)
Required Documents
application form (Form No. 34), passport, photograph (3.5×4.5

 CONTENTS

(i.e. diplomat ID Card)

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㎝),

identification document

Foreign Government Official (A-2)
A person who
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

- is employed for an official mission by a foreign government or an international
organization accredited by the Korean government; or
- an immediate family member of the person defined above.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

You are allowed to stay in the ROK while you perform the official mission.

STAY
PARTICIPATION

1. "Family members of the foreign government's diplomatic corps or consulates" are allowed

IN ACTIVITIES

to work in Korea if they are recommended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Director

UNCERTIFIED

for Protocol of Visits and Foreign Missions) on the basis of reciprocity.

FOR CURRENT

Countries Allowed (25 countries as of August, 2009)

SOJOURN
STATUS

Japan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Israel, US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Sweden, Czech
Republic, Poland, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand, Denmark,
Norway, Ireland, Australia, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Portugal
Activities Allowed
Teaching a foreign language at universities, private institutions, etc. (E-2)
Engaging in any artistic performing activities such as appearing on TV shows or movies
(E-6), working as an editor, translator, interpreter or other foreign-language-related
occupations at culture/research/media institutions or teaching at international schools (E-7)
or having

occupations where Koreans cannot replace foreigners

D-1, D-6, E-1, E-3
Working as an indispensable professional specialist at a Korean branch office of a foreign
company/a foreign investment company or as a management consultant of a foreign
company (E-7)
※ Permission of participation in activities uncertified in the current sojourn status is
expanded to family members of staff of the Canadian Embassy in the Republic of Korea
(as of Mar. 09, 2009).
- All activities except those in the non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, E-10, H-2) (if
qualified)
2. For the spouse and minor children of a staff of an international organization which has
signed an Agreement with the Republic of Korea and is located in the ROK, the
principle of reciprocity does not apply and they may receive permission after review by
the head of an Immigration (Branch) Office.
Activities Allowed
- All activities except non-professional occupations
 CONTENTS

Permission Procedures

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- The head of an Immigration (Branch) Office will examine after you submit a proof of
qualifications for the activity you are applying for. (You are not required to submit a
recommendation letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.)
3. Permission for "A-1, A-2 Holders" (This is entrusted to the heads of Immigration
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

(Branch) Offices.)
Activities Allowed
Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Foreign Language Teacher at International Schools
(E-7), Foreign Language Editor (E-7), Korean Arts and Culture (D-1), Religious Workers
(D-6), Professors (E-1), Researcher (E-3), IT E-business-related experts who are
recommended by the Minister in charge among administrative personnel hired by foreign
diplomatic missions or foreign institution (E-7)
A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Director for Protocol of
Visits and Foreign Missions) is a must.
You must submit documents proving your qualifications for the activity you are applying
for.

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF

N/A

WORKPLACE

GRANT OF
STATUS

Application must be submitted within 90 days after birth.
Required Documents
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport
Applica
nt
MANDATORY
DOCUMENTS

Accom
panied
Family

② documented proof of the dispatch or employment; or
an official document from the embassy of the country
of nationality requesting cooperation
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport

② documented proof of family relationship (i.e. birth
certificate)

③ ID Card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Required Documents
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport
Appli-

② documented proof of the dispatch or employment; or an

cant

official document from the embassy of your country of

CHANGE OF
STATUS
MANDATOR

origin requesting cooperation
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport

Y
DOCUMENTS

Accompanied

 CONTENTS

Family

② documented proof of family relationship
(i.e. birth certificate)

③ ID Card of the applicant proving that he/she is on an
official mission

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The scope of accompanied family members of a member of the foreign government's
diplomatic mission, etc.

(A-1, A-2)

1. Legal spouse. However, the status of spouse may be denied if it is against Korean
laws, public morals or social order.
2. Parents of the applicant or his/her spouse, who are over 61 years old
3. Parents under 60 who entered the ROK on a condition that they would not engage in
any economic activities in the Republic of Korea
4. Unmarried and minor (under the ⌜Korean Civil Act⌟) children who

live with the

applicant
5. Unmarried children who are under 26 years old and attend formal education institutions
(full time)
6. Unmarried and adult (under the ⌜Korean Civil Act⌟) children who
applicant and cannot make a living on their own due to

live with the

mental or physical disability

※ Legal Basis : Regulations for Issuance and Maintenance of Identification Card for
Diplomatic Officials and Consuls (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regulations No. 114, Feb.
1, 2011)
EXTENSION OF
STAY

N/A

You do not need a re-entry permit if you plan to return to Korea within 1 year from
the departure date.
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

A-1 ~ A-3 single visa holders may receive a re-entry permit upon requests on a
condition that they plan to return to the ROK within the term of office, the period of
diplomatic status or the period of sojourn determined by an agreement.
※ If you have a valid multiple entry visa for your term of office, you do not need a
re-entry permit.
 single/multiple entry re-entry permit during the term of office (in various ports of entry)
 fee: free
 Required Documents: an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Diplomat ID card, an
official

document from the embassy requesting cooperation, documented proof of your

dispatch or employment
You are exempted from the alien registration requirement but, if you wish, you may
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

apply for an alien registration card.
- You are also exempted from the obligations of alien registration requirement. (i.e.
notification of change in registration information and place of stay)
※ This is to remove barriers to the use of the internet (ex. online shopping) caused by not
being able to verify his/her identity.

 CONTENTS

Required Documents

㎝),

application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photograph (3.5×4.5
document

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identification

International Agreement (A-3)
A person who
- is exempted from the alien registration requirement or for whom exemption is deemed
necessary in accordance with bilateral or multilateral international agreements with the
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

Korean government; or
- is an immediate family member of the person defined above.
※SOFA: refers to an agreement under article 4 of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the
Republic of Korea and the United States of America, regarding facilities and areas and
the status of the United States Armed Forces in the Republic of Korea

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

You are allowed to stay in the ROK until your status or period of stay specified in the
agreement expires.

STAY
1. Activities Allowed to A-3 Holders
A-3 holders, who originally entered the ROK on a visa other than A-3 then changed it
to A-3 after their entry to Korea, may participate in activities uncertified for current
sojourn status. (as of February 9, 2007)
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

Activities Allowed: Professorship (E-1) or Special Occupation (E-7)
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee
② a certificate of service ③ SOFA ID Card
④ Documents proving that you are qualified to do the activity you are applying for.
⑤ If you are the SPONSOR, you must obtain a consent letter from your current employer.
※ If you want to change your workplace related to the activities uncertified for current
sojourn status, you are required to re-apply for the permission of Participation in
Activities uncertified for current sojourn status for your new workplace.

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF

N/A

WORKPLACE
1. A person who is born in Korea
Application must be submitted within 90 days after his/her birth.
 If he/she leaves Korea within 90 days of his/her birth, there is no need for application.
Required Documents
GRANT OF
STATUS

MANDATORY
DOCUMENTS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport
② documented proof of family relationship (i.e. birth certificate)
③ SOFA ID Card of the applicant
④ a certificate of service/employment or a contract for invited
contractors

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2. A person who is discharged from service (A-3-1)
Application must be submitted within 30 days after discharge.
You will be granted one of visa status among Conventions/Agreements (A-3), Short
Term General (C-3), Family Visitation (F-1), Residential (F-2), Miscellaneous (G-1) in
accordance with your purpose of stay.
Required Documents

MANDATORY
DOCUMENTS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport
② a birth certificate (copy) or a certificate of discharge
③ SPONSOR's certificate of service (generally called 'order', if
SPONSOR is a soldier)․ proof of employment (generally called
'memorandum') or contract (if you are an invited contractor)

④ SPONSOR's

SOFA ID Card (a person who was born in the ROK)

or the applicant's SOFA ID Card (a person who was discharged from
service)
1. Required Documents

CHANGE OF

Applicant

STATUS

Accompanied
Family

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport
② SPONSOR's certificate of service (in active service) or proof of
employment (civilian component)

③ contract (if you are an invited contractor)
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport
② documented proof of family relationship (i.e. birth certificate)
③ identification documents of the applicant
④ SPONSOR's certificate of service, proof of employment or contract
⑤ Under 11 years old : SOFA ID Card of the parent
Over 11 years old: his/her own SOFA ID Card

※ Other visa holders (including registered aliens) may apply for change of status to A-3.
2. A-3 visa holders who lost their eligibility due to retirement, etc. must apply for the
change of status within 30 days after the loss if they wish to continue staying in the
ROK. (There is no need for permission if they leave the ROK within 30 days.)

EXTENSION OF
STAY

N/A

You do not need a re-entry permit if you plan to return to Korea within 1 year from
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

the departure date.
A-1 ~ A-3 single visa holders may receive a re-entry permit on request on the condition
that they plan to return to the ROK within the term of office, the period of diplomatic

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status or the period of sojourn determined by an agreement.
※ If you have a valid multiple entry visa for your term of office, you do not need a
re-entry permit.
 single/multiple re-entry permit during the term of office (in multiple ports of entry)
 fee : free
 Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, SOFA ID Card (both SPONSOR's and
Dependent's)

② a certificate of service (a proof of employment: Departure date and accompanied family
must appear on the certificate.)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

You are exempted from the alien registration requirement but, if you wish, you may
apply for an alien registration card.
- You are also exempted from the obligations to alien registration. (i.e.

notification of

change in registration information and place of stay)
※ This is to remove barriers to the use of the internet (ex. online shopping) caused by not
being able to verify his/her identity.
Required Documents

㎝),

application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photograph (3.5×4.5
CONTENTS

document (i.e. SOFA ID Card)

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identification

Visa Exempted (B-1)
ACTIVITIES

Activities as set forth in visa waiver agreements

ALLOWED

A citizen of a country that has signed and ratified a visa waiver agreement with the
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

government of the Republic of Korea. However, please note that once you enter the ROK
on the B-1 visa, you are only allowed to engage in activities that are defined in the
agreement.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

You are allowed to stay during the period of sojourn specified in the visa waiver
agreement.

STAY

CHANGE OF
STATUS &

In principle, B-1/B-2 holders who entered the Republic of Korea are prohibited from

EXTENSION OF

applying for extension or change of status. So if you want to stay more than the period

STAY

of sojourn specified in the agreement or set by the Minister of Justice, you are required
to apply for a visa before coming to Korea.
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee (30,000 KRW)
② documents proving that you cannot leave Korea due to unavoidable circumstances.
 CONTENTS

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Tourist / Transit (B-2)
ACTIVITIES

․

Tourism Transit

ALLOWED

ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

A person who wishes to come to the Republic of Korea without a visa for tourism or
transit

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

You are allowed to stay for the period set by the Minister of Justice.

STAY

CHANGE OF
STATUS &

In principle, B-1/B-2 holders who entered the Republic of Korea may not apply for visa

EXTENSION OF

extension or change of status. So if you want to stay longer than the period of sojourn

STAY

specified in the agreement or set by the Minister of Justice, you must apply for a visa
before coming to Korea.
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee (30,000 KRW)
② documents proving that you cannot leave Korea due to unavoidable circumstances.
 CONTENTS

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Short-Term News Coverage (C-1)
A person who
- is a representative of the foreign media travelling to the Republic of Korea for temporary
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

news coverage

․report;

- is journalist seeking for temporary news coverage

․report on the basis of a contract with

the foreign media; or
- is a representative preparing to establish a Korean branch office of the foreign media
outlet

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

90 days

STAY
EXTENSION OF
STAY

Maximum Length of Stay: 90 days
If you entered the ROK with a visa valid for less than 90 days, you may extend your
visa up to 90 days from the date of entry.
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee (30,000 KRW)
② documents proving the necessity of extension of stay (i.e. a certificate of dispatch or
media coverage order, a copy of press card or a proof of employment issued by the
 CONTENTS

headquarter office)

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Short-Term General (C-3)
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS
&
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

A person who is staying in the Republic of Korea for less than 90 days for
- daily business activities including market research, business communication, consulting,
contract; or
- tourism, transit, recuperation, family visitation, friendly match, attendance at events or
meetings, cultural art, general training, offering of lessons, attendance at religious
ceremonies, academic research and other activities similar to listed above.

☞ C-2 Temporary Business visa was combined with C-3 Temporary Visit visa. (as of Dec.
15, 2011)

☞ C-3 Temporary Visit visa is not issued to those coming to the ROK for profit-making
purposes.
Visa Code
Specific
Code
C-3-1

Category
Short-Term
General

Qualification
A person engaging in any of activities covered by the C-3
Temporary Visit visa, except those who are eligible to
apply for the C-3-2 or C-3-6 visa.
A person on a tourist visa or guaranteed-individual visa to
engage in small coastal trade activities, to travel or others.

C-3-2

Group
Tourists

If

the

group

tourist/guaranteed-individual

visa

holder

overstays in Korea, his/her agent (travel agency) takes the
responsibilities for his/her violation of our immigration

C-3-3

Medical
Tourism

laws.
A short-term visitor among foreign patients who are also
eligible for the medical-patient visa or the confirmation of
visa issuance
A person engaging in daily business activities, such as

C-3-4

Short-Term

market research, business communication, consulting, and

Business

contract, or a holder of APEC Business Travel Card who
wishes to enter the ROK without visas

Short-Term
C-3-5

Business in

A person entering the ROK for the short-term business in

accordance

accordance with an agreement

with

※ for CEFA, FTA (India․Chile) only

agreements
 CONTENTS

C-3-6

Invitee of
VIP

An invitee of selected VIP corporations or associations

- 18 -

Corporations:
Short-Term
Business
C-3-7

C-3-8
C-3-9

Visa on
Arrival
Overseas
Korean visit

A person who obtains visa upon arrival at the airport

An eligible candidate for overseas Korean visit visa

General

An ordinary traveller who is not included in C-3-2(group

Tourism

tourists, etc.) category

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

90 days

STAY

1. Extension of Stay for multiple-entry visa holders is limited.
30 day-period of stay is granted to multiple-entry holders. Therefore, period of stay is
extended only when there is no ship, etc. for departure or when other unavoidable grounds
exist such as unexpected accidents, diseases, etc. at the time of entry.
2. Extension of Stay for Guaranteed-individual (C-3-2) visa holders is limited.
EXTENSION OF
STAY

Extension of stay or change of status for Group Tourists or Guaranteed-individual (C-3-2)
visa holders is granted only when there is no flight, etc. for departure or when unavoidable
grounds exist such as permanent residency, naturalization, etc.
3. Required Documents

① An application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee
② documents proving the necessity of extension of stay
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

If you are a Chilean citizen with Short-term Business C-3-4 visa and plan to stay in the
ROK for 91 days or more, you may apply for registration.

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photograph (3.5×4.5㎝), fee
② documents proving the purpose of your visit
- a record of transaction, an invitation, a contract, documents related to export/import etc.
※ Citizens of Chile holding C-3-4 (6M) visa may not stay in the ROK for more than 6
months. If you want to stay for more than 6 months, you are required to apply for the
change of status to D-7, D-8 or D-9.
 CONTENTS

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Short-Term Employee (C-4)
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

A person who is working temporarily for profit-making.
(i.e. Temporary Performance, Advertisement/Fashion Activities, Lecture/Speech, Research,
Technical Transfer, etc. )

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

90 days

STAY
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

1. The head of an Immigration (Branch) Office is entrusted to give permission for
change/addition of workplace.
2. For the application for the change of workplace, a recommendation letter from the
Minister-in-charge is not necessary.
(Recommendation letter will be required if you engage in activities of E-1 to E-7 and if
the particular occupation requires the recommendation letter)
- You may receive either a stamp on your passport on which the changed workplace and
period of sojourn is written, or a sticker for an approval.
There is no limit to the number of times for addition of workplace.
※ If your activity is classified as E-6-1 and you change your place of performance in
accordance with an order from the company you belong to, you do not need to report it
or receive permission. (If your activity is classified as E-6-2, the employer is under
obligation to report the change.)
※ If you apply for the change of workplace to do a different activity from the one that
you received permission for C-4 visa, the head of an immigration (branch) office will
give permission only if the activity is highly relevant with the original activity and you
are qualified.

(i.e. an E-6-3 holder signs a contract with an agency or advertiser and

becomes a singer, a model or an entertainer after the previous contract expires.)
3. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee (60,000 KRW)
② an employment contract ③ documents related to the establishment of the company ④ a
recommendation letter (depending on the occupation) ⑤ other relevant documents
CONTENTS

- 20 -

1. An athlete, an instrumentalist or a dancer coming to the ROK for tryouts or participation
in an international competition/contest with cash prizes with No Visa (B-1

․B-2) or

Temporary Visit Visa (C-3) may receive permission at the discretion of the head of an
Immigration (Branch) Office if they submit documented proof.
You may receive permission to change your visa status only if you must stay in the
ROK due to unavoidable circumstances or for national interests of the ROK.
If permitted, your period of sojourn will be counted from the date of entry. You may
not receive permission for change of status if you plan to do an activity classified as
Arts & Performance (E-6-2).

CHANGE OF
STATUS

2. A prominent figure like a Nobel Prize winner coming to the ROK to deliver a lecture or
an address
※ Definition of 'a prominent figure' : A dean of a university or a person who has
published his/her paper on distinguished journals or whose achievement has been reported
by media outlets (objective evidence required).
3. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photograph (3.5×4.5㎝), fee (50,000
KRW)

② documents for explanation, documents stating your plan
EXTENSION OF
STAY
1. From Aug. 20, 2010, C-4 visa allows 90 days of period of sojourn. (It is not possible to
stay for more than 90 days.)
2. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee (30,000 KRW)
② documents proving the necessity of extension for short-term employment (ex. an original
and photocopy of employment contract (contract for service provision), a copy of business
registration certificate
3. Extension of Stay for Departure
The head of an Immigration (Branch) Office may allow extension of stay for departure
only if there is no vessel to use to leave Korea, or there are unavoidable circumstances.
CONTENTS

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Korean Arts and Culture (D-1)
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

A person who engages in academic or artistic activities without any intention to make
profits. (including a person who intends to conduct a professional research or to learn from
experts)

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY

PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN

1. Permission is not required If you are an alien staying in the ROK and plan to learn
Korean traditional culture or arts from a Korean expert or to receive Korean language
training at a language institute affiliated with a Korean university during your period of
sojourn.

STATUS
2. When you do volunteer works during your period of sojourn without any intention to
make profits, you do not need permission.
Eligible Individuals: aliens staying in the Republic of Korea
Activities Allowed
- Volunteering work at public institutions, orphanages, nursing homes, soup kitchens, charity
bazaars, international exhibitions, international conventions, and etc.
- Receiving money for transportation costs and meal is acceptable.
3. If you (D-1 holder) plan to receive formal school education during your period of
sojourn, you do not need permission as long as it is consistent with your original purpose
of stay.
4. Participation in D-1 activity of A-1 or A-2 holders
Academic or artistic activities without any intention to make profits: Permission required
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, diplomat ID Card, fee (60,000 won) ② a
recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ③ an official document or a
letter of consent from the embassy requesting cooperation ④ documents related to the
organization such as a copy of business registration certificate or certificate of tax
registration number for non-profit organizations
 CONTENTS

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⑤ other documents

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

➠ You are not subject to the report of 'Change/Addition of Workplace. You are subject to
report 'Change in Registration Information'.
1. Those who have following visas are required to report changes in Alien Registration
information (not change/addition of workplace). (Article 49-2 of the Enforcement
Regulations)
D-1 Cultural Arts, D-2 Study Abroad, D-4 General Training or D-9 Trade Management
visa holder must report change or addition of institution/organization (including name
change).
a person who has a D-10 Job seeking visa must report the commencement of training or
change of training institute (including name change).
For an H-2 Working Visit visa holder, he/she must report the start of employment if
he/she is newly hired by an individual/institution/organization/company; Moreover, if he/she
is already working, he/she must report changes in information of the
individual/institution/organization/company (including name change).
2. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee ② statement of reasons for
change/addition of workplace issued by the culture/art organization ③ documents proving
that the organization is an cultural/art organization (i.e. business registration certificate
 CONTENTS

GRANT OF
STATUS

issued in accordance with the Value-Added Tax Act)

N/A

1. You may apply for change of status to D-1, if you are
an individual who acquired foreign nationality due to international adoption; or
a citizen of Germany

•Permission for change a visa for long-term stay for German citizens coming to the
ROK without a visa (B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except Industrial Training (D-3), Non-professional
Employment (E-9) and Working Holiday (H-1)
CHANGE OF
STATUS

B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
a citizen of Canada staying in the ROK for less than 6 months

•Permission for change of a visa for Canadian citizens planning to stay in the ROK
for less than 6 months and to engage in the following activities
A. Activities Allowed: Cultural Arts (D-1). Religious Affairs (D-6), Family Visitation
(F-1), Dependent Family (F-3), Miscellaneous (G-1)
B. Period Allowed: Less than 6 months from the date of entry
2. Required Documents

- 23 -

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee ② training
MANDATORY

schedule and activity outline issued by the training

DOCUMENTS

institute/organization

③ documents proving that the organization is a

culture/art organization (i.e. a copy of business registration certificate)

SUPPLEMENT

① a statement of reasons for invitation ② a certificate of training ③
documents proving your financial ability to afford tuition and living

ARY

expenses (If you cannot submit one, you must submit a reference

DOCUMENTS

letter.)

1. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee ② training
schedule and activity outline issued by the training
institution/organization

EXTENSION OF
STAY

③ documents proving that the organization is

a cultural/art organization (i.e. business registration certificate issued

MANDATORY

in accordance with the Value-Added Tax Act)

DOCUMENTS

④ Acceptable

documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation
of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date
of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public

 CONTENTS

services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
SUPPLEMENT
ARY

① a certificate of training

DOCUMENTS

1. You do not need a re-entry permit if you plan to return to Korea within 1 year from
the departure date.
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from the re-entry
permit requirement for the remaining period.
2. Multiple Re-entry Permit (This does not apply to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

Libya)
- Required Documents:

an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration

Card, fee (multiple: 50,000 KRW)
3. Countries exempted from Re-entry Permit
Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Finland,
Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Suriname, Chile (C-3-4, D-7, D-8, D-9)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photograph (3.5cm X 4.5cm, white
background), fee

② documents proving that the organization is a cultural/art organization (i.e. business
- 24 -

registration certificate)
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport information
(number, issue date, expiry date)
Reasons for the report : change and addition (as of Nov. 16, 2010) of
organization/institution (including name change)
Due Date : within 14 days from the date of occurrence
Required Documents

 CONTENTS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
documents proving the change of your information (i.e. a letter of acceptance or a
recommendation letter from the chief of the training institution)

- 25 -

Student (D-2)
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

A person who intends to study or research in a regular course at academic institutions
(junior college or higher)

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
A person who has Diplomacy (A-1) ~ Conventions/Agreements (A-3), Cultural Art
(D-1), Study Abroad (D-2), Journalism (D-5) ~ Trade Management (D-9),
Professorship (E-1) ~ Special Occupation (E-7), Family Visitation (F-1) ~ Spouse of a
STATUS
ALLOWED
TO STUDY

Korean National (F-6), Working Visit (H-2) visa, etc. and received permission for
participation in activities uncertified for current sojourn status for D-2 activities.
※ If you plan to receive formal schooling, you do not need permission as long as it is
consistent with your original purpose of stay.
※ A legal alien (any status) may receive language training.

PARTICIPATION

1. Part-time Work for Foreign Students

IN ACTIVITIES

A. Ground Rule

UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

You may only engage in activities that students usually do as part-time jobs
(including non-professional occupations)

※ If the activity in which you intend to engage is stipulated under the Enforcement
Decree [Table 1], the corresponding guidelines shall apply. (e.g. Foreign English
Scholar invited by the President, language instructor, etc.)
B. Eligible Individuals
You are a D-2 Study Abroad or D-4-1/D-4-7 Language Trainee visa holder who is
confirmed by a person-in-charge of an international student program at your school.

※ Among language trainees, those attending elementary school, middle school, and high
school are not eligible for part-time job permission (though graduating students may
be eligible to apply), and you must have passed the 6-months-mark from the date of
status change (the original entry date for visa holders only)
C. Activities Allowed
<Time Limit>
(Undergraduate Course & Language Training Course) up to 20 hours per week.

 CONTENTS

※ Exceptions will be made to those (including language trainee) who go to a

PARTICIPATION

government-accredited university. These students will be given a maximum of 25

IN ACTIVITIES

hours per week for working.

- 26 -

UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

(Postgraduate Course) up to 30 hours per week
(On thesis after completing postgraduate course) up to 30 hours per week

※ Time limit does not apply to holidays (including Saturday) during the semester and
the vacation (excluded in calculation of the time limit).
<Activities Allowed (examples)>
Translation/interpretation, assistant clerk at restaurants, office assistant, etc.
Activities at English villages or English camps as a sales clerk, a waiter/waitress or
assistant staff

※ The rules apply mutatis mutandis to Chinese, Japanese and other foreign language
camps. (Residence Policy Division-495, June 28, 2007)
Tour guide assistant, sales assistant in a duty-free shop, etc.

※ Even if the activity you intend to engage in belongs to the allowed activities above,
you must be qualified for the occupation (if the job requires specific qualifications
pursuant to the domestic laws).
<Change of Workplace>: Changing workplace (under a different employer) within the
period allowed
Reporting Method : International students themselves or the person-in-charge of
international students at the university must report by visiting an Immigration (Branch)
Office in person or filing e-application within 15 days of the date of change.
<Extension for Period of Part-time Work>
Individuals Restricted
- If your latest semester's attendance rate is 70% or lower or GPA is C (2.0) or lower,
you will be regarded to have difficulty maintaining job and study at the same time.
- If you fail to register detailed information of your part-time job conditions (workplace,
working hours, etc.) or if you haven't reported after changing workplace, you will not
be allowed to extend the period of part-time work.
Regulations : Up to 1 year within your period of sojourn, up to 2 work places
D. Required Documents
passport, Alien Registration Card, an application form (Form No. 34), free of charge
Recommendation for part-time work of foreign student (Appendix 4), a

transcript or

a certificate of attendance (If the information can be checked on FIMS, you do not
need to submit.)
E. Special Case of Part-time Work Permit (exempted from permission)
 CONTENTS
PARTICIPATION

If you engage in a certain activity and receive temporary reward, prize money or
other remuneration related to everyday life, you do not need permission as long as it
is consistent with the purpose of stay as a student.

IN ACTIVITIES

- 27 -

UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT

Cases exempted from getting permission * Examples

SOJOURN
STATUS

❏ When a student participates in an internship or research project to receive credits
and gets paid
❏ When a student receives a working scholarship and works as a teaching
assistant/research assistant or a librarian at the school that he/she has enrolled in
❏ When a student gets paid for temporary housekeeping or assisting office work (not
as a professional)

․

❏ When a student gets paid for working as a counselor a connoisseur (not as a
professional), participating in an event, appearing in a movie or a TV program (one
time or irregular) or others similar activities (* Visa & Residence Division-4716,
Jul. 22, 2010)

※ The Head of an Immigration (Branch) Office will examine whether the person
concerned may be exempted from permission after considering type of the activity,
wage, period and other features.
2. Special Case of a person who wishes to study (including Korean language training)
<A person who wishes to participate in activities of D-2>
(Ground Rule) If you are staying in the ROK with one of the visas below, you do
not need permission to receive formal schooling within the period of sojourn as long
as it is consistent with your original purpose of stay.
(Eligible Status) A holder of Diplomacy (A-1) ~ Conventions/Agreements (A-3),
Cultural Art (D-1), Journalism (D-5) ~ Trade Management (D-9), Professorship (E-1)
~ Special Occupation (E-7), Family Visitation (F-1) ~ Spouse of a Korean National
(F-6), Working Holiday (H-1) or Working Visit (H-2) visa
This does not apply if there are separate guidelines that prohibit studying in Korea.
(Exception) A Working Holiday (H-1) visa holder who is a citizen of Australia,
Taiwan, Ireland, Denmark, Canada, Hong Kong may receive training without
permission within the scope allowed in the Agreement. But citizens of other countries
do not need permission since there are no restrictions in the Agreement.
Australia: You may not receive formal education except Korean language training.
Taiwan: You may not receive formal education except Korean language training and
seminar to understand the local culture. Ireland: You may not receive training or
study but you may receive Korean language training up to 6 months. Denmark: You
 CONTENTS

may take a training or educational program up to 6 months. Canada: You may
receive Korean language training up to 3 months. Hong Kong: You may take a

PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES

short-term training course up to 6 months.
<A person who wishes to receive Korean language training>

- 28 -

(Ground Rule) If you plan to receive Korean language training at a language
institute affiliated with a Korean university within the period of sojourn, you do not
need permission.
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

(Eligible Individuals) Foreigners staying in the ROK legally
6. Employment Permission for a Spouse of D-2 Visa Holder
Appearing in a TV program, a movie or engaging in modeling (one time or
temporary)
Teaching conversation at an institution or a foreign language school
Working as a foreign language editor in a national institution or public organization
(local government, government-invested institution)
N/A
※ If the institution/organization of a D-1, D-2 or D-4 visa holder who does not have

CHANGE OR

the intention to make profits is changed (including name change) or if the name of

ADDITION OF

the institution/organization of a D-5, D-6, D-7, D-8 or D-9 visa holder is changed,

WORKPLACE

you must report 'Change of Registration Information' pursuant to Article 35 of the
Immigration Control Law. (Article 49-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration
Control Law)

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

N/A

1. Permission for change of Status into Student (D-2)
A. Eligible Individuals
Short-term visitors (including those entering the ROK with Visa Exemption (B-1) and
Tourist/Transit (B-2) visa) or registered foreigners staying in the ROK.

※ However, there are restrictions for holders of Pure Tourism and Group Tourism
(C-3-2), Medical Tourism (C-3-3), Industrial Training (D-3), Non-professional
Employment (E-9), Vessel Crew (E-10) or Miscellaneous (G-1) visa.
B. Authority : the Head of an Immigration (Branch) Office
C. Required Documents
Common Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photo, fee
② a copy of business registration certificate of the educational institute (or a
certificate of tax registration number for non-profit organizations)

③ a standardized acceptance letter (issued by the Dean/President of the University)
④ documented proof of family relationship (for those who submit their parents'
 CONTENTS

account balance statement only)

- 29 -

CHANGE OF

Other Required

STATUS

Documents

⑤ documented proof of final level of education
- In principle, documented proof of final level of education that you
submit must be an original version. However, a certified report of
degree/diploma marked as "original" by the person-in-charge of
the university is acceptable. Documented proof of education that
you requested and received is acceptable only within its validity,
which is generally 30 days from the date of issue and extendable.
- If you are a citizen of one of the 21 designated countries below
or have a degree/an academic certificate of one of those

ⅰ ⅱ

ⅲ

countries, you must submit ( ), ( ) or ( ).

< Designated 21 Countries >
China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia,
Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Iran,
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Ghana,
Egypt, Peru (21 countries in total)

․

ⅰ

( ) A document of degree/diploma certified in accordance with the

college bachelor'

․

s master's

Apostille Convention

․doct (ⅱ) A document of degree/diploma confirmed by the Korean consul

or's degree
course

stationed in the country where the school is located or by the
consul of the country concerned stationed in Korea

ⅲ

( ) A certified report of degree/diploma issued by the China
Higher Education Student Information and Career Center/China
Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center
(only for those who acquired a diploma/degree in China)
<Examples>
A. A citizen of China with a degree or an academic certificate
of a school in America: You must have your document
certified in accordance with the Apostille Convention or
confirmed by the consul of Korean diplomatic missions in the
U.S. or the consul of American diplomatic missions in Korea
B. A citizen of the U.S. with a degree or an academic certificate
of a school in China: You must submit a certified report of
degree/diploma issued by the China Higher Education Student
Information and Career Center/China Academic Degrees and
Graduate Education Development Center or a document
 CONTENTS

confirmed by the consul of Korean diplomatic missions in

- 30 -

China.
C. A high-school graduate: proof of final education (a certificate
of graduation)
D. A person with a bachelor's or higher degree: proof of degree
(a certificate of graduation showing the degree is also

CHANGE OF

acceptable)

STATUS

E. A transfer student: proof of final education (if bachelor's or
higher degree - proof of the degree) and a certificate of

⑥

attendance of current school (if you are still attending school)
documented proof of your financial ability

- amount of money equivalent to the tuition fee and living
expenses for 1 year

⑤ documented proof of final level of education (In principle, a
person with a master's degree or higher)

a course of
special research
D-2-5)

⑥ documents proving your ability to pay for living expenses in the
ROK (a bank balance sheet, a confirmation of payment of the
research allowance)

⑦ documents proving your engagement in special research activities
⑤ documents proving your ability to pay for living expenses in the
ROK (considering the tuition fee is paid abroad)

⑥ a recommendation letter from the Dean/President of the
Exchange
Student
(D-2-6)

University that you originally belong to

⑦ documents proving your status as an exchange student (i.e. an
official document from the university inviting you, an Academic
Exchange Agreements between the universities, etc.)

⑧ a document proving that you've completed 1 or more semesters
at the university (i.e. a certificate of attendance from the original
university, etc.)
EXTENSION OF

A. Ground Rule

STAY
Period of sojourn will be granted in consideration of the school calendar
A person with Study Abroad visa (D-2-1 ~ D-2-6)
- When applying for the alien registration: Your period of sojourn will be adjusted to
the end of March or September in the following year and an alien registration card
will be issued.

․

- When applying for change extension: Your period of sojourn will expire at the end
 CONTENTS

of March or September within 2 years.

- 31 -

Non-recognition of Leave of Absence for Private Affairs
If you are taking a temporary leave due to personal circumstances or poor grade,
you may be restricted from applying for extension.
If there are unavoidable reasons such as a disease or an accident, your status may
be changed as an exception.
B. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
documents proving attendance (research)
EXTENSION OF
STAY

- Example) a certificate of attendance, a certificate of extension of exchange student, a
certificate of research student, etc.
documents proving that you are maintaining your study properly
- Example) a transcript, a confirmation of attendance, etc.
documented proof of your financial ability
application guidelines (including the training schedule) or a training plan (for a
Korean language trainee only)
Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of
sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing
fee and others.))

Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement
Regulations of Dec. 1, 2010)
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from
the departure date, you are exempted from re-entry permit
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from a re-entry
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

permit for the remaining period.
- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may submit application
to an Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
If you are a registered alien and plan to return to Korea between 1 year and 2
years from the departure date, you may apply for multiple re-entry permit free of
charge.
- A 2-year period will be granted. If your period of sojourn remains less than 2 years,
you are exempted from a re-entry permit for the remaining period.

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photograph (3cm X 4cm, taken
within 6 months), a certificate of attendance (research student)*, fee

- 32 -

* If you apply for registration before admission to open a bank account or rent a
house, etc., a certificate of tuition fee payment may be submitted.
A medical examination report
- Applicants subject to a test for tuberculosis
(Applicants subject to the test) Foreigners applying for Student (D-2) or Language
Trainee (D-4) visa from countries at high risk of tuberculosis with the incidence
rate of 50 per 100,000 persons or higher (16 countries)
16 Countries with the incidence and prevalence rate of
50 per 100,000 persons or higher
China, Sri Lanka, the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Vietnam, India,
Nepal, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mongol, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar,
Cambodia, Malaysia
(What to submit) A medical examination report issued by a nearby local public
health center
- A test for tuberculosis is the only required diagnostic item. You need to bring
your passport and a certificate of admission with you for the medical examination
(When to submit) For foreigner registration (A medical examination report issued
no earlier than 3 month before submission is accepted only.)
* Except for registered foreigners with an Alien Registration Card
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
A. Report Details: When one of the information listed below has been changed
name, sex, date of birth and nationality
number, passport issued date and expiry date
change of school (including name change)
- In principle, changing (transferring) to one of underperforming universities is restricted.
- If you apply for school change in order to enroll in an equivalent degree course after
completing master's or doctor's degree (i.e. master's

→ master's, doctor's → doctor's),

change will be restricted. (You must leave Korea and apply for a new visa.)
B. Due Date of Report: within 14 days form the date of change
C. Method of Report: By visiting an Immigration (Branch) Office or filing E-application
D. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card
documents proving the name change or change of other personal information (where
applicable)
 CONTENTS

a certificate of attendance from the new school and a certificate of previous

- 33 -

enrollment from the previous school (where applicable)
Explanatory materials for changing school to the same master's and Ph.D degree
programs (for eligible candidates only)
MANAGEMENT
AND REPORT
OF FOREIGN

1. Obligation of the President/Dean of School (Article 19(4), Law)
A. Designation/Appointment and Notification of the person-in-charge of the international
students

STUDENTS
The president/dean of school that foreign students attend is under obligation to
designate a person in charge of supervising foreign students and report this to the
head of the competent Immigration (Branch) Office*. When the person-in-charge is
replaced, it must be notified immediately as well.
* In principle, the competent lmmigration (Branch) Office is the one that has jurisdiction
over the district of the university or the branch school.
Notification Method
- Designation or change of the person-in-charge must be notified and registered through
International Student Information System (which is called 'FIMS').
B. Notification of Change in Information of Foreign Students
The president/dean of school* that foreign students attend is under obligation to
report to the head of the competent Immigration (Branch) Office when the following
occurs within 15 days from the date of recognition.
* This is when a person with one of visas below who is allowed to receive formal
education or Korean language training is engaging in activities of D-2 or D-4-1 at a
college or a higher educational·academic research institute.
<Status Allowed to Study/Learning>
Holders of Diplomacy (A-1) ~ Conventions/Agreements (A-3), Cultural Art (D-1),
Journalism (D-5)

~

Trade

Management

(D-9),

Professorship (E-1)

~

Special

Occupation (E-7), Family Visitation (F-1) ~ Spouse of a Korean National (F-6),
Working Holiday (H-1, There may be restrictions in accordance with the Agreement.)
or Working Visit (H-2) visa. You may be excluded if there is a restriction on
activities as a international student on the separate guidelines.
- If a foreign student who received permission of entrance or training* did not enroll in
the course within a registration period or has taken a leave of absence
* If a foreign student has not entered the ROK after getting permission of entrance, this
is not to be reported. This is to be registered 'not entered' on the FIMS. If a student
has not enrolled in after entering the ROK, this is to be reported.
- When study or training has been terminated because a foreign student is expelled from
school, has quit the course or is missing*
 CONTENTS

* including when he/she has completed the course, graduated from school or acquired

- 34 -

MANAGEMENT

Korean nationality

AND REPORT

※ When you report change in information, you must ensure that you report

OF FOREIGN

information that is appropriate for the report item and avoid repetition of report.

STUDENTS

(report items: an unregistered person, a dropout, a person on a leave of absence, an
expelled person, a missing person, a dead person, a graduate or a person who
completed the course, a person who acquired Korean Nationality)
Criteria for the Date of Recognition*
- Unregistered: The date when the entrance permit is cancelled in accordance with the
school regulations in the case where a foreign student who received permission of
entrance or training did not enroll in the course within a registration period
- Taking a leave of Absence: The date when the application for leave of absence is
received
- Dropping out: The date when the application for dropping out of school is received
- Expelled: The date when the expulsion of the student is processed in accordance
with the school regulations
- Missing: When the student is out of contact or is unaccounted for
- Died: The date when the fact that a student died is recognized
- Acquiring Korean Nationality: The date when the fact that a student has acquired
Korean nationality is recognized

․

- Graduation Completion of Training: the date on the certificate of graduation
(certificate of degree/diploma)
* The date of recognition is not the date when the person-in-charge recognizes the
change of information, but the date when the actual change in academic affairs
information occurs.
Report Method: Change in Information of a foreign student must be notified and
registered through the FIMS.
C. Supervision and Counsel of Foreign Students

․

<Management and Notification of Academic Affairs Information Current State of
Foreign Students>
The president/dean of school that foreign students attend is under obligation to
manage all the academic affairs information of foreign students* and report (register)
to the head of the competent Immigration (Branch) Office within 15 days from the
starting date of every semester.
* Academic Affairs Information of foreign students include major, student ID number,
attendance rate, acquired credits, GPA, etc. Please refer to the FIMS for the details of
academic affairs information.
 CONTENTS

- However, "credits and grades" must be notified until the end of February and August

- 35 -

MANAGEMENT

every year (twice a year) and "attendance rate" (for students attending a language

AND REPORT

course only) must be notified (registered) within 15 days from the end date of the

OF FOREIGN

language training course.

STUDENTS

※ Credits, grades and attendance rate of a student who completed a graduate school
course and is working on a thesis/paper do not need to be reported.
The president/dean of school that foreign students attend is under obligation to report
the current state of the students such as the educational course that they are taking
(an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, etc.) and reasons for suspension of study (an
unregistered person, a dropout, a person on a leave of absence, an expelled person
and etc.) to the head of the competent Immigration (Branch) Office until the end of
February, May, August and November every year (four times a year).
Report Method: Change in academic affairs information of foreign students must be
notified (registered) through the FIMS.
<Notification of Counsel and Status Report of Counsel to prevent foreign students from
leaving school>
The president/dean of school that foreign students attend must give regular
counselling and keep status report of counsel.
- Status report should be submitted upon the request of the head of the competent
Immigration (Branch) Office.
The president/dean of school must make joint efforts with the Immigration (Branch)
Office to prevent foreign students from leaving school.
Report Method: Status report of counsel must be submitted upon the request of the
head of the competent Immigration (Branch) Office.
2. Issuance, Modification and Deletion of Standardized Acceptance Letter
A. Issuance of standardized acceptance letter
In principle, visa, confirmation of visa issuance and a standardized acceptance letter
that are required for change of status, etc. is to be checked on the FIMS.

※ However, an original copy of the standardized acceptance letter may be requested for
submission if it is impossible to check on the system due to unavoidable reasons such
as disruption of communication lines.
B. Modification and deletion of standardized acceptance letter
The person-in-charge of international students must register a standardized acceptance
letter of a foreign student. Once an entrance permit number is issued, he/she cannot
modify information.
Before the permit number is issued, he/she can modify or delete

information.

The officer of the Immigration (Branch) Office must check the board at least once a
day for the requests of modification/deletion of a standardized acceptance letter and
 CONTENTS

process it on demand.

- 36 -

MANAGEMENT
AND REPORT
OF FOREIGN
STUDENTS

After the request is processed, the officer must leave a reply to the request about
processing status.
After a standardized acceptance letter is used for applying for visa, confirmation of
visa issuance or change of status, it is not to be deleted. (The person-in-charge must
register "not entered" or notify "change in information".)
If the person-in-charge requests to modify or delete the information after the entrance
permit number is issued, the officer must check whether it can be modified or deleted
and then process it.
- When the person-in-charge requests to "modify", the officer should give "permission to
modify" and then the person-in-charge of school can "modify" it.
- When the person-in-charge requests to "delete", the officer should give "permission to
modify" after checking whether there is a repetition and then "delete" it.
Report Method :
- “Management of Visa”

→ “A standardized acceptance letter ” → Search a certain

student from the “Integrated management of a standardized acceptance letter” menu,
 CONTENTS

click "name" button and then click the "modify" button on the bottom of the screen

- 37 -

Industrial Trainee (D-3)
A person who meets all the requirements set by the Minister of Justice to receive on-the-job
training at Korean corporations that:
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

- directly invested overseas in accordance with the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act;
- export their technologies to foreign countries and is deemed that on-the-job training is necessary
by the Minister of Justice; or
- export industrial facilities to foreign countries in accordance with the International Trade Act.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

1 years

STAY
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT

In principle, you are restricted to apply for 'Participation in activities uncertified for current
sojourn status'.

SOJOURN
STATUS
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF

N/A

WORKPLACE
GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS
EXTENSION OF
STAY

N/A

In principle, you are restricted to apply for 'Change of status'.
1. You may be granted stay up to 6 months at first, and you may apply for extension up to
1 year from the date of entry.
- Acceptance or rejection will be decided in consideration of necessity of extension of training
period, desertion rate and the record of lawbreaking (Guidelines of the Ministry of Justice, as
of April 5, 2010)

‣ Rules of Issuance of Confirmation of Visa Issuance and Management for Industrial
Trainee of a Company Investing overseas (Article 5)
In principle, training period of an industrial trainee may not exceed 6 months from the
date of entry. However, if it is deemed necessary to extend training period by the head
of an Immigration (Branch) Office, you may apply for extension, and maximum length
of period will be less than 1 year from the date of entry.
 CONTENTS

- 38 -

2. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (30,000 KRW
② Statement of Reasons for Extending the Training Period
③ business registration certificate, factory registration certificate (where applicable)
④ tax payment certificate of the domestic corporation
⑤ documents proving tax payment of the foreign corporation
- tax payment receipts (corporate tax, VAT, etc.)
- a bill payment receipt (electricity bill, water bill, building rental fee, land tax and other utility
EXTENSION OF
STAY

bills)

⑥ documents demonstrating payment of wages and training costs
- a payroll paid by the foreign corporation for trainees (for the past month): Be sure to check
employees working after training and trainees dispatched to Korea
- a sheet of training costs paid by the domestic corporation

⑦ a reference letter
⑧ Documents proving that you have industrial accident compensation insurance, national health
insurance, and guarantee insurance for payment for training, etc. to prevent arrears from arising

⑨ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided

residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

You are exempted from re-entry permit if you plan to return Korea within 1 year from the
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

departure date.
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from a re-entry permit
for the remaining period.

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a color photograph (3.5cm × 4.5cm), fee ②
business registration certificate ③ medical examination certificate ④ a documents proving
Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance or Guarantee Insurance
2. Change of Employment Information (change of training place)
A. relocation/addition of factory facilities, change of place due to commissioned training within
3 months
- Relocation or addition of factory facilities are allowed (under the same employer).
- As for commissioned training, it is allowed only when trainees must learn a certain skill or
technique that the original corporation cannot provide but is necessary for the purpose of
training. It may not exceed 3 months.

- 39 -

B. Required Documents

① passport, Alien Registration Card, Form for Notification for changes in foreign employees
(trainees)

② a copy of business registration certificate and a copy of factory registration certificate
(including documents proving relocation or addition)

 CONTENTS

③ a list of trainees

- 40 -

General Trainee (D-4)
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

A person who researches, studies or trains at an educational institute/organization for a D-2 visa
or at an academic research center, corporation and other groups

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
In principle, you are restricted to apply for 'participation in Activities uncertified for current
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

sojourn status'. (You should check.)
1. See "participation in Activities uncertified for current sojourn status (as of April 1, 2008)"
on D-2 Manual
2. Permission to engage in Foreign Language Instructor (E-2) activities for a person with a
D-4-1 visa
※ A person with Language Training (D-4-1) visa may apply for permission from 6 month after
getting D-4-1 visa.
N/A

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

※ If the non-profit institution/organization of a D-1, D-2 or D-4 visa holder is changed
(including name change) or if the name of the institution/organization of a D-5, D-6, D-7,
D8 or D-9 visa holder is changed, you must report 'Change of Registration Information'
pursuant to Article 35 of the Immigration Control Law. (Article 49-2 of the Enforcement
Regulations of the Immigration Control Law)

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

N/A
1. Changing your status to Language Trainees (D-4-1; Korean Language, D-4-7 Foreign
Language)
A. Eligible Individuals
You are a short-term visitor (including a person entering the Korea with B-1 Visa
Exemption visa or B-2 Transit visa) or a registered foreigner staying in the ROK.

※ However, C-3-2 Pure Tourism and Group Tourism, C-3-3 Medical Tourism, D-3 Industrial
Training, E-9 Non-professional Employment, E-10 Vessel Crew or G-1 Miscellaneous visa
holders are not included.
B. Required Documents
Common
 CONTENTS

Documents

① Application form, passport, alien registration card (holder), one
standard size photograph, fee

- 41 -

② Business Registration Card of the Educational Institution or

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Unique Number Card

③ Standardized Acceptance Letter* (issued by the Dean of Student
or President)
* You can replace this document with FIMS information
confirmation, or if you are a scholarship student invited by the
Korean government, the you can replace the document with the
'invitation' letter issued by the head of the NIIED.

④ Financial documents to prove you have enough money to support
yourself during your stay*
* If you submit a balance account statement of your parent, then
you must submit a family relation certificate as well.

⑤ Proof of enrollment or any documents proving your final level of
education

⑥ Training Plan (which must include details in lecture schedule,
lecturer profile, training facility, and etc.
Elementary
School, Middle
School, and High

⑦ International Student Insurance Certificate* or National Health
Insurance

School students*
*Not including

* the certificate must be issued by the insurance company in Korea
and abroad, indicating the period of insurance

graduating
students
Nationals of
Countries

Considering ages, if your need for language training is considered

designated by the

unnecessary, you may be asked to submit additional documents to

Minister of

explain your motivations and needs.

Justice
2. Graduates Changing status to D-4-2 General Training(D-4-2)
A. Eligible Individuals
A person who is a soon-to-be university/college graduate and deemed necessary to get
training in Korea because he/she is going to work for a foreign company invested by Korean
or a foreign-invested company.
B. Training Places Allowed
If you are going to work for a foreign company invested by Koreans, you can work at the
parent company in Korea or a branch office abroad
If you are going to work for a foreign company abroad, you can work at the Korean office
 CONTENTS

or affiliates in Korea.

- 42 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

C. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, a color photograph,
fee

② documents proving necessity of training (a proof of employment, a letter of training plan)
③ documents proving that the company is a foreign investment company
④ documents proving that the company is a foreign investment company or a domestic
company investing abroad

3. Changing status to D-4-3 International Student At High School Level or below
A. Eligible Applicants
You are legally staying in the Republic of Korea and have been accepted to one of the
educational institutions described below (including entrants through tourist transit and visa
waiver programs).

※ However, D-3-2 Pure and Group Tour, C-3-3 Medical Travel, G-1 Miscellaneous visa
holders will be restricted from changing their status to D-4-3 international students.
B. Educational Institution
Elementary school, middle school, high school in accordance with Article 2(1) to (3) of

「

」

the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (not including air school, higher civic
school, broadcasting and correspondence middle school·high school, and high technical
school), Foreigner school* among all types of schools (not including alternative school) in
accordance with Article 2(5) of the aforementioned act, Foreign educational institution in

「

accordance with Article 2(2) of the Special Act on Establishment and Management of

」

Foreign Educational Institutions in Free Economic Zones and Jeju International City .

「
」
'Foreigner School' as ① a school established to educate children of foreigners who are

* Article 60(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Foreigner School) defines
staying in Korea, or of Korean nationals who have came back to Korea after living abroad
for a while and who been designated by the presidential decree : in accordance with the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the foreigner eligibility to apply for foreigner
school is limited to those whose parents are living in Korea (The Education Development
Cooperation Team, The Ministry of Education)
C. Eligible Candidates

▪You have been accepted to an educational organization defined
International
student who is
solely paying for
his/her tuition
 CONTENTS

above, and are planning to enroll or is already enrolled in the
school as an international student. Moreover, you not only meet all
financial requirements, such as the minimum amount of living
expenses, but also have a designated sponsor.

▪Staying expenses (tuition fee + living expenses for one year)
- 43 -

CHANGE OF
· Tuition (including tuition fee, residence fee, admission fee for

STATUS

studying)
· Annual living expenses : 6 million KRW per one person (If your
parent is accompanying you as a sponsor, then about 12 million
KRW will be separately charged as your parent's living expenses)*
* The living expenses of an international student (annually 6 million
KRW) is at the similar level of the 'minimum cost of living 2013'
announced by the Ministry of Health (572,168 KRW per 1 person).

▪Sponsor

· Korean National or Foreigner staying in Korea
· A sponsor of an international student who is a national of countries
where many illegal immigrants come from (21 countries)* must
have annual income of at least 26 million KRW or at least 140
million KRW's worth of financial assets (You can opt one among
the two financial requirements)
* Countries where many illegal immigrants come from (21 countries):
China, Philippine, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia,
Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Iran,
Uzbekistan, kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt,
Peru
** A sponsor can combine his/her annual income or assets with
his/her partner's. ‘2012 Gross National Income Per Capita = 25.5
million KRW', and '2012 Average Net Worth of Middle Class =
138 million KRW' have been taken into consideration to set the
standards for annual incomes and financial assets of the sponsor.
· If you are a foreign sponsor, you must complete alien registration
and be able to stay in the RoK for a long term stay
· Sponsorship is limited to two international students per one sponsor

International
student on a full
scholarship
offered by a
government
organization or
organization
International
 CONTENTS

students invited

▪You have been accepted to an educational organization defined
above, and are going to accept the admission offer as an
international student on a full scholarship provided by a
government organization or public organization.

▪Living expenses and sponsor requirements may be substituted by an
official letter issued by the inviting organization

▪You have been accepted to an educational organization defined
above, and are planning to enroll in the school as an international

- 44 -

student on a full scholarship offered and invited by a private firm
CHANGE OF

or religious group.

▪Financial requirements and sponsor requirements may be substituted

STATUS
by a private
firm/group

by an official letter issued by the head of the organization.
However, if the credibility and financial conditions of the
organization do not seem satisfactory, an immigration officer may
request financial documents of the firm/group and a different
sponsor for the student's sake.

D. Required Documents
Required
Documents

① Application form (enclosed form 34), passport, alien registration
card (for holders only), one standard size photograph, fee

② Photocopy of business registration card of educational organization
(or distinct number card)

Common
Documents

③ Acceptance letter (issued by the president of school, enclosed form
1)* and proof of enrollment (for eligible candidates only)
* Those who would like to change their status to D-4-3 International
Student must submit an acceptance letter regardless of their current
enrollment.

④ Documents demonstrating the final level of education (Graduation
Certificate or Proof of Enrollment and etc.)

⑤ Any documents that can confirm your tuition payments (official
documents or admission notices of the school confirming course
fees, admission fees, and residence fees for the respective
international student)

⑥ Any documents demonstrating your living expenses (Tuition +
International
Students paying
for his/her tuition

annual living expenses)
- Tuition (including course fees, admission fees, and residence fees
for studying)

Additional

- Annual living expenses (money that has been deposited for a month

Documents

or more and that is more than the standard amount, bank account
balance statement or bank statement and etc.)

⑦ Sponsor guarantee* (enclosed documents 2)

* Even if a parent (2 chon or closer) is the sponsor of a student,
he/she must write the sponsor guarantee as well.

 CONTENTS

⑧ Documents demonstrating sponsor's financial ability (limited to
- 45 -

nationals of countries where many illegal immigrants come from)
CHANGE OF
- invoice withholding receipt issued (certified or notarized) by

STATUS

domestic/international government organizations/banks, real estate
ownership certificate, real estate contract, account balance statement
and etc.

⑨ Documents demonstrating family relations (limited to nationals of
countries where many illegal immigrants come from)
- You must submit an original copy (in principle, please attach the
translated version*), and attach photocopy of passports in which we
can find the english spelling of your parents' names**
* The original copy, if it is written in a foreign language, must be
submitted with a translated copy, and when the translated copy is
submitted, the confirmation of respective translator (enclosed
document #3) must be additionally submitted.
** <Acceptable family relations documents> China : Family Relations
Registry or notarized document proving family relations, Philippine
: Family Census, Indonesia : Certificate of family relations
(KARTU KELUARGA), Bangladesh :

점머 까꺼즈 or 점마

싸이드티켓, Vietnam : 호적부 (So Ho Khau) or Birth Certificate
(Giay khai sinh ), Mongolia : Certificate of Family Relations,

빠울러 Certificate,
Myanmar : Family Relations Certificate (잉타웅수사옌), Nepal :
전마달다, Kirgizstan/Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan/Ukraine/Thailand : Birth
Pakistan : Family Certificate, Sri Lanka:

Certificate
International
student on a full
scholarship
offered by a
government
organization or
organizations

⑤ Documents demonstrating that you are on full scholarships (official
notices issued by an organization or group)

⑥ Sponsor Guarantee (only when required, please see enclosed
document 2)

⑦ Documents proving the financial integrity of the inviting
organization (when required)
- Financial records will be checked through a copy of corporate

Additional

registration of the respective organization

Documents
※ The head of an immigration (branch) office may ask additional documents or omit
required documents in order to examine genuineness of the invitation and qualifications
of the inviter and invitee.
 CONTENTS

- 46 -

4. Training at a Superior Private Educational Institution (D-4-6)
CHANGE OF
STATUS

A. Eligible Applicant
Persons legally staying in the Republic of Korea and satisfying the standards for a foreign
trainee below

※ Group Tourism (C-3-2), Medical Tourism (C-3-3), Industrial Trainee (D-3), Non-professional
(E-9), Maritime Crew (E-10) and Miscellaneous (G-1) visa holders are restricted from
changing status to D-4-6.
B. Criteria for Institutions to provide training programs (must satisfy all of the following
requirements)
① An institution that meets one of the following requirements
· An educational institution established by a listed Korean company or in connection with it
· A university-affiliated educational institution specialized in technical training
· A korean branch of a well-known educational institution specialized in technical training with
overseas headquarters or an educational facility that signed on exclusive operation of the
institution (e.g. NHN NEXT, Samsung Design School, Kolon Fashion Design School / Le
Cordon Bleu-Sook Myung Academy / Esmod Seoul, Seoul Sasada Fashion School, etc.)
② An educational institution in operation for at least one year
③ An educational institution that offers courses for at least KRW 4 million per semester (KRW
8 million per year*)
* The standard tuition was calculated based on the average annual tuition of Korean universities
(KRW 6,697,000 as of 2013 [KRW 7,535,000 only for universities in the Seoul Capital
Area]) and additional tools and materials expenses required by a private educational
institution.
④ Offering training courses for at least four days during weekdays (Monday to Friday) and
15 hours a week
※ However, if there exists an extenuating circumstance, exceptions will be recognized
according to the result of the review of a letter stating the reason, class hours defined in
an admission guide, etc.
C. Criteria for foreign trainee (must satisfy the following two requirements)
① A person aged 18 or older, with a high school diploma or higher
② A person who proves living expenses during a training period in Korea
- A period of stay of six months or longer: at least USD 5,000 for living expenses in addition
to tuition
- A period of stay of less than six months: tuition and living expenses for the specified period
of stay (KRW 600,000* per month)
 CONTENTS

* It was calculated based on the minimum living expenses per month (KRW 572,168)
announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2013.

- 47 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

① An application form (Form No. 34), passport, one standard-size
photograph, fees

② A certified copy of corporate registration of an educational
institution (Business registration certificate)

③ A letter of admission issued by an educational institution
④ Documents proving financial ability*
Common
Documents

* Certificate of account balance, receipt of scholarship, parent’s
financial ability, etc.

⑤ Certificate of enrollment or documents proving final levels of
education

⑥ Plan for training (including class schedule, list of lecturers,
training facility and tuition)

⑦ Documents proving that you have paid tuition or other educational
expenses
An institution established by a listed Korean company or in

⑧

connection with it: Documents proving that the educational
institution was established by the Korean company or in connection
with it

※ If the establishment or connection is difficult to be proved by
official documents, other equivalent documents may be submitted
Additional
Documents

instead.

⑨ An institution affiliated with university
: Documents proving that the educational institution was established
as an affiliated facility to university

⑩ A Korean branch of an overseas educational institution:
Documents proving that the facility is a Korean branch of an
overseas educational institution or the facility has signed an
exclusive operation contract with the overseas institution
※ The head of the immigration (branch) office may request additional documents in
order to examine the genuineness of invitation and the qualifications of the
inviter/invitee.
5. Change of Status of German citizens who came to the ROK on a B-1 Visa Exemption visa
A. Permissible Status of Stay: All long-term status except D-3 Industrial Training, E-9 Non-Professional
Employment, and H-1 Working Holiday
B. Period Allowed: a maximum period of stay that could be granted for each status

 CONTENTS

- 48 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

1. Extension of Stay for a D-4-1, D-4-7 language trainee
A. Ground Rule
Non-recognition of Leave of Absence for Private Affairs
If you are taking a temporary leave due to personal circumstances or poor grade, you may
be restricted from applying for extension.
If there are unavoidable reasons such as a disease or an accident, your status may be
changed as an exception.
Providing Advantages to Students of Certified Universities
(Eligible Individuals) A student of certified universities whose CGPA (Cumulative Grade
Point Average) is 2.0 (C) or higher
(Required Documents) In principle, no document is required.
- Information check on the FIMS can substitute for documents and you do not need to submit
documents proving your financial ability.
Tightened Criteria for Students of Under-performing Universities
(Eligible Individuals) Students of under-performing universities whose GPA is 1.0 (D) or
lower
(Required Documents) Information on the FIMS will be checked for examination (status of
enrollment, credits, etc.), documents proving your financial ability
For the extension, filing an e-application or applying by proxy by
the person-in-charge is encouraged (to alleviate congestion).
(Eligible Individuals) Those who are not subject to face-to-face examination, such as
students of certified universities
(Examples of application)
- Filing of e-application by international students themselves or

the person-in-charge of

international students

※ The person-in-charge may apply for extension up to 8 students at a time.
- Visiting in person to an Immigration (Branch) Office by international students themselves or
the person-in-charge of international students
B. Required Documents

① An application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
② Documents proving enrollment
- a certificate of enrollment, a certificate of extension of stay as an exchange student, a
certificate proving that you are a student researcher

 CONTENTS

③ documents proving that you are carrying out your study properly
- 49 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

- a transcript, a confirmation of attendance, etc.

④ documents proving your financial ability
⑤ application guidelines (indicating training schedule) or a

training plan (for Korean language

trainees only)

⑥ Proof of Residency (Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public
services, receipt of university housing fee and others)

⑦ A certificate of International Student Insurance or National Health Insurance (where
applicable among elementary/middle/high school students)
2. Required documents for Extension of Stay for D-4-3 international student at the high school
level or below

① Application form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Documents proving your student status (ex. Proof of Enrollment, Acceptance Letter, etc.)
③ Financial documents such as tuition fee receipt (ex. Tuition Payment Receipt, Balance
Account Statement which proves the money has been deposited into the respective account
for a month or more, Official Letter from your educational institution)

④ Sponsorship Certificate or Documents proving your financial status (if your sponsor is
changed)

⑤ Proof of Residency (Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public
services, receipt of university housing fee and others)
3. Extension for D-4-5 Chef Trainee for Korean Cuisine
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
② a copy of business registration certificate (or a certificate of tax registration number for
non-profit organization), a certified copy of corporation registration (where applicable)

③ a certificate of tuition fee payment (when paying additional fee)
※ You may submit a confirmation of expense payment issued by the institution if the training
institution pays your tuition fee and living expenses.

④ documents proving the necessity for continuance of training (including the reasons and
training schedule, etc.)

⑤ a recommendation letter from the chief of the institution (including grades and attendance
rate)

⑥ documents proving your Korean language ability (only for those who submitted a request
for the exemption from proving the basic Korean language ability)

⑦ medical examination certificate (for those who submitted a confirmation of medical
 CONTENTS

treatment plan)

- 50 -

⑧ Proof of Residency (Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
EXTENSION OF
STAY

notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public
services, receipt of university housing fee and others)
4. Required documents for Extension of Stay for trainees of a Superior Private Educational
Institution (D-4-6)

① An application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fees
② Documents proving that you are in proper training
③ Documents proving financial ability
④ Plan for training (only for trainees who have stayed in Korea over one year)
※ You are allowed to participate in general training for a period not exceeding one year after
entry into Korea in principle.
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of
Dec. 1 2010)
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the
departure date, you are exempted from re-entry permit.
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from re-entry permit
for the remaining period.
- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may submit application to an
Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
2. Required Documents: an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card,
fee (single: 30,000 KRW, multiple: 50,000 KRW)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Alien Registration

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② a certificate of attendance
2. Required Documents for Alien Registration of Chef Trainee for Korean Cuisine

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② a copy of business registration certificate of the training institution (or a certificate of tax
registration number for non-profit organization)

③ medical examination certificate issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice
3. Required Documents for Alien Registration of D-4-3 International Student at the High School
level or below

① Application form (Enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph (must have
been taken within the past 6 months), Fee*
* Korean Government Scholarship Students are also subject to the alien registration fee or
 CONTENTS

re-registration fee in accordance with the Article 74 of the Enforcement Decree of the

- 51 -

Immigration Control Act

ALIEN
REGISTRATIO
N

② Proof of Enrollment**

** If you would like to apply for your alien registration before the matriculation date because
of a lease contract, opening a bank account, and other reasons, you can replace this document
with a tuition payment receipt.

③ Documents proving that you are a scholarship student (Official Notification Letter by the
Respective Organization, Group and Individuals)
4. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details: change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number, issue
date, expiry date)
Reasons for the report: Change and addition (as of Nov. 16, 2010) of organization/institution
(including name change)
Due Date: within 14 days from the date of change
Required Documents

① a form for change in registration information, passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee
② a certificate of attendance, a certificate of previous enrollment (when changing school)
5. Notification of change of residence for foreign students
A. If you change your residence, you must report it to the mayor, head of gun or gu office
of your new residence or the head of the Immigration (Branch) Office that has jurisdiction
over your new residence within 14 days from the date of transfer.
 CONTENTS

B. Required Documents: a form for change of residence, passport, Alien Registration Card

- 52 -

Long-Term News Coverage (D-5)
A person who
is dispatched to the Republic of Korea for news reporting and coverage from a foreign
media outlet (newspapers, broadcasting corporations, magazines or other foreign media
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

outlets);
is under the contract with a foreign media outlet for news reporting and coverage while
staying in the ROK; or
is dispatched to a branch office in the ROK for news reporting and coverage by the
headquarter office of a foreign media outlet.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
PARTICIPATION

1. Expansion of exemption from permission of participation in activities uncertified for

IN ACTIVITIES

current sojourn status

UNCERTIFIED

If you (D-5 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the period of sojourn,

FOR CURRENT

you do not need permission as long as it is consistent with your original purpose of stay.

SOJOURN
STATUS

2. Range of activities as a foreign language instructor (E-2) that you may engage in without
permission
(Guidelines for Visa Issuance and Residence Management for foreign language instructors)
A. Activities as a foreign language instructor for colleagues in the workplace
Eligible
Individuals

registered aliens with Professorship (E-1) ~ Special Occupation (E-7),
Journalism (D-5) ~ Trade Management (D-9) visa who are staying in
the ROK legally

activities

teaching

foreign

language

conversation

allowed

company/institute/organization you belong to

to

colleagues

at

the

B. Volunteer activities as a foreign language instructor without any intention to make profits
Eligible
Individuals

activities
allowed
 CONTENTS

registered aliens (or those who are exempted from the registration
requirement) who are staying in the ROK legally
teaching foreign language conversation voluntarily at a social welfare
facility or a community center (i.e. a school, a religious facility)
without any intention to make profits

- 53 -

C. Remarks
- If teaching activities go beyond the scope listed above or become your main activities,
you are not exempted from permission.
N/A
※ If the institution/organization of a D-1, D-2 or D-4 visa holder who does not have
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

intention to make profits is changed (including name change) or if the name of the
institution/organization of a D-5, D-6, D-7, D8 or D-9 visa holder is changed, you must
report 'Change of Registration Information' pursuant to Article 35 of the Immigration
Control Law. (Article 49-2 of the Enforcement Regulations of the Immigration Control
Law)

GRANT OF
STATUS

N/A

1. A person who has Temporary Journalism (C-1) visa may apply for change of status to
D-5 if the necessity of long-term news gathering is proven.
2. Change of Status for German citizens coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption (B-1
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, H-1)
CHANGE OF
STATUS

B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
3. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee ② a certificate of dispatch (issued by
the headquarter office) ③ a copy of a permit for operating the Korean branch office
(issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) or business registration
certificate
1. Required Documents

EXTENSION OF
STAY

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② a proof of
employment or a dispatch order (issued by the headquarter office) ③ Acceptable
documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence,
a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of

RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

Dec. 1, 2010)
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the
departure date, you are exempted from re-entry permit

 CONTENTS

- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from re-entry permit
for the remaining period.

- 54 -

- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may submit application to an
Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
2. Required Documents: an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration
Card, fee (single: 30,000 KRW, multiple: 50,000 KRW)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Alien Registration

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② a permit for operating the Korean branch office or business registration certificate in
accordance with Value-Added Tax Act
※ If there is no affiliates or branch offices in the ROK, you may submit a certificate of
dispatch (issued by the headquarter office) and a recommendation letter issued by the
competent authorities (i.e. Korean Overseas Information Service) instead.
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
A. Report details: change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
B. Reasons for the report: Change and addition (as of Nov. 16, 2010) of
organization/institution (including name change)
C. Due Date : within 14 days from the date of change
D. Required Documents

 CONTENTS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee
② documents proving change of your information

- 55 -

Religious Worker (D-6)
A person who
is a dispatched worker at a branch office of a registered foreign religious organization or
social service agency in the Republic of Korea;
engages in religious activities at Korean religious organizations while being dispatched
from a foreign religious organization or social service agency;
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

engages in missionary or social services activities upon invitation from medical,
educational or relief organizations operated by the religious organization that he/she
belongs to;
practices asceticism, mind training or researches at the Korean religious organization that
gave him/her recommendation; or
engages only in social service activities upon the invitation of Korean religious
organizations or social service agencies.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
PARTICIPATION

1. Expansion of exemption from permission of participation in activities uncertified for

IN ACTIVITIES

current sojourn status

UNCERTIFIED

If you (D-6 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the period of sojourn,

FOR CURRENT

you do not need permission as long as it is consistent with your original purpose of stay.

SOJOURN
STATUS

(as of June 15, 2009)
2. Range of activities as a foreign language Instructor (E-2) in which you may engage
without permission
A. Activities as a foreign language instructor for colleagues in the workplace
Eligible
Individuals

registered aliens with Professorship (E-1) ~ Special Occupation (E-7),
Journalism (D-5) ~ Trade Management (D-9) visas, who are staying in the
ROK legally

activities

teaching

allowed

company/institute/organization you belong to

foreign

language

conversation

to

colleagues

at

the

B. Volunteer activities as a foreign language instructor without any intention to make profits
Eligible
Individuals
activities
allowed
 CONTENTS

registered aliens (or those who are exempted from registration) who are staying in
the ROK legally
teaching foreign language conversation voluntarily at a social welfare facility or a
community center (i.e. a school, a religious facility) without any intention to make
profits

- 56 -

C. Remarks
- If teaching activities go beyond the scope listed above and become your main activities,
you are not exempted from permission.
3. Permission of change of status between Religious Affairs (D-6) and Professorship (E-1)
PARTICIPATION

for those who work at affiliated organizations of the same religious organization

IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

A. Required Documents for change of status: D-6

→ E-1

① an application form (Form No. 34). passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② documents
proving that organizations belong to the same religious organization ③ an employment
contract (original and copy) ④ a certificate of a degree ⑤ a copy of business registration
certificate ⑥ a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace
B. Required Documents for change of status: E-1 → D-6
① an application form (Form No. 34). passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② documents
proving that organizations belong to the same religious organization ③ a letter of
consent from the employer of your original workplace ④ permit for establishment of the
organization

N/A
※ If the institution/organization of a D-1, D-2 or D-4 visa holder who does not have
CHANGE OR

intention to make profits is changed (including name change) or if the name of the

ADDITION OF

institution/organization of a D-5, D-6, D-7, D8 or D-9 visa holder is changed, you must

WORKPLACE

report 'Change of Registration Information' pursuant to Article 35 of the Immigration
Control Law. (Article 49-2 of the Enforcement Regulations of the Immigration Control
Law)

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

N/A

In principle, change of status is restricted with the exception of the following cases
1. Change of Status for German citizens coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption (B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, H-1)
B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
2. Change of Status for Canadian citizens coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption (B-1)

☞ Activities Allowed : Cultural Arts (D-1), Religious Affairs (D-6), Family Visitation
(F-1), Dependent Family (F-3), Miscellaneous (G-1)

☞ Period Allowed : less than 6 month from the date of entry
3. Required Documents
 CONTENTS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee ② a dispatch
- 57 -

order (issued by the dispatching organization)
organization

③ permit for the establishment of the

④ a copy of business registration certificate or a copy of certificate of tax

registration number for non-profit organization

1. Required Documents
EXTENSION OF
STAY

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② a proof of
employment or a dispatch order (issued by the dispatching organization) ③Acceptable
documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence,
a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of
Dec. 1, 2010)
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the
departure date, you are exempted from the re-entry permit requirement.

RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from re-entry permit
for the remaining period.
- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may submit application to an
Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
2. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (single: 30,000
KRW, multiple: 50,000 KRW)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Alien Registration

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② documents relevant to the establishment of the religious or social service organization
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
A. Report details: change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
B. Reasons for the report: Change and addition (as of Nov. 16, 2010) of
organization/institution (including name change)
C. Due Date: within 14 days from the date of change
D. Required Documents

 CONTENTS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee
② documents proving change of your information

- 58 -

Intra-company Transferee (D-7)
A person who
has worked at the headquarters office, branch office or local office of a foreign public
institution, organization or company for at least 1 year; and
- is going to be transferred to the affiliate, subsidiary, branch office or local office situated in the Republic
of Korea as an 'indispensable professional specialist'.
However, you are excluded from this category if you are considered as an eligible applicant for the
Corporate Investor (D-8) visa.
ELIGIBLE

1-year-of work experience is not required if: (1) you will be working in the ROK's key

INDIVIDUALS

industries or for the national projects; or (2) it is deemed necessary by the Minister of
Justice
has worked at overseas corporations or branch offices of listed enterprises (including
KOSDAQ-listed enterprises) or Korean public companies for at least one year, and plans
to receive or provide an on-the-job training or education for a professional skills/
techniques/knowledge in the headquarter or the main office.
(However, if the investment or operating fund of the Korean company for its overseas
branch/local office is less than $500,000, you are excluded from this category.)

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
PARTICIPATION

1. Expansion of exemption from permission of participation in activities uncertified for

IN ACTIVITIES

current sojourn status

UNCERTIFIED

If you (D-7 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the period of sojourn,

FOR CURRENT

you do not need a permission as long as it is consistent with your original purpose of

SOJOURN
STATUS

stay. (as of June 15, 2009)
2. Range of activities as a foreign language Instructor (E-2) that you may engage in without
permission
A. Activities as a foreign language instructor for colleagues in the workplace
Eligible
Individuals

registered aliens on Professorship (E-1) ~ Special Occupation (E-7), Journalism
(D-5) ~ Trade Management (D-9) visas who are staying in the ROK legally

activities

teaching

allowed

company/institute/organization you belong to

foreign

language

 CONTENTS

- 59 -

conversation

to

colleagues

at

the

PARTICIPATION

B. Volunteer activities as a foreign language instructor without any intention to make profits

IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED

Eligible

FOR CURRENT

Individuals

registered aliens (or those who are exempted from registration) who are legally
staying in the ROK.

SOJOURN
STATUS

activities
allowed

teaching foreign language conversation voluntarily at a social welfare facility or a
community center (i.e. a school, a religious facility) without any intention to make
profits

C. Remarks
- If teaching activities go beyond the scope listed above and become your main activities,
you are not exempted from permission.
3. Permission of Activities as D-7 for holders of Corporate Investment (D-8) visa who plan
to add a workplace that is an affiliate of the original workplace

① an application form (Form No. 34) passport, Alien Registration Card, a standardized photo,
fee ② a dispatch order (issued by the headquarter office) ③ documents proving that the
new workplace is an affiliate company of the original workplace (i.e. a certified copy of
corporate registration)

④ a copy of business registration certificate ⑤ documents related to the

report (permission) of the establishment of the branch office in the ROK (i.e. a permit for
operating the Korean branch office)
original workplace

⑥ a letter of consent from the employer of your

⑦ documents proving the sales performance - i.e. a certificate of tax

payment
4.

Permission of Activities as a Lecturer at a University for Excellent Specialists such
as CEO of a Foreign Investment Company
activities
allowed

You may apply for permission of activities as Short Term Employment
(C-4) if you plan to give a lecture for less than 90 days.

① a person working as full-time director or higher at a domestic
Eligible
Individuals

Required
Documents

company (including foreign investment company) with D-7, D-8 or
D-9 visa

② a holder of professional working visa (E-1, E-3 ~ E-5, E-7)
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration
Card, fee ② a recommendation letter from the Dean/President of the
University ③ a copy of a certificate of tax registration number for
non-profit organization (business registration certificate) ④ an
employment contract (original and copy) ⑤ a letter of consent from
the employer of your original workplace

 CONTENTS

- 60 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

➠ You are not subject to the report of 'Change/Addition of Workplace. You are subject to
report 'Change in Registration Information'.
1. Holders of the visas listed who does not have intention of making profits below must
report 'Change in Registration Information' (not 'Change/Addition of Workplace'. (Article
49-2 of the Enforcement Regulations)
 Cultural Arts (D-1), Study Abroad (D-2), General Training (D-4) or Trade Management (D-9)
visa holders: Change or Addition of institution/organization (including name change)
Job Seeking (D-10) visa holders: Start of Training or Change of Training Institute (including name
change)
Working Visit (H-2) visa holders: Start of Employment (when newly hired by a
person/institution/organization/company), Information Change of the individual/institution/
organization/company (including name change) (when already working)
※ If you are a holder of Supervisory Intra-Company Transfer (D-7) ~ Trade Management
(D-9) visa and transfer from one affiliate to another, you are subject to report 'Change
in Registration Information' and submit documents listed below.
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② a dispatch
order (issued by the headquarters office overseas) ③ documents proving that the
companies are affiliated with the same company (i.e. certified copy of corporate
registration) ③ documents proving the injection of business funds of the additional workplace
(i.e. a certificate of purchased foreign currency, lease/rent contract) ④ a certified copy of
corporate registration of the additional workplace ⑤ a copy of business registration
certificate of the additional workplace

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

N/A

1. Change of Status for German Citizens coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption (B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, H-1)
B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
2. Permission of Change of Status to D-7 for holders of Corporate Investment (D-8) visa
a person working as an indispensable professional specialist at a foreign
Eligible

investment company with D-8 visa and staying in the ROK legally, and is to

Individuals

be transferred or dispatched to an affiliate, a subsidiary or a branch office of
the same head office/company overseas.

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, a
Required
Documents
 CONTENTS

standardized photo, fee

② a statement of the reasons for the application
③ a dispatch order (issued by the headquarter office) or a certificate of
- 61 -

expected employment

④ a copy of permit for the establishment of the Korean branch/contact
office (issued by a foreign exchange bank)

⑤ documents proving that the companies are affiliated with the same
company (i.e. a copy of the corporate registration)

⑥ documents proving the injection of business funds
(i.e.) a certificate of annual tax payment or a certificate of purchased foreign
currency of the new workplace

⑦ lease/rent contract
⑧ current status of foreign workers
《additional documents if needed》

CHANGE OF
STATUS

personal tax payment certificate - receipt for earned income tax withholding
(of the previous year) or a certificate of income amount (the latest record)
If the workplace is newly established or an applicant has a record of
Remarks

violation of the Korean Immigration Law, fact-finding investigation is a must.
(checking required)

3. Permission of Change of Status to D-7, D-8, D-9 for Chilean Citizens with Short-Term
Business (C-3-4) visa

Eligible
Individuals

a person who is hired as an executive, a senior manager or a specialist
by a company/corporate of Chile and plans to work at the affiliate or
the branch office in the ROK

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardize photo, fee
② a proof of employment from the company overseas
③ a dispatch order (issued by the headquarters office)
④ documents proving the establishment of the branch office in the ROK
Required
Documents

(i.e. a permit for operating the Korean branch office)

⑤ documents proving the injection of business funds
i.e. a certificate of purchased foreign currency

⑥ resume or a certificate of working experience
⑦ a copy of business registration certificate
⑧ a certificate of annual tax payment
 CONTENTS

- 62 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

A holder of D-9 visa and etc. is required to submit a ｢Certificate of Personal Tax
Payment｣ when applying for extension of period of sojourn.
Even if a foreigner is working in the
overseas, he/she is imposed a class B
provisions on the tax agreement/treaty
country of nationality.: to prevent tax

ROK and is paid by the headquarter company
earned income tax unless there is special
between the Republic of Korea and his/her
evasion and establish public order in paying taxes

A. A person who has joined the Class B Tax Association and completed tax obligation
through year-end tax settlement after monthly income tax withholding by the
Association
➠ Please submit a receipt for class B earned income tax withholding issued by the
head of the Class B Tax Association
B. A person who has not joined the Class B Tax Association but reported and paid
the global income tax
➠ Please submit a certificate of income amount issued by the competent district tax
office
※ In the case of class B earned income, a payer is not in the ROK, so the
employees themselves have the obligation to pay their taxes. If the person has joined
the Class B Tax Association, the association withhold income tax monthly and pay it
to the competent district tax office before the 10th of the next month. If he/she has
not, he/she must report for the global income tax in May next year.
☞ Inquiry and Consulting/Counselling about issuance of a certificate of tax payment ☎
126 (National Tax Service Call Center)
1. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration
Card, fee

② a dispatch order (issued by the Headquarter Office overseas) or
a proof of employment (of the headquarter office overseas)

③ a copy of permit for the establishment of the Korean
a person classified as
“A” of Supervisory
Intra-company
Transfer (D-7) in the

branch/contact office (issued by a foreign exchange bank)

④ documents proving the injection of business funds (i.e. a

certificate of purchased foreign currency, lease/rent contract)

⑤ documents proving personal tax payment

Attached Table No.

- a certificate of tax payment, receipt for earned income tax

1-16 of the

withholding (of the previous year) or a certificate of income

Enforcement Decree

amount

⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease
contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university

 CONTENTS

housing fee and others.)

- 63 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration
a person classified as
“B” of Supervisory
Intra-company
Transfer (D-7) in the
Attached Table No.
1-16 of the

Card, fee

② a proof of employment
③ documents proving personal tax payment
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease
contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility

Enforcement Decree

bill payment for any public services, receipt of university
housing fee and others.)

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien
Registration Card, fee

② a declaration of the establishment of the Korean
branch/contact office and business registration certificate

③ a copy of registration of foreign legal consultant office or
a member, a

foreign legal consultant

consultant or a
clerical worker

of a

foreign legal
consultant office

④ a dispatch order (issued by the headquarter office and
including duration of dispatch) and a proof of employment (in
the branch office in the ROK)

⑤ a tax payment certificate (personal and corporate)
⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease
contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university
housing fee and others.)

 CONTENTS

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of Dec. 1,
2010
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the
departure date, you are exempted from Re-entry Permit
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from Re-entry Permit for
the remaining period.
- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may apply for the permission to an
Immigration (Branch) Office at free of charge.
2. Required Documents: an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
(single: 30,000 KRW, multiple: 50,000 KRW)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② business registration certificate (registration of foreign legal consultant office where applicable)
- 64 -

2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
Reasons for the report : Change and addition (as of Nov. 16, 2010) of
organization/institution (including name change)
Due Date : within 14 days from the date of change
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, no fee ② documents
proving change of your information
※ If you are a holder of Supervisory Intra-Company Transfer (D-7) ~ Trade Management
(D-9) visa and transfer from one affiliate to another, you are subject to report 'Change
in Registration Information' and submit the documents listed below.
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② a dispatch
order (issued by the headquarter office overseas) ③ documents proving that the companies
are affiliated with the same company (i.e. a certified copy of corporate registration) ③
documents proving the injection of business funds of the new workplace, i.e. a certificate
of purchased foreign currency, lease/rent contract) ④ a certified copy of corporate
registration of the new workplace ⑤ a copy of business registration certificate of the new
 CONTENTS

workplace
Definitions of the indispensable professional specialist

REMARKS
T Y P E S

D E F I N I T I O N
Executive is defined as someone who primarily directs the management
of the organization; exercises wide latitude in decision making; and
receives only general supervision or direction from the board of

EXECUTIVE

directors or shareholders of the organization (an executive does not
directly perform tasks related to the actual provision of the service of
the organization).
Senior Manager is defined as someone who is in charge of establishing
and implementing goals and policies of the company or the department;
has the authority to plan, direct and supervise; has the authority to
recruit and dismiss or recommend recruiting, dismissing; and exercises

SENIOR

supervisory and control function over other supervisory, managerial or

MANAGER

professional staffs (not including first line supervisors, unless employees
supervised are professional service suppliers,

and employees who

directly engages in supply of service) or exercises discretionary powers
over their daily tasks.
Specialist is defined as someone who possesses proprietary experience
 CONTENTS

SPECIALIST

and knowledge at an advanced level of expertise essential to the
research, design, techniques or management of the organization's service.

- 65 -

Corporate / Foreign Investor (D-8)
1. You have managed or run a foreign-invested Korean corporation* in accordance with the
Foreign Investment Promotion Act or you are an indispensable professional specialist**
planning to engage in

production and the technology parts of a foreign-invested company

[hereinafter referred to as ‘D-8-1 Incorporated Enterprise Investment']
* including a company that is in the midst of establishing process
** excluding an employee hired in Korea
2. You are among those who have established a business venture with excellent technical
capability, for example, by possessing an industrial property right or intellectual property
right, in accordance with Subparagraph 2(c), Paragraph 1, Article 2(2) of the Act on
Special Measures for the Promotion of Business Venture. Also, you have received a
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

confirmation of business venture as the CEO of a particular

company or the CEO of a

company which is considered to have excellent skills, in accordance with the
aforementioned Act. [hereinafter referred to as ‘D-8-2 Business Venture Investment']
3. In accordance with the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, you are an indispensable
professional specialist who wants to work and manage a foreign invested company owned
by a Korean national (corporation) or to work in technology and production sectors of
that company.* [hereinafter referred to as ‘D-8-3 Unincorporated Private Enterprise
Investment']
* excluding an employee hired in Korea
4. You have a bachelor's degree or higher and a founder of a corporation, who has either
an intellectual property right or equivalent skills [hereinafter referred to as ‘D-8-4
Technology and Business Startup']
D-8-1 Incorporated Enterprise Investment
5 years

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF
STAY

D-8-3 Unincorporated Private Enterprise Investment
D-8-2 Business Venture Investment
2 years
D-8-4 Technology and Business Startup

PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT

1. Expansion of exemption from permission of participation in activities uncertified for
current sojourn status

SOJOURN

If you (D-8 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the period of sojourn,

STATUS

you do not need permission as long as it is consistent with your original purpose of stay.
(as of June 15, 2009)
2. Permission of Activities as a Lecturer at a University for Excellent Specialists such as
CEO of a Foreign Investment Company

 CONTENTS

- 66 -

activities

You may apply for permission of activities as Short Term Employment

allowed

(C-4) if you plan to give a lecture for less than 90 days.

Eligible
Individuals

Required
Documents

① a person working as a full-time director or higher at a domestic
company (including investment company) with D-7, D-8, D-9 visa

② a holder of professional working visa (E-1, E-3 ~ E-5, E-7)
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card,
fee ② a recommendation letter from the Dean/President of the
University ③ a copy of a certificate of tax registration number for
non-profit organization (business registration certificate) ④ an
employment contract (original copy and photocopy both) ⑤ a letter of
consent from the employer of your original workplace

※ Those who would like to give lectures regularly at a university for more than 90 days
must report to the KIS Headquarters for approval.
➠ You are not subject to the report of 'Change/Addition of Workplace. You are subject to
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

report 'Change in Registration Information'.
※ Holders of the visas listed who does not have intention of making profits below must
report 'Change in Registration Information' (not 'Change/Addition of Workplace'. (Article
49-2 of the Enforcement Regulations)
holders of Cultural Arts (D-1), Study Abroad (D-2), General Training (D-4) or Trade
Management (D-9) visa: Change or Addition of institution/organization (including name
change)
Job Seeking (D-10) visa holders: Start of Training or Change of Training Institute
(including name change)
Working Visit (H-2) visa holders: Start of Employment (when newly hired by a
person/institution/organization/company), Information Change of the individual/institution/
organization/company (including name change) (when already working)
※ If you are a holder of Supervisory Intra-Company Transfer (D-7) ~ Trade Management
(D-9) visa and transfer from one affiliate to another, you are subject to report 'Change in
Registration Information' and submit the documents listed below.
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② a
dispatch order (issued by the headquarter office overseas) ③ documents proving that the
companies are affiliated with the same company (i.e. a certified copy of corporate
registration) ④ documents proving the injection of business funds of the new workplace
(i.e. a certificate of purchased foreign currency, lease/rent contract) ⑤ a tax payment
certificate of the new workplace (in the case of a dispatched worker or a private
investor, only if the company is already operating) ⑥ a certified copy of corporate
registration of the new workplace ⑦ a copy of business registration certificate of the

 CONTENTS

new workplace ⑧ a copy of a certificate of investment corporation registration of the
new workplace

- 67 -

GRANT OF
STATUS

N/A

CHANGE OF
STATUS

【 Common Criteria】
1. Permission Requirements
A. D-8-1 Incorporated Enterprise Investment
The investment must be made to a Korean corporation (including a corporation that
is in the midst of establishing process in Korea.)
The amount of investment must be at least 100 million KRW, and you must either
have at least 10 percent of the total capital stocks of the company in addition to the
voting right (Paragraph 1, Article 2(2) of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act) or
sign a contract of dispatching and appointing executives by having some stock shares
(Paragraph 2, Article 2(2) of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act)
B. D-8-2 Business Venture Investment
You are among those who have established a business venture* with excellent
technical capability, for example, by possessing an industrial property right or
intellectual property right, in accordance with Subparagraph 2(c), Paragraph 1, Article
2(2) of the Act on Special Measures for the Promotion of Business Venture. Also,
you have obtained a confirmation of business venture** as the CEO of a particular
company or the CEO of a company that is considered to have excellent skills*** in
accordance with the aforementioned act. [hereinafter referred to as ‘D-8-2 Business
Venture Investment']
* includes a Technology Assessment Guaranteed Corporation and a prospective business
venture (i.e. business venture that is in the midst of establishing process or of business
registration, or business venture newly established within the past 6 months range)
** The Korea Technology Finance Corporation (Korea Technology Finance

Corporation

Act), the Small and Medium Business Corporations (Small and Medium Business
Promotion Laws) or the Korean Venture Capital Association (Special Act on Promotion
of Business Venture Firms) will confirm whether a company is a business venture or a
prospective venture.
*** Assessment is given by the Korea Technology Finance Corporation (Korea Technology
Finance Corporation Act ) or the Small and Medium Business Corporations (Small and
Medium Business Promotion Laws)
C. D-8-3 Unincorporated Private Enterprise Investment
The investment must be made to a company run by a Korean national (individual)
You have invested at least 100 million KRW, which is ten or more percentage of
the total investment start-up capitals of the company (Paragraph 1, Article 2(2) of the
 CONTENTS

Presidential decree of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act). Furthermore, you are

- 68 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

registered as the co-founder with the other Korean CEO on the business registration
certificate.
A co-founder who is a Korean national must invest at least 100 million KRW as the
start-up capitals.
D. D-8-4 Technology and Business Startup
You have a bachelor's degree* or higher
* Degrees acquired in Korea or abroad are both acceptable. However, only the degrees that
are already conferred are recognized, which means prospective graduates are

NOT

eligible to apply for this category.
You have scored at least 80 points out of the total 340 points.
- You must satisfy at least one mandatory item.
You must complete the business registration and corporate registration after establishing
a company* in Korea.
* Refers to a newly established company, not including a business takeover.

※Permission Exceptions (for those who are prohibited from changing their status only): You
must leave Korea first and obtain a visa from a Korean diplomatic mission.
No.

Details
a person who entered the ROK for group tourism or pure tourism

1

a Chinese citizen who entered the ROK with C-3 visa and is one of group tourists or
an individual tourist for pure tourism.
an Irish citizen or French citizen who entered the ROK with Industrial Training

2

(D-3), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Vessel Crew (E-10), Working Visit (H-2),
Miscellaneous (G-1) or Working Holiday (H-1) visa (citizens of other countries may
apply for change of status)

If a foreigner who is not an investor is registered as an executive and application for
3

change of status for this person is submitted, he/she is not considered as a dispatched
worker but as an employee hired domestically. In this case, the person is subject to
Special Occupation (E-7) visa not D-8.

‣ In principle, if you are a holder of visas listed above, you may not change status to
D-8. Only in special cases when genuineness of investment is recognized (i.e. you have
invested 500,000,000 KRW or more or has significantly invested in Korea), you may be
allowed to change your status after a thorough examination and approval from the Korea
Immigration Service. (If your investment is less than 500,000,000 KRW, it will be better
 CONTENTS

for you to leave the ROK and then return to Korea with D-8 visa.)

- 69 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

1. Permitting change of status for foreigners who have invested in a Korean corporation
(D-8-1)
Required Documents

① Application form (Form No.34), Passport, Alien Registration Card,

One

Standard Size Photo, No fee

② A copy of business registration certificate, complete business registration
certificate, original copy of circumstantial

statement of change of

shareholder

③ foreign investment report form or a copy of investment company
registration certificate

④ dispatch order (must indicate the dispatch period) and proof of
enrollment in case of overseas assignment

⑤ Documents demonstrating the transfer of investment capitals
Case A. Payment in Cash
- Permission (declaration) of foreign currency transfer or confirmation of
remittance issued by the Customs or a bank (financial institution) of the
respective country
Common
Documents

- Investment funds introduction statement (confirmation of foreign currency
transfer, certificate of purchased foreign currency, customs declaration
form and others)
Case B. Investment in Kind
- Photocopy of Investment in Kind Completion Confirmation Letter

(issued

by the head of Korea Customs Service)
- Photocopy of Customs Import Declaration Certificate

⑥ Sales record certificate (import & export records and etc.)
⑦ Documents demonstrating the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑧ Documents demonstrating existence of the place of business (office lease
contract, photographs of the front view of the office, inside of the
office signs and other materials)

Additional
Documents

《 Additional Documents for individual investor who has invested less than
300 million KRW》
⑨ documents demonstrating the details of usage of the investment funds
(product purchase receipt, office interior fee, deposit/withdrawal records of
a domestic bank account and others)a

⑨ documents proving the work experiences or entrepreneurial experiences
 CONTENTS

from the applicant's origin of nationality. (required when necessary)

- 70 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

※ Followings are required documents for an indispensable professional specialist of a
subsidiary company that is entirely invested by a financial holding company registered as
a foreign corporate investor.

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, a standardized
photo, no fee

② an authorization of financial holding company and a copy of the registration of
foreign investment company

③ an affiliate's certified copy of corporate registration and shareholder's registry
(documents proving that the company is a wholly-owned affiliate of a financial holding
company)

④ a dispatch order issued by the headquarter office overseas
⑤ a copy of business registration certificate (both of the financial holding company and
of the affiliate)
2. Permitting change of status for foreigners who have invested in a business venture
(D-8-2)
Required Documents

① Application form (Form No.34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, One
Standard Size Photo

② copy of business registration or complete business registration certificate
③ documents related to business venture
- business venture confirmation or prospective business venture confirmation

④ documents demonstrating that you have either the intellectual property
right or equivalent skills
- Patent right card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), Utility Model
Right registration card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), design
Common
Documents

registration card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), Trade mark
registration card(Korean Intellectual Property office), copy of right
registration card (Korea Copyright Commission) and others
- A certificate proving technological excellence issued by the Korea
Technology Finance Corporation or the Small and Medium Business
Corporations

⑤ Documents demonstrating the place of residence

(i.e. Lease contract,

confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑥ office lease contract
⑦ sales record certificate (export, import records and etc.)
 CONTENTS

- 71 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

3. Permitting change of status for foreigners who have invested in an unincorporated private
enterprise (D-8-3)
Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration card
(for eligible applicants only), one standard size photograph

② Copy of business registration certificate in which the names of co-founders
are written, original copy of co-founder partnership contract

③ Foreign investment declaration form or copy of investment company
registration

④ Documents demonstrating the start-up capitals provided by the Korean
co-founder of a company (details of usage)

⑤ Dispatch order (must indicate the period of overseas assignment) and proof
of employment in case of overseas assignment

⑥ Documents demonstrating the introduction of investment funds
Case A. Payment in Cash
- Permission (declaration) of foreign currency transfer or confirmation of
remittance issued by the Customs or a bank (financial institution) of the
Common
Documents

respective country
- Investment funds introduction statement (confirmation of foreign currency
transfer, certificate of purchased foreign currency, customs declaration form
and others)
Case B. Investment in Kind
- Photocopy of Investment in Kind Completion Confirmation Letter (issued by
the head of Korea Customs Service)
- Photocopy of Customs Import Declaration Certificate

⑦ Sales record certificate (export & import records, etc.)
⑧ Documents demonstrating the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑨ Documents demonstrating existence of the place of business (office lease
contract, photographs of the front view of the office, inside of the
office signs and other materials)

⑩ Additional documents for applicants who have invested less than 300 million
KRW
Additional
Documents

- Documents demonstrating the detailed usage of the start-up capitals
(receipts for product purchases, office interior design fee, transaction
statement of domestic bank account and others)
- Documents demonstrating that you have extensive work experiences in

 CONTENTS

your job field or entrepreneur experiences in your business, issued from

- 72 -

the country where the experiences took place (you will be required to

CHANGE OF
STATUS

submit these documents if deemed necessary)
4. Permitting change of status for foreigners who have found a business (D-8-4)
Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration card
(respective candidate), one standard size photograph

② Complete business registration certificate and a copy of business
registration card

③ Copy of degree certificate
④ Any documents proving how you earned your scores on the
Points-Based System.
- Copies of Patent Card , Utility Model Registration Card, Design Registration
Card for Intellectual Property Right Holders (Candidates) only

☞ You can use the ‘Patent Information Net Kipris’ website www.kipris.or.kr/
khome/main.jsp) of the Korea Intellectual Property Office to browse
whether one has an intellectual property right or not.
Common
Application

- Patent Candidates must submit application certificate issued by the head of
Korea Intellectual Property Office
- A certificate for completion or graduation of the OASIS program issued by
the head of Global Investment Center designated by the Minister of
Justice, award winner confirmation letter, official statement of selection, and
etc.
- Other documents that can prove points earned through the Points-Based
System

⑤ Documents demonstrating the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑥ Office lease contract
⑦ Sales Record Certificate (Export/Import Records, etc.)

5. Permitting change of Status for German Citizens coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption
(B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9, H-1)
B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for

6. Permitting Chilean Citizens on Short-Term Business (C-3-4) visas to change their status to
Supervisory Intra-company Transfer (D-7), Corporate Investment (D-8), or Trade Management
 CONTENTS

(D-9)

- 73 -

(Visa Issuance Guidelines in accordance with the Free Trade Agreement between the government
of the Republic of Korea and the government of the Republic of Chile)
Eligible Individuals: a business person planning to do activities listed below as an
executive or a senior manager or in a position related to the core technology
CHANGE OF
STATUS

- a person who effectively engages in trade of goods or service between the country that
he/she belongs to and the country that he/she intends to enter
- a person who provides consultation relevant to the establishment, development,
management or operation of the investment or core technical service when he/she or his/her
company has invested or is investing significantly
Required Documents: documents proving qualifications

EXTENSION OF
STAY

1.

Permitting change of status for foreigners who have invested in a Korean corporation
(D-8-1)
Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration card
(for respective candidate only), one standard size photograph, No fee

② Copy of business registration card, complete business registration
certificate, original copy of circumstantial statement on a change of
shareholders

③ Foreign investment declaration form or copy of investment company
registration certificate

④ Dispatch order (must indicate the period of overseas assignment) and
proof of employment in case of overseas assignment

⑤ Documents demonstrating the introduction of investment funds
- Foreign currency transfer permit (declaration form) from the Customs or
banks (financial institution) of the country of origin or (for eligible
Common
Documents

applicants only)
- Introduction of investment amount statement (confirmation of wire
transfer, certificate of purchase foreign currency, custom declaration form
and etc.)

⑥ Proof of individual tax payment or relevant documents for value-added
tax standard assessment confirmation certificate

⑦ Sales record certificate (export/import records, etc.)
⑧ Documents demonstrating the existence of the place of business (office
lease contract, photographs of the front view of the office, inside of the
office signs and other materials)

⑨ Documents demonstrating the place of residence

(i.e. Lease contract,

confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry
date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public
services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
 CONTENTS

Additional

《 Additional documents for foreign investors who have invested less than
- 74 -

》

300 million KRW

EXTENSION OF
STAY

⑩ Documents demonstrating the usage details of the start-up funds
(product purchase receipt, office interior fees, transaction records of
Documents

domestic bank account and others)

⑪ Documents demonstrating that you have extensive work experiences in
your job field or entrepreneur experiences in your business, issued from
the country where the experiences took place (you will be required to
submit these documents if deemed necessary)

※ Followings are required documents for an indispensable professional specialist of a
subsidiary company that is entirely invested by a financial holding company registered as
a foreign corporate investor.

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, a standardized
photo, no fee

② an authorization of financial holding company and a copy of the registration of
foreign investment company

③ an affiliate's certified copy of corporate registration and shareholder's registry
(documents proving that the company is a wholly-owned affiliate of a financial holding
company)

④ a dispatch order issued by the headquarter office overseas
⑤ a copy of business registration certificate (both of the financial holding company and
of the affiliate)
2. Permitting change of status for foreigners who have invested in a business venture
(D-8-2)
Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration card
(for respective candidate only), one standard-size photograph

② Copy of business registration card, complete business registration card
③ Documents related to business venture
- confirmation of business venture company or prospective business venture
confirmation

Common
Documents

④ Documents demonstrating that you have an intellectual property right or
equivalent skills
- Patent right card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), Utility Model
Right registration card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), design
registration card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), Trade mark
registration card(Korean Intellectual Property office), copy of right
registration card (Korea Copyright Commission) and others

 CONTENTS

- Technology Evaluation from the Korea Technology Finance Corporation

- 75 -

or the Small and Medium Business Corporation

EXTENSION OF
STAY

⑤ Documents demonstrating records of business success
⑥ Tax payment certificate
⑦ Documents proving the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
3. Permitting change of status for foreigners who have invested in an unincorporated private
enterprise (D-8-3)
Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration card
(for applicable candidates only), one standard size photograph

② Copy of business registration certificate in which the names of
co-founders are written, original copy of co-founder partnership contract

③ Foreign investment declaration form or copy of investment company
registration card

④ Documents demonstrating the start-up capitals provided by the Korean
co-founder of a company (details of usage)

⑤ Dispatch order (must indicate the period of overseas assignment) and
proof of employment in case of overseas assignment

⑥ Documents demonstrating the introduction of investment funds
- Foreign currency transfer permit (declaration form) from the Customs or
Common
Documents

banks (financial institution) of the country of origin or (for eligible
applicants only)
- Introduction of investment amount statement (confirmation of wire
transfer, certificate of purchase foreign currency, custom declaration form
and etc.)

⑦ Proof of individual tax payment or relevant documents for value-added
tax standard assessment confirmation certificate

⑧ Sales record certificate (export, import records, etc.)
⑨ Documents demonstrating existence of the place of business (office lease
contract, photographs of the front view of the office, inside of the
office signs and other materials)

⑩ Documents proving the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

Additional
 CONTENTS

Documents

《 Additional documents for foreign investors who have invested less than
300 million KRW》
- 76 -

⑪ Documents demonstrating the usage details of the start-up funds (product

EXTENSION OF
STAY

purchase receipt, office interior fees, transaction records of domestic bank
account and others)

⑫ Documents demonstrating that you have extensive work experiences in
your job field or entrepreneur experiences in your business, issued from
the country where the experiences took place (you will be required to
submit these documents if deemed necessary)
4. Permitting an extension of stay for D-8-4 Technology and Business Startup status holders
Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration
card(for applicable candidates only), one standard size photograph

② Complete business registration certificate and a copy of business
registration

③ Copy of degree certificate
④ Documents demonstrating that you have either intellectual property right
or equivalent skills

⑤ Patent right card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), Utility Model
Right registration card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), design
registration card (Korean Intellectual Property Office), Trade mark
Common
Documents

registration card(Korean Intellectual Property office), copy of right
registration card (Korea Copyright Commission) and others

⑥ Official letter from the respective government department, demonstrating
that your business venture item was selected as the recipient of
government funds (must indicate the english names of the foreign
investor) and others

⑦ Documents demonstrating records of business
⑧ Tax payment certificate
⑨ Documents proving the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

※ How to check whether your foreign investor registration has been cancelled or not
Please visit the web-site below to check the status of foreign investor registration with
your ID and password.
- Web-site: http://insc.kisc.org/ext/moj/main.jsp
- What to search for and check: name of the foreign invested company, whether the
registration has been cancelled, registration number, business registration number, name of
 CONTENTS

the investor, address, etc.

- 77 -

- The information is utilized for visa issuance, entry permit, stay permit, investigation,
review for naturalization, etc.
- The above information can be check by contacting the Investment Consulting Center of
KOTRA (02-3497-1966) at diplomatic missions.
A holder of D-9 visa and etc. is required to submit a ｢Certificate of Personal Tax
Payment｣ when applying for extension of period of sojourn.
Even if a foreigner is working in the ROK and is paid by the headquarter company
overseas, he/she is imposed a class B earned income tax unless there is special
provisions on the tax agreement/treaty between the Republic of Korea and his/her
country of nationality.: to prevent tax evasion and establish public order in paying taxes
A. A person who has joined the Class B Tax Association and completed tax obligation
through year-end tax settlement after monthly income tax withholding by the
Association
➠ Please submit a receipt for class B earned income tax withholding issued by the
head of the Class B Tax Association
B. A person who has not joined the Class B Tax Association but reported and paid
the global income tax
➠ Please submit a certificate of income amount issued by the competent district tax
office
※ In the case of class B earned income, a payer is not in the ROK, so the
employees themselves have the obligation to pay their taxes. If the person has joined
the Class B Tax Association, the association withhold income tax monthly and pay it
to the competent district tax office before the 10th of the next month. If he/she has
not, he/she must report for the global income tax in May next year.
☞ Inquiry and Consulting/Counselling about issuance of a certificate of tax payment ☎
126 (National Tax Service Call Center)

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of Dec. 1,
2010 )
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the
departure date, you are exempted from Re-entry Permit
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from Re-entry Permit for
RE-ENTRY

the remaining period.

PERMIT
- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may apply for the permission from an
Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
2. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (single: 30,000 won,
multiple: 50,000 won)

- 78 -

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① Application form (Form No. 34), passport, one standard size photo, fee
② business registration certificate, documents proving residence such as lease/rent contract
③ Documents proving the place of residence (i.e. lease contract, etc.): for those who have
invested in a company run by a Korean national
- Those who entered Korea on a D-8 Corporate Investment visa issued by the Korean
diplomatic mission abroad must submit all required documents when they apply for
change of status.
* Please note that the above statement is not applicable to a person who has obtained a
visa through a confirmation of visa issuance.
2. Confirmation Details
The Ministry of Justice will look at whether the applicant actually lives in the address
he/she has written on the application
Alien registration details* and visa & residence mandatory fields** are throughly
submitted to our immigration administration database system
* Date of entry, port of entry, visa details, accompanied members details, householder and
the relationship with the householder, business registration number
** amount of investment, field, co-founder partnership (especially, those who have invested
less than 300 million KRW in a company run by a Korean national and who are
co-founders or additional business operators of that company are always marked under the

 CONTENTS

remark section.)

- 79 -

International Trade (D-9)
Corporate management, international trade, profit-making business
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

Installment, management, and maintenance of exporting equipment (machinery)
Ship building, supervision of equipment production
A person who
has received a Trade Business Code from the head of the Korea International Trade
Association in accordance with the International Trade Act and Regulations;

ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

has been invited or dispatched to a company introducing an industrial equipment (machinery)
and provides the company with a necessary set of skills for
installment

․management․maintenance of the equipment; or

has been dispatched for supervision of ship building or industrial equipment building
(including a person dispatched by professional service providers designated by employers)
MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

1. Expansion of exemption from permission of participation in activities uncertified for current
sojourn status
If you (D-9 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the period of sojourn, you
do not need permission as long as it is consistent with your original purpose of stay. (as of
June 15, 2009)
2. Permission of Activities as a Lecturer at a University for Excellent Specialists such as CEO
of a Foreign Investment Company
activities

You may apply for permission of activities as Short Term Employment

allowed

(C-4) if you plan to give a lecture for less than 90 days.

Eligible

① a person working as a full-time director or higher at a domestic

Individuals

Required
Documents

CONTENTS

company (including investment company) with D-7, D-8, D-9 visa

② a holder of professional working visa (E-1, E-3 ~ E-5, E-7)
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card,
fee ② a recommendation letter from the Dean/President of the University
③ a copy of a certificate of tax registration number for non-profit
organization (business registration certificate) ④ an employment contract
(original and copy) ⑤ a letter of consent from the employer of your
original workplace

- 80 -

➠ You are not subject to the report of 'Change/Addition of Workplace. You are subject to report
'Change in Registration Information'.
※ Holders of the visas listed who does not have intention of making profits below must report
'Change in Registration Information' (not 'Change/Addition of Workplace'. (Article 49-2 of the
Enforcement Regulations)
 holders of Cultural Arts (D-1), Study Abroad (D-2), General Training (D-4) or Trade
Management (D-9) visa: Change or Addition of institution/organization (including name
change)
holders of Job Seeking (D-10) visa: Start of Training or Change of Training Institute
(including name change)
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

holders of Working Visit (H-2) visa: Start of Employment (when newly hired by a
person/institution/organization/company), Information Change of the individual/institution/
organization/company (including name change) (when already working)
※ If you are a holder of Supervisory Intra-Company Transfer (D-7) ~ Trade Management (D-9)
visa and transfer from one affiliate to another, you are subject to report 'Change in Registration
Information' and submit the documents listed below.
For those engaging in supervision of ship building and industrial equipment building or
providing a necessary set of skills for installment, management, maintenance of the equipment
to be exported:
Required Documents
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② a dispatch
order (issued by the headquarter office) or a proof of employment (issued by the headquarter
office) ③ trade contract for ship building or equipment introduction contract

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

N/A

1. Permission of change of status to Trade Management (D-9) for those who entered the
Republic of Korea with Visa Exemption (B-1) or any Short-term visa due to unavoidable
circumstances and is qualified as the following:
A. A person has been invited or dispatched to a company introducing an industrial equipment
and provides the company with a necessary set of skills for
installment

․management․maintenance of the equipment

B. A person who has been dispatched for supervision of ship building or industrial equipment
building (including a person dispatched by professional service providers designated by
employers)
C. Required Documents
CONTENTS

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee ② a statement of
- 81 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

reasons for the change of status

③ a dispatch order or a proof of employment (issued by

④ trade contract for ship building or equipment introduction contract
⑤ a copy of business registration certificate ⑥ a certificate of tax payment (If you do not
the headquarter office)

have records of personal tax payment, you need to submit the company's tax payment
certificate.)
2. Permission of change of status for a foreign individual businessman (as of Oct. 29, 2012)
A. Eligible Individuals
A person newly setting up a business
- An individual businessman, planning to run a company or do a profit-making business in the
Republic of Korea, who has introduced KRW 300,000,000 or more in accordance with the

「Foreign Exchange Transaction Act」and「Foreign Exchange Transaction Regulation」 and
completed business registration in accordance with the「Value-Added Tax Act 」

- An individual businessperson who has invested KRW 300,000,000 or more in accordance with

「

」

the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and has been issued a certificate of investment
corporation registration.

≪ Exceptions ≫
Industrial Training (D-3), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Vessel Crew (E-10),
Miscellaneous (G-1), Pure Tourism and Group Tourism (C-3-2), Medical Tourism
(C-3-3), Working Holiday (H-1)*, Working Visit (H-2)
* In the case of H-1 visa holders, only citizens of France, Ireland and the UK are not
allowed to change their status to D-8 in accordance with the Agreements with the
respective countries.

- (Prospective) graduates with D-2 Student or D-10 Job Seeker visa who earned a master's degree
or higher from a Korean university and who completed business registration according to the
Value-added Tax Act after investing 100 million KRW or more to engage in business
administration or profit-making businesses in Korea (While the capital raised in Korea is
recognized up to 50 million KRW, the rest should be foreign capital in accordance with the
Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and the Foreign Exchange Transaction Regulations.)
However, if you are a (prospective) graduate who earned a bachelor's degree from a Korean
university and acquired a total of 40 credits or higher from the Overall Assistance for Start-up
Immigration System (from OASIS-1 to 8), you can apply for the change of status to D-9
International Trade visa.
An individual businessman staying in the ROK with Corporate Investment (D-8) visa

※ If you have invested less than KRW 300,000,000, you may apply for change of status.
However, if you have lost your Corporate Investment (D-8) status (i.e. overdue re-entry
period), you must satisfy basic requirements (Minimum investment capital of KRW
CONTENTS

300,000,000) as in the case of those newly setting up a business.

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

B. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, fee
② a copy of business registration certificate, a business license (where applicable), a
certificate of investment corporation registration (for holders only)

③ joint venture contract (original and copy) (where applicable)
④ documents proving annual income of the co-owner (where applicable)
⑤ documents proving the injection of business funds (a confirmation of remittance, a
certificate of purchased foreign currency, a customs declaration, an export declaration
of the respective country)

⑥ documents proving the use of capital (i.e. receipts of purchase, expenses for interior
decoration of the workplace, bank statements of a domestic bank account)

※ For D-9-5 International Trade visa applicants, the total amount of domestically raised
funds (invested money) is calculated based on the applicant's account balance or
capital use records.

⑦ A certificate of completion (for applicants who completed an OASIS course)
⑧ documents proving sales performance (i.e. import and export permit, a preliminary or
final declaration of value-added tax)

※ only for those who operated profit-making businesses with short-term Business
(C-3-4) visa, etc.

⑨ documents proving residence (i.e. lease/rent contract, receipts for rent)
⑩ documents proving that the business actually exists (i.e. lease/rent contract,
photographs of the front view of the building, working space, signboard, etc.)

※ Short-term rent (less than 6 months), rent of residential housing or online office is
not recognized. There may be exceptions in consideration of the nature of the business.
(i.e. lease/rent contract of warehouse, etc.)

3. Change of Status for German citizens coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption (B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, H-1)
B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
4. Permission of Change of Status to Supervisory Intra-company Transfer (D-7), Corporate
Investment (D-8), or Trade Management (D-9) visa for Chilean Citizens with Short-Term
Business (C-3-4) visa
Eligible Individuals: a businessman planning to do activities listed below as an executive or
a senior manager or in a position related to the core technology
- a person who effectively engages in trade of goods or service between the country that he/she
belongs to and the country that he/she intends to enter
CONTENTS

- a person who provides consultation relevant to the establishment, development, management

- 83 -

or operation of the investment or core technical service when he/she or his/her company has
CHANGE OF
STATUS

invested or is investing significantly
Required Documents : documents proving qualifications

EXTENSION OF
STAY

A holder of D-9 visa and etc. is required to submit ｢Certificate of Personal Tax
Payment｣ when applying for extension of period of sojourn.
Even if a foreigner is working in the ROK and is paid by the headquarter company
overseas, he/she is imposed a class B earned income tax unless there is special provisions
on the tax agreement/treaty between the Republic of Korea and his/her country of
nationality.: to prevent tax evasion and establish public order in paying taxes
A. A person who has joined the Class B Tax Association and completed tax obligation
through year-end tax settlement after monthly income tax withholding by the
Association
➠ Please submit a receipt for class B earned income tax withholding issued by the
head of the Class B Tax Association
B. A person who has not joined the Class B Tax Association but reported and paid
the global income tax
➠ Please submit a certificate of income amount issued by the competent district tax
office
※ In the case of class B earned income, a payer is not in the ROK, so the
employees themselves have the obligation to pay their taxes. If the person has
joined the Class B Tax Association, the association withhold income tax monthly
and pay it to the competent district tax office before the 10th of the next month.
If he/she has not, he/she must report for the global income tax in May next year.
☞ Inquiry and Consulting/Counselling about issuance of a certificate of tax payment
☎ 126 (National Tax Service Call Center)
1. Those who plan to engage in supervision of ship building or
installment‧management‧maintenance of the equipment to be exported

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
② a dispatch order or a proof of employment (issued by the headquarter office)
③ trade contract for ship building or equipment introduction contract
④ a copy of business registration certificate
⑤ a certificate of personal tax payment (where applicable)
i.e.) receipt for class B earned income tax withholding (issued by the Tax Association), a
certificate of income amount (issued by the Tax Office)

⑥ acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
CONTENTS

- 84 -

2. Those engaging in corporate management, international trade, profit-making business

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration
Card, fee

MANDATO
RY
DOCUMEN
TS

② a proof of employment (issued by the headquarter office)
③ a copy of business registration certificate
④ a certificate of personal tax payment
i.e.) receipt for class B earned income tax withholding (issued by the
Tax Association), a certificate of income amount (issued by the Tax
Office)

⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

SUPPLEME
NTARY
DOCUMEN
TS

EXTENSION OF
STAY

⑥ a copy of international trade registration or a copy of Trade Agency
Registration

⑦ documents of sales performance or a certificate of trade agency performance
(issued by the Korea International Trade Association : KITA)

3. a foreign individual businessperson

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
② a copy of business registration certificate, a business license (where applicable), a certificate
of investment corporation registration (for holders only)

③ documents proving the business is normally

operating

- a certificate of income amount, a certificate of tax payment* etc. (* issued within 30 days
from the application date)

※ If you have poor tax payment record or no record, you may be asked to submit additional
documents.

④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑤ Documents demonstrating existence of the place of business (office lease contract,
photographs of the front view of the office, inside of the office signs and other materials)

⑥ Documents demonstrating employment of Korean workers (withholding taxes, national
insurance premium, etc. for the consecutive six months, where applicable)

RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of
Dec. 1, 2010)
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the

- 85 -

departure date, you are exempted from Re-entry Permit
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from Re-entry Permit
for the remaining period.
CONTENTS

2. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (single: 30,000 won,
multiple: 50,000 won)
1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② business registration certificate, documents proving residence such as lease/rent contract
2. Required Documents for foreign individual businessperson

① an application form (Form No. 34), original passport, one standard-size photograph, fees
② Business Registration Certificate, proof of residency such as lease contract
③ A letter of Pledge for employment of Korean workers (where applicable)
3. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details: change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number, issue
date, expiry date)
Reasons for the report: Change and addition (as of Nov. 16, 2010) of organization/institution
(including name change)
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

Due Date: within 14 days from the date of change
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ② documents
proving change of your information
※ If you are a person with Supervisory Intra-Company Transfer (D-7) ~ Trade Management
(D-9) and transfer from one affiliate to another, you are to report 'Change in Registration
Information' and submit the documents below.
A person engaging in supervision of ship building and equipment building or providing the
company with a necessary set of skills for installment․management․maintenance of the
equipment (machinery)
Required Documents
① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee ② a
dispatch order issued by the headquarter office) or a proof of employment (issued by the
headquarter office) ③trade contract for ship building or equipment introduction contract

- 86 -

Job Seeker (D-10)
(Job Seeking Activities) You are engaged in job seeking activities or on-the-job paid
training (including short-term paid internship) at a Korean company or group
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

(Technology / Business Startup Activities) You participate in the OASIS programs,
preparing for intellectual property right application and business establishment (job seeking
activities)
You want to engage in researching and job seeking activities in a relevant field such as
E-1 Professorship, E-2 Foreign Language Instructor, E-3 Research, E-4 Technology
Transfer, E-5 Professional Employment, E-6 Arts & Performances, and E-7 Special
Occupation.
* However, among E-6 Arts & Performances status, E-6-2 status holders at adult

ELIGIBLE

entertainment establishment are not included. Only pure art and sports will be permitted.

INDIVIDUALS
You are qualified for the item C of D-8 Corporate Investment status, preparing for a
business startup.
* You have a bachelor's degree or above, or intellectual property right or equivalent skills.
You are also recognized as a founder of a corporation by the Minister of Justice.
(Technology and Business Startup Immigration)
MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

6 months

STAY
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT

N/A

SOJOURN
STATUS
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OR
WORKPLACE

N/A

GRANT OF
STATUS

N/A

CHANGE OF
STATUS

1. Permission of change of status to Job-seeking (D-10) for holders of Study Abroad (D-2)
visa
A. Eligible Candidates

① You are an international student who earned an associate degree at a Korean community
college (including a graduating student).

 CONTENTS

② You are an international student who earned a bachelor's degree or higher at a Korean
- 87 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

university (including a graduating student) or who has completed (will be completing
soon) a research course of an academic research center.

③ You hope to continue to work as E-1 Professor to E-7 Special Occupation status* holder,
but you have not yet renewed your employment contract or found a job at a different
place before the expiry date of your visa.
* Nonetheless, for E-6 Arts & Performance status holders only, those who are working as
E-6-2 Performers at Adult Entertainment Establishments are not included.

④ You have a bachelor's degree obtained in Korea or abroad (including a graduating
student) and have either an intellectual property right or an equivalent skill which he/she
can use in order to establish his/her own company.

⑤ Although you are not a job-seeking status holder (including B-1 and B-2 status), you
have all the prerequisites to be qualified for a D-10 Job Seeking visa.
B. Restricted Individuals
You will be restricted from changing your status, if, within the past one year, you have
ever quit your job without a valid reason attributable to an employer before your contract
expired, nonetheless have been permitted to change your status. *
* Based on the principle of good faith, it is necessary to protect good employers who are
not responsible for the end of employment contracts and to establish a social order among
foreigners in Korea by preventing their possible abuse of the existing job-seeking scheme
C. Required Documents

① Application form (Form No. 34), Passport, Alien
Registration Card, Fee

② Proof of Enrollment, Full Transcript, etc.
※ If your identity can be verified via our
D-2 Study Abroad visa holder

immigration information system, you are exempt
from submitting these documents.

③ Job-Seeking Action Plan
④ Photocopy of National Skill License (for
respective candidates only)

① Application Form (Form No. 34), Passport, Alien
Registration Card, Fee

From E-1 Professorship to
E-7 Special Occupation visa
holder

② Job Seeking Acton plan*
* It must include a specific type of occupation you
would like to take, the name of a company you
wish to work at, your financial ability to pay for
your living expenses in the ROK and your action
plans.

 CONTENTS

Other Status holder

① Application Form (Form No. 34), Passport, Alien
Registration Card, Fee

- 88 -

② Documents proving your job seeking visa

CHANGE OF
STATUS

qualifications*
* certificate of a degree, a proof of employment or
other documents proving education and career
Technology and Business Startup

① Application Form (Form #34), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Proof of Final Education Level (Bachelor's degree or higher)
③ Technology and Business Startup Plan
④ Photocopy of Application and Application Receipt for Patent Card·Utility Model
Registration Card·Design Registration Card (for respective candidate only)
⑤ OASIS Certificate or Confirmation of OASIS Enrollment (for respective candidate
only)
D. How to Apply
Please apply for change of status at the competent Immigration (Branch) Office
immediately after your status changes (or before your status changes)
2. Change of Status to working visa (E-1 ~ E-7)
A. Qualifications (All the qualifications below must be satisfied.)

①
②

A person staying in the ROK legally with Job Seeking (D-10) or Study Abroad
(D-2)* visa
A job you wish to find must be in the field of Professorship (E-1)

․Technology Transfer (E-4)․Professional
Employment (E-5)․Arts & Performance (E-6)**․Special Occupation (E-7) and you
Language Instructor (E-2)

③

․Research

․Foreign

(E-3)

must be qualified.
You

must

sign

an

employment

contract

with

the

head/president

of

the

organization/institute.
* A holder of Study Abroad (D-2) visa means a prospective graduate who is qualified to
apply for Job Seeking (D-10) visa. (However, if you have already received a bachelor's or
higher degree of university in your country or a third country, you may apply for D-10
visa regardless of whether you are a prospective graduate or not.)
** Jobs in the field of Hotel․Adult Entertainment Establishment (E-6-2) are excluded, only
those in the field of fine arts or sports are allowed.
B. Criteria and Required Documents
Status

Qualifications

‣You may apply for change when you satisfy the

Professorship

․

(E-1) Foreign Language
 CONTENTS

Instructor (E-2)

․

requirements for each status (i.e. diploma, career
experience, license, etc.)

- 89 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

‣ Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien
Registration Card, fee ② an employment contract,
documents demonstrating the establishment of

Research

․

(E-3) Technology
Transfer (E-4)

․

Professional Employment
(E-5)

institute/company (submit only one or two documents
among business registration certificate, a certified copy of
register, a certificate of private academy establishment)

③

a certificate of work experience (E-1), Criminal Records
(E-2), physical examination certificate for employment
(E-2), a copy of license (E-5, E-7), a recommendation
letter or documents demonstrating the necessity of
employment (E-5, E-7)

‣If you have an associate degree of a junior college and
your major and a job field are closely related, you may
apply for change of status.

‣However, you may not change your status to E-6-2 to
work at Hotel․Adult Entertainment Establishment as
stipulated in the Act on the Promotion of Korea Tourism
Arts & Performance (E-6)

‣ Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien
Registration Card, fee ② an employment contract,
documents demonstrating the establishment of
institute/company (submit only one or two documents
among business registration certificate, a certified copy of
register, a certificate of private academy establishment)

‣If you have an associate degree of a Korean junior

college and your major and a job field are closely related,
you may apply for change of status (experience is not
required).

‣If you have a bachelor's degree of a Korean university
and your major and a job field are closely related, you
Special Occupation (E-7)

may apply for change of status (experience is not
required).

‣Considering replaceability and employment of Korean
citizens, a domestic market-oriented company where
Korean employees are less than 5 and the number of
employees with E-7 visa exceeds 20% of that of Korean
employees may not hire additional foreign workers.*
 CONTENTS

* However, in the case of high-tech industries, it is allowed

- 90 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

to hire foreign workers with a recommendation from the
ministry in charge even if the number of foreign
employees exceeds 20% of that of Korean employees.

‣To prevent companies from misusing low-paid labor,
change of status is not allowed to a foreigner who is paid
less than 60% of average salary of Koreans working at
the same field and at the same position, or less than
KRW 1,500,000 a month.

▸ For other details, please refer to the Guidelines for
Issuance of Confirmation of Visa Issuance and Sojourn
Maintenance for Special Occupation (E-7).
‣ Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien
Registration Card, fee ② an employment contract ③
documents related to the establishment of the company
(submit only one or two documents among business
registration certificate, a certified copy of register, a

④a
certificate of work experience ⑤ a copy of license ⑥ a
certificate of private academy establishment, etc.)

recommendation letter or documents demonstrating the
necessity of employment, etc.
1. Maximum Length of Stay
EXTENSION OF
STAY

① a person who earned a bachelor's degree or higher at a Korean
university

② a person who has a national technical license or who earned an
associate degree at a Korean community college with a GPA of 2.5
or higher

③ a person who has at least 1-year experience at

one of companies

listed on the FORTUNE's Global 500

④ a person who is a graduate of one of the top 200 universities

up to 2 years

listed on the TIMES Higher World University Rankings

⑤ a person who either has or apply for a Patent Right, Utility Model
Right, or Design Right

⑥ You have scored 50 points more on the Points-Based System*
* Please refer to respective guidelines and appendix for points
distribution and criteria for the points-based system for business
startup immigration
Others (community college graduate, Ph.D degree holder)
2. Required Documents
 CONTENTS

up to 1 year

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee
- 91 -

② job seeking plan (including job seeking activities and other plans) or
plan(which must include your job seeking or business startup

business

preparation activities

in the past 6 months and your future plans)

③ A national technical license or transcript (only for persons who earned an associate
degree at a Korean community college)

④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of
sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee
and others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of
Dec. 1, 2010)
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the
departure date, you are exempted from re-entry permit
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from Re-entry
Permit for the remaining period.
- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may apply for the permission
from the competent Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
2. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (single: 30,000
won, multiple: 50,000 won)
1. Required Documents for Registration
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

Reasons for the report : Change and addition (as of Nov. 16, 2010) of
organization/institution (including name change)
Due Date : within 14 days from the date of change
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
documents proving change of your information
REMARKS

Applicable Provisions
- Article 35 of the Immigration Control Law (Report of Change in Registration
Information), Article 44 of the Enforcement Decree, Article 49-2, Paragraph 3 of the
Enforcement Regulations

 CONTENTS

Reasons for the Report

- 92 -

- When you are hired as an intern and start training or change your training institute
(including name change of institute)
- When you sign a contract (for more than 1 month ~ less than 6 months) to work as an
intern/trainee and with a certain amount of wage.
* If you are working temporarily for a test to be hired as an intern, you do not need to
report it to the Immigration (Branch) Office.
Individuals subject to Report
- A registered foreigner with Job Seeking (D-10) visa who is receiving training at a
company as an intern.
- A unregistered foreigner with Job Seeking (D-10) visa is also required to report when
the change occurs within 90 days from the date of entry (alien registration period).
Due Date
- within 14 days from the date of occurrence
Required Documents

① a report form for change in registration information ② a training (internship) contract
③ documents proving the registration of institute/training center (i.e. a copy of business
 CONTENTS

registration certificate)

- 93 -

Professor (E-1)
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

Foreigners qualified in accordance with the Higher Education Act may teach or research
at a junior college or higher as well as an

institution at an equivalent level.

a professor at an educational institute such as the KAIST;
ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS

a full-time lecturer at an education institute such as a junior college or higher; or
a research professor in a special field at a university or a university research lab

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

5 years

STAY
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

1. Expansion of exemption from permission of participation in activities uncertified for
current sojourn status
If you (E-1 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the period of sojourn,
you do not need the permission as long as it is consistent with your original purpose of
stay. (as of June 15, 2009)
2. Range of activities as a foreign language Instructor (E-2) that are allowed without
permission
(Guidelines for Visa Issuance and Sojourn Maintenance for a foreign language instructor)
A. Activities as a foreign language instructor for colleagues in the workplace

Eligible
Individuals

persons with a Professor (E-1) ~ Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7),
Long-term News Coverage (D-5) ~ International Trade (D-9) visa who
have completed alien registration and are staying in the ROK legally

activities

teaching

allowed

company/institute/organization you belong to

foreign

language

conversation

to

colleagues

at

the

B. Volunteer activities as a foreign language instructor without any intention to make profits
Eligible
Individuals
activities
allowed
 CONTENTS

registered aliens (or those who are exempted from the registration
requirement) who are staying in the ROK legally
teaching foreign language conversation voluntarily at a social welfare
facility or a community center (i.e. a school, a religious facility) without
any intention to make profits

- 94 -

PARTICIPATION

C. Remarks

IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

- If teaching activities go beyond the scope listed above and become your main activities,
you are not exempted from permission.
3. Permission of Activities as a Lecturer at a University for Excellent Specialists such as
CEO of a Foreign Investment Company

activities

You may apply for permission of activities as Short Term Employment

allowed

(C-4) if you plan to give a lecture for less than 90 days.

① a person working as full-time director or higher at a domestic
Eligible
Individuals

Required
Documents

company (including foreign investment company) with D-7, D-8 or
D-9 visa

② a holder of professional working visa (E-1, E-3 ~ E-5, E-7)
① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card,
fee ② a recommendation letter from the Dean/President of the
University ③ a copy of a certificate of tax registration number for
non-profit organization (business registration certificate) ④ an
employment contract (original and copy) ⑤ a letter of consent from the
employer of your original workplace

4. Permission of mutual exchange between Professor (E-1) and Researcher (E-3) for
advanced science and technology experts
A. Eligible Individuals
A person recommended by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, who
wishes to teach or research at an educational institution such as a junior college or higher
or at a research institute of science and engineering such as government-funded research
institute, national or public research institute or corporate-affiliated research institute.
B. Qualifications
A person who has a master's degree or higher in science and engineering and R&D
experiences in the respective field for at least 3 years
A person who has a doctor's degree in science and engineering
C. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, a standardized
photo, fee

 CONTENTS

② an employment contract or a confirmation for the prospective employment
③ a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace
④ a recommendation letter from the Minister of Education, Science and Technology
⑤ a copy of business registration certificate ⑥ documents proving that the company is a
- 95 -

research institute

PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES

5. Permission of participation in Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3) or Technical

UNCERTIFIED

Instructor/Technician (E-4) activities for a person who is an expert in advanced technology

FOR CURRENT

with a Short-term Employee (C-4) or Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) visa

SOJOURN
STATUS

A. Eligible Individuals
A person engaging in the fields of Information Technology of business venture (IT), ecommerce (e-business), Biotechnology (BT), Nanotechnology (NT), Advanced Materials
Industry (metallurgy, ceramics, chemistry), Transportation Machinery or Digital Electronics

․

and Environment Energy
A person who has a recommendation letter from the Minister in charge (i.e. the Ministry
of Knowledge Economy, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology)
B. Qualifications
A person who has at least a 5-year experience in the field of Information Technology
(IT) or e-commerce
A person who has a bachelor's degree and at least a 2-year experience in the respective
field (However, if you have completed a 4-year course and received a bachelor's degree,
work experience is not required.)
A person who has a master's degree or higher in the respective field
C. Required Documents

①

an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, a standardized
photo, fee

② an employment contract (original and copy) ③ a letter of consent from the employer of
your original workplace ④ a recommendation letter from the Minister in charge ⑤ a
certificate of work experience (If you have a bachelor's degree, a copy of diploma must
be attached.)
6. Permission for "A-1, A-2 Holders"
A. Activities Allowed
Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Foreign Language Teacher at International Schools
(E-7), Foreign Language Editor (E-7), Cultural Arts

(D-1), Religious Worker (D-6),

Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3), IT E-business related Expert who are recommended by
the Minister in charge among administrative personnel hired by foreign diplomatic
missions or foreign institution (E-7)
B. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, diplomatic ID, fee ② an employment
contract ③ business registration certificate and documents proving that the company is a
research institute ④ a certificate of a degree ⑤ a certificate of work experience ⑥ a
recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ⑦ a recommendation letter from
 CONTENTS

the Minister of Education, Science and Technology ("An advanced science and technology

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PARTICIPATION

expert" must be stated.)

IN ACTIVITIES

7. Permission of participation in Professor (E-1) activities for a person with an International

UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

Agreement (A-3) visa
A. Eligible Individuals
A person qualified for Research (E-3) requirements.
B. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, SOFA ID, fee ② an employment contract
③ business registration certificate and documents proving that the company is a research
institute ④ a certificate of a degree ⑤ a certificate of work experience ⑥ a
recommendation letter from the Minister of Education, Science and Technology ("An
advanced science and technology expert" must be stated.)

⑦ If you are SPONSOR, you

must obtain a consent letter from your current employer.
8. Employment of a spouse of a foreign investor of a large amount or a professional labor
A. Eligible Individuals
A spouse of a foreign professional labor such as a technical expert in advanced science
(SCIENCE card), an expert in advanced technology (GOLD card) or an expert in
information technology (IT card)
A spouse of a foreign investor (an investment visa holder, including investment
corporations) who has invested USD 500,000 or more
A spouse of a foreign professional labor (E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6 (except for
E-6-2), E-7)
B. Activities Allowed
All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9)
C. Period Allowed: It depends on the period of sojourn of the spouse (You may apply for
extension repeatedly.)
D. Required Documents: The accompanying documents for each visa status in accordance
with Article 76 of the Enforcement Decree (A reference letter is not required.)
※ Rules of the confirmation of visa issuance shall apply to E-7
9. Permission of mutual exchange between Religious Worker (D-6) and Professor (E-1) for
those who work at affiliated organizations of the same religious organization
A. Required Documents for change of status: D-6

→ E-1

① an application form (Form No. 34). passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② documents
proving that they are under the same organization ③ an employment contract (original and
copy) ④ certificate of the degree ⑤ a copy of business registration certificate ⑥ a letter
of consent from the employer of your original workplace
B. Required Documents for change of status: E-1

 CONTENTS

→ D-6

① an application form (Form No. 34). passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② documents
- 97 -

proving that they are under the same organization
employer of your original workplace

③ a letter of consent from the

④ permit for the establishment of the organization

1. Change into the "system of report after the fact" as of Nov. 15, 2010 (Article 26-2,
Paragraph 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Law)
In order to strengthen national competitiveness by making better use of professional
labor, the system is reformed from the "Prior permission system" to the "system of
report after the fact." for change/addition of workplace.
《Notification No. 11-510 of the Ministry of Justice

》

➠ If a professor engages in temporary speech‧lecture‧research related to the major field at
another university, you are not required to report change/addition of workplace.
A. Eligible Individuals
A registered foreigner staying in the ROK with Professorship (E-1) visa and qualified
to work in the workplace that is to be changed or added.
※ Even if you are qualified, you may not change or add your workplace if you were
fired or quit the previous job for the reasons attributable to yourself and did not obtain
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

consent from the employer of the original workplace.
B. Report Procedures, etc.
The person (the alien) under obligation to notify must report to the head of the
competent Immigration Office within 15 days from the date of occurrence. (Report by
proxy is allowed.)
※ In principle, you must visit the competent Immigration Office to report since you need
to attach a sticker or a stamp of the change/addition of workplace to your passport.
(However, in case of emergency such as an impending due date, you may first report
by fax and visit the office as soon as possible to have the sticker, etc. attached to your
passport.)
C. Required Documents

① a declaration form of change or addition of workplace [Form No. 38-3], passport,
Alien Registration Card, no fee ② business registration certificate ③ a letter of consent
from the employer of your original workplace ④ an employment contract
※ A letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace is not required if
you have worked until the expiry date of the contract or until the date set by you and
your employer. (You may submit, instead, documented proof or a statement of reasons if
there were reasons such as closure or temporary shutdown of business or an overdue
wage.)
GRANT OF
STATUS
N/A
 CONTENTS

- 98 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

1. ① Permission of Change of status to Professor (E-1) or Researcher (E-3) for highly
qualified foreign professionals who entered the Republic of Korea with no visa or
non-working visa due to unavoidable circumstances & ② Permission of Change of status
between Professor (E-1) and Researcher (E-3)
A. Eligible Individuals
A person who wishes to work at an educational institute such as a junior college or
higher or a research institute such as a government funded research institute, national or
public research institute, corporate-affiliated research institute, etc. (highly qualified
professionals in the fields of science and engineering, humanities, fine arts & physical
education, etc.)
※ In the past, only highly qualified professionals in the science and engineering field were
allowed to change their status. However, the range of fields has been expanded to the
fields of humanities, fine arts & physical educations, etc. Also, a recommendation letter
from the Minister of Education, Science and Technology is not required.
B. Qualifications
A person who has a master's degree and at least a 3-year of experience in the
respective field
A person who has a doctor's degree
C. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee ② an employment
contract (original and copy) (or a confirmation of the prospective employment) ③ a
certificate of work experience (with a copy of diploma attached) ④ documents related to the
establishment of the company (business registration certificate, documents proving that the
company is an research institute)

⑤ a letter of consent from the employer of your original

workplace (only if you have an original workplace)
2. Change of Status to the visa of professional jobs for a spouse of professional labor
A. Eligible Individuals
A spouse of foreign professional labor

《E-1, E-5, E-6 (excluding E-6-2), E-7》with

Dependent Family (F-3) visa
B. Activities Allowed

《

All the Professional jobs E-1, E-5, E-6 (excluding E-6-2), E-7

》

C. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, a standardized
photo, fee

② business registration certificate ③ a certificate of a degree ( original and a copy) or a
certificate of work experience ④ an employment contract (original and a copy) ⑤ a
letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace (only if you have an
 CONTENTS

original workplace)

- 99 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

3. Change of Status from Student (D-2) or Job Seeker (D-10) to Professor (E-1)
A. Qualifications (All the requirements below must be satisfied.)

① A person staying in the ROK legally with Job Seeker (D-10) or Student (D-2)* visa
② The job that you plan to find must be in the fields of Professor (E-1)․Foreign
Language Instructor (E-2)․Researcher (E-3)․Technical Instructor/Technician
(E-4)․Professional (E-5)․Artist/Athlete (E-6)․Foreign National of Special Ability
(E-7) and you must be qualified.

③ You must sign an employment contract with the Head/President of the
organization/institute.
* A person with Study Abroad (D-2) visa means a prospective graduate who is qualified to
apply for Job Seeking (D-10) visa. (However, if you have already received a bachelor's
degree or higher in a university in your country or a third country, you may apply for
D-10 visa regardless of whether you are a prospective graduate or not.)
B. Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② an
employment contract ③ a certificate of a degree or a certificate of work experience ④
documents related to the establishment of company/ institute (business registration
certificate, a certified copy of register)

4. A foreign student who graduated with a science or engineering degree and plans to work
as a lecturer or a researcher in the field of education․science technology (for a person
with master's degree or higher only)
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee ② proof of
university graduation ④ a recommendation letter from the Dean/President of the
University ⑤ business registration certificate
5. Change of Status for German Citizens coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption (B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, H-1)
 CONTENTS

B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② an employment contract (original and copy) and other documents* necessary for review
EXTENSION OF
STAY

(one or two documents)
* Plan describing what will be assigned to the professor, a list of students, receipt for
earned income tax withholding, etc.

③ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,

- 100 -

a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (revision of the Enforcement Regulations of
Dec. 1, 2010)
- If you are a registered foreigner and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the
departure date, you are exempted from re-entry permit.
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempted from re-entry permit
RE-ENTRY

for the remaining period.

PERMIT
- If you need the permission due to the entry restrictions, you may apply for the permission
from the competent Immigration (Branch) Office free of charge.
2. Required Documents
an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (single: 30,000
won, multiple: 50,000 won)
1. Required Documents for Registration

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, a standardized photo, fee
② business registration certificate in accordance with the "Value-Added Tax Act"
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details: change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport

(number,

issue date, expiry date)
 CONTENTS

Due date: within 14 days from the date of occurrence
Required Documents

① an application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
documents proving change of your information

- 101 -

Foreign Language Instructor (E-2)
ACTIVITIES

A foreigner who meets the standards set by the Minister of Justice may be allowed to

ALLOWED

teach conversation skills in a foreign language at a foreign language specialized academy,
educational institutions such as an elementary school or higher, or the institution's
affiliated language centers, language institutes of broadcasting companies and enterprises or
any other equivalent entities.
A. Definition of Conversation Skills Training

▸It involves teaching activities in a foreign language academy, educational institution,
company, or organization, on how to communicate in a foreign language.

▸Therefore, these activities do not include the teachings of certain foreign linguistics, or
literatures in the language, or interpretation/translation techniques.
B. Places

▸A foreign language specialized academy, educational institutions such as an elementary
school or higher, or the institution's affiliated language centers, language institutes of
broadcasting companies and enterprises or any other equivalent entities
⦁This includes distant learning academies or institutions that use ICT to teach school
curriculum and etc. (Pursuant to the revised Act on the Establishment and Operation of
Private Teaching Institutes and Extracurricular Lessons)
【Institutions included in the other equivalent entities】
▸Lifelong education facilities established under the Lifelong Education Act and
which meet the standards set by the Minister of Justice
▸Lifelong education facilities established and operated by the central or local
governments under other relevant laws and regulations (including ordinances)
▸Development training facilities and development training corporations established
under the Act on the Development of Workplace Skills of Workers.
▸The Education Institute of Construction designated as an agency to train
construction engineers under the Construction Technology Management Act
▸Corporations and/or public agencies that have a classroom furnished with
language training devices where an employee can teach conversation skills in a
 CONTENTS
ELIGIBLE
APPLICANTS

foreign language
1. An instructor in a foreign language academy and etc.

▸A national of a country that uses the certain foreign language as its native language and
who has graduated a college/university or higher institution in the country with at least
bachelor degree or who has equivalent or higher academic credentials.

▸ Exceptions for graduates of a university/college in the Republic of Korea
- 102 -

- An individual who graduated a highschool or a community college (2 years) in a country
which uses a certain foreign language as its native language, and acquired at least a
bachelor degree in a university in the Republic of Korea, will be eligible.

2. A foreigner who has been selected by the Ministry of Education or a superintendent of
an office of education of a city or a province of Korea and who wishes to work at
elementary, middle, or highschool in Korea.
English Native Speaker Assistant Teacher (EPIK)
▸A national of a country* which uses English as its native language and who
acquired at least a bachelor degree.
* Nations that use English as a native language (7): The U.S.,The U.K., Canada, The
Republic of South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland
English Assistant Teacher under CEPA between Korea and India
▸An Indian national who graduated a university or higher educational institution with at
least a bachelor degree and a teacher's license/certificate (English major)
Participants selected for TaLk (Teach and Learn in Korea) Program
▸A national of a country that uses English as its native language, who:
- completed at least 2 years of university curriculum in his/her country of origin (1
year for the citizen of U.K.) or a graduate of a community college or higher
educational institution.; or
- received formal education in English for more than 10 years and who has completed
more than 2 years in a university in Korea or graduated a community college or
higher educational institution
Native Chinese Assistant Teacher (CPIK)
▸A Chinese national who graduated a university or higher educational institution in
China with at least a bachelor degree and the Teacher Qualification Certificate of
TCFL issued by Hanban (the National Office for Training Chinese as a Foreign
 CONTENTS

Language)

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT

1. Expansion of permission exemption for activities outside of the current status of stay
If you (E-2 holder) plan to receive formal school education (elementary, middle, high
school, or university/college) before expiry of your stay, you are not required to receive

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STATUS OF
STAY

another permission unless it impinges on your original purpose of stay. (Effective since
June 15, 2009)
2. Range of activities a foreign language Instructor (E-2)

is allowed to participate without

permission
(Guideline for Visa Issuance and Sojourn Management for a foreign language instructor)
A. Foreign Language Conversation Training for colleagues and others in the workplace
a registered alien with Professor (E-1) ~ Foreign National of Special

Eligible

Ability (E-7), Long-term News Coverage (D-5) ~ International Trade

Applicants

(D-9)

activities

teaching

allowed

company/institute/organization you belong to

foreign

language

conversation

to

colleagues

at

the

B. Volunteer activities as a foreign language instructor are allowed to do without intention
to make profits
Eligible
Applicants
activities
allowed

a person who is registered(or is exempt from registration) and stays
legally
teaching foreign language conversation voluntarily at a social welfare
facility or a community center (i.e. a school, a religious facility) without
any intention to make profits

C. Common Requirements
- If teaching activities go beyond the permitted standards mentioned above and become your
main activity, you will not be included from the permission exemption
3. A registered foreigner qualifying for Foreign Language Instructor(E-2) (including A-1,
A-2, A-3)
A. Eligible Applicants and Authority
A registered foreigner who is qualified for Foreign Language Instructor(E-2)(including
A-1, A-2, A-3) can apply for the permission of participation in E-2 activities, and the
permission will be given at the discretion of the Head of Immigration Office or Branch
Office.*
B. Required Documents and others
Teaching Assistants who made an employment contract with the Head of a district
School Board
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee

①
② a letter of acceptance ③ an employment contract (the original and a copy)
※ Your education background, criminal records and health status are autonomously
reviewed by the jurisdictional educational office, therefore, you are exempt from
 CONTENTS

submitting related certificates.

- 104 -

ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

Other Foreign Language Conversation Instructors except ones above

① an application form (Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment contract (original and copy) ③ a copy of a business registration
certificate

④ A proof of your education confirmed by a public authority*
- If you submitted a confirmed document in the past, then you are exempt from this
requirement.
* The document needs to be confirmed by the Apostille Agreement (for participants
countries), by the consul of the diplomatic mission abroad (for
non-apostille-participants countries), or by the government agency (for Japanese only).
➠ If you received a degree from a Korean University, you can submit a copy of a
degree which is not confirmed by public authority.(The information can be verified via
our immigration information system and a certificate of a degree.)

⑤ Criminal Records confirmed by a public authority and issued within 6 months from
the date you filed application*
- If you already submitted criminal records confirmed by a public authority before and
left the country and now are in the middle of process of re-applying within 3 months
of your last departure, you are exempt from the requirement to submit the criminal
records. However, if it has been more than 3 months since you left the country, you
are required to submit a renewed one.
*The document needs to be confirmed by the Apostille Agreement (for participants
countries), by the consul of the diplomatic mission abroad (for
non-apostille-participants countries), or by the government agency (for Japanese only).
- In principle, you are not allowed to obtain permission unless you have clean Criminal
Records.

⑥ Health Checkup Results*
* Health Checkup should be carried out in accordance with criteria of Checkup for
recruitment of government officials and should include the results of
HIV/Drug(including Philopon, Cocaine, Opium and Marijuana) test. Also it should be
issued by a medical institution designated by the Minister of Justice.

⑦ a copy of registration of establishment and operation of private institution (if
applicable) ⑧ a copy of lifelong education facility registration (if applicable)
4. Permission for a Foreign English Scholar invited by the Government
A. Eligible applicants
Only for a student selected for "Foreign English Scholar invited by the President
 CONTENTS

(Government)-TaLK" by the Ministry of Education(the Head of a district School Board)

- 105 -

ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

A citizen of an English-speaking country with D-2 visa who
- has completed at least 2 years of university in an English-speaking country; or
- has been educated in English for 10 years or more and

completed at least 2 years of a

Korean university.
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card,
“Foreign English

no fee

②

Scholar invited by the President” a letter of acceptance (issued by the

Chairman of the National Institute for International Education or the Head of a district
School Board)

③ an employment contract ④ a copy of a business registration certificate

5. Permission for a foreign language instructor working at a language camp
A. Criteria
working at a camp registered(reported) as a lifelong education
facility in accordance with the Lifelong Education Act
- working at a camp registered(reported) as a lifelong education facility
to a local government (i.e. cultural center of English language,

Allowed

English village and etc.)
※ The operation of camps falls under the jurisdiction of the

Ministry

of Education, and there are no particular restrictions as long as the
camp is registered as a lifelong education facility.
When a private institution runs a language camp outside of the
existing facility or runs a camp under the name of another
Restricted

organization/institution that is allowed to obtain permission to run a
camp (Article 8 of the Act on the establishment and operation of
private teaching institutes and extracurricular lessons)

B. Eligible applicants

①

A person with Professorship(E-1) who has been granted permission for activities

②

A person with Foreign Language Instructor(E-2) who has been granted permission

③

A person with Short Term Employment(C-4, English Camp) : Report/permission is

as Foreign Language Instructor(E-2)

for the addition of workplace

not required

6. Employment of a spouse of a foreign investor who has invested a significant amount of
money or a spouse of a professional
 CONTENTS

A. Eligible applicants

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A spouse of a foreign professional labor sunken expert in advanced technology(GOLD
card) or an expert in technology(IT card)
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

A spouse of a foreign investor(including corporations) who has invested US$500,000 or
more as an investment visa holder
A spouse of a foreign professional labor( A E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6, (excluding
E-6-2), E-7 visa holder)
B. Activities Allowed
All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9)
C. Period Allowed: Until the spouse's authorized period of stay expires ( You can apply for
the extension of period of stay)
D. Required Documents: The accompanying documents for each visa status in accordance
with Article 76 of the regulations (A reference letter is not required.)
※ Rules of the confirmation of visa issuance shall apply to E-7

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

A. Overview
In order to strengthen national competitiveness by making better use of professional
labor, the system is reformed as 'Follow-up reporting system' from 'Prior permission
system' so that you(E-2 holder) can change and add a workplace more easily.
Not only the workplace that you are working under the employment contract, but
also the other place(s) you are working following your employer's order within the
contract are included in the "Designated Workplaces".

【 Designated Workplace (examples) 】
• If a native English teacher of "B" elementary school, who belongs to a provincial
"A" district School Board, teaches at "C" and "D" elementary school within the
jurisdiction, "B","C", and "D" are designated workplaces.
• When a language instructor of "A" institution visits a "B" corporate/company to teach
foreign language conversation, "A" and "B" are

designated workplaces. (However,

the company/corporate should be qualified to hire a foreign language instructor and
the lesson hours can not exceed 1/3 of those of "A" institution.)
• Other cases similar to examples above

※ Common Requirement : Teaching activities at the other place(s) should be within
the contract and your status, with no additional contracts or payment and it can not
be dispatched work type.

B. Eligible applicants and Reporting Procedures
 CONTENTS

Eligible applicants

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CHANGE OR

- A person who has completed the former contract normally and then changed a workplace,

ADDITION OF

or changed the workplace due to the former employer's fault such as business

WORKPLACE

suspension/closure or etc.;
- A person whose contract has been terminated due to his/her own fault or intention but
changes a workplace with the consent of the former employer;
- A person who signed an additional contract with other workplace with a consent from the
current employer.; or
- A person who receives separate payments for his/her work in another workplace for times
not exceeding 1/3 of the original workplace following the instructions of the current
employer
• If the foreigner is delivering a lecture and paid based on a contract between the
original employer and another institution/organization permitted to hire E-2 visa
holders, it is deemed to construe a subcontract requiring addition of a workplace.
Therefore, adding the institution/organization as a new workplace is reasonable.
• If a company is suspected to hire too many employees relevant to the size of the
classroom and the number of enrolled students, an investigation will be conducted
on the company to decide whether to permit further employment in order to
prevent the surplus employees from engaging in illegal tutoring.
- A lecture schedule of each E-2 instructor, etc. will be reviewed to check whether
lectures are delivered according to a time table and whether one third or more of
monthly lecture time is spent on business trips. If violation is found to exist, the
issue of Confirmation of Visa Issuance is not allowed and additional employment
is restricted until the ground for violation ceases to exist.
Individuals Restricted (Notification 2011-510 of the Ministry of Justice , as of 11.10.4.
see Appendix 8)
- A Government-invited Scholarship student who is not qualified for working at the place
he/she wants to work at*
* If you haven't graduated from a university(with bachelor's degree), you

can not change

your workplace as you are not qualified to be a language instructor of private institution.
- Even if you are qualified, you are not allowed to change or add your workplace unless
you submit a letter of consent issued by the employer of your original workplace after
you resigned or were dismissed from the company before your contract ends due to your
own intention or fault.
C. Report Procedure and others
The person(the alien) under obligation to notify has to report to the Head of the local
Immigration Office within 15 days from the date of occurrence and submit an
'Application for Change of Addition of Workplace (Annex9)' (Report by proxy is allowed)

 CONTENTS

※ In principle, you have to visit the local Immigration Office to report since you are
- 108 -

required to receive a sticker or a stamp of change or addition of workplace on your
passport.*
D. Required Documents
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

an employment contract (original and copy), business registration certificate (or certificate
of Proper Number), a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace,
any documents relevant to establishment, etc.
※ A letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace is not required if
you have worked until the contract expires or until the date you and your employer
agreed upon. (It can be replaced by a statement of reasons if you resigned at the
employer's fault such as an overdue wage and business suspension/closure and etc.)

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.

A. Eligible applicants and Authority
A registered foreigner(including A-1, A-2, A-3) who wants to change his/her status to
E-2 and any foreigner who has been hired as a teaching assistant of Elementary/Middle
school by the Head of a district School Board can apply for permission of participation
in E-2 activities, and the permission will be given at the discretion of the Head of
Immigration Office or Branch Office.
B. Required Documents
Required Documents

․

- Official Proof of Education Criminal Records and Health Checkup Results confirmed by
a public authority, an employment contract, any documents relevant to the establishment
of institution, other necessary documents for consideration

‣ If you submitted the Proof of Education․Criminal Records, Health Checkup Results
confirmed by a public authority in the past and have been in Korea with a D-10 visa
or one of other visas, you are exempt from submitting the documents.

‣ If you are an English teaching assistant of Elementary/Middle school, who made an
employment contract with the Head of a district School Board, you only required to
submit ‘an employment contract’ and ‘a letter of acceptance for an English teaching
assistant’.*
* Proof of Education․Criminal Records and Health Checkup Results will be examined by a
district School Board.
※ Health Checkup Results must be sealed when submitted (Do not open the envelop.)
▸In principle if the wage on an employment contract does not meet the minimum wage
standard, permission for change the status of stay is not allowed.
 CONTENTS

1. If you are invited and hired by the Ministry of Education(the Head of a district School

- 109 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Board),and expected to work as a foreign language instructor for elementary/middle/high
school, you can apply for change of status to E-2 regardless of your current status.

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card(for an
eligible person only), one standardized photo, fee

② a letter of acceptance issued by the Chairman of the National Institute for International
Education or the Head of a district School Board

③ an employment contract (original and copy)
④ a copy of School's business license document (or a copy of certificate of Proper
Number)
* However, if you are an English teaching assistant of Elementary/Middle school who
signed an employment contract with the Head of a district School Board, you are not
required to submit the official proof of education․a certificate of work experience and
Health Checkup for employment. However, you are required to submit ‘a letter of
acceptance’ and ‘an employment contract‘. (Also if you already submitted Proof of
Education․Criminal Records, Health Checkup Results confirmed by a public authority in
the past and have been in Korea with a D-10 visa or one of other visas, resubmission is
not required)
2. A registered foreigner who is qualified for Foreign Language Instructor(E-2) (including
A-1, A-2, A-3)
A. Eligible applicants and Authority
A registered foreigner who is qualified for Foreign Language Instructor(E-2)(including
A-1, A-2, A-3) can apply for permission of participation in E-2 activities, and the
permission will be given at the discretion of the Head of Immigration Office or Branch
Office.*
B. Required Documents and others

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② an employment contract (original and copy) ③ a copy of business license
④ A proof of your education confirmed by a public authority*
- If you submitted a confirmed document in the past, then you are exempt from this
requirement.
* The document needs to be confirmed by the Apostille Agreement (for participants
countries), by the consul of the diplomatic mission abroad (for non-apostille-participants
countries), or by the government agency (for Japanese only).
➠ If you have a degree from a Korean University, you can submit a copy of a degree
which is not confirmed by public authority.

⑤ Criminal Records confirmed by a public authority and issued within 6 months from the
 CONTENTS

date you filed the application*

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

- If you submitted a criminal record confirmed by a public authority and then left the
country but currently in the process of re-applying within 3 months of your last departure,
you are not required to submit the criminal record again.

However, if it has been more

than 3 months since you left the country, you are required to submit a renewed record.
* The document needs to be confirmed by the Apostille Agreement (for participants
countries), by the consul of the diplomatic mission abroad (for non-apostille-participants
countries), or by a consul of your country in the ROK (for those staying in the ROK)
- In principle, you can not be granted permission unless you have clean Criminal Records.*

⑥ Health Checkup Results* (It must be sealed when submitted. Do not open the envelop.)
* Health Checkup should be carried out in accordance with criteria of Checkup for
recruitment of government officials and should include the results of HIV/Drug(including
Philopon, Cocaine, Opium and Marijuana) test. Also it should be issued by a medical
institution designated by the Minister of Justice.

⑦ a copy of registration of establishment and operation of private institution (if applicable)
⑧ a copy of lifelong education facility (if applicable)
3. Changing status from Study Abroad(D-2), Job Seeking(D-10) ➠to Foreign Language
Instructor(E-2)
A. Qualifications (All the requirements below must be satisfied.)

① A person staying in the ROK legally with Job Seeking(D-10) or a Study
Abroad(D-2)* visa

② The field you wish to have a job must be included to the visa status of
Professorship(E-1)․Foreign Language Instructor(E-2)․Research(E-3)․Technology
Transfer(E-4)․Professional Employment(E-5)․Arts & Performance(E-6)**․Special
Occupation(E-7) and you must have required qualifications.

③ You are required to make a employment contract with the Head/President of the
organization/institute.
※ A person with a Study Abroad(D-2) visa means an expectant graduate who is qualified
to apply for Job Seeking(D-10) visa. (However, if you already hold a bachelor's or higher
degree of university in your country or a third country, and have necessary qualifications
and experiences, you can apply for D-10 visa regardless of whether you are an expectant
graduate or not.)
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee ②
an employment contract ③ certificate of a degree or a certificate of work experience ④
any documents relevant to the establishment of the company/institution (i.e. business
license, a certificate of private academy establishment, a certified copy of register)
Criminal Records

 CONTENTS

⑤

⑥ Health Checkup Results (It must be sealed when submitted. Do not

open the envelop.)

- 111 -

3. Change of Status for a citizen of Germany coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption
(B-1)
CHANGE OF
STATUS

A. Permitted Status of Stay: All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9, E-10,
H-1)
B. Period of Permitted Stay: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
➠ A person who is qualified for Foreign Language Instructor(E-2)
1. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment contract (Both the original and a copy)
③ a copy of business license ④ a copy of registration of establishment and operation of
private institution (for an eligible person only)

⑤ In the case of working at a lifelong education facility or a corporation (Documents such
as current status of registered students, timetable of lessons, a receipt for earned income
tax withholding and etc. will be evaluated for approval.)

⑥ If you are a registered foreigner and received a request to prepare Criminal Records and
proof of education before, you are required to submit the document(s) you were asked to.

⑦ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
EXTENSION OF
STAY

provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)

⑧ timetable of lessons
※ A native English teacher, invited by the Ministry of Education or a district School
Board, is exempt from submitting ①Criminal Records ②Proof of Education ③Health
Check-up Results.
2. Special Case of Period of Stay
An English Teaching Assistant in accordance with the Korea-India CEPA Agreement
- Period of Employment: 1 year
Foreign English Scholar Invited by the Government (TaLK) and Native Chinese Teaching
Assistant(CPIK)
- Period of Employment: up to 2 years
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the departure
date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit

 CONTENTS

- If your authorized period of stay remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from Re-entry

- 112 -

Permit for the remaining days.
- If you have to receive the permission due to the entry restrictions, you can apply for the
permission at a local Immigration Office/Branch Office without fee.
2. Required Documents
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (Single
30,000 KRW, Double 50,000 KRW)
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② business license in accordance with the ‘Value-Added Tax Act ’
③ Health Checkup Results
- It should be issued by a medical institution designated by the Minister of Justice in
accordance with the Notification 11-501 of the Ministry of Justice (as of Jan. 27,
2011)(Appendix 6).*
* However, an English teaching assistant hired by the Head of a district School Board and
a government-invited scholarship student are exempt from submitting the document. (A
district School Board confirms it.)
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
Due Date : within 14 days from the date of occurrence
Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
 CONTENTS

any documents proving change of your information

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Researcher (E-3)
Researching in the field of natural science
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

Researching in the field of advanced technology
Advanced Science Skilled Workers
A person who:
is working as a natural science researcher or an industrial technology researcher at
research institutes established in accordance with the Support for Specific Research
Institute Act and the Establishment

․Management and Promotion of Government-funded

Research Institutes Act;
is researching at a research institute in accordance with the Defense Acquisition Program
ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

Act;
signed a contract with an institute or an organization to develop advanced technology in
the field of natural science or industrial technology in accordance with the Industrial
Technology Innovation Promotion Act; or
was recommended by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology and is planing
to work as a researcher in the field of natural science or advanced technology at a
engineering research center such as a government funded research center, a public research
institute, a corporate research institute and others.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF
STAY PER

5 years

APPLICATION
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

1. Expansion of permission exemption for activities outside of the current status of stay
If you(E-3 holder) plan to receive formal school education

(elementary, middle, high

school, or university/college) before expiry of your stay, you are not required to obtain
another permission as long as it doesn't impinge on your original purpose of stay.

(as of

June 15, 2009)
2. Permission for a highly qualified personnel (CEO of a Foreign Investment Company and
etc.), who wishes to teach in universities/colleges
Activities
Allowed

Eligible
 CONTENTS

applicants

You can apply for permission of activities as Short Term
Employment(C-4), if you plan to teach for less than 90 days period in a
university/college

① a person working as a full-time director or at a higher position in a
corporation in Korea (including foreign investment company) with a D-7,
D-8, D-9; or

② a person with a professional working visa (E-1, E-3 ~
- 114 -

ACTIVITIES

E-5, E-7)
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien

①

OUTSIDE OF

② a recommendation letter from the
Dean/President of the University ③ a copy of a certificate of Proper
Number(business license) ④ an employment contract (the original and a
copy) ⑤ a letter of consent from the employer of your original

THE CURRENT

Registration Card, fee

STATUS OF

Required

STAY

Documents

workplace
3. Permission of mutual exchange between an advanced science and technology experts with
a Professor (E-1)

and Researcher (E-3)

A. Eligible applicants
A person recommended by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, and who
wishes to work at an educational institution ( a community college or higher level of
educational institutions, a research institute in the filed of science or engineering, such as a
government-invested research institution, a national ⦁public or a corporate affiliated
research institute and etc.)
B. Qualifications
A person who has a master's or higher degree in science/engineering and R&D
experiences in the respective field for at least 3 years
A person who has a doctorate in science/engineering
C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② an employment contract or a confirmation for the prospective hiring
③ a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace
④ a recommendation letter from the Minister of Education, Science and Technology
⑤ a copy of business license ⑥ any documents demonstrating the research center
4. A permission of participation in activities as Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3) or
Technical Instructor/Technician E-4) for a person who is an expert in Advanced
Technology with Short Term Employment(C-4) or Foreign National of Special Ability
(E-7)
A. Eligible applicants
A person is eligible if he/she:
is engaged in the field of Information Technology of business venture (IT), e-commerce
(e-business), Biotechnology (BT), Nanotechnology (NT), Advanced Materials Industry
(metallurgy, ceramics, chemistry), Transportation Machinery or Digital Electronics and

․

Environment Energy; and
 CONTENTS

has a recommendation letter from the Minister of relevant Department (i.e. the Ministry

- 115 -

ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF

of Knowledge Economy, the Ministry of Education)
B. Qualifications
A person who has experiences in the field of Information Technology(IT) or e-commerce
for at least 5 years;

STAY
A person who holds a bachelor's degree and experiences in the respective field for at
least 2 years (However, if you have completed a 4-year course and received a bachelor's
degree in the ROK, working experience is not a requirement); or
A person who has a master's or higher degree in the respective field
C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② an employment contract (the original and a copy) ③ a letter of consent from the
employer of your original workplace ④ a recommendation letter from the Minister of
relevant Department ⑤ a certificate of degree and a certificate of work experience (If you
have a bachelor's degree, a copy of the diploma has to be submitted.) ⑥ a copy of
business registration certificate
5. Permission for "A-1, A-2 Holders"
A. Activities Allowed
Foreign Language Instructor(E-2), Teachers in International School (E-7), Foreign
Language Editor(E-7), Cultural Arts(D-1), Religious Worker(D-6), Professor(E-1),
Researcher(E-3), Civil Servant carrying official missions at a national or local
government(E-7), IT, E-business related Expert who has a recommendation letter from
Minister of respective department
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and diplomatic ID, fee ② an
employment contract ③ business license and any documents demonstrating the research
center ④ certificate of a degree ⑤ a certificate of work experience ⑥ a
recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ⑦ Minister of Education,
Science and Technology a recommendation letter from the relevant Department("An
advanced science and technology expert" should be stated.)

6. Permission of research activity (E-3) for Agreement Visa holders (A-3)
A. Qualifications
An individual who meets the qualifications of E-3
B. Required Documents

①

②the employment
contract ③ business license and any documents demonstrating the research center ④ The
original copy of the diploma ⑤ Certificate of work experience ⑥A recommendation letter

 CONTENTS

an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, SOFA ID, fee

from the Ministry of Education ("An advanced science and technology expert" should be

- 116 -

stated.)

⑦ A letter of consent from employer of original workplace (if you are in

sponsorship)

7. Employment of a spouse of a foreign investor who has invested a significant amount of
money or a spouse of a professional
A. Eligible applicants
A spouse of a foreign professional labor such as a technical expert in advanced
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

science(SCIENCE card), an expert in advanced technology(GOLD card) or an expert in
information technology(IT card)
A spouse of a foreign investor(including corporations) who has invested US$500,000 or
more as an investment visa holder
A spouse of a foreign professional labor(An E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6, (excluding
E-6-2) E-7 holder)
B. Activities Allowed
All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9)
C. Period Allowed: Until the spouse's authorized period of stay expires (You can apply for
the extension of period of stay)
D. Required Documents: The accompanying documents for each visa status in accordance
with Article 76 of the regulations (A reference letter is not required.)
※ Rules of the confirmation of visa issuance shall apply to E-7

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF

1. Amendment of 'Follow-up reporting system' as of Nov. 15, 2010 (Article 26 (2), section
1 of the presidential decree of the Immigration Control Act)

WORKPLACE
In order to strengthen national competitiveness by making better use of professional
labor, the system is reformed as 'Follow-up reporting system' from 'Prior permission
system' so that you can change and add a workplace more easily.
《Notification 11-510 of the Ministry of Justice

》

A. Eligible applicants
A registered foreigner staying in the ROK with a Research(E-3)

visa and qualified for

the workplace that is to be changed or added.
※ Even if you are qualified, you are not allowed to change or add your workplace unless
you submit a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace when you
resigned or were dismissed from the company before your contract ends due to your
own intention or fault.
B. Report Procedure and others
The person (the alien) under obligation to notify has to report to the Head of the local
 CONTENTS

Immigration Office within 15 days from the date of occurrence. (Report by proxy is

- 117 -

allowed)
※ In principle, you have to visit the local Immigration Office to report as you are
required to receive a sticker or a stamp of change or addition of workplace on your
passport.* (However, in case of an emergency such as an impending due date, you may
report by fax in advance and visit the office as soon as possible to receive the sticker
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

or stamp.)
C. Required Documents

① a declaration form of change or addition of workplace [Report form, No.38-3],
passport and Alien Registration Card, no fee ② business license ③ a letter of consent
from the employer of your original workplace ④ an employment contract

※ A letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace is not required if
you have worked until the contract expires or until the date you and your employer
agreed upon. (It can be replaced by a statement of reasons if you resigned at the
employer's fault such as an overdue wage and business suspension/closure and etc.)

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.

1. ① Permission of Change to Professorship(E-1) or Research(E-3) for a highly qualified
professional foreigner who entered the Republic of Korea with no visa or non-working
visa due to unavoidable circumstances & ② Permission of Change of status

between

Professorship(E-1) and Research(E-3)
A. Eligible Applicants
A person who wants to work at an educational institute such as a community college or
higher, a government funded research center, a public research institute, a corporate
research institute and others. (highly qualified professionals in the field of engineering,
humanities, fine arts&physical education or etc.)
※ Previously, only highly qualified professionals in engineering field were allowed to
change their status. However, the range of fields has been expanded to include the fields
of humanities, fine arts&physical educations and etc. Also, a recommendation letter from
the Minister of Education, Science and Technology is not required.
B. Qualifications
A person who has a master's degree and at-least-3-year of experiences in the respective
field
A person who has a doctorate
C. Required Documents

 CONTENTS

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee ② an
employment contract original and copy(or a confirmation on the job appointment) ③a
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CHANGE OF
STATUS

certificate of work experience(A copy of certificate of the diploma also should be

④ any documents relevant to establishment of company (business license,
any documents demonstrating the research center) ⑤ a letter of consent from the
submitted.)

employer of your original workplace (if applicable)
2. Permission to change status to Researcher (E-3) for a researcher engaged in the field of
natural science or development of advanced industrial technology, who plans to work in
the fields below, regardless of the current status
A. Eligible Applicants
A scientific technician working at a research institute

established in accordance with the

Support for Specific Research Institute Act and other Special Act
A scientific technician engaged in research at a research institute in accordance with the
Defense Acquisition Program Act
A scientific technician working at a public research institute
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee ② a copy of business license (for a corporate body, any
documents relevant to establishment such as a certificate of the registration of

③ certificate of a degree(the original and a copy) or a certificate of
work experience ④ an employment contract (the original and a copy) ⑤ a letter of
incorporations)

consent from the employer of your original workplace (only if you have an original
workplace)
3. Permission to change status for a Spouse of Professional Labor to Professional Visa
A. Eligible applicants

《E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7》with a

A spouse of foreign professional labor
Dependent Family(F-3) visa
B. Activities Allowed

《

》

All the Professional jobs E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7
C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② business license ③ certificate of a diploma (the original and a copy) or a certificate
of work experience ④ an employment contract (the original and a copy) ⑤ a letter of
consent from the employer of your original workplace (only if you have an original
workplace)
4. Change of Status for a citizen of Germany coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption
(B-1)
 CONTENTS

A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, E-10, H-1)

- 119 -

B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
5. Change Visa Status from Study Abroad(D-2), Job Seeking(D-10) ➠ to Research(E-3)
A. Qualifications (All the requirements below must be satisfied.)

① A person staying in the ROK legally with a Job Seeker(D-10) or a Student(D-2)*
visa

② A job you are seeking employment must be in the field of Professor(E-1)․Foreign
Language Instructor(E-2)․Researcher(E-3)․Technical
Instruction/Technician(E-4)․Professional(E-5)․Artist/Athlete(E-6)**․Foreign National
CHANGE OF
STATUS

of Special Ability(E-7) and you are required to prove your qualifications.

③ You are required to sign the employment contract with the Head/President of the
organization/institute.
※ A person with a Student(D-2) visa means an expectant graduate who is qualified to
apply for a Job Seeker(D-10) visa. (However, if you have already received a bachelor's or
higher degree of university in your country or a third country, you can apply for the
D-10 visa regardless of whether you are an expectant graduate or not.)
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee ②
an employment contract ③ certificate of a degree or a certificate of work experience ④
any documents relevant to the establishment of the institute (business registration
certificate, any documents demonstrating the research center)

1. Required Documents

EXTENSION OF
STAY

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment contract (the original and a copy)
③ a copy of business registration certificate
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)

RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the departure
date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit requirement
- If your period of authorized stay remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from obtaining
a Re-entry Permit for the remaining days.
- If you have to receive permission due to the entry restrictions, you can apply for the

 CONTENTS

permission from a local Immigration Office/Branch Office without fee.

- 120 -

2. Required Documents
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (Single
30,000 KRW, Double 50,000 KRW)

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② business license in accordance with ‘Value-Added Tax Act ’
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details: change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
Due Date: within 14 days from the date of occurrence
Required Documents

 CONTENTS

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
any documents proving change of your information

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Technical Instructor / Technician (E-4)
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

Providing skills and expert knowledge in natural science or industrial engineering for
public

․private companies

A Person who is providing :
ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

a set of skills to Korean citizens or companies in accordance with the technology
transfer contract as set forth in the Foreign Investment Promotion Act; or
a set of skills that is otherwise unattainable in the Republic of Korea to public

․private

companies

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

5 years

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF

1. Expansion of permission exemption for activities outside of the current status of stay
If you(E-4 holder) plan to receive formal school education before expiry of your stay,
you are not required to receive another permission within the expiry date unless it doesn't
impinge on your original purpose of stay. (effectuate since June 15, 2009)

STAY
2. Permission for a highly qualified personnel (such as CEO of a Foreign Investment
Company), who wishes to teach in universities/colleges

activities

You can apply for permission of activities as Short Term

allowed

Employment(C-4), if you plan to teach for less than 90 days.

① a person working as a full-time director or in a higher position at a
Eligible
applicants

Required
Documents

domestic company (including foreign investment company) with a D-7,
D-8, D-9; or

② a person with professional a working visa (E-1, E-3 ~ E-5, E-7)
① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien
Registration Card, fee ② a recommendation letter from the
Dean/President of the University ③ a copy of a certificate of Proper
Number(business license) ④ an employment contract (original and copy)
⑤ a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace

3. Permission of participation in activities as Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3) or Technical
Instructor/Technician (E-4) for an expert in advanced technology with Short Term
Employment (C-4) or Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7)
 CONTENTS

A. Eligible applicants

- 122 -

ACTIVITIES

A person is eligible if he/she is engaged in the field of Information Technology of

OUTSIDE OF

business venture(IT), e-commerce(e-business), Biotechnology(BT), Nanotechnology(NT),

THE CURRENT

Advanced Materials Industry (metallurgy, ceramics, chemistry), Transportation Machinery or

․

STATUS OF

Digital Electronics and Environment Energy; and

STAY

has a recommendation letter from the Minister of relevant Department (i.e. the Ministry
of Knowledge Economy, the Ministry of Education)
B. Qualifications
A person who has experiences in the field of Information Technology(IT) or e-commerce
for at least 5 years;
A person who holds a bachelor's degree and experiences in the respective field for at
least 2 years (However, if you have completed a 4-year course and received a bachelor's
degree in the ROK, experience is not a requirement.); or
A person who has a master's or higher degree in the respective field
C. Required Documents

①

an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② an employment contract (the original and a copy) ③ a letter of consent from the
employer of your original workplace ④ a recommendation letter from the Minister of
relevant Department ⑤ a certificate of degree and a certificate of work experience (If
you have a bachelor's degree, a copy of diploma has to be submitted.) ⑥ a copy of
business registration certificate
4. Employment of a spouse of a substantial-amount foreign investor or professional labor
A. Eligible applicants
A spouse of a foreign professional labor such as a technical expert in advanced
science(SCIENCE card), an expert in advanced technology(GOLD card) or an expert in
information technology(IT card)
A spouse of a foreign investor(including corporations) who has invested US$500,000 or
more as an investment visa holder
A spouse of a foreign professional labor(E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6 (excluding E-6-2),
E-7)
B. Activities Allowed
All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9)
C. Period Allowed: Until the spouse's authorized period of stay expires (You can apply for
the extension of period of stay)
D. Required Documents: The accompanying documents for each visa status in accordance
with Article 76 of the regulations (A reference letter is not required.)
 CONTENTS

※ Rules of the confirmation of visa issuance shall apply to E-7

- 123 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

1. Amendment of 'Follow-up reporting system' as of Nov. 15, 2010 (Article 26(2), section
1 of the presidential decree of the Immigration Control Act)
In order to strengthen national competitiveness by making better use of professional
labor, the system is reformed as 'Follow-up reporting system' from 'Prior permission
system' so that you can change and add a workplace more easily.
《Notification 11-510 of the Ministry of Justice

》

A. Eligible applicants
A registered foreigner staying in the ROK with a Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4)
visa and qualified for the workplace that is to be changed or added.
※ Even if you are qualified, you can not change or add your workplace unless you
submit a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace when you
resigned or were dismissed from the company before your contract ends due to your
own intention or fault.
B. Report Procedure and others
The person(the alien) under obligation to notify has to report to the Head of the local
Immigration Office within 15 days from the date of occurrence. (Report by proxy is
acceptable.)
※ In principle, you have to visit the local Immigration Office to report since you are
required to receive a sticker or a stamp of change or addition of workplace on your
passport.* (However, in case of emergency such as an impending due date, you can
report by fax first and visit the office as soon as possible to receive the sticker and
etc.)
C. Required Documents

① a declaration form of change or addition of workplace[Report form, No.38-3], passport
and Alien Registration Card, no fee ② business license ③ a letter of consent from the
employer of your original workplace ④ an employment contract ⑤ an acceptance of a
report on technology introduction agreement, a technology introduction contract(or a
service transaction certificate) or a copy of defense industry appointment letter ※ an
employment recommendation letter from the ministry concerned is required as you
change your workplace.

※ A letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace is not required if
you have worked until the contract expires or until the date you and your employer set
by consent. (It can be replaced by a statement of reasons if you resigned at the
employer's fault such as an overdue wage and business suspension/closure and etc.)
GRANT OF
STATUS

You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.

 CONTENTS

- 124 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

1. Change Status from Student (D-2), Job Seeker (D-10) ➠ to Technical
Instructor/Technician (E-4)
A. Qualifications (All the requirements below must be satisfied.)

① A person staying in the ROK legally with a Job Seeker (D-10) or a Student (D-2)*
visa

② A job you are seeking must be in the field of Professor (E-1)․Foreign Language
Instructor (E-2)․Researcher (E-3)․Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4)․Professional
(E-5)․Artist/Athlete (E-6)**․Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) and you have
to prove that you are qualified.

③ You are required to make a employment contract with the Head/President of the
organization/institute.
※ A person with a Student(D-2) visa means an expectant graduate who is qualified to
apply for a Job Seeker(D-10) visa. (However, if you have already received a bachelor's or
higher degree of university in your country or a third country, you can apply for the
D-10 visa regardless of whether you are an expectant graduate or not.)
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee ②
a certificate of dispatch (issued by the Headquarter Office) or a certificate of employment

③ an acceptance of a report on technology introduction agreement, a technology

introduction contract(or a service transaction certificate) or a copy of defense industry
appointment letter

④ a copy of business license ⑤ a recommendation letter from the

relevant Department (if it's deemed necessary)
2. Permission to change status for a technician listed below who wishes to provide expertise
in natural science or technology of special field in industry, into technology Transfer
(E-4), regardless of the current status
- You are eligible, if:
You provide a set of skills in accordance with the technology introduction contract as
set forth in the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, the Special Tax Treatment Control
Law or Aerospace Industry Development Promotion Act;
You provide a set of skills to a military company in accordance with the Defense
Acquisition Program Act;
You provide a set of skills by a contract with a government-invested institution in
accordance with the Management of Government or Government-invested Institution Act;
or
3. Change of Status for a citizen of Germany coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption
(B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9, E-10, H-1)
 CONTENTS

B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.

- 125 -

4. Change of Status of a Spouse of Professional Labor to a Professional Visa
A. Eligible applicants

《E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7》with

A spouse of foreign professional labor
Dependent Family(F-3) visa
B. Activities Allowed
CHANGE OF
STATUS

《

》

All the Professional jobs E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7
C. Required Documents

① an application form (Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② business license ③ a certificate of a degree (the original and a copy) or a certificate
of work experience ④ an employment contract (the original and a copy) ⑤ a letter of
consent from the employer of your original workplace (only if you have an original
workplace)
1. Required Documents

EXTENSION OF
STAY

① an application form (Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② a certificate of dispatch (issued by the Headquarter Office) or a certificate of
employment ③ an acceptance of a report on technology introduction agreement, a
technology introduction contract (or a service transaction certificate) or a copy of defense
industry appointment letter

④ a copy of business license ⑤ Acceptable documents for

proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving
the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the departure
date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

- If your authorized period of stay remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from Re-entry
Permit for the remaining days.
- If you are required to receive permission due to the entry restrictions, you can apply for
the permission from a local Immigration Office/Branch Office without fee.
2. Required Documents
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

 CONTENTS

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② business registration certificate in accordance with ‘Value-Added Tax Act ’
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information

- 126 -

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
Due Date : within 14 days from the date of occurrence
Required Documents

 CONTENTS

① an application form(Report Form, No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee
② any document proving change of your information

- 127 -

Professional (E-5)
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

Any professional activities that are allowed by the Korean Laws with a foreign
state-authorized license acknowledged by the Korean Laws
A person who is:
a pilot recommended by the Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs;
recommended by the Minister of Health and Welfare, who also has updated knowledge
in the latest medical technology and medical break-through and who wants to work at the
following organizations;
- Government funded or local government funded Hospitals;
- Medical corporation; or

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

- Non-profit or government-invested medical facility
an intern or a resident doctor working at a university-affiliated hospital or a hospital that
is designated by the Minister of Health and Welfare, after graduating from a medical or
dental school in Korea;
an indispensable professional consultant for tourist ship sailing for the Kumgang
Mountain Tourism Development Project, who is also approved by regulations on
cooperation between North-South Korea collaborative business; or
who would like to work for a Korean transportation company as a captain or an
indispensable professional consultant

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

5 years

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

1. Expansion of permission exemption for activities outside of the current status of stay
If you (E-5 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the expiry date, you
are not required to receive another permission within the expiry date unless it doesn't
impinge on your original purpose of stay. (Effective since June 15, 2009)
2. Employment of a spouse of a foreign investor who has invested a significant amount of
money or a spouse of a professional
A. Eligible applicants
A spouse of a foreign professional such as a technical expert in advanced
science(SCIENCE card), an expert in advanced technology(GOLD card) or an expert in
information technology(IT card);

 CONTENTS

A spouse of a foreign investor(including corporations) who has invested US$500,000 or

- 128 -

ACTIVITIES

more as an investment visa holder; or

OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

A spouse of a foreign professional labor(E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6 excluding E-6-2,
E-7)
B. Activities Allowed
All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9)
C. Period Allowed: Until the spouse's authorized period of stay expires ( You can apply for
the extension of period of stay)
D. Required Documents: The accompanying documents for each visa status in accordance
with Article 76 of the regulations (A reference letter is not required.)
※ Rules of the confirmation of visa issuance shall apply to the E-7
4. Permission for a highly qualified personnel (such as CEO of a Foreign Investment
Company), who wishes to teach in universities/colleges
activities
allowed

Eligible
applicants

Required
Documents

You can apply for permission of activities as Short Term
Employment(C-4), if you wish to teach in a university/college for less
than 90 days.

① a person working as a full-time director or at higher position in a

company in ROK (including foreign investment company) with a D-7,
D-8, D-9
a person with a professional working visa (E-1, E-3 ~ E-5, E-7)

②
① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien
Registration Card, fee ② a recommendation letter from the
Dean/President of the University ③ a copy of a certificate of Proper
Number(business license) ④ an employment contract (the original and a
copy) ⑤ a letter of consent from the employer of your original
workplace

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF

1. Amendment of 'Follow-up reporting system' as of Nov. 15, 2010 (Article 26(2), section
1 of the presidential decree of the Immigration Control Act)

WORKPLACE
In order to strengthen national competitiveness by making better use of professional
labor, the system is reformed as 'Follow-up reporting system' from 'Prior permission
system' so that you can change and add a workplace more easily.
《Notification 11-510 of the Ministry of Justice

》

A. Eligible applicants
A registered foreigner staying in the ROK with a Professional (E-5) visa and qualified
for the workplace that is to be changed or added.
※ Even if you are qualified, you are not allowed to change or add your workplace unless
you submit a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace when you
 CONTENTS

resigned or were dismissed from the company before your contract ends because of your

- 129 -

own intention or fault.
B. Report Procedures and others
The person(the alien) under obligation to notify must report to the Head of the local
Immigration Office within 15 days from the date of occurrence. (Report by proxy is
acceptable.)
※ In principle, you have to visit the local Immigration Office to report since you are
required to receive a sticker or a stamp of change or addition of workplace on your
passport.* (However, in case of emergency such as an impending due date, you can
report by fax first and visit the office as soon as possible to get a sticker and etc.)
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

C. Required Documents

① a declaration form of change or addition of workplace [Report form, No.38-3],
passport and Alien Registration Card, No fee ② business license ③ a letter of consent
from the employer of your original workplace ④ an employment contract ⑤ an
acceptance of a report on technology licensing agreement, technology licensing
agreement(or service transaction certificate) or a copy of defense industry appointment
letter or others

※ a recommendation letter from the Minister of relevant Department is required as you
change your workplace.
※ A letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace is not required if
you have worked until the contract expires or until the date you and your employer set
by consent.(It can be replaced by a statement of reasons if you resigned at the
employer's fault such as an overdue wage and business suspension/closure and etc.)

GRANT OF
STATUS

CHANGE OF
STATUS

You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.

1. Change Status from Student (D-2), Job Seeker (D-10) ➠ to Professional (E-5)
A. Qualifications (All the requirements below must be satisfied.)

① A person staying in the ROK legally with a Job Seeker (D-10) or a Student (D-2)*
visa

② A job you are seeking must be in the field of Professor (E-1)․Foreign Language
Instructor (E-2)․Researcher (E-3)․Technical Instruction/Technician (E-4)․Professional
(E-5)․Artist/Athlete (E-6)**․Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) and you have to
prove that you are qualified.

③ You must sign an employment contract with the Head/President of the
organization/institute.
※ A person with a Study Abroad(D-2) visa means an expectant graduate who is qualified
to apply for Job Seeking(D-10) visa. (However, if you have already received a bachelor's
 CONTENTS

or higher degree of university in your country or a third country, you can apply for D-10

- 130 -

visa regardless of whether you are an expectant graduate or not.)
B. Required Documents

① an application form (Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② a certificate of dispatch(issued by the Headquarter Office) or a certificate of
employment ③ an acceptance of a report on technology introduction agreement , a
technology introduction contract(or a service transaction certificate) or a copy of defense
industry appointment letter

④ a copy of business license ⑤ a recommendation letter from

the relevant Department(if it's deemed necessary)
2. Change of Status for a citizen of Germany coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption
(B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9, E-10, H-1)
B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
CHANGE OF
STATUS

3. Change of Status for a spouse of professional labor to Professional Visa
A. Eligible applicants
A spouse of foreign professional

《E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7》with Dependent

Family(F-3) visa
B. Activities Allowed

《

》

All the Professional jobs E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7
C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② business license ③ certificate of a degree(the original and a copy) or a certificate of
work experience ④ an employment contract (the original and a copy) ⑤ a letter of
consent from the employer of your original workplace (only if you have an original
workplace)
1. Required Documents

EXTENSION OF
STAY

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② a copy of employment contract
③ a business license in accordance with ‘Value-Added Tax Act ’
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)

RE-ENTRY
PERMIT
 CONTENTS

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the last departure

- 131 -

date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit
- If your period of authorized stay remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from Re-entry
Permit for the remaining days.
- If you are required to receive permission due to the entry restrictions, you can apply for
the permission from a local Immigration Office/Branch Office without fee.
2. Required Documents
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (Single
30,000 KRW, Double 50,000 KRW)
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② business license in accordance with ‘Value-Added Tax Act ’
2.

Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
Due Date : within 14 days from the date of occurrence
Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
 CONTENTS

any documents proving change of your information

- 132 -

Artist / Athlete (E-6)
Any artistic, musical or literature activities that generate incomes/profits
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

Any performing activities such as entertainment, playing musical instruments, theatre,
athletic events or fashion modeling which generate incomes/profits
A person who is
an artist such as the composer, sculptor, painter, craftsman, writer or a photographer;
a teacher of music, painting, literature, photograph, movie, dance, physical education(gym)
or other artist activities;

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

(e.g.: Professional or Amateur sports coach, Orchestra conductor and etc.)
an individual or a part of a group that performs entertainment, musical instruments, plays
or sports which generate incomes/profits regardless of the appearance types or purposes; or
(e.g.: professional or amateur athletes)
accompanying staff (such makeup artists, managers and etc) of the engaging parties in
entertainment, music, theatre.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

2 years

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT

1. Permission for a registered foreigner staying in the ROK legally(including A-1, A-2, A-3)
and planning to do activities such as broadcasting*, movie, modeling
* If you appear temporarily(once or discontinuously) on a terrestrial broadcasting as a guest

STATUS OF

or in some other position without receiving income/profit, you are not required to acquire

STAY

permission for the role as it is considered as an incidental activity of daily life.(You are
allowed to receive a small payment just for actual expenses such as food or
transportation, and etc.)
A. Activities Excluded
Activities of E-6-2 are not allowed.
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment contract
③ a performance recommendation letter (issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and
Tourism or Korea Communications Commission)

④ any documents relevant to establishment of institute such as a business registration
certificate

CONTENTS

⑤ a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace (,if applicable)
- 133 -

⑥ a recommendation letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Director for Protocol of
Visits and Foreign Missions) if you are an A-1 or A-2 visa holder

☞ Decision to permit will be made based on the comprehensive examination of factors
including submitted documents, actual conditions of sojourn and etc.
2. Expansion of permission exemption for activities outside of the current status of stay
If you(E-6 holder) wish to receive formal school education within the expiry date, you
are not required to obtain permission within the expiry date unless it doesn't impinge on
your original purpose of stay. (as of June 15, 2009)
3. Employment of a spouse of foreign investor who has invested a significant amount of
money or a spouse of a professional
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF
STAY

A. Eligible applicants
A spouse of foreign professional labor such as a technical expert in advanced
science(SCIENCE card), an expert in advanced technology(GOLD card) and an expert in
information technology(IT card);
A spouse of a foreign investor(including corporations) who has invested US$500,000 or
more as an investment visa holder; or
A spouse of a foreign professional labor (E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6 excluding E-6-2,
E-7)
B. Activities Allowed
All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9)
C. Period Allowed: Until a spouse's period of authorized stay expires (You can apply for
the extension of period of stay)
D. Required Documents: The accompanying documents for each visa status in accordance
with Article 76 of the regulations (A reference letter is not required.)
※ Rules of the confirmation of visa issuance shall apply to E-7

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

E-6-1 (entertainment activities and artistic activities like music,
Follow-up reporting

painting, literature)
E-6-3 (athletes, professional team coaches, managers)

system applies

1. Amendment of 'Follow-up reporting system' as of Nov. 15, 2010 (Article 26(2), section
1 of the presidential decree of the Immigration Control Act)
In order to strengthen national competitiveness by making better use of professional
labor, the system is reformed as 'Follow-up reporting system' from 'Prior permission
system' so that you can change and add a workplace more easily.
《Notification 11-510 of the Ministry of Justice
CONTENTS

A. Eligible applicants

- 134 -

》

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

A registered foreigner staying in the ROK with an Arts & Performance(E-6, excluding
E-6-2) visa and qualified for the workplace that is to be changed or added.
※ Even if you are qualified, you can not change or add your workplace unless you
submit a letter of consent issued by the employer of your original workplace after you
resigned or were dismissed from the company before your contract ends due to your
own intention or fault.
B. Report Procedure and others
The person(the alien) under obligation to notify has to report to the Head of the local
Immigration Office within 15 days from the date of occurrence. (Report by proxy is
allowed)
※ In principle, you have to visit the local Immigration Office to report since you are
required to receive a sticker or a stamp of change or addition of workplace on your
passport. (However, in case of emergency such as an impending due date, you can
report by fax first and visit the office as soon as possible for the sticker or other
necessary requirements (if any).)
C. Required Documents

① a declaration form of change or addition of workplace [Report form, No.38-3],
passport and Alien Registration Card, no fee ② business license ③ a letter of consent
from the employer of your original workplace ④an employment contract ⑤ an
employment recommendation letter or a performance recommendation letter

※ In principle, a statement of reasons and a reference letter are not required.
※ A letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace is not required if
you have worked until the contract expires or until the date you and your employer set
by consent.(It can be replaced by a statement of reasons if you resigned at the
employer's fault such as an overdue wage and business suspension/closure and etc.
E-6-2 (performance in Hotel facilities, Adult Entertainment
Establishment and so on)

Prior permission system
applies

1. As an E-6-2 visa holder, when your employer has changed* due to the change or
addition of your production agency that you belong to.
* This is not applicable to changing and adding a performance place with the same
dispatch-business-owner(employer) in accordance with the Dispatched Work Act. In this
case, however, the employer is required to report the change. (Law Article 19 and its
Enforcement Ordinance Article 24)
A. Details
You have to apply for permission for change or addition of workplace to an immigration
office and others in advance of occurrences.
The Head of the local
CONTENTS

Immigration Office examines submitted documents and others

and assigns a period of sojourn in accordance with a period of an employment contract

- 135 -

up to 1 year.
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS

B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② business license ③ a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace
④ an employment contract ⑤ a performance recommendation letter(issued by Korea
Media Rating Board) ⑥ a reference letter
You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.

Restrictive permission allowed for E-6-1 and E-6-3

☞ Professional artists and athletes who have international fame are able to change their
status with the Headquarters' approval.(excluding those who are applicable to the
followings)

☞ Period Allowed: Up to 2 years from the date of permission to change, a period of
employment contract + 1 month
1. Change Status from Student (D-2), Job Seeker (D-10) ➠ to Artist/Athlete (E-6)
A. Qualifications (All the qualifications below must be satisfied.)

① A person staying in the ROK legally with a Job Seeker (D-10) or a Student (D-2)*
visa

② A job you are seeking must be in the field of Professor (E-1)․Foreign Language
Instructor (E-2)․Researcher (E-3)․Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4)․Professional
(E-5)․Artist/Athlete (E-6)**․Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) and you have
to prove that you are qualified.

③ You must sign an employment contract with the Head/President of the
organization/institute.
* A person with a Student (D-2) visa means an expectant graduate who is qualified to
apply for a Job Seeker (D-10) visa. (However, if you have already received a bachelor's
or higher degree of university in your country or a third country, you can apply for a
D-10 visa regardless of whether you are an expectant graduate or not.)
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee ② an employment contract(or a performance contract) ③ business
license ④ an employment · performance recommendation letter (issued by the Ministry of
Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea Media Rating Board, Korea Communications
Commission, or Professional sports league)

CONTENTS

2. Permission to Change visa status from Visa Exempted· Tourist/Transit(B-1․B-2) or Short

- 136 -

term General(C-3) ➠ Artist/Athlete(E-6)
A. You may obtain permission to change your visa status if it's deemed necessary due to
unavoidable circumstances or for national interests of the ROK.*
* An athlete, a musician, a dancer, who came to the ROK for tryouts or participation in an
international competition/contest with prize money, can apply for permission of change to
a E-6 by submitting relevant documents, and the permission will be given at the
discretion of the Head of Immigration Office or Branch Office.

(The initial date in

reckoning of a period of sojourn is not the date of changed status but the date of entry.)
* If it is difficult for the Head of the Immigration Office to make a decision, the
Headquarters will do. ( Change of status to the E-6-2 is not allowed.)
3. Permission to change status for a person who is staying in the ROK for a long time
with one of general visas* and wanting to appear on broadcasting or do model activity
before returning home.
* E-6 and unrestricted employment visa holders (F-2, F-4, F-5 and others) are not eligible.
CHANGE OF
STATUS

4. Change of Status for a citizen of Germany coming to the ROK with Visa Exempted
(B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9, E-10, H-1)
B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
5. Permission to change status for a spouse of a professional to the Professional Visa
A. Eligible applicants
A Dependent Family(F-3) visa holder as a spouse of foreign professional labor
E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7
B. Activities Allowed

》

《

All the Professional jobs E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7

《E-1,

》

C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee ② an employment contract (or a performance contract) ③
business license ④ an employment · performance recommendation letter (issued by
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea Media Rating Board, Korea
Communications Commission or Professional sports league)

EXTENSION OF
STATUS

A. Eligible applicants
A registered alien as a E-6 visa holder who needs to keep on staying in the country for
an extension of a period of employment contract and a change of workplace
B. Permission Standard: a permitted period for 1 time extension

CONTENTS

- 137 -

E-6-1, E-6-2
E-6-3

a period of employment contract + 1 month(up to 2 years)
a period of performance recommendation or a period of employment
contract (up to 1 year)

C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment recommendation letter or a performance recommendation letter
※ issuing office : Korea Media Rating Board, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism,
Korea Communications Commission and others

EXTENSION OF
STAY

③ an employment contract (or a performance contract)
④ a copy of business registration certificate
⑤ a reference letter(E-6-2 only)
⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)

⑦ other documents* needed for evaluation (Submit 1 - 2 documents, if it is deemed
necessary.)
* a certificate of employment, an employment status of alien, a receipt for earned income
tax withholding and etc.
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the departure
date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit
- If your period of authorized stay remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from Re-entry
RE-ENTRY

Permit for the remaining days.

PERMIT
- If you have are required to obtain permission due to the entry restrictions, you can apply
for the permission from a local Immigration Office/Branch Office without fee.
2. Required Documents
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (Single
30,000 KRW. Double 50,000 KRW)
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

CONTENTS

1. Required Documents for Registration and Reference
A. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② a copy of business registration certificate* in accordance with the Value-Added Tax Act
- 138 -

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

* business license or a certificate of Proper Number of the organization or the company that
has hired the alien (in case there is no direct employment relation, business license of the
organization that has invited the alien)

③ Health Checkup Results* (E-6-2 only)
* The procedure of issuance is in accordance with the criteria of Checkup for recruitment
of government officials. Tests for HIV and drugs are not a must. The hospital doesn't
have to be a medical institution designated by the Minister of Justice.
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
Due Date : within 14 days from date of occurrence
Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
CONTENTS

any documents proving change of your information

- 139 -

Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7)
ACTIVITIES

Persons who want to engage in activities specially designated by the Minister of Justice

ALLOWED

after being invited by a public or private organization

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

PARTICIPATION

3 years

1. Expansion of permission exemption for activities outside of the current status of stay

IN ACTIVITIES

If you(an E-7 holder) plan to receive formal school education within the expiry date, you

UNCERTIFIED

are not required to obtain permission within the expiry date unless it doesn't impinge on

FOR CURRENT

your original purpose of stay. (as of June 15, 2009)

SOJOURN
STATUS

2. Permission for a highly qualified personnel (such as CEO of a Foreign Investment
Company), who wishes to work as a lecturer in universities/colleges

Activities
allowed

You can apply for permission of activities as Short Term
Employment(C-4), if you plan to give a lecture less than 90 days.

① a person working as a full-time director or higher at a domestic
Eligible
applicants

Required
Documents

company (including foreign investment company) with a D-7, D-8,
D-9; or

② a person with a

professional working visa (E-1, E-3 ~ E-5, E-7)

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien
Registration Card, fee ② a recommendation letter from the
Dean/President of the University ③ a copy of business registration
certificate ④ an employment contract (the original and a copy) ⑤ a
letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace

3. Employment of "a family member of the foreign government's diplomatic corps or
consulate genera" can be permitted when recommended by Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Countries Allowed (25 countries as of August. 2009)
Japan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Israel, the US, Canada, Germany, The UK, France,
Sweden, The Czech, Poland, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand,
Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Australia, Pakistan, India, India, Singapore, Portugal
 CONTENTS

Activities Allowed

- 140 -

PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

Teaching foreign language at universities, private institutions or etc. (E-2)
Any artistic performing activities such as appearing in TV shows or movies (E-6), an
editor, translator, interpreter or other foreign language related occupations at
culture/research/media institution/organization or a teacher of international school (E-7),
other occupations which can not be substituted by Korean
D-1, D-6, E-1, E-3
Working as an indispensable professional specialist of a Korean branch office or a foreign
invested company and financial consultant of a foreign company (E-7)
※ Expansion of activities outside of the current status of stay for family of a member of
Canadian Embassy in the Republic of Korea (as of Mar. 09, 2009)
- All status except non-professional field(D-3, E-9, E-10, H-2) (if qualified)
4. Permission for "A-1, A-2 Holders"(at the discretion of the Head of Immigration Office or
Branch Office)
Activities Allowed
Foreign Language Instructor(E-2), Teachers of International Schools (E-7)

Foreign

Language Editor(E-7), Cultural Arts(D-1), Religious Affairs(D-6), Professorship(E-1),
Research(E-3), Civil Servant carrying official missions at a national or local
government(E-7), Special Occupation (E-7), IT, E-business related Expert who has a
recommendation letter of Minister of respective department
A recommendation letter of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Director for Protocol of Visits
and Foreign Missions) is a must.
You should submit required documents for the activity you are applying for.
5. Employment of a spouse of an substantial-amount foreign investor or a professional labor
A. Eligible applicants
A spouse of a foreign professional labor such as a technical expert in advanced
science(SCIENCE card), an expert in advanced technology(GOLD card) or an expert in
information technology(IT card)
A spouse of a foreign investor(including corporations) who has invested US$500,000 or
more as an investment visa holder
A spouse of a foreign professional labor(E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6 excluding E-6-2,
E-7)
B. Activities Allowed
All activities except non-professional fields(D-3, E-9)
C. Period Allowed: It depends on the period of stay of the spouse (You can apply for
extension again and again.)
D. Required Documents: The accompanying documents for each visa status in accordance
 CONTENTS

with Article 76 of the regulations (A reference letter is not required.)

- 141 -

PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
UNCERTIFIED
FOR CURRENT
SOJOURN
STATUS

※ Rules of the confirmation of visa issuance shall apply to E-7
6. Chinese-Korean who is qualified for employment or certain conditions as a Family
Visitor (F-1) visa holder ➠ Student (D-2), General Trainee (D-4), Professor (E-1) and
Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7)

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② a recommendation letter from Minister of respective department or any documents
proving necessity of employment ③ an employment contract ④ business registration
certificate ⑤ a certificate of degree or a license
7. Family Visitor (F-1), Dependent Family (F-3) ➠ Foreign Language Instructor (E-2),
Teacher of International School (E-7)

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment contract ③ business license ④ a teacher's license from your own
country(‘a certificate of degree and a certificate of experiences’ can be replaceable) ⑤
criminal records (the same as E-2 requirements) ⑥ Health Checkup Results (the same as
E-2 requirements) ⑦ a letter of request from the principal ⑧ current situations regarding
foreign teachers
8. Family Visitor (F-1), Dependent Family (F-3) ➠ Foreign Language Copy-editor (E-7) in
a national institution or a public organization(a local government, a government investment
institution)

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment contract ③ a copy of business license ④ a recommendation letter
(from the institution concerned) ⑤ a certificate of degree (the original and copy)
9. Special cases for Jeju Global Education City workers
A. Teaching assistants, instructors, resident advisors, administrative staffs in the international
school
(Eligible applicants) Parents of an international school student, an immediate family of a
faculty member of an international school, a foreign college graduate over 18 who holds
a bachelor's degree(or higher) or related experiences for 2 years(or longer) or an English
teaching license holder such as TESOL
B. Salesclerks of a commercial facility such as food service businesses or a store
(Eligible applicants) Parents of an international school student or a family of a faculty
member of an international school, a foreign college graduate over 18 who is a citizen of
an English-speaking country*
* Parents of an international school student or a family of a faculty member of an
international school, a foreign college graduate over 18 who is NOT a citizen of an
English-speaking country is required to have TOEIC 800(or higher) or TESOL license.
 CONTENTS

- 142 -

CHANGE OR

Salesclerk(31215), Chef and Cook(441), Designer(285), Hotel

ADDITION OF
STATUS

Prior Permission
system applies

receptionist(3922), Medical coordinator(S3922), Sea cucumber farming
technician(63019), Shipbuilding welder(7430), Skilled labor [Grassroots
Industry(740), General Manufacturing and Construction
companies(700), Agriculture/Livestock/Fishery Industry(610)]

Follow-up
reporting system

Special Occupation(E-7) excluding 10 occupations above

applies

Report of Change or Addition of Workplace

➠ Amendment of 'Follow-up reporting system' as of Nov. 15, 2010 (Article 26(2), section
1 of the presidential decree of the Immigration Control Act)
In order to strengthen national competitiveness by making better use of professional
labor, the system is reformed as 'Follow-up reporting system' from 'Prior permission
system' so that you can change and add a workplace more easily.
《Notification 11-510 of the Ministry of Justice

》

※ In the case of a Chef and a Cook, the working hours at the other workplace can not
exceed 1/3 of the original workplace's.
A. Eligible applicants
A registered foreigner staying in the ROK with a Special Occupation(E-7 excluding the
10 occupations above) visa and qualified for the workplace that is changed or added.
※ Even if you are qualified, you can not change or add your workplace unless you
submit a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace when you
resigned or were dismissed from the company before your contract ends due to your
own intention or fault.
B. Report Procedures and others
The person (the alien) under obligation to notify has to report to the Head of the local
Immigration Office within 15 days from the date of occurrence. (Report by proxy is
acceptable.)
※ In principle, you have to visit the local Immigration Office to report since you are
required to receive a sticker or a stamp of change or addition of workplace on your
passport. (However, in case of emergency such as an impending due date, you can
report by fax first and visit the office as soon as possible to receive the sticker and
etc.)
In order to protect employers of good will and to maintain order of foreigners' sojourn,
 CONTENTS

if you resigned or were dismissed from your workplace prior to the completion of your

- 143 -

contract at your fault without a letter of consent from the employer of your original
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

workplace, you can not report change or addition of your workplace. (In this case, you
have to apply for a permission for the change of workplace or the visa issuance
confirmation.)
C. Required Documents

① a declaration form of change or addition of workplace[Report form, No.38-3],
passport and Alien Registration Card, No fee ② a recommendation letter from Minister
of respective department or any documents proving necessity of employment ③ an
employment contract ④ a letter of consent from the employer of your original
workplace* ⑤ an employment contract ⑥ business registration certificate

※ In principle, a statement of reasons and a reference letter are not required.
* A letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace is not required if you
have worked until the contract expires or until the date you and your employer set by
consent.(It can be replaced by a statement of reasons if you resigned at the employer's
fault such as an overdue wage and business suspension/closure and etc.)

Permission for Change or addition of workplace

A. Eligible Occupations
Occupations that require a prior management due to a limit on the number of permitted
persons for each company and others. Salesclerk(31215), Chef and Cook(441),
Designer(285), Hotel receptionist(3922), Medical coordinator(S3922), Sea cucumber farming

〔

technician(63019), Shipbuilding welder(7430), Skilled labor Grassroots Industry(740),
General Manufacturing and Construction companies(700), Agriculture/Livestock/Fishery

〕

Industry(610)] (Notification 11-510 of the Ministry of Justice, ‘11.10.4.)
B. Required Documents

① a certificate of business suspension/closure, any official documents proving overdue
wages, proof of financial difficulty such as a declaration of value-added tax (submit 1 of
these)

② a letter of consent from the employer of your original workplace (Not required in the
case of business suspension/closure, overdue wages, a breach of contract, and completion
of employment contract)

③ documents for evaluating the new company's qualifications (based upon the
accompanying documents for the confirmation of visa issuance)

GRANT OF
STATUS

You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.

- 144 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS
【General Criteria】
Eligible applicants
- A legal alien qualified for each Special Occupation(E-7)
Required documents, references, and examination standards
- If an application for a visa is submitted,

the accompanying documents and standards

will be examined and applied for visa issuance.
The office examines the necessity of employment and appropriateness of the applicants
based upon factors including substitutability of Korean citizens, national interests,
business operating conditions and citizen employment.
- In principle, the employment of E-7 aliens is permitted up to 20% of the citizen
employees

‣ In principle, domestic demand oriented businesses with fewer than 5 citizen employees
or businesses with E-7 alien employees exceeding 20% of the citizen employees are not
allowed for the confirmation of visa issuance, change of status and change or addition
of workplace.

‣ However, if a company is recommended by competent agencies (ex. KOTRA, KITA,
etc.), the head of an immigration office, etc. may permit the company to hire additional
foreign employees up to the level of 50% (companies in the advanced industry) and
70% (competent companies exporting to special language areas) of total Korean
employees. As for occupations with special standards, the standards will apply.

【 The occupations with the limited number of
employees depending on the type of business】

◦ Types of business + the number of employees allowed : Production manager of
U-turn business(1413), Ship management expert(1512), Tour packages Development
operator(2732), Salesclerk(31215), Hotel receptionist(3922), Medical
coordinator(S3922), Tourism interpretation guide(43213), Chef and Cook(441), Sea
cucumber farming technician(63019), Shipbuilding welder(7430), Skilled labor(740,
700, 610)

◦ Types of business : Food service manager(1522), Event manager(2735)
◦ The number of employees allowed : Designer(285)
- In order to prevent exploitation of low-paid labor, the office will examine considering
the average salary of Korean citizens working at the same field with the same career
experiences.

‣ The application can be restricted if the wage is less than 60% of average salary of
Koreans working at the same company or less than 1,500,000 KRW a month.
 CONTENTS

- 145 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

1. Change Status from Study Abroad(D-2), Job Seeking(D-10) ➠ to Special Occupation(E-7)
A. Qualifications (All the requirements below must be satisfied.)

①
②
③

A person staying in the ROK legally with a Job Seeking(D-10) or a Study
Abroad(D-2)* visa;

․Foreign
Language Instructor (E-2)․Researcher (E-3)․Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4)․
Professional (E-5)․Artist/Athlete (E-6)**․Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7)

A job you are planning to work must be in the field of Professor (E-1)

and you have to prove that your qualifications; and
You have to make an employment contract with the Head/President of the
organization/institute.

※ A person with a Student (D-2) visa means an expectant graduate who is qualified to
apply for Job Seeker (D-10) visa. (However, if you have already received a bachelor's or
higher degree of university in your country or a third country, you can apply for a D-10
visa regardless of whether you are an expectant graduate or not.)
B. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee ② an employment contract ③ documents of corporation
registration(business license or certified copy of register) ④ a certificate of experiences ⑤
an employment recommendation letter from the head of an organization concerned or
documentary evidence of need for employment

※ If you have an associate degree (2 year college diploma) or a bachelor's degree(or
higher), you may have a job that requires a bachelor's degree and 1 year(or longer) work
experience without submitting a letter of recommendation(,except for the fields where a
letter or recommendation is a must)
2. Change of Status for a citizen of Germany coming to the ROK with Visa Exemption
(B-1)
A. Activities Allowed: All activities except non-professional fields (D-3, E-9, E-10, H-1)
B. Period Allowed: It differs depending on the status you are applying for.
3. Change of Status for a Souse of Professional to a Professional Visa
A. Eligible applicants

《E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7》with a

A spouse of foreign professional labor
Dependent Family(F-3) visa
B. Activities Allowed

《

》

All the Professional jobs E-1, E-5, E-6(excluding E-6-2), E-7
C. Required Documents
 CONTENTS

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
- 146 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

② an employment contract ③business license ④ a certificate of
degree ⑤ certificates and a certificate of experiences ⑥ a recommendation letter from
Minister of respective department or any documents proving necessity of employment ⑦ a
standardized photo, fee

reference letter
4. Change of Status to teacher of international school(E-7)
A. Eligible applicants
A legal alien regardless of visa status who is in a hiring process as a teacher of
international school.
B. Period Allowed
For Change of Status: Up to 1 year depending on employment period
For Extension of Stay: Up to 2 years depending on employment period
C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

② an employment contract ③ a teacher's license from your own country (‘a certificate
of degree and a certificate of experiences’ may supplant it) ④ a recommendation letter
from the principal of the school⑤ a letter of consent from the employer of your original
workplace (for an eligible person only) ⑥ a reference letter ⑦ documents of school
establishment ⑧ criminal records (same as the E-2 requirements) ⑨ Health Checkup
Results (same as E-2 requirements)
※ Following Individuals are exempt from submitting criminal records.
Teacher's license holders, teachers employed through a job fair, Individuals who
have worked for 3 years or longer as a foreign language instructor(E-2) or a
teacher of international school(E-7) in the last 5 years
※ Health Checkup should be carried out in accordance with criteria of Checkup for
recruitment of government officials and should include the results of HIV/Drug(including
Philopon, Cocaine, Opium and Marijuana) test. The documents must be issued by a
medical institution designated by the Minister of Justice, no more than 3 months before
the application
5. Permission of Change to E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability for a highly qualified
foreign professional in advanced technology who entered the Republic of Korea without
a visa or on a non-work visa due to unavoidable reasons
A. Eligible applicants
A person who wishes to work in the IT field of manufacturer such as a venture
business;
A person who has E-commerce and IT related knowledge and wishes to work in the
IT related industry such as an e-business; or
 CONTENTS

A person who wishes to work in the field of Information Technology of business

- 147 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

venture(IT), e-commerce(e-business), Biotechnology(BT), Nanotechnology(NT), Advanced
Materials Industry (metallurgy, ceramics, chemistry), Transportation Machinery or Digital
Electronics and Environment

․Energy

B. Qualifications
A person who has at least 5-year-experiences in the field of Information Technology(IT)
or e-commerce;
A person who holds a's or higher degree in a related major and 2 years or longer work
experiences in the same field (Work experience is not required for a person who has
completed a four-year course and holds a's or higher degree in the ROK.); or
A person who has a master's or higher degree in a related major
C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee ② an employment contract ③ a certificate of experiences (a
copy of a certificate of degree is required for master's or higher degree holder) ④
business license ⑤ a recommendation letter from the Minister of relevant Department

※ institutions/organizations issuing a recommendation letter

Workforce in Advanced technology: Korea Industrial technology foundation, Promising
Information & Communication Companies AssociationProfessional labor: Small
Business Corporation(Branches are available), local governments
6. Change of Status to Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) for a skilled technician
who has been legally engaged in manufacturing and others for 4 years or longer as a
Non-professional Employment(E-9) or other visa holder, satisfying the qualifications such
as age, educational background, certificates, and wage requirements.
A. Qualifications (All the requirements below must be satisfied.)

① A person with a Non-professional(E-9)․Maritime Crew(E-10)․Work and Visit(H-2)
visa who has been engaged in Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture, Cattle farming
and Fishing for 4 years or longer in the past 10 years as a E-9, E-10, or H-2 visa
holder.

② A person younger than 35 years old and with an associate degree(2 year college
diploma) or higher (A person younger than 40 years old with high school diploma or
higher, if engaged in the root industry of Article 2 of the Root Industry Promotion
Act) who has Technician's or higher license related to the fields or whose wage for
the last 1 year has been higher than the average amount for the field*
* The license types are the same as 48 items in 15 fields of the F-2 requirements. The
average wages for the fields are based on 'Wages by occupation' of 'Survey on
working status by employment type' announced by the Ministry of Employment and
Labor.

 CONTENTS

③ A person who has the at least level 3 command of Korean (at least level 2, if
- 148 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

engaged in the root industry of Article 2 of the Root Industry Promotion Act) or
completed KIIP(Korea Immigration & Integration Program)
* Your command of Korean is checked by Test of Proficiency in Korean(S-TOPIK) by
National Institute for International Education. Your completion of KIIP　can be
confirmed by a certificate of KIIP from the Head of the Immigration Office.

B. Businesses and the number of employees allowed
Given the domestic employment situation, only Manufacturing · Construction ·
Agriculture, cattle farming and fishing industries are allowed for the employment and
maximum 5 people can be hired per company. (5 for Manufacturing · Construction, 3 for
Agriculture, cattle farming and fishing)*
a set number
1 person

2 people

3 people

4 people

5 people

10 - 49

50-149

150-299

300-499

500 people

people

people

people

people

or more

Businesses
Manufacturing
(the number of
National insurant)
※ A company in the root industry of Article 2 of the Root Industry Promotion Act is
allowed to hire 1 person even if its number of national insurant is from 5 to 9.
Construction

less than

from 5 to

from 30 to

from 50 to

70 billion

(an annual average

5 billion

30 billion

50 billion

70 billion

KRW or

construction cost)

KRW

KRW

KRW

KRW

more

farming and fishing

less than

from 31 to

100 people

30 people

99 people

or more

-

-

(the number of

Agriculture, cattle

full-time laborer)
* A set number for the employment has to be within 10% of the permitted number of
employee for each industry/business under the current employment licence system.
* The maximum number of full-time laborer in agriculture, cattle farming, and fishing
industries is calculated base on the number of farming workers registered in the
Certificate of Farm Size or the number of workers listed on the Members of Employment
Insurance

including legitimate immigrant workers).

C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, one
standardized photo, fee

 CONTENTS

② a certificate of degree(a high school diploma in the case of working in the root industry
of Article 2 of the Root Industry Promotion Act)*, a certificate of employment, a

- 149 -

technical qualification certificate or any documents showing income in the past year, a
Change or
Addition of

③

report card of TOPIK or a certificate of KIIP, an employment contract and others
a document of corporation registration such as a copy of business license(if a company
is changed)

Workplace
* It has to be confirmed by the Apostille convention or the consul of Korean diplomatic
missions abroad.
EXTENSION OF
STAY

1. Required Documents
A. Required Documents

① Application Form (Report Form, No.34), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Employment Contract
③ Any documents proving tax payment
- Receipt for the Earned Income Tax Withholding (issued by your company) or Certificate
of Income Amount(issued by a tax office)

④ a copy of business license or a certified copy of corporation register
⑤ The original copy of a reference letter (only for following occupations)
Sales clerk(31215), Chef and Cook(441), Designer(285), Hotel receptionist(3922),
Medical coordinator(S3922), Sea cucumber farming technician(63019), Shipbuilding

〔

welder(7430), Skilled labor Manufacturing foreman(700), Construction foreman(770),
Agriculture, cattle farming and fishing foreman(600)

⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
2. Special rules for those with specially permitted visa and stay by pact
A. Korean-Indian Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA) : Independent
Professional(IP)
Eligible applicants
- A professional who has signed a service contract with a domestic corporation in Korea or
an individual business and has 1 year or longer work experiences in a related field*
* Only applicable for an Independent Professional who has made a 'service contract' in
concessional occupations(162 types) by pact (the Criteria for the E-7 apply to a
professional worker who has made an employment contract of one in E-7 occupations)
Special case of Visa
- The confirmation of single visa issuance that gives a length of stay equal to contracted
period is issued.(If contracted period exceeds 1 year, you can be given 1 year.)
 CONTENTS

Special case of stay

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- Extension of stay, change or addition of workplace, change of status, and activities outside
of the current status of stay are restricted. (If it's deemed necessary for you to be
permitted because of humanitarian reasons such as accidents or diseases, it will be
processed in accordance with the general sojourn regulations.)
B. Korean-Russian Agreements about temporary labor activities : professional labor
domestically employed
Eligible applicants
- A qualified person who is hired in the ROK as an employee of a domestic branch, a
liaison office, a subsidiary, an affiliated company of a parent company*
* Regulations for the E-7 apply to a professional worker who has made an employment
contract with a domestic company as one of E-7 occupations. (Special treats such as a
multi visa issuance and permission of stay)
Special cases of visa and stay
EXTENSION OF
STAY

- The confirmation of multi visa issuance valid for 1 year is issued. Extension of stay* for
6 months is permitted(one time only) and accompanying your family member is not
allowed.
* You can stay for up to a year and a half from the date of latest entry before the alien
registration date. A D-7 or D-8 visa will be issued if you return home and are dispatched
as a resident employee by the headquarters again.
3. A member dispatched to a foreign legal consultant office, an office worker dispatched to
a foreign law consulting company or a foreign legal consultant office
A. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② documents related to establishment of domestic law office
③ an employment contract
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the departure
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit
- If your authorized period of stay remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from Re-entry
Permit for the remaining days.
2. Required Documents
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee

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ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② business license in accordance with the ‘Value-Added Tax Act’
③ Health Checkup Results (Only for a teacher of international school)
2. Notification of Change in Registration Information
Report details : change of name, sex, date of birth, nationality and passport (number,
issue date, expiry date)
Due Date : within 14 days from date of occurrence
Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, no fee ②
 CONTENTS

any documents proving change of your information

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Non-Professional (E-9)
What is the Employment Permission Policy? It is a labor policy which allows an
employer to hire a foreigner, and which gives the employee for up to 4 years and 10
months for the period of stay. Since August 2004, the policy has been under
WHAT IS
EMPLOYMENT
PERMISSION
POLICY?

implementation via MOU with 15 different countries
- Small businesses which have 8 billion KRW or less amount of capital or

less than 300

full-time employees(based on employment insurance) are allowed to hire foreigners.
Selected Countries (15 states)
Thailand, Philippine, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongol, Pakistan, Uzbekistan,
Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Kirgizstan, East Timor

ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

Domestic employment of foreign workers in accordance with the Act on Foreign
Workers Employment

A person meeting the employment qualifications specified in the Foreign Workers
Employment Act

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

3 years

STAY
PARTICIPATION
IN ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF

You are not eligible for 'Participation in Activities outside of your status of stay'

YOUR STATUS
OF STAY
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

In accordance with Article 21 of the Immigration Act and Article 25 of Foreign
Employment Law, The admitter for Change of Workplace of non-professional employees is
the Minister of Justice.
A. Restriction on Change of Workplace
In principle, non-professional employees have to maintain working status in the first
workplace permitted.
- As an exception, you are able to apply for Change of Workplace if it is impossible to
continue to work normally at the workplace due to a business suspension/closure.
B. Limit on number of change
You can apply for Change of Workplace up to 3 times within 3 years from the date of

 CONTENTS

entry and up to 2 times during your extended period of sojourn for re-employment procedure.

- 153 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

- However, if the workplace has changed due to business suspension/closure which is not
employee's fault, the number of changes would not count.
※ After making an employment contract, if the workplace has changed at your employer's fault
before you begin to work, the number of changes would not count either.
Special cases for limit on number of change of construction workplace
- If a foreign employee moves in the same site between different contractors when the
former construction work is done, the number of changes would not count with an approval
of the prime contractor.
- Also, a placement of employee is not regulated if it is implemented

within the range of

the authorized number of workers.
C. The reasons for Change of Workplace
The reasons must be included in the Article 25 and 30 of Foreign Employment Law.
When an employer wants to terminate the employment contract in during the contracted
period for a reasonable cause* or wants to refuse renewal of contract after the contract
expires;
* Reasonable causes include layoff at employee's fault, completion of an employment
contract, cancellation of a contract and etc.
When it is impossible to keep working due to business suspension/closure and other
reasons that are not employee's fault;
When an employment permission is canceled or certain restrictions

is imposed on the

employment;
When it deems difficult, compared to general social norms, to maintain the working
status due to reasons of incompatibility of actual working condition with the contract or
unfair treatments from the employer and etc.; or
When an employee is unable to continue working due to his/her injury or other reasons,
but is recognised to have the ability to work at other workplaces.
D. Procedures for Change of Workplace
You are required to apply for Change of Workplace (to the Employment Center,
Ministry of Employment and Labor) within 1 month from the date of employment contract
termination and obtain permission (from a local Immigration Office) for Change of
Workplace within 3 months from the date you filed the application.
If it is impossible to apply for or to receive permission for Change of Workplace due to
reasons of disasters, diseases, pregnancy and childbirth and etc, the deadline will be
delayed in line with the period of excuse.
- In this cases, you have to apply for Extension of Stay to a local Immigration Office
before your authorized period of stay expires with a Confirmation of Extension of
 CONTENTS

Applying period of Change of Workplace issued from the head of an Employment

- 154 -

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

Security Office, documentary evidence for industrial accident, a medical report and others.
- No fee for Extension of Stay
- When the reason for the extension of stay has been solved and then obtained permission
for Change of Workplace from an Employment Security Office during the extended
period, you are still required to receive permission for Change of Workplace from a local
Immigration Office with jurisdiction prior to the beginning of the work.
- You can extend your period of sojourn up to 3 years from the date of entry and if you
are re-employed at the end of the final expiry date(3 years from the date of entry), you
may apply for the extension of your period of sojourn up to 4 years and 10 months from
the date of entry.
E. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② a copy of employment permission
③ a copy of standard labor contract ④ a reference letter
⑤ Documentary evidence of workplace such as a ‘business license’
⑥ In the case of a construction company, “Present condition of foreign labor for a
construction site” written by a prime contractor (refer to【Appendix 3】「Foreigner
employment management guideline」 Ministry of Employment and Labor)
2. Addition of Workplace for foreign workers in agriculture sector
As a foreign worker in a certain part of agriculture sector that has significant seasonal
differences in workload, after working for a certain period of time through an employment
contract with other employers maintaining the former employment contract(as unpaid leave),
you can return to the former workplace when the latter employment contract expires.
A. Application procedure
Eligible applicants: A person who is working in crop cultivation with a Non-professional
Employment (E-9-3) visa (National AgriculturalCooperative Federation

can act as a proxy)

How to apply: Visit a local Immigration Office with jurisdiction over the former
workplace and apply (National Agricultural Cooperative Federation can act as a proxy)
B. Employer's duty to report(agriculture sector)
Employer's duty to report in Article 19 of the Immigration Control Law applies to both
the former and the latter employers.
- The former employer is exempt from the duty to report if his/her employee returns
through the normal process.
The latter employer has to report any dismissal, desertion and resignation prior to the
completion of the contract.
 CONTENTS

- It has to be reported to two Immigration Offices if the latter workplace falls beyond the

- 155 -

jurisdiction of the local office of the former's.
The former employer has to report if an employee returned in the middle of the period
of contract or he/she doesn't return until the contract expires.
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee ②
a copy of employment permission from the latter employer ③ a copy of standard labor
contract from the latter employer ④ a certificate of farm size and business license or a
copy of certificate of Proper Number (a copy of resident registration is replaceable.) ⑤
Foreign worker(the applicant)'s power of attorney (for a representative)

GRANT OF
STATUS

You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.

1. Restoration procedure for a Miscellaneous(G-1) visa holder to Non-professional
Employment(E-9)
A. Eligible applicants
CHANGE OF

A foreign worker who entered the ROK with a Non-professional Employment(E-9) visa

STATUS

and then changed to a Miscellaneous(G-1) for a recovery from an industrial accident and
others and now has valid period of sojourn.
※ The maximum length of stay (from the date of entry) : 3 years for a Non-professional
Employment(E-9), additional 1 year and 10 months for a person who was re-employed

EXTENSION OF
STAY

1. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② a copy of employment permission ③ a copy of standard labor contract ④ a copy of
business registration certificate ⑤ a reference letter ⑥ 'Confirmation of Extension of
employment period for an employee of expired contract (issued by the Ministry of
Employment and Labor)'

⑦ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease

contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date
of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of
university housing fee and others.)
2. Extension of Stay for a Non-professional Employment(E-9) visa holder
A. Eligible applicants
A Non-professional Employment(E-9) visa holder who was re-employed and issued with
the 'Confirmation of Extension of employment period for an employee of expired
contract'

【Appendix 2】in

accordance with enforcement regulations for foreign workers

employment.(as of Dec. 10, 2009)
 CONTENTS

3. Special cases for job applicants

- 156 -

A. Eligible applicants
A job applicant whose period of sojourn expires before the deadline for the period of
job registration, who has at-least-4-month of valid period of stay and

whose number of

times to change workplace remains.
B. Period Allowed : Within 90 days from the date of employment registration certificate
issuance
EXTENSION OF
STAY

C. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, No fee
② a pledge of voluntary exit ③ an employment registration certificate
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the departure
date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit

RE-ENTRY

for the remaining days.

PERMIT
- If you are required to obtain the permission due to the entry restrictions, you can apply
for the permission from a local Immigration Office/Branch Office without fee.
2. Required Documents
an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee (single
30,000 KRW, double 50,000 KRW)
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② a copy of business license
③ When the Ministry of Employment and Labor has changed your workplace while a
foreign employee is training (or before Alien Registration) because it is impossible to
initiate an employment relation due to business suspension/closure and others that are not
employee's fault, he/she has to register with the workplace changed(not Change of
Workplace).

☞ Additional documents : a copy of employment permission, a copy of standard labor
contract

④ “*Drug **Test Results” issued by a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice
 CONTENTS

* Drug refers to "narcotics, etc" (narcotics, psychotropic drugs, marijuana) as defined in

- 157 -

Article 2(1) of the "Act on the Control of Narcotics, Etc."
** The test results must have been issued within 3 months from the time(hour) of
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

registration

※ Health check-up results and Drug Test results must be sealed when submitted.
(Applicants are NOT allowed to open the envelopes before submissions.)

EMPLOYMENT
CHANGES
REPORTING

1. Employment Changes Reporting
A. A person in notification duty
An employer who has hired a foreign employee of Non-professional Employment(E-9)
visa
B. Reporting Period
An employer has to report to a local Immigration Office with jurisdiction over his/her
residence within 15 days from date of occurrence in accordance with Article 19(1)
(notification duty of an employer of foreign employees) of Law, and Article 24(2)
(reporting of an employer of foreign employees) of enforcement ordinances.
C. How to Report
Visit and Report

Fax (1577-1346) and
E-Application
(www.hikorea.go.kr)

Visit a local office in person

‣Regardless of a local office (automatically sorted on system)
‣Available only in Reporting Period (within 15 days of
occurrence)
‣Employment Changes Reporting to Ministry of Employment
and Labor is included in E-Application (www.hikorea.go.kr)
(as of Oct. 17, 2011)

D. Reasons for Reporting
When a foreigner resigned or were dismissed before the term of contract ends
- Not when a foreigner resigned after completing the contract
When a foreigner died
When a foreigner is missing
When an important part of employment contract has changed
- when the period of employment is changed
- when an employer or a president

of the working place is changed (excepting a national

organization, a local government, an educational institution, and a change of president in
the same board of directors)
- when a name of workplace is changed
- when a workplace is relocated
 CONTENTS

E. Required Documents

- 158 -

EMPLOYMENT
CHANGES
REPORTING

① A notification for changes in foreign employees(trainees) form(Report form, No.32), a
copy of Alien Registration Card (For the report of whereabouts unknown, you must
include the alien's cell phone number, expected place of stay and others.)

② a copy of business license ③ an employer's ID(if he/she is visiting to the Immigration
Office) ④ If an employee is visiting : an employer's power of attorney, a certificate of
 CONTENTS

employment, an employee's ID

- 159 -

Maritime Crew (E-10)
A coastwise crew hired domestically
A fishing ship crew of 20 ton or heavier fishing boat hired domestically
ACTIVITIES
ALLOWED

A cruise crew of 2,000 ton or heavier cruise ship hired domestically
Previously, Vessel Crew(E-10) and Non-professional Employment(E-9) was included in
the same category in accordance with 'Rules for Non-professional Occupations'. Currently,
however, separate rules apply for Vessel Crew(E-10), which are not subjected to the
employment permission policy.
Coastwise Crew(E-10-1)
- A person who is a member of coastwise crew of businesses defined in Article 3(1), (2)
and Article 23(1) of the Maritime Transport Act and a person who has signed a labor
contract, working in those businesses for more than 6 months in accordance with Article
3(5) of the Vessel Crew Act. (However, this is limited to the crew on a coastwise ship
applicable to the Vessel Crew Act (excluding fishing boats), and weighs 5 tones or
more.)
Fishing Ship Crew(E-10-2)

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

- A person who is a member of fishing ship crew of business defined in Sub-section (1) of
Article 8(1) and sub-section (1) of Article 43(1) of the Fishery Act and a person who has
signed a labor contract working on the ship (which weighs 20 tones or more) for more
than 6 months and who is a sailor defined as Article 3(5) of the Vessel Crew Act.
Cruise Crew (E-10-3)
- A person who is a member of cruise crew of business defined in Article 3(5) of the
Maritime Transport Act and a person who has signed a contract which indicates that
he/she is going to work there for at least 6 months. Also a person who is a sailor
defined as Article 3(5) of the Vessel Crew Act, and the ship he/she is on board must
weigh 2,000 tones or more as set forth as Article 3 of the presidential decree of the
Maritime Transport Act.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

1 year

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
THE CURRENT
STATUS OF

You are restricted to apply for 'Participation in activities outside of the current status of
stay'.

STAY
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF

When you can not continue to work normally due to business suspension/closure or etc.,
you can apply for change of workplace with recommendation given by National

- 160 -

Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives.
Required Documents

WORKPLACE

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② an employment recommendation letter issued by the Korea Shipping Association or
National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives

③ a sailor employment contract ④ business license
⑤ any documents relevant to industrial accident or a medical certificate (if it's deemed
necessary.) ⑥ a reference letter
GRANT OF
STATUS
CHANGE OF
STATUS
EXTENSION OF
STAY

You are not eligible to apply for 'Grant of Status'.
You are not eligible to apply for 'Change of Status'.
1. Extension Standards and Procedure
A. Extension Standards
Up to 1 year for one time extension for vessel crew and to the maximum of 3 years
from the date of entry
- If you are granted permit to extend your employment activity period based on a
re-employment, the maximum duration of your stay is 4 and 10 months starting from the
initial entry date.
Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② a sailor employment contract ③ a copy of business license ④ a reference letter ⑤ a
letter of recommendation for foreigner crew (E-10-1, E-10-3, Korea Shipping Association),
A letter of recommendation for employment extension of crew) (E-10-2, National
Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives)

⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e.

Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry
date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of
university housing fee and others.)
A job applicant can apply for the Extension of Stay within 3 months from the date
of termination of employment.
- Eligible applicants: A person who has valid period of sojourn of at least 4 months
(within the maximum period ; 3 years)
- Required Documents

① an application form (Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card
② a pledge ※ No fee for Extension of Stay
 CONTENTS

2. Procedures for Extension of employment period for an employee of expired sailor

- 161 -

employment contract (Special re-employment case)
A. Eligible Applicants
A person who entered the country with a Coastwise Crew(E-10-1), a Fishing Ship
Crew(E-10-2) or a Cruise Crew(E-10-3) visa, who is at the end of the 3 years and whose
current employer wants to renew the contract with him/her
※ National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives issues Reference of Extension of
employment period for an employee of an expired sailor employment contract【Appendix
2】
B. Period Allowed
Up to 1 year for one time extension and to the maximum of 4 years and 10 months
from the date of entry
C. Procedure of Application
EXTENSION
OF STAY

You may apply from 2 months earlier than the expiry date to the expiry date, unless
you have reasons for otherwise.
※ Your period of sojourn can not exceed 4 years and 10 months from the date of the
entry.
D. Required Documents

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport and Alien Registration Card, fee
② Reference of Extension of employment period for an employee of expired sailor
employment contract

③ sailor employment contract ④ a copy of business license
⑤ a reference letter(if guarantee period expired) ⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of
residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice
of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public
services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption (as of Dec. 1, 2010 revision of
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

enforcement regulations)
- If you are registered and plan to return to the ROK within 1 year from the departure
date, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit.
- If your period of sojourn remains less than 1 year, you are exempt from Re-entry Permit
for the remaining days.
- If you are required to obtain the permission due to entry regulation, you can apply for
the permission from a local Immigration Office/Branch Office without fee.

ALIEN
REGISTRATION
 CONTENTS

1. Required Documents for Registration

① an application form(Report Form, No.34), passport, one standardized photo, fee
② Transport operation license for coastwise passengers or Transport operation license for
- 162 -

coastwise freight

③ Health Check-up Results (It must be sealed in an envelope, Do not open the envelop.)
※ Drug test must be included. (as of Aug. 1, 2012)
④ a document indicating a member of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance or
Accident Insurance
EMPLOYMENT
CHANGES

1. Employment Changes Reporting
A. A person in notification duty

REPORTING
An employer who has hired a foreign employee of Non-professional Employment (E-9)
visa
B. Reporting Period
An employer has to report to a local Immigration Office with jurisdiction over his/her
residence within 15 days of occurrence in accordance with Article 19(1) (notification duty
of an employer of foreign employees) of Law, and Article 24(2) (reporting of an
employer of foreign employees) of enforcement ordinances.
C. How to Report
Visit and Report
-Visit a local office in person
Fax (1577-1346) and E-Application (www.hikorea.go.kr)
- Regardless of a local office (automatically sorted on system)
- Available only in Reporting Period(within 15 days of occurrence
D. Required Documents
A notification for changes in foreign employees(trainees) form(Report form, No.32), a
copy of Alien Registration Card, a copy of a business registration certificate
When an employer directly reports the change: employer’s ID card
When a representative (employee) reports the change: a power of attorney, certificate of
employment, the employee’s ID card
E. Reasons for Reporting
When a foreigner resigned or were dismissed before the term of contract ends
- Not when a foreigner resigned after completing the contract
When a foreigner died
When a foreigner is missing
When an important part of employment contract has is changed
- when the period of employment is changed
- when an employer or the president is changed
 CONTENTS

- when a name of workplace is changed

- 163 -

- when a workplace is relocated
2. Duty of Employer
Comply with reporting duty
Carry out management duty with good will to prevent absence without a notice, human
rights violation, unfair treatment, and/or payment delay
take measures for employed crew to carry Alien Registration Card or passport when they
are out.
Provide the list of employed crew in the workplace as a preparation for inspection from
relevant agencies.
Take immediate measure to help employed crew to depart when they wish to do so.
* If it is confirmed that a host is not properly complying with his/her duty, the issuance of
confirmation of visa issuance may be limited.

- 164 -

Family Visitor (F-1)
RANGE OF
ACTIVITIES

Visiting relatives, staying with your family and dependents, organizing household, and
other similar activities
You are eligible to apply if you
were a Korean national at the time of birth, but later adopted to foreign citizen in a
foreign country
were the first-generation overseas Korean who moved to other countries before the
establishment of the government of the Republic of Korea on August 15th, 1948
are a domestic worker for a foreign public official stationing in the Republic of Korea

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

live with an eligible applicant for A-1 Diplomacy and A-3 Conventions/Agreements but
are not a member of his/her family
are a child who is age 21 or older and a family member of a SOFA applicant
are a spouse or an underage child of a F-2 Residential visa holder (eligible to apply for
an alteration of the visa type)
are an underage Korean national who has a permanent address in the ROK and who
needs to be taken care of by his/her father or mother
A person whose need to stay in Korea for a long time due to unforseen circumstance is
recognized (eligible to apply for the alteration of the visa type)

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

You are allowed to stay for up to 2 years

STAY
ACTIVITIES

1. Range of exemption for activities allowed outside of visa status will be expanded.

OUTSIDE OF
VISA STATUS

If you want to take a class at a regular education institution (elementary, middle, high
school, and university) to an extent that the original purpose of stay is not infringed, you
do not need to ask for a separate permission within the range of period of stay.

(has

been effective since June 15th, 2009)
2. You are allowed to engage in activities of E-1 professorship or E-7 Special Occupation
status if you are Chinese-Korean on a F-1 Family Visitation visa, who also satisfies
employment qualifications

CONTENTS

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Employment recommendation letter from the head of a respective department or
documents proving the employment needs ③ employment contract ④ business registration
⑤ degree or license
- 165 -

ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF

3. Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Special Occupation (E-7) activities carried by F-1
Family Visitation and F-3 Dependent Family visa holders

VISA STATUS
Common
Application

E-2

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form no. 34), passport and alien
registration card, fee

② Employment Contract ③ Business Registration
④ Degree (same as E-2 qualifications) ⑤ Criminal Record (same as
E-2 qualifications) ⑥ Medical Examination Record for Employment
(same as E-2 qualifications)
④ An original copy of teacher's license in your country (if you do
not have a teacher's license, you must submit your degree and

E-7

career certificates)

⑤ Criminal record (same as E-2 qualifications)

⑥ Medical Examination Record for Employment (same as E-2
qualifications) ⑦ Employment request form from the school
Principal ⑧ Present data on a number of foreigner teachers

4. You Are a F-1 Family Visitation, F-3 Dependent Family (F-3), and E-7 Special
Occupation visa holder working for the government or public organizations (municipal
government, government-invested agencies)

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Employment contract ③ A photocopy of business registration ④ Recommendation Letter
from the head of a respective organization/department

CONTENTS

⑤ Original and photocopy of degree (original and photocopy)

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OR

N/A

WORKPLACE

GRANTING
STATUS

Article 23 (Granting Status of Stay)
A foreigner who is born in and stays in the Republic of Korea without any qualified
status of stay under Article 10 shall obtain a status of stay within 90 days from the
date of birth; and a foreigner without qualified status of stay due to reasons such as
loss or renunciation of nationality of the Republic of Korea, etc. during stay in the
Republic of Korea, shall obtain a status of stay within 30 days from the occurrence of
such event, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. [Wholly amended May 14, 2010]

☞ A Korea-born foreigner: you must receive the qualified status of stay within 90 days
from your date of birth

- 166 -

1. An A-3 Conventions/Agreements, C-3 Temporary Visit, F-1 Family Visitation, F-2
Residential, or a G-1 Miscellaneous visa will be given to an american soldier discharged
from the army in Korea depending on his/her purposes of stays and range of eligibilities
2. If you are a child of a F-2 Residential visa holder, born in Korea, you will be given a
F-1 Family Visitation visa

GRANTING
STATUS

① Visa application form (enclosed form no.34), passport, one standard-size photograph,
fee ② Birth Certificate ③ Documents proving a family relation and a certificate of
biological relation ④ a copy of resident registration of your relatives
3. You are a child born in Korea and of a person on a Industrial Training(D-3),
Non-professional Employment(E-9), Vessel Crew(E-10), Working Visit(H-2), or an
Overseas Koreans(F-4) visa
A. Period of stay will be given within the length for which the father or the mother intends
to stay
B. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard size photograph, fee
② Birth certificate ③ Photocopy of alien registration cards of parents ④ population registry
(for chinese only)
CHANGE OF
STATUS

1. You are allowed to change your status to F-1 Family Visitation which allows you to stay
for 91 days or more if you are under age 20 or age 60 or older
- You are a Korean-foreign national who has entered Korea on B-1 Visa exemption visa or
a short-term visa due to unforseen circumstances

① Visa application form (enclosed form no. 34), passport, one
Required
Documents

standard-size photograph, fee

② Documents proving family relations (a certificate regarding with
relatives relations or Resident Registration)

③ Reference letter (for person who is age 20 or older only)
④ Statement of Reasons (only if you have to stay in Korea due to
Supplementary
Documents

unforseen reasons): if you are under age 20

⑤ Birth Certificate: if you are under age 20

- An original copy of your family register (Japan, Taiwan) is needed,
while a population registry is needed for Chinese

2. You can change your status to F-1 family visitation if you are a domestic workers for or
live with a foreign diplomat/public official stationing in the Republic of Korea.
A. Eligible Applicants
You live with an eligible applicant for an A-1 Diplomacy, A-2 Official Mission, or A-3
Conventions/Agreements holder, but are not related to him/her.
Domestic Workers of Public officials stationing in Korea

- 167 -

※ Domestic Workers of investors and professionals are not allowed to change their status in
CHANGE OF
STATUS

korea : entering Korea through a visa issuance from a diplomatic mission abroad or a
confirmation of visa issuance
B. Required Documentation
A person who is not a member of

Domestic Workers of Diplomats or Public

diplomat or public officials' families

Officials

① Visa Application Form(enclosed form

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form

no. 34), passport, one standard-size

no.34), passport, one standard size

photograph, fee

photograph, fee

② Cooperation Request from respective
embassy/consulate general in Korea

③ Public Official I.D.
④ Documents proving family or relative
relations

② Cooperation Request from respective
embassy/consulate general in Korea

③ Employment Contract
④ Photocopy of diplomat ID of the
employers

Definitions for dependents of diplomats and public officials (A-1, A-2) stationing in the
Republic of Korea
1. A spouse who is legally married to you; but, if the spouse has violated Korean laws,
virtuous customs, and other social orders, his/her spouse status will NOT be recognized.
2. Parents who are 61 years old or older
3. Parents at age 60 or under, who entered Korea on a condition that they won't engage
in employment activities that will provide them with incomes.
4. A child who is considered 'underage' by the Korean Civil Law living with the
applicant
5. A child under age 26, studying at Korean school as a full time student and living
with the applicant
6. A disabled child who is unable to support him/herself without helps/assistances even
though he/she is considered adult by Korean Civil Law
3. You are allowed to change your status if you are a child of a chinese married to a
Korean national, who is age 20 or older
A. Definitions of spouses of Korean nationals are expanded
- when a korean spouse died or is missing: F-6 visa holder or a person who acquired
Korean nationality
- If you are divorced or currently separated due to your Korean spouse's faults, a F-6 visa
holder will be eligible to apply for F-6 visa. If the child is an adult, the parents will be
given the same period of stay, and you are allowed to stay with a person who wants to
be with you.
➠ A Chinese child, who is an adult, is allowed to stay in Korea on the same conditions
CONTENTS

indicated above, but the permitted period of stay will be given within the period of stay

- 168 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

of the foreign spouse
B. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard size photograph, fee
② Family relation and a document confirming your marital status that you are single
(population registry and others)

③ Any documents confirming that your parents are still married (a certificate regarding
family relations)
※ if your korean spouse has died, been missing, divorced, or separated, you need to submit
additional documents (Death certificates, divorce sentencing, documents confirming that you
are taking care of dependents, proof of naturalization permission)

④ Documents proving that your need to stay in Korea is inevitable (adoption confirmation,
doctor's note)

⑤ Reference letter
4. You are allowed to change your status if you are a parent or a family member of a
foreigner who is married to a Korean national
A. Parents of immigrant spouses
They are allowed to stay for a long term to support their child who
is married to a Korean national and who is giving a birth or raising a
child
- Regardless of having a child or not, if staying in the RoK for a long
period of time is inevitable, they are allowed to stay in the RoK.
B. Family of immigrant spouses
The ROK government allows you to stay (parents are not included)
Eligible
Applicants

for a long term if you are in Korea to support your family member
who is about to give a birth or is raising a child (fee-for-day-care is
given until the child becomes a five-year-old)
- You are allowed to stay for a long period of time if the parents of
the foreign spouse died or they are too old to support childbirth or
child rearing
- If the reasons for long term stay is recognized and admitted, then the
child will be able to extend/change/receive the same status and period
of stay
※ Only one person among the family (first cousins or closer) is
allowed to stay long term.

Status of
Stay
Permitted
period of
CONTENTS

stay

Family visitor (F-1-5)
You will be permitted to stay for a year (The period of stay will be
extended up to 2 years only when the necessity of stay in Korea is
recognized)

- 169 -

CHANGE OF

- However, maximum length of stay is 4 years 10 months from the date

STATUS

of entry

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard
size photograph, fee

Required
Documents

② Inviter's certificate of family relation, marriage certificate, a certificate
of resident registration

③ Documents proving the family relation between the inviter and the
invitee

④ reference letter
5. You are allowed to change your stats to arrange household after your have experienced a
severance of your marriage
A. Eligible applicants that are allowed to stay
Despite the fact that your marriage to a Korean national has been parted, you are not
considered a F-6-3 marriage severance party and your needs to stay in Korea for property
divisions and arrangements reasons have been acknowledged and recognized
B. Screening Criteria and warnings
We will examine whether your reasons and circumstances were inevitable
C. Permitted Period of Stay: within 6 months per request
A permitted period of stay for F-1-6 is one year from the date of status change
- However,
However, if the trial continues for the return of deposits, bonds, debt, leasehold of real
estate, you are allowed to stay until the trial ends even if your date of change the status
has been a year.
D. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, one
standard size photograph, fee ② Personal reference letter ③ Marriage certificate which
indicates divorce④ Any documents explaining inevitability of stay (statement of reasons,
documents proving division of assets) ⑤ Other documents that are required for screening
6. Foreigners that are in the process of acquiring Korean nationality such as
Reinstatement/Restoration of Nationality, Naturalization, and Determination of Nationality,
are eligible to apply for family visitation status

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard-size photograph, fee ②
Reference letter ③ Naturalization permission or an application receipt for
reinstatement/restoration of naturalization
7. You are allowed to change your status if you are a child of overseas Koreans and is
under age 19.
A. A mother or a father of an overseas korean child who is legally staying in Korea and
under age 19 is allowed to change his/her status to F-1 Family Visitation until the
CONTENTS

permitted period of stay expires.

- 170 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

B. Required documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard size photograph, fee
② Any documents proving family relations (Birth Certificate, Population registry and others)
③ Alien registration of the father or mother
8. Parents of foreign talents, investors and students
A. Eligible Applicants
You are a family member (2 chon or closer) of an international student who has been
accepted to a respective educational* organization and is planning to enroll in the school, or
who is already enrolled while paying for your own tuition. Also you satisfy certain financial
requirements, and are allowed to sponsor only one student. **
* Elementary school, middle school, high school in accordance with

「

」

Article 2(1) to (3) of

the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (not including air school, higher civic school,
broadcasting and correspondence middle school·high school, and high technical school),
Foreigner school* among all types of schools (not including alternative school) in accordance
with Article 2(5) of the aforementioned act, Foreign educational institution in accordance with

「

Article 2(2) of the Special Act on Establishment and Management of Foreign Educational

」

Institutions in Free Economic Zones and Jeju International City .
** Please note that in principle, a student on a full scholarship offered and invited by a
government organization and a private firm is not eligible for accompanying family visa.
- Staying Expenses (annual living expenses)
· Annual living expenses: approximately 12 million KRW per person
- Financial Requirements (for nationals of countries where many illegal immigrants come
from)
· If you are a national of a country where many illegal immigrants come from, your annual
income must be at least 26 million KRW or you must possess financial assets worth of
140 million KRW.
* To prove your financial conditions, you can choose either the annual income amount or
the net worth of your financial assets. You can also combine your income and assets
with your partners'.
- Other conditions
· If you have been fined at least 2 million KRW or given a notice of disposition, for
violating the Immigration Control Act of the Republic of Korea within the past 5 years,
or if you have been deported or have received a departure order, a visa (including a
confirmation of visa issuance) will NOT be issued.
B. The authority has been entrusted to the head of an immigration office and branch office.
Jurisdictional immigration (branch) office
CONTENTS

Permission will be given within 2 years of period of stay. (within the range of period of

- 171 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

stay of an international student)
C. Required Documents

① an application form (form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card (where applicable),
one standard-size photograph, fees

② a letter of admission or a certificate of enrollment for an international student
③ Documents proving family relations
- An original document with translation attached and documents that indicate the English
name of the parent such as a copy of passport, etc.

④ Documents proving your financial ability (limited to the nationals of countries from
which illegal immigrants come to Korea)
- invoice of withholding tax issued (certified or notarized) by a government agency/bank,
real estate ownership certificate, real estate contract, account balance statement, etc.
9. If you have lost your F-2 status due to unforseen circumstances exceeding the permitted
period of re-entry, you are allowed to change your status to family visitation.
Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard-size photograph, fee
② Overseas Chinese Association family register and others
③ Reference letter (Personal Reference : father or mother of F5 or F2 visa holder who is
Taiwanese national)

EXTENSION OF
STAY

1. You can extend your period of stay if you have entered the RoK for the purposes of
visiting relatives and family.
Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Copy of resident registration of Korean relatives
③ Personal reference letter (for age 20 or older only)
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
2. You are allowed to extend your period of stay if you have entered the RoK on a F-1
family visitation visa as the first generation Chinese-Korean or as his descendent in order
to visit relatives and family.
A. Permission Criteria: You must have an identity guarantee by your relatives in the RoK.
 CONTENTS

B. Standard of Permitting Stay: 1 year from the date of permission

- 172 -

EXTENSION OF

You can continue to stay in the RoK. You are allowed to extend your stay once a year.

STAY
C. Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② A certificate proving your family & relative relations or that you are the first generation
immigrants to foreign countries, and other documents related to identification

③ Documents proving your identification such as population registry, resident registration
and others

④ Personal reference letter (for a person at age 20 or more)
⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
3. A domestic worker or a person (you are not a member of his/her family) living with a
diplomatic/public official stationing in the RoK

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Diplomats/Public officials Identification Card
③ Letter for cooperation from an embassy of your country in the RoK.
④ Employment contract (for domestic workers only)
⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
4. You are a child of a person married to a Korean national, who is age 20 or older
A. Employment is prohibited, but if you really need to stay in the RoK due to an
inevitable cause, you are allowed to extend your stay once in every 6 months.
B. Investigating Actual Conditions: the immigration service investigates actual conditions
every year
※If you have multiple nationalities and want to stay in the RoK continuously, then you
must register as a resident
C. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Documents proving inevitability of your stay in Korea
③ Personal reference letter
④ Documents to prove changes in your parents' marital status if any
⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
 CONTENTS

provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,

- 173 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
5. You are allowed to extend your stay even if you are an immigrant spouse who has
experienced severance of marriage
A. Eligible applicants for stay in the RoK
Even though you are divorced or separate from your Korean spouse, if you are not an
eligible applicant for a F-6-3 marriage severance visa holder, you are allowed to stay in
the RoK for the purposes of division of assets and household arrangements.
B. Screening standards and warnings
We will consider whether it is necessary for you to stay in the RoK
C. Permitted period of stay : every 6 months
Permitted period of stay for F-1-6 status is up to 1 year from the date of status change
- However,
However, even if a lawsuit continues due to bond, debt, deposit return in accordance with
the leasehold of real estate, you are allowed to stay in the RoK until the lawsuit
completes. (including small sum incident judgment claim and others)
others)
D. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, one
standard size photograph, fee

② Personal reference letter (you can skip the period of identity guarantee) ③ Marriage
certificate that indicates divorce ④ Documents regarding inevitability of stay (statement of
reasons, documents regarding division of assets) ⑤ Documents that are considered
necessary for review ⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your
period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university
housing fee and others.)
6. Domestic workers of foreign investors and foreign talents
A. Permission Criteria
Maximum 1 year will be given within the range of employer's period of stay
You must live in the same residential address as your employer, and you are not
allowed to engage in employment other than domestic works
Employment Contract Expiration, If you lose your domestic worker status as the
employer fails to meet employer requirements, you must leave the RoK immediately
One domestic worker per one inviter
B. Required Documents

CONTENTS

① Visa application form (Enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Domestic worker employment contract
③ Personal reference letter
- 174 -

④ Proof of current employment of employee (Personal identification card)
⑤ A foreign investment declaration form (a corporate registration certificate or a copy of
business owner registration) or a photocopy of business investment registration

⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
7. Accompanying parents of an international student at the High School Level or below
(F-1-13)
A. The authority is entrusted to
a jurisdictional immigration (branch) office
B. Period of Stay is granted
Permission is granted within the 2 years of period of stay
C. Required Documents

EXTENSION
OF STAY

① Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Documents demonstrating international student enrollment (Proof of enrollment, acceptance
letter and etc.)

③ Documents proving living expenses (i.e. a bank account balance statement proving that
the money, which is more than the standard amount, has been deposited for at least 1
month, and others)

④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
8. Parents of foreign talents, investors and international students
Required Documents

① an application Form (Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② a letter of reference
③ Documents demonstrating your family relations
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn,
a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and
others.)
1. Re-entry permission exemption has been introduced (Presidential enforcement was revised
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

on December 1st, 2010)
- If you have completed registration already, and want to re-enter Korean within 1 year
from the date of departure, you are exempted from obtaining re-entry permission

- 175 -

- If your period of stay has not expired and has time less than one year, you are allowed
to re-enter Korea within the period without the re-entry permission
- If you are a student who needs a re-entry permission due to entry regulation, you must
obtain the re-entry permission from an immigration office in your area. The fee for
re-entry permission is exempted.
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Required Documents

① an application form (form No. 34), original copy of passport, one standard-size
photograph, fees
2. Required Documents for Parents of International Students (F-1-13)

① an application form (form No. 34), passport, one photograph, fees
② documents demonstrating family relations (an original copy and translation, household
register, a birth certificate, etc.)

CONTENTS

③ a letter of admission and a certificate of enrollment of an international student
④ a copy of Alien Registration Card of an international student (If the international student
has completed alien registration.)

- 176 -

Resident (F-2)
RANGE OF
ACTIVITIES
ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

You want to stay in the RoK for a long period of time in order to receive the Permanent
Resident status
A. You are a foreign-born child of Korean national, or you are a spouse or a child of
someone who has F-5 Resident status
B. You are a child born between a Korean parent and a foreign national (including the de
facto marriage) and recognized by the Minister of Justice
C. You have been granted 'refugee' status
D. You are an investor by the definition of Foreign Investment Promotion Act, and meet any
of the conditions below
1) You are a foreigner who has invested at least US$500,000 while you have stayed in the
RoK on a D-8 Corporate Investment visa for 3 years or more.
2) You are an executive of a foreign company which has invested at least US$500,000 in
accordance with the

「Foreign Investment Promotion Act」and you have stayed in the RoK

for 3 years or more
3) You are a foreigner who has invested at least US$300,000 or more and hired at least 2
people
E. You have lost your F-5 Permanent Resident status, but considering your living
circumstances in Korea related to human rights, the Minister of Justice has recognized your
need to continue to stay in the RoK (those who are deported are not eligible in this
category)
F. You have stayed and settled down in the Republic of Korea on a visa outside of A-1 to
A-3 for at least 7 years in which the Minister of Justice recognizes. However, for those
who have E-1 professorship to E-5 Professional employment or E-7 Special Occupation
status, the minimum period of stay shall be 5 years.
G. You are engaged in employment on an E-9 Non-professional employment, E-10 Vessel
Crew or H-2 Working Visit visa, and you have been engaged in employment for at least 4
years within the past 10 years on a visa designated by the Minister of Justice while
meeting all conditions listed below.
1) You have licenses for a particular set of skills or capacities recognized by the Minister of
Justice or you are getting compensation in exchange of your services (Types of skills
licenses and wage standards are announced by the Minister of Justice after internal
discussions/consultations with a relevant department head)
2) You have assets worth above a particular amount designated by the Minister of Justice
3) You are considered an adult under the Korean Civil Law and have basic qualities and
understandings in Korean culture in the RoK.
H. You are hired as a civil servant in accordance with the

- 177 -

」 or

National Civil Servant Act

「Local Civil Servant Act」 and accredited by the Minister of Justice
I. You meet all criteria such as age, education, income, which are designated by the Minister
of Justice
 CONTENTS
J. You have invested in assets such as real estates in designated investment region, products,
and amounts announced by the Minister of Justice
K. You are a child or a spouse of a person eligible for I and J
MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

3 years

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
VISA STATUS

1. Criteria for permitted activities for F-2-99 long term travellers outside of their status (needs
attention)
A. Cases where permissions for engaging in activities outside of status are not required.
If you want to continue the same activities in which you are currently engaged even after
obtaining F-2 residential status and may add other complementary activities along with them
※ i.e.) If a person on an E-2 Foreign Language Instructor wants to get engaged in foreign
language instructor activities along with interpretation/translation works after obtaining F-2-99
residential status
B. Cases where permissions for engaging in activities outside of status are required.
If you want to get engaged in activities permitted by other visas after obtaining F-2
Residential status. This also means that you are going to stop activities you are currently
engaged in.
If you have entered the RoK on a F-1 Family Visitation/F-3 Dependent Family visa and you
want to get engaged in employment activities
※ examples)
- If a person on an E-1 professorship visa wants to get engage in activities of E-7 Special
Occupation after obtaining F-2-99 Residential status and retirements.
- If a person on a F-1 Family visitation visa wants to get engaged in activities of E-2 Foreign
Language Instructors after obtaining F-2-99 Residential status.

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF

N/A

WORKPLACE
If a Korean national who is married to a foreign national on a F-5 Permanent Residence
visa has lost his/her Korean nationality as a result of acquiring nationality of his/her
GRANTING
STATUS

spouse, F-2 Residential status (F-2, period: one year) will be given to him/her.

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard-size photograph, fee
② Certificate of Nationality Acquisition
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CHANGE OF
STATUS

1. You are allowed to change your status to a foreign child of a Korean national
A. Eligible Applicants:

① A foreign child of a Korean national who is underage
② A child born between a foreign national and a Korean national (including the de facto
marriage)

※ In the past, those who have become naturalized as a result of marriage with a Korean
national or an underage foreign child of an overseas Korean who has reinstated Korean
nationality, F-1 family visitation visa and status will be given.

※ A person with multiple nationality including Korean citizenship will be regulated by the
"Guidelines for the Entry/Exit and Stay of a Person with Multiple Nationalities."
B. Effective Date: March 15th, 2011

□ Residence (F-2-2, an adult child of a Korean national) Visa․ Administrative
Guidelines for Status of Stay
Foreign child of a Korean national, who is NOT qualified for the issuance of a
F-2-2 Residence visa and change of status
- You are restricted from a F-4 Overseas Korean visa since you have abandoned
Korean nationality to avoid the military service obligation.

※ Guidelines on Granting Overseas Koreans Status
C. Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard-size photograph, fee
※ A foreign child of a Korean national who is on a F-1-1 Family Visitation visa will be
changed to F-2-2 Residential status immediately after confirmation (fees are exempted)

② Documents proving family relationship and the custodianship between a Korean national
and a respective underage child (i.e. divorce sentencing and others)

※ If you cannot prove that you have the right of custodianship, then you must submit a
consent by a ‘person with parental rights' or a ’guardian' (If there is no 'person with
parental rights or a guardian', then you must submit official documents or notarial
documents that can prove the fact relationship.)

③ Documents proving that you are a foreign-born child of a Korean national
- Birth Certificate, Population Registry and others

④ Resident registration of children and Resident Identification Card
⑤ Basic certificate of parents, a certificate proving family relation, resident registration
⑥ Personal reference letter (Father or Mother who has a right to raise a kid)
2. A spouse of a permanent resident status holder is allowed to change his/her status to
Resident.
 CONTENTS

A. Eligible Applicants:

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

- A person who legally stays in Korea and intends to change his/her status of sojourn to
F-2-3 (a spouse of a permanent resident (F-5) status holder)
- The following persons must apply for a visa to a diplomatic mission (not eligible for the
change of sojourn status).
1. A person who illegally stays in Korea (including an illegal entrant and forged/altered
passport holder)
2. A person whose departure deadline is extended pursuant to Article 33 of the Enforcement
Rule of the Immigration Control Act
3. A person with criminal records (excluding fines)
4. A person not allowed for the change of sojourn status according to individual guidelines
(e.g. E-9 status holders)
5. A person who entered Korea on a short-term visa (including B-1 and B-2) and married a
Korean national

※ However, a German national who entered Korea on International Agreement (B-1) status
may apply for the change of sojourn status (grounds: MOU between the Republic of Korea
and Germany signed on Dec. 10, 2004)
B. Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard-size photograph,
fee

② Reference Letter of a Korean spouse
③ Documents confirming your place of residence
④ Invitation Letter (form 1)
⑤ Marriage Statement (form 2)
⑥ Documents proving the marriage relationship from both countries
- Marriage certificate, any certificate proving family relations, etc.

⑦ Documents proving your financial ability (an income certificate issued by a tax
office, etc.)

⑧ Credit report of the inviter (issued by the Korea Federation of Banks)
⑨ ‘A certificate of criminal records’ of the respective party of marriage (issued by the
jurisdictional authority of a country of origin or a country where he/she resides)

※ If the inviter has already submitted a criminal record certificate when applying

for Permanent Resident (F-5) status, he/she does not need to re-submit it. However,
if he/she had stayed in another country for six months or more after acquiring F-5
status, a criminal record certificate issued by the country’s government must be
submitted.

⑩ A medical examination report of the respective party of marriage
- A medical examination report issued by a hospital-level medical institution in
accordance with Article 3 (2) 3 of the Medical Service Act or by a local health
 CONTENTS

center in accordance with Article 7 of the Regional Public Health Act. However, a

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

foreign spouse can substitute the document with similar paper accepted by the health
department of a country of origin or a country where he/she resides.

⑪ If you were married before, you must provide documents proving the dissolution of
the marriage (e.g. divorce certificate)
3. You are allowed to change your status if you have been granted refugee status.

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, one
standard-size photograph, fee

② A certificate of refugee recognition
4. Investors who have made large amounts of investments are allowed to change their status
A. Basis : F-2 Residence status management guideline for foreign investors
B. Eligible Applicants: An applicant who meets any of the conditions below in
accordance with the

Foreign Investment Promotion Act

You have invested at least US$500,000 as a foreign investor who has been staying in
Korea for at least 3 years on a D-8 Corporate Investment visa
- Required Documents:

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Photocopy of investment company registration
You are an executive of a foreign corporation who has invested at least $500,000 in
accordance with the

「Foreign Investment Promotion Act」and has been staying in the RoK

for at least 3 years
- Required Documents:

① Visa application form (enclosed form #3), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Dispatch order for overseas assignment or proof of enrollment or certificate of income
amount (for the past 3 years)
You have invested at least US$300,000 and hired at least 2 Korean nationals
- Required Documents:

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, fee
② Foreign investment declaration form or a photocopy of corporate investor registration
certificate

③ Employment contract for an employee or certificate of income amount
5. Permission for Visa Status Change of Foreign-Skilled Workers
A. Basis: F-2 Residence status management guideline for foreign skilled-workers
- revised on December 7th, 2011.12.07 Ministry of Justice Order #843(introduced on
 CONTENTS

December 1st, 2007)

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

B. Eligible applicants for visa status change
A person who meets all requirements below

① You want to engage in employment on an E-9 Non-professional․E-10 Maritime Crew or
H-2 Work and Visit visa at the time of application.

② You have been engaged in employment in manufacturing, construction, agriculture or
fishery for at least 4 years on a D-3 Industrial Trainee, E-8 Trainee Employment, E-9
Non-professional, E-10 Maritime Crew (including ‘coastwise crew’ status) or H-2 Work and
Visit in the past 10 years.

《 How to Calculate the Total Period of Employment (4 years)》

① Past employment period through a D-4 General Trainee, E-9 Non-Professional,
Maritime Crew (E-10, including ‘coastwise crew’ status) are combined to calculate
to the total period of employment.

② Also, if you have re-entered the RoK in a month from the initial departure, the
period will be considered as an employment period as well.
C. Requirements
An eligible applicant from above who meets all the following conditions:

① You have acquired techniques or skills circumscribed by the Special Table 1 through a
test administered by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (hereinafter

․

referred to as ‘techniques skills conditions’) OR the average annual wage income for the
past 2 years is equal or higher than the total amount of wage (the total wage amount for
12 months) (hereinafter referred to as ‘wage conditions').
※ Total Salary = monthly pay (base wage+overtime wage)+{special wage from last
year (bonus+performance based incentives)/12}
※ Please see media releases on 'Employment Conditions for Each Type of
Employment' announced by the Ministry of Employment Labor regarding 'Wage
conditions‘ (Ministry of Employment and Labor, Please go to
http://laborstat.molab.go.kr for checking)
※ Those who apply for the change of status to F-2 Residence through wage
conditions must be engaged in the same industrial field for at least 3 years out of
the total employment period

② You must be able to support yourself and your dependents financially. for example, you
must have financial assets worth at least 20 million won.

③ You are considered an adult under the Korean Civil Law.
④ You have scored the level 3 of the Korean Language Aptitude Test administered by the
National Institute for International Education, or you have passed the Level 4 "Korean
Language and Culture" course or higher level course of the Korea Immigration Integration
Program prescribed by Article 48 of the Enforcement Decree of the Korean Immigration
 CONTENTS

Control Act. the Nevertheless, this does not apply to those who have been educated at a

- 182 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

「

․

」 or the 「Higher
Education Act」or a university (industry college․education university․community college or
high school as set forth in the Elementary Secondary Education Act

Korea National Open University) OR to those who have industrial engineer licenses as set
forth in Paragraph.
D. Required Documents

① Visa application form(enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fees
② Documents proving you have maintained at least 20 million KRW in your bank account
for the past year. Documents proving your financial ability or your family member's

․

financial ability to support the family such as a certified copy of real estate register a
photocopy of real estate lease contract or other documents equivalent to that recognized by
the Minister of Justice. All documents must verify that you have at least 20 million KRW
worth of assets.

③ Documents proving your past employment history such as a proof of employment, career
certificate and etc. However, if an immigration officer can check your career history
through the immigration information system, then you will be exempt from submitting these
documents.

④ Documents proving your future employment engagement in fields where you were
previously employed such as a certificate of prospective employment, standard employment
contract

⑤ Documents proving the respective qualifications as set forth in the【Special Table
1】(limited to those fall under Article 3(2) ‘Techniques․Skills Conditions’)
⑥ Documents proving that you are earning incomes (such as a Receipt for Earned Income
Tax Withholding) [for an eligible person under 'Salary Requirements' in accordance with
paragraph 1, Article 3(2) only)

⑦ A transcript(report card) of the Korean Language Test or a certificate proving the
completion of the Korea Immigration Integration Program, however, if you are qualified for
conditions in accordance with paragraph 4, Article 3(2), you should submit documents
which prove that you have completed at least 2 years of education or graduated in the
RoK.
E. Range of Employment
If you are a foreign skilled worker in a production line and have obtained F-2 residence
status, you are NOT allowed to work in fields where you were previously employed.
F. Cancellation of F-2 Residential Status
If you meet any of the conditions below after changing your status to F-2 residence as a
foreign skilled worker, your status can be cancelled.
1. You have been decided to deport.
2. You have obtained a permission of change of status through unlawful or dishonest means.
 CONTENTS

- 183 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS
6. Foreign Professionals are allowed to change their status through the Points-Based System
A. Basis : Guidelines on change of status for F-2 Residence professionals via the
Points-Based Immigration System
- Subparagraph 27(I)(F-2 Residential Status) of Table 1, Presidential decree of the
Immigration Act
A. Flow Chart of Procedure for Changing Visa Status
Alien
Registrat

applying

⇨

for status

⇨

evaluation/review

⇨

(Points-Based

ion

of stay

System)

E-1~E-7,

Have been

D-5~D-9

staying in

Age

,

the RoK

Korean Language

D-2,D-1

for at least

0

one year

Permitting the
change to a
F-2 visa

⇨

Applying
for a F-5
visa
Have been

․Education․

staying in

․Income and etc

passing mark:

the RoK on

80/120 points

a F-2 visa
for at least
3 years

B. Eligible Applicants
Eligible Visa Status for Application
Status of Stay
E-1 ~ E-5, E-7
D-5, D-6, D-7, D-8, D-9
E-6

D-2, D-10

R E M A R K S
Unlimited
Not including E-6-2 visa holders working/performing at a

․

hotel adult entertainment establishment
You have acquired master's degree at a university in Korea
(including prospective graduates) and been confirmed for

employment from a Korean company
Period of Stay Requirements: You must be legally staying in Korea on a visa you are
applying for at least one year.
- However, the period of stay of a D-10 Job Seeking visa holder can combine their previous
period of stay as a D-2 Study abroad visa holder.
C. Requirements for Permission
You must score total points higher than the passing mark.
- Marks Distribution for each category (total: 120 points) and passing points (80 points)

 CONTENTS

- 184 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Common Application Criteria (Total
Catego
ries

Points

Age
25

Points: 90)
Educati
Korean

Current

Extra/deduction
(Total Points: 30)
Extra
Deductio

on

Language

Income

points

n

35

20

10

30

-5

Total

Passing

Points

Points

120

80 or above

D. Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fees
② Documents proving degree (education degree, graduation certificate and others)
③ Documents proving Korean language
④ Documents related to earned income (i.e. Receipt for Earned Income Tax Withholding and
etc.)

⑤ Employment Contract
⑥ Documents proving family relations (spouse or child)
⑦ the Immigrant integration completion confirmation, certificate of volunteer, career certificate
and other documents proving you have scored above the cut-off marks

≪ F-5 Permanent Resident Status Permission Criteria for Those Who Have
Stayed in Korea for 3 years After Obtaining Resident Status Through the

≫

Points-Based System

•(Financial Ability to Maintain the Adequate Living Standard) You have financial assets
worth over 30 million KRW, and from the date of your application submitted, your
annual income amount is twice larger than the previous year's GNI per capita of Korea
announced by the Korean Bank.

•(Good Behavior) You have never violated Korean laws and never worked in the
adult-entertainment industry or non-professional fields before.

•(Basic Foundation) You have passed the Level 2 or higher level of the Korean Language
Aptitude Test or completed the Korea Immigration Integration Program (However, if you
scored 15 points or more on the Korean Language assessment when obtained resident
status, you will be exempted from the language requirement.)
7. Permitting financial assets investors, such as real estate investors, to change their status to
F-2-8 and F-2-81 Residents
Basis : A Confirmation of Visa Issuance and Administration Guideline for Financial
Assets Investors such as Real Estate investors
- Ministry of Justice Announcement No. 2013-198
A. Principle Guidelines
 CONTENTS

Those who have made a minimum amount of investment as individual investors, company

- 185 -

executives, stockholders, and their family members will be allowed to change their status to the

CHANGE OF

ones which do not have any employment restrictions

STATUS

Resident status is granted when the investment in Immigrant Investor Scheme for Real Estate
and Public Business combined is at least the minimum investment amount of the concerned
region subject to Immigrant Investor Scheme for Real Estate.
Family Visitor status will be given to foreign investors who have not completed the real estate
registration in order to attract real foreign investments and to guarantee free travelling and
domestic stay in Korea
If you have invested for at least 5 years on a residence visa, then you and your family
members will be able to change your status to permanent residents.
-

Please note that if the sum of the periods of the Immigrant Investor Schemes for Public
Business and Real Estate is 5 years or more, you are also eligible to apply
If you have gotten a refund of your investment money before you obtain Permanent Resident
status, the selling company* (i.e. a company selling the real estate, terminating the ongoing
contract, transferring the membership) must report on this event to the head of an immigration
(branch) office within 14 days from the date of refund.

* refers to a real estate organization which attracts investors, signs a membership contract, sells
a real estate property to other people, and finally, receive the payment for a new house.
B. Range of application for financial assets such as real estates
Region

Investment Products

Minimum Amount of
Investment

Real estate must be located in the Alepnsia
Tourism Complex of Daegwallyeong approved
and designated by the Provincial governor in
accordance with Article 52 of the Tourism
Promotion Act, and it must satisfy any of the
followings below.

① Holiday Condominiums in accordance with
the {Special Table 1 of Article 15(b)} of the
Peyongchang,
Kangwon-do

Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and {Item (b) of Article 3(2) of the Tourism
Promotion Act

② Hotels among general lodging facilities in
accordance with the Special Table 1, Article
15(a) of the Enforcement Decree of the
Architecture Act.

③ Cottages in accordance with Article 28 of the
Enforcement Decree of the Local Tax Act,
Article 168(13) of the Enforcement Decree of
 CONTENTS

the Income Tax Act, and Article 92(10) of the

- 186 -

500 million KRW

Enforcement Decree of the Corporate Tax Act

CHANGE OF

④ Tourist Pensions in accordance with the

STATUS

Special table 1, Article 15(d) of the
Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and Article 3(7) of the Tourism Promotion Act
Real estate must be located in the ‘Unbuk
Leisure Complex’ and any leisure/holiday
facilities within the

‘Young-Jong Sky City

② (Complex Resort District)’

step 1-

designated and approved by the Minister of
Industry, Trade, and Energy in accordance
with

Article 4 and 9 of the ‘Special Act on

Designation and Management of Free
Economic Zones’, and it must satisfy any of
the followings below.

① Holiday Condominiums in accordance with
the {Special Table 1 of Article 15(b)} of the
Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and {Item (b) of Article 3(2) of the Tourism
Promotion Act

② Hotels among general lodging facilities in
Incheon Free
Economize
Zone

accordance with the {Special Table 1 of
Article 15(a)} of the Enforcement Decree of

700 million KRW

the Architecture Act.

③ Houses established and connected to a sport
facility in accordance with Article 9(3) of the
Special Act on Designation and Management
of Economic Free Zones, Article 3(18)(2) of
the Regulations on Housing Supply and the
announcement number 2012-323 of the
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy

④ Cottages in accordance with Article 28 of the
Enforcement Decree of the Local Tax Act,
Article 168(13) of the Enforcement Decree of
the Income Tax Act, and Article 92(10) of the
Enforcement Decree of the Corporate Tax Act

⑤ Tourist Pensions in accordance with the
Special table 1, Article 15(d) of the

Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and Article 3(7) of the Tourism Promotion Act
Real estate must be located in development
Jeju-do
 CONTENTS

areas approved by the Provincial Governor of

- 187 -

500 million KRW

CHANGE OF

the Jeju-do in accordance with Article 229 of

STATUS

the Special Act on the Establishments of Jeju
Self-Governing Province and Jeju Free
International City, and it must satisfy any of
the followings below.

① Holiday Condominiums in accordance with
the {Special Table 1 of Article 15(b)} of the
Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and {Item (b) of Article 3(2) of the Tourism
Promotion Act

② Hotels among general lodging facilities in
accordance with the {Special Table 1 of
Article 15(a)} of the Enforcement Decree of
the Architecture Act.

③ Cottages in accordance with Article 28 of the
Enforcement Decree of the Local Tax Act,
Article 168(13) of the Enforcement Decree of
the Income Tax Act, and Article 92(10) of the
Enforcement Decree of the Corporate Tax Act

④ Tourist Pensions in accordance with the
Special table 1, Article 15(d) of the

Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and Article 3(7) of the Tourism Promotion Act
Real estate must be located in the Yeosu
Kyeong-do Oceans Tourism Complex which
was designated and announced by the Minister
of Oceans and Fisheries to support the Yeosu
Expo in accordance with Article 24 of the
‘Special Act on Supporting the 2012 Yeosu
World's Fair and Subsequent Applications of
Its Facilities', and it must satisfy any of the
Yeosu,
Jeollanam-do

followings below.

① Holiday Condominiums in accordance with
the Special Table 1, Article 15(b) of the
Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and Item (b) of Article 3(2) of the Tourism
Promotion Act

② Hotels among general lodging facilities in
accordance with the Special Table 1 of Article
15(a) of the Enforcement Decree of the
 CONTENTS

Architecture Act.

- 188 -

500 million KRW

CHANGE OF
STATUS

③ Cottages in accordance with Article 28 of the
Enforcement Decree of the Local Tax Act,
Article 168(13) of the Enforcement Decree of
the Income Tax Act, and Article 92(10) of the
Enforcement Decree of the Corporate Tax Act

④ Tourist Pensions in accordance with the
Special table 1, Article 15(d) of the

Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and Article 3(7) of the Tourism Promotion Act
Real estate must be located in Haeundae
Tourist Resorts and the East Busan Tourism
Complex of Haeundae Special Tourist Zone
approved and designated by the Mayor of
Busan City in accordance with Article 52 and
Article 70 of the

Tourism Promotion Act

① Holiday Condominiums in accordance with
the Special Table 1, of Article 15(b) of the
Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and Item (b), Article 3(2) of the Tourism
Promotion Act

Busan

② Hotels among general lodging facilities in
accordance with the Special Table 1, Article
15(a) of the Enforcement Decree of the
Architecture Act.

③ Cottages in accordance with Article 28 of
the Enforcement Decree of the Local Tax Act,
Article 168(13) of the Enforcement Decree of
the Income Tax Act, and Article 92(10) of the
Enforcement Decree of the Corporate Tax Act

④ Tourist Pensions in accordance with the
Special table 1, Article 15(d) of the

Enforcement Decree of the Architecture Act
and Article 3(7) of the Tourism Promotion Act
C. Investment Procedure for Real Estate Investor

 CONTENTS

- 189 -

- Haeundae Tourist
Resort: 700 million
KRW
- East Busan Tourism
Complex: 500
million KRW

CHANGE OF
Change of F-1

STATUS

⇨

Entry

Pre-screen

Applying for a

Family

ing

Change of Status

Visitation, F-2

examinati
on /

⇨

/
applying for a

⇨

Residential
status/

Instructio

confirmation of

visa and

n

visa issuance

confirmation

Apply for

⇨

Change to
F-5
Permanent
Residence

issuance
Change to F-1

Register

Investmen

for a

Real Estate

t

short-term

Contract

Consultati

stay as a

se

on

foreigner

․ purcha

Family
Visitation status
will be allowed
for a spouse or
family member

Owning
investment
Assets/prop
erties for
five years

D. Eligible Applicants
You have made a minimum amount of investment in a designated real estate property as an
individual foreign investor, company executive, or stockholder. Also, you are a dependent
family (spouse + children) member of such a person: F-2 Residential Eligible Applicants
You have made an at least USD $100,000 or 100 million KRW worth of investment in
designated real estate products as downpayment or intermediate payment : Eligible Applicants
for F-1 Family Visitation status
- Foreign investors are classified into
others and

① registration completed ② member of condominium or

③ down payment higher than the standard amount. Definition for each category is

as follows

① Registration Completed : You have completed the ownership registration over the place you
invested

② Member of condominium or others: You have been granted member status from the

place

you invested

③ Real estate investment of 700 million KRW or higher: You are a large amount investor who
has signed a contract of purchasing a single real estate product at the selling price of 700
million KRW or higher, and who has already paid a downpayment and deposited intermediate
payment and balance of 200 million KRW or higher in the Korea Development Bank (KDB).
The total amount of downpayment, intermediate payment and balance combined must be at
least the minimum standard amount for real estate investment of the region where your
investment is located.
E. Application Center
Jurisdictional immigration (branch) office where the invested property is located (If you made
 CONTENTS

investments in two or more facilities, please go to an office where the amount of investment

- 190 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

is higher)

※ Registered aliens must go apply at their jurisdictional immigration (branch) office
F. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration(eligible applicants
only), one standard size photograph, fee

② Real Estate Contract Note, A Certified Copy of Real Estate Register (for F-2 Residential
applicants only)a

③ Membership certificate confirmed and issued by the Korea Leisure Condominium
Management Association, membership certificate and deposit receipt issued by the selling
company (for members only)

④ Certificate for Vacancy of Unsold New House (for persons who invested in an unsold new
house only)

⑤ Residence Record of the House (only for persons who invested in an unsold new house,
issued by the head of Eup, Myeon and Dong, effective only for five days from the issue date)

⑥ Documents demonstrating inflow of foreign currency (*You must submit a certificate of

purchased foreign currency, receipt of international wire transfer, or wire transfer certificate.
However, if you used your credit card for the transaction, you must submit all of the
following documents: transaction
credit card sales

confirmation issued by the respective bank, photocopy of

slip, deposit receipt of the selling company and others.)

⑦ Additional documents demonstrating that you have either paid or transferred the investment
money from a foreign country to the respective company, under the investor's name (for those
who have made indirect investments through a corporation only)

⑧ Official letter from the respective company, which indicates that you are a member of their
current executive body or oligopolistic stockholder. You also need the

entire list of their

executives and stockholders (for executives or stockholders of the company only)

⑨ Documents demonstrating family relations (limited to when a spouse or an unmarried child
of the foreign investor applies for the change of status)

※ If the child has come of age, documents demonstrating that he/she is single must be
submitted.
G. Selling Company's Responsibility
(Responsibility to report) The selling company must report to the head of a jurisdictional
immigration (branch) office if a foreign investor has gotten a refund (whether it was a full
or partial refund) of his/her investment amount before he/she acquires permanent resident
status, within 14 days from the date of its occurrence.
- Report Details: Foreign investor's personal profile (nationality, name, date of birth), real estate
investment (name of the building and room/apt/street number and etc), investment capitals and
the amount of refund, the date of refund
 CONTENTS

- Report Methods: you must send an official letter to the immigration office under the name of

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

CEO of the selling company

※ However, any events that occurred before the effective date of this guideline, you must report
it to the immigration office within 14 days from the start date of this guideline.
(Responsibility to report the present conditions) The selling company must make a monthly
report, through an official letter, on the

present conditions of investment (which must be

measured on the last day of each month) by the fifth day of every following month. Please
use the form below.
Number of
Cases of
Investment
New

Total

Amount of
Investment
New

Redemption
Visa Types

Nationality

Total

Remarks
New

C-3

Tota
l

F-2

(To where?) The selling company must report on the present conditions of investments to the
head of a jurisdictional immigration (branch) office where the particular real estate investment
is located.
If the selling company does not fulfill its responsibility to report, the head of the respective
immigration office has the authority to impose various legal restrictions* on respective foreign
investors such as not granting sojourn status, prohibiting them from hiring immigration
representatives and etc.
H. Representation on behalf of Real Estate Community Development Project Operator
The range of activities a representative can do on behalf of his/her client
- Stay permit as set forth in the Application guidelines to F-2 Residence Status, a
confirmations of visa issuance , guideline for pre-screening examination application and
issuance
Representative Qualifications
- The CEO of the selling company or section chief level or higher.
Procedure and Criteria for Using Application Agent
- Fill out the power of attorney and representative forms from the (Special Table 3) and
submit them
- A foreign investor staying outside of Korea is not allowed to use a representative on
his/her behalf

※ However, in case of a confirmation of visa issuance, a foreigner is allowed to use a
representative even if he/she is staying outside of Korea
8. Permitting foreign investors of the 'Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business' to
change their status to F-2-9 Resident
 CONTENTS

A. Basic Information

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CHANGE OF

If you are a foreign investor, foreign company executive, stockholder or immediate family

STATUS

member of such a person, who has invested in products designated by the Minister of Justice,
you will be given F-2 Residential status. If you maintain your investment for the next 5 years
at least on F-2 status, you will be granted F-5 permanent resident status according to certain
standards
- If you want to frequently visit Korea without residing in the country, a multiple-entry visa (C-3)
valid for three years is granted to ensure more convenient entry.
B. Immigration Investment Types
An investor deposits the standard amount of money or more
in a fund newly established by the Korea Finance
Corporation commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (Korea
Principal Guaranteed
Investment

Finance Corporation is an affiliated organization of the
Financial Services Commission in accordance with the Korea
Finance Corporation Act)
* The deposited money will be used as a loan for small and
medium businesses at a low interest rate
An investor invests the standard amount of money in a
community development project in an underdeveloped area
designated and announced by the Minister of Justice after
having an internal discussion with other heads of the relevant
ministries.

Risk-Based Investment

* Development Promotion District in the New Development

「

Region in accordance with the Special Act on New

」

Development Region Nurturing Investment Promotion (4
projects in Youngju, Andong, Yecheun as of 2012), Tourism

「

Leisure Type Enterprise Cities in accordance with the Special

」

Act on Enterprise City Development ’(2 districts in
Young-am, Haenam, Taean as of 2012 )
C. Minimum Amount of Investment for Each Type
Regular

500 million KRW or more
300 million KRW or more*
* However, one or his/her partner must have financial

Retiree
Age 55 or older

assets worth of 300 million KRW at the time of F-2
Residential Status acquisition, and he/she must have
financial assets in Korea which are worth at least 300
million KRW when he/she changes his/her status to

 CONTENTS

F-5 permanent resident

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CHANGE OF
If the combined total of investment amounts in the

STATUS

real estate properties under the Immigrant Investor
In combination with the
Immigrant Investor Scheme

Scheme for Real Estate and the community
development projects under the Immigrant Investor
Scheme for Public Business

for Real Estate

is higher than the

standard investment amount of the Immigrant Investor
Scheme for Real Estate, you are eligible to apply for
the change of status
D. Registration Procedure of Business Development Operator
Designated Area
Announcement

⇨

Minister of

Project Operator
Registration Request

⇨

Jurisdictional Immigration

Justice
(branch) Office
(1) Required Documents when applying for registration request

Final Approval

Minister of
Justice

Documents demonstrating that your project has been approved by the head of relevant ministry
or local government (i.e.: any official documents such as announcement, notice, official letter
and others)

※ ‘New Development Region Promotion District' must be approved by the head of a
municipal/provincial government, and for ‘Tourism Leisure Type Corporate City’, project
operators must be approved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Investment Attraction Plan which includes Promotion and Marketing measures
Subscription form which includes the management of standard investment amount and
investment risks
(2) Registration Procedure
(Apply) A project operator that has obtained an approval for the project from the central
government or a local government apply for the investment recruiter registration to the head
of a jurisdictional immigration office via written letter
* refers to an immigration office that has jurisdiction over areas announced by the Minister of
Justice (considering the scheme is in the early stage, a branch office is excluded)
(Approval) After the head of an immigration office reviews the application, he/she asks for
an approval to the Minister of Justice with an enclosed personal opinion
(Registration) In a case of approval done by the Minister of Justice, the head of the
jurisdictional immigration office must inform the respective project operator on an approval
through an official letter
E. Project operators are able to represent their investors on their on behalf
 CONTENTS

(Range of allowed representation) change of visa status designated under this guideline, a

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CHANGE OF
STATUS
confirmation of visa issuance, pre-screening instruction application and issuance
(Representative Qualification) the CEO of the selling company or the section-chief level or
higher
(Representation Procedure and Standard) Project operator must fill out the enclosed forms
1), 2) and submit a power of attorney

※ A foreign investor is not allowed to apply for a representation for anything but a
confirmation of visa issuance if he/she lives abroad.
F. Responsibility of the Development Business Operator
(Responsibility to Report) The Development Business Operator must report to the head of
a jurisdictional immigration (branch) office if a foreign investor got a refund (whether it
was a full or partial refund) of his/her investment amount before he/she acquires permanent
resident status, within 14 days from the date of its occurrence.
- Report Details : Foreign investor's personal profile (nationality, name, date of birth), real
estate investment (name of the building and room/apt/street number and etc), investment
capitals and the amount of refund, the date of refund
- Report Methods : you must send an official letter to the immigration office under the name
of CEO of the development business operator company
(Responsibility to report the present conditions) The development business operator must
report the present condition of investments at the end of each month, using form below.
Number of
cases of
investment
New Total

Amount of
investment
New

Visa Types

Nationality

Total

Redemption
New

C-3

Remarks

Total

F-2

※ (To where) The development business operator must report everything mentioned above to the
head of a jurisdictional immigration (branch) office.
G. investment recruiter responsibility (Korea finance corporation and community project operator)
(report responsibility) the investment recruiter must report within 14 days, if a foreign investor
gets his/her investment money back before he/she obtains permanent resident status, from the
refund
(current condition report responsibility) the investment recruiter agency must report the
following investment condition at the end of every month

 CONTENTS

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

Total
Investment
Amount

Number
of
Investmen

Status Type

Nationality

Callability

Remarks

Details

t cases
C-3

F-2

(Report and Current Condition Organization) The Korea Finance Corporation must report to
the head of the Seoul Immigration Office, a project operator must report to the head of a
respective immigration office where it is registered with.

※ In terms of responsibility to report, the respective foreigner must report to a jurisdictional
immigration office, however, considering it is hard for an investment recruiting agency to know
the place of residence for an investor, the investor must report to the jurisdictional immigration
office where his/her investment recruiting agency is registered with.
The Minister of Justice can cancel the designation of an investment recruiting agency if the
investment recruiting agency fails to carry out its responsibility to report the current conditions
and others.
- The head of the respective local immigration office can request a cancellation of the recruiting
agency designation if the investment recruiting agency fails to carry out its responsibility to
report the current conditions and others.
H. Management Standard for Change to F-2 Resident status of foreign investors for the
Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business
(1) Processing Procedure

Entry

Short-term
traveller /
foreigner
registration

⇨

Pre-screeni
ng
examinatio
n /
Instruction
Investment
and staying
consultatio
n

⇨

Apply for
a change of
status

Invest
(investment)

⇨

Change to
F-2
Residential
Status

Reviewing of
conditions

⇨

Change to
F-5
Permanent
Resident
Status
maintain 5
years of
investment

(2) Eligible Applicants for the change of status to F-2 Residential status and Permission
Criteria
Eligible applicants
- Foreigners such as executives of a corporation, stockholders, spouses, and underage children of
such a person herein must have invested money worth of 500 million KRW or more in a
public business scheme
However, if you are age 55 or older and a retiree immigrant investor who has financial assets
worth at least 300 million KRW, the minimum amount of investment is lowered to 300 million
 CONTENTS

KRW

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

- You are a foreign investor who has invested in community development projects of the
Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business and real estate properties of the same scheme
for Real Estate. In addition, the combined investment amount of the two scheme is higher than
the investment standard amount announced by the Minister of Justice
i.e.) If you have invested at least 600 million KRW in a real estate property under the Immigrant
Investor Scheme in Incheon, plus at least 100 million KRW in the Immigrant Investor Scheme
for Public Business,

you will be given at least F-2 Residential Status

I. Application Center
If you have invested in the Korea Finance Corporation, you must apply at the Seoul
Immigration Office.
If you have invested in a community development project, you must apply at a local
immigration office where the project operator is registered with.

※ You must apply at a jurisdictional immigration office for a registered foreigner
J. Required Documents

① Application form(enclosed form #34), photocopy of passport, photograph, fee
② Any documents proving that you have paid your investment money (investment confirmation
stamped by the head of a relevant investment recruiting agency, wire transfer receipt, and etc.)

③ Any documents proving the inflow of the foreign money (i.e: Certificate of Purchased Foreign
Currency, Overseas Wire Transfer Receipt, Wire Transfer Certificate and etc)

④ Documents proving the family relation (for spouse or unmarried children of investors applying
for a change of status)

⑤ For Retiree immigrant investors, documents demonstrating their financial assets worth at least
300 million KRW (i.e. deposits, assets such as real estate)

※ Documents demonstrating that you are unmarried if you are an unmarried child
⑥ Additional documents demonstrating that the investment money has been paid or
transferred to a company, under the name of foreign investor (for those who have made
investments through a corporation only)

⑦ Official letter from the invested company, which indicates that you are a member of their
current executive body or oligopolistic stockholder. You also need the entire list of their
executives and stock holders (for executives or stockholders of the company only)
9. Permission for change of residential status regarding other people on long-term stays
[Special Table 1] Subparagraph 12(F)(F-2 Residential Status) of the Presidential Decree
of the Immigration
- You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 7 years on an A-1 Diplomacy
to A-3 Conventions/Agreements visa, thus your living base is here. Also, you are
recognized by the Minister of Justice [However, if you are on an E-1 Professorship to
E-5 Professional Employment or E-7 Special Occupation visa, minimum period of stay
shall be 5 years.
 CONTENTS

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

A. Basic Principles
If you have been granted fixed status, have followed the positive laws, are financially
independent, and want to settle in the Republic of Korea, you will be allowed to change
our status of stay
If you have violated the positive laws, or you don't have any ability to support economic
activities, you will NOT be allowed to change your status of stay.
B. Status Change Requirements
Eligible Visa Status and Period of Stay

① D-1 Korean Arts and Culture, D-5 Journalist, D-6 Religious Worker, D-7 Intra-Company
Transferee, D-8 Corporate / Foreign Investor*, D-9 International Trade, E-6-1,3 Arts &
Performances, F-1 Family Visitor, F-3 Dependent Family** Status: continue to stay for at
least 7 years
* If you are on a D-8 Corporate / Foreign Investor visa, you must make an standard amount

「

of investment (100 million KRW) or more in accordance with the Foreign Investment

」

Promotion Act at the time of application.
** If you are eligible for a F-1 Family Visitor and a F-3 Dependent Family visa, you must
apply with a principal visa applicant of the stay.

② E-1 Professor, E-2 Foreign Language Instructor, E-3 Researcher, E-4 Technical
Instructor/Technician, E-5 Professional, E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability: continue to
stay for 5 years or more

≪

How to Calculate the Period of Stay regarding

① and ② ≫

○ If you have re-entered the RoK within a month of departure, your absence is still
considered as a continuos stay.

○ If you have obtained approval within the eligibility of F-2-99 Residence status, we
will combine the total period of your stay by each of your visa status.
※ EX.1) You are allowed to apply -> F-1 4 years + E-7 2 years + D-8 1year
EX.2) You have stayed in Korea for four years on a D-2 visa which is outside of
eligibility for F-2-99 Residential status, therefore, the period of your stay on the D-2
visa will not be counted when you apply for a E-7 visa

○ We do NOT count the periods of stays as a result of Permission for extension of

period of sojourn for departure (Article 32 of the Enforcement Regulation), and Period
of Departure Probation (Article 33 of the Enforcement Regulation)
Age Criteria : An adult considered by the Korean Civil Law at the time of application
Financial Maintenance Ability Requirements (
documentation of

① and ② below)

※ You should possess all required

① You or a member your household family must have at least 30 million KRW
or his/her name (bank deposits, real estate, etc)
 CONTENTS

- However,

under your

① you have to indicate the fixed date in case of a leasehold contract regarding a
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CHANGE OF
STATUS

house

② In case of a leasehold contract regarding commercial building, a business registration’

is needed if your genuineness is confirmed through the money deposited into a bank account

② The total income (including pensions) of the family shall be above the Gross National Income
Per capita announced by the Bank of Korea
- However, among E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability status applicants, those who are
eligible for the change/addition of work places noticed by the Ministry of Justice
Announcement #11-510 need incomes 1.5 times bigger than the Gross National Income.
* Sales clerk, chef and cook, designer, hotel clerk/receptionist, medical coordinator, sea
cucumber farming technician, shipbuilding welding technician, manufacturing field manager,
construction field manager, agriculture/fishery field manager
Basic Conduct and Quality Requirements

○ You have passed Level 2 or higher in the Test of Korean Proficiency Test or completed
Korea Immigration Integration Program.
C. Application Center
An immigration (branch) office in your area/region
D. Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration, one standard
size photograph, fee

② Statement of reasons request (special circumstance)
③ Documents proving the ability to support yourself financially (2 types or more)
- choose one from the bank account balance, the real estate leasehold contract, and the real estate
business registration
- choose one from the receipt for earned income tax withholding, documents proving the pension
collection, tax payment certificate

④ Documentation Proving Basic Conduct and Quality
- Criminal/police record issued by a domestic police station

※ However, if you have not submitted a criminal record issued by your country while applying
for an E-2 Foreign Language Instructor visa, you will be additionally asked to submit the
record.
- Level 2 or higher of the Korean language Test Result (issued by the National Institute for
International Education) or Korea Immigration Integration Program completion certificate
(issued by the head of an immigration office)

⑤ Other documents which the head of an immigration office found necessary
10. Permission for Change of Residential Status for foreigners who are hired as civil servants
A. Eligible Applicants : Subparagraph 27(h)(F-2 Resident Status) of Special Table 1, Article
12 of the Presidential Decree of the Immigration Act (Special Table 1)
 CONTENTS

B. Qualification Requirements

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You are hired as a civil servant in accordance with the National Civil Servants Act or
the Local Civil Servants Act accredited by the Minister of Justice
C. Required Documents
CHANGE OF
STATUS

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration, one standard size
photograph, fee

② Public servant identification card or a confirmation of prospective civil servant (a
confirmation of a civil servant appointment)

③ personal reference letter
PERMISSION
FOR

1. Required Documents for following applicants when applying for extension of stay
<applicants below>

EXTENSION OF
PERIOD OF
STAY

An underage child of
a Korean national
(F-2-2)

A spouse or an
underage child of a
permanent residence
holder
(F-2-3)
refugee (whose refugee
status is recognized)
(F-2-4)

① Visa application from (enclosed form #34), passport and
alien registration card, fee
② Documents proving family relations
① Visa application from (enclosed form #34), passport and
alien registration card, fee
② Any certificate or documents regarding family relations
and registration which indicates the marriage status
③ Proof of Residence (e. g. lease contract)
① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and
alien registration card, fee
② Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease

contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving
the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a
utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of
university housing fee and others.)
Visa application from (enclosed form #34), passport and
alien registration card, fee
Personal reference letter
Traveller's long-term
Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease
stay
contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving
(F-2-99)
the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a
utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of
university housing fee and others.)
2. Extension of Period of Stay for Foreign Skilled-Workers
Large Amount
Investors
(F-2-5)

①
②
③

① Visa application form(enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Any documents proving that you have maintained at least 20 million KRW in your bank
 CONTENTS

account for the past year, or real estate registration, photocopy of real estate lease contract

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that are worth 20 million KRW, or other documents proving that you or your family

PERMISSION

members have the abilities to support your family financially, recognized by the Minister of

FOR
EXTENSION OF
PERIOD OF

Justice

③ Document proving your career records such as a proof of employment, career certificate
and others. However, if we can confirm those records through the immigration information

STAY

system, you are exempt from submitting these documents.

④ Certificate of prospective employment , standard employment contract and other documents
proving your future employment activities.

⑤ Documents proving respective status on【Special Table 1】(Subparagraph 1 of Article 3(2)
"Techniques ․Skills qualifications)
⑥ Receipt of a receipt for earned income tax withholding and other documents (Eligible
applicants as set forth in Paragraph 1, Article 3(2) ‘Wage Conditions’)

⑦ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
3. Extension of period of stay for real estate investors
A. Eligible Applicants
You have invested and want to keep investing and staying in Korea in the future even after
your change your status to residence or family visitation visas.
B. Permission Requirements
You are maintaining the investor status while not encroaching the minimum amount of
investment (F-2 eligible applicants)
You have invested at least 100 million KRW or $100,000 USD in Korea and want to
maintain the investment still now

(Eligible F-1 applicants)

C. Where to Apply
Immigration (Branch) Office having jurisdiction over the place of residence
D. Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration, fee
② A certified copy of real estate register or a membership certificate issued by a selling company
③

(effective only for 5 days from the issue date)
Residence Record of the House (only for persons who invested in an unsold new house,
issued by the head of Eup, Myeon and Dong, effective only for five days from the issue date)

④ A certificate of family relation (required only when a spouse or an underage child apply to
extend the stay period)

※ If the child has come of age, documents demonstrating that he/she is single must be
submitted

 CONTENTS

⑤ If you are a member of the executive body or a stockholder of a corporation, you must submit
- 201 -

a document proving that you were and still are in that position when you applied for the

PERMISSION

change of visa status. (official letter from the respective company, proof of employment,

FOR
EXTENSION OF
PERIOD OF

confirmation materials for your stock shares and others)

⑥ Documents proving the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill

STAY

payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
4. Extension of Residential Stay for foreigners of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public
Business (F-2-9)
A. (Eligible Applicants) You are eligible to apply if you are an individual foreign investor,
company executive, or company stockholder who would like to continue to stay in Korea while
maintaining the investment status after the change to F-2 Resident status, or if you are a
spouse or unmarried child of such investor.
B. (Permission Requirements) You have not encroached the standard (minimum) amount of
investment while maintaining the investment status

※ For risk-based investment types, even if the investor loses his/her investment money due
to the mismanagement of investment capitals by the invested organization, he/she will still
be considered in good standing unless he/she gets the refund of his/her investment.
C. Application and Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), passport (photocopy), alien registration card, fee
② Documents demonstrating that you have maintained the amount of investment (Confirmation
that is issued within 5 days and stamped by the head of the organization which has received
your investments)

③ Family Relations Registrar (for accompanying family members only)
- Please attach the form to your application package and submit it to your jurisdictional

④

immigration (office) before the period of your stay expires.
If you are a member of the executive body or a stockholder of a corporation, you must
submit a document which proves you were still in the position when you applied for the
change of visa status. (official letter from the respective company, proof of employment,
confirmation materials for your stock shares and others)

⑤ Documents proving the place of residence (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
5. You are allowed to extend the period of stay for other reasons.
A. the permission criteria for extending the period of stay
If you are regularly engaging activities of your previous visa status, and you have never
violated Korean laws, you will be able to extend the period of your stay for up to 3 years per
each request.
 CONTENTS

If you are a dependent family of a principle visa applicant and has the same visa status as

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your family member, you are allowed to extend your visa within the permitted period of stay
of the principle visa applicant of your family.
B. Candidates restricted from applying
You have been decided to deportation
You have obtained a resident permission through dishonest or unlawful means
You have acquired residency but you have entered using a fake passport or a false
passport (under another person's name)
PERMISSION
FOR
EXTENSION OF
PERIOD OF
STAY

C. Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Documents proving your ability to support yourself such as a receipt for earned income tax
withholding
※ If you are a dependent receiving the same status as the principal visa applicant, you must
submit documents that can prove the principal visa applicant's ability to financially support the
family.

③ Documents that are considered necessary for review by the head of an immigration office
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
1. The re-entry permission exemption program has been implemented (enforcement regulation
has been revised on December 1st, 2010)
- A foreigner who wants to re-enter the Republic of Korea within a year from the date of
departure will be exempt from obtaining re-entry permission
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

- Re-entry permission requirement is exempted if there is less than a year left for the
permitted period of stay
- A student who must obtain a re-entry permission due to entry regulation must get a
re-entry permission at an immigration (branch) office in your residence area. Re-entry
permission fee exempted

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

① Visa application form(enclosed form #34), one standard size photograph, fee

 CONTENTS

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Dependent Family (F-3)
RANGE OF
ACTIVITIES

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

Dependent Family

You are eligible to apply for D-1 Cultural Arts to E-7 Special Occupation visas but you
do not have a spouse nor do you have an child under Korean age 19. (However, eligible
applicants for D-3 Industrial Training visas are excluded from this.)

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

Period designated by applicant him/herself

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
VISA STATUS

1. Employment on an investor who has made a large amount of investment and his/her
spouse of professional occupation
A. Eligible Applicants
You are a spouse of someone who is a qualified Advanced Science Technology worker
(SCIENCE card), Advanced Technology worker (GOLD card), and an Information
Technology worker (IT card)
You are a spouse of a foreign investor who has invested (including a corporation) at least
US$500,000 in Korea.
You are a spouse of a professional foreign worker {E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6 (Not
including E-6-2), E-7 visa holders}.
B. Permitted Fields of Activities
You are allowed to engage in any activities except simple labour except D-3, E-9 visa
holders
C. Permission Period: until the period of stay of your spouse expires (it is possible to extend
continuously)
D. Required Documentation: Complementary Documents in accordance with Article 76 of the
Enforcement Decree (skip personal reference recommendation letter)
※ If you want to get a job as a E-7 Special Occupation visa holder, Guidelines on E-7
Confirmation of Visa Issuance will be applied.
2. Expanding eligibility for the allowed activities outside of visa status
When you want to get an education at a regular education institution (ex. elementary
school, middle school, high school and university), you do not need a separate permission
as long as it does not infringe your original purpose of your stay. (the policy was

 CONTENTS

implemented since June 15th, 2009)

- 204 -

3. F-1 Family Visitor or F-3 Dependent Family visa holders working as a foreign language
editor (E-7) at a state-owned/public organization (a local government or a
government-invested organization)

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Employment Contract ③ Photocopy of Business Registration ④ Recommendation Letter
(the head of an immigration office by the respective region)

⑤ Degree (original copy and photocopy)

4. A person on a F-1 Family Visitation, F-3 Dependent Family visa engaging in activities of
an E-2 Foreign Language Instructor or E-7 Special Occupation visa

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport and Alien

ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF

COMMON

VISA STATUS

E-2

Registration Card, Fee

② Employment Contract
③ Business Registration Card
④ Degree (same as the E-2 requirements)
⑤ Criminal Records (same as the E-2 requirements 52)
⑥ Medical check-up report (same as the E-2 requirements)
④ Original copy of teacher license of the respective department (if you
do not have a ‘Degree and Career Certificate’)

E-7

CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

⑤ Criminal Records (same as the E-2 requirements)
⑥ recruitment medical check report (same as the E-2 requirements)
⑦ Request Form from the Principal
⑧ Foreigner Teacher Present Condition

Not Applicable

1. Required Documentation
GRANTING
STATUS

CHANGE OF
STATUS

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② Birth Certificate or a Certified Copy of your Family Register (Japan, Taiwan and others)

1. You are allowed to change your status to F-3 Dependent Family even though you have
entered the Republic of Korea on a B-1 visa exemption or B-2 Tourist/Transit visa due to
inevitable reasons such as arranging household stuff

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One
Required
Documentation

Standard Size Photograph, Fee

② Documents Proving Family Relations (Marriage or Birth Certificate
and others)

Supplementary
 CONTENTS

Documentation

③ Alien Registration Cards of Parents or Spouse
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2. Spouses of foreign professionals are able to change their status to professionals as well.
(Visa&Residence Division-1753, ‘08.06.27.)
A. Eligible Applicants for Permission

《

》who

Spouses of Foreign Professionals E-1 or E-5, E-6(except E-6-2), E-7 candidates
have F-3 Dependents visas
CHANGE OF
STATUS

B. Permitted Areas

《from E-1 or E-5, E-6 candidates (except E-6-2), E-7》are able to change

Professionals

their visa status
C. Required Documentation

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, one
standard size photograph, fee ② employment contract ③ Business Registration ④ Degree
⑤ License and career certificate ⑥ employment recommendation letter from the related
ministry or documents proving the employment needs ⑦ Personal Reference Letter
① Visa

Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport and Alien

Registration Card, Fee
PERMISSION
FOR
EXTENSION OF
STAY

Required

② Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract,

Documentation

confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

Supplementary
Documentation

③ Alien registration cards of parents or spouses

1. Re-entry permission exemption scheme was enacted (by the revised enforcement decree on
December 1st, 2010)
- If you have completed your alien registration, and you want to re-enter the Republic of
Korea within a year from your initial departure,

a re-entry permission will be exempted.

RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

- If your period of stay is less than a year to be expired, then you are exempted from
re-entry permission within the period of stay that is left.
- If you are an international student who needs to get a re-entry permission due to entry
regulation, you must go to an immigration office in your area

to get it , but the

application fee will be exempted.

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard size photograph, fee

 CONTENTS

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Permanent Resident (F-5)
RANGE OF
ACTIVITIES
ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

Allowed to engage in any legal activities except the voting right
A. You are considered an adult under the

「Korean Civil Law」, and you or your dependents

have abilities to support the family financially. Also you must be well-behaved and have
basic qualities, which the Minister of Justice finds appropriate to continuously stay in the
Republic of Korea. You have stayed in the Republic of Korea on a D-7 Supervisory
Intra-Company Transfer visa to E-7 Special Occupation visa or on a F-2 Residential visa
for at least 5 years.
B. You are a spouse or an underage child of a Korean national or of a F-5 Permanent
Residence status holder who has stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 2 years. Also
you have applied for the Permanent Resident status in accordance with Article 23 of (_the
Act_) as you were born in the Republic of Korea while your father or mother was a F-5
Permanent Resident at the time of your birth.
C. You are a foreign investor who made an investment worth $500,000 and you have hired
at least 5 Korean Nationals in accordance with the The
Act.

」

「Foreign Investment Promotion

D. You have stayed in the Republic of Korea on a F-4 Overseas Korean visa for at least 2
years, and you are well-behaved and have basic qualities and ability to support yourself
financially to live in Korea continuously, which are acknowledged by the Minister of
Justice.
E. You are an overseas Korean as defined in Article 2(2) of the

「Act on Immigration and

」, and you meet all requirements to acquire Korean
nationality in accordance with the 「Nationality Act」.
Legal Status of Overseas Koreans

F. You fall under Subparagraph 27(F-2 Residential Status of Special Table 1 under the

「

」

previous Enforcement decree of the Immigration Act (referred to the Presidential Decree
#17579 which was partly revised, promulgated and implemented before April 18th, 2002)
while your ability to support yourself financially, good conducts and basic qualities are
recognized by the Minister of Justice to live in the RoK continuously.
G. You meet either of the conditions below and are recognized by the Minister of Justice.
1) You have been conferred a Ph.D degree in foreign countries and have been hired by a
Korean company at the time of your F-5 Permanent Resident application.
2) You have been conferred a Ph.D degree after completing a graduate school in the RoK.
H. You have been conferred a bachelor's degree in particular fields designated by the
Minister of Justice and have a technical license who has stayed in the Republic of Korea
for at least 3 years, and you work and get paid by a company designated by the Minister
 CONTENTS

of Justice when you apply for F-5 Permanent Resident status.

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I. You have an excellent talent in a particular area such as

ㆍ

ㆍ

ㆍ

ㆍ

Science Management Education Culture and Arts Sports, which is recognized by the
Minister of Justice.
J. You have made a special contribution to the Republic of Korea which is acknowledged by
the Minister of Justice.
K. You are age 60 or older receiving pensions, which is higher than the Minister of Justice
has designated, from a foreign country.
L. You are engaged in employment activities on an H-2 Working Visit visa while you meet
all conditions from 1) to 3) of Subparagraph 27(G)(F-2 Residential Status) of table. You
are also recognized by the Minister of Justice considering the period of your employment,
employment areas, characteristics of your industry, the current labor shortage situation and
employment preferences of Korean nationals.
ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

M. You have been staying in the RoK for at least 3 years on a F-2 Residential visa while
your ability to support yourself financially, basic qualities and good conducts are recognized
by the Minister of Justice to live in the RoK continuously.
N. You have invested in Korea for at least 5 years after you have been given status which
falls under subparagraph 27(J)(F-2 Residential Status) of special table. You, your spouse
and child have basic qualities, ability to support yourself financially and good conducts
which are recognized by the Minister of Justice to live in the RoK continuously.
O. You have been staying in the ROK for at least three years on 17(C)(D-8
Corporate/Foreign Investor Status) of special table, attracted at least KRW 300 million and
hired two Korean employees or more, and satisfy other qualifications designated by the
Minister of Justice.
P. You have invested at least the amount prescribed and announced by the Minister of
Justice of the ROK on a condition that you will maintain the investment for at least five
years and you have met the qualifications prescribed by the Minister such as good
behavior.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

N/A

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF

N/A

STATUS

CHANGE OR
ADDITIONAL
OF
WORKPLACE

N/A

- 208 -

If you were born in the RoK and your father or mother was a F-5 permanent resident at
the time of your birth, you will be given F-5 permanent resident status as well in the
event of applying.
A. You must apply within 90 days from your date of birth.
GRANTING
STATUS

※ Not including a child born in a foreign country
B. Required Documentation

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② Documents proving family relations (Birth Certificate and etc.)
③ Documents proving the identification of the nationality
CHANGE OF
STATUS

F-5 Permanent Resident status will be given to everyone except for
overseas Koreans

□ Calculating the period of your stay in the RoK
You must have been continuously staying in the RoK without a complete departure, and
if you have departed the country with a re-entry permission (*please note that a re-entry
permission is exempted for F-4 Overseas Koreans), your absence up to 3 months are
considered as a part of the period of your continuous stay in the RoK.

□ Restricted Applicants to the Changes of Permanent Resident Status

You have violated the Immigration Act within 3 years from the date of application
submitted.
* Except for the persons who have already paid fines not exceeding KRW one million)
- (For immigrant investors of Real Estate or Public Business and their spouse and
unmarried children only) You have violated the Immigration Act three times within 3
years from the date of application submitted.
You have been sentenced to imprisonment or heavier punishment.
You are considered a risk to public order, social welfare and other national interests of
the Republic of Korea.
You have submitted forged documents.
You are restricted from changing your status to permanent resident due to verification
results of your overseas criminal record check.
- You must not have been sentenced to imprisonment for crimes that are identified by
Article 2 of the "Special Act on Punishments of Specific Violent Crimes.“
· You must not have been guilty of murder, abduction, rape, sexual assaults, or robbery.
· You must not have been part of, engaged in, or organized a group that is identified by
the Special Act on the Punishment of Violent Crimes or the Special Criminal Laws on
 CONTENTS

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

Specific Crimes.
- You must not have been sentenced to imprisonment or heavier punishment for other
crimes.
- As long as you have never committed crimes mentioned above, we will closely review
your visa application.
* Please note, however, that those who have committed fraudulence, threatening, drug
crimes will be prohibited from changing their status to permanent residents.

□ Loss of Permanent Resident Status

A. People who meet any of the conditions below will lose permanent resident status
You have been ordered to deportation
You have acquired permanent resident status through dishonest or unlawful means.
You are exempted from a re-entry permission or you have stayed in the ROK
exceeding the period of stay in the RoK.
You have acquired permanent resident status, but you have entered the Republic of
Korea on a fake passport or a passport under a false name, or you are considered to
have a fake marriage.

□ You must submit a criminal record when you change the status of Permanent Resident
(effective since August 1st, 2012)
* The document needs to be confirmed by the Apostille Agreement (for participants
countries), or by the consul of the diplomatic mission abroad (for
non-apostille-participants countries).
Eligible Applicants : You want to change your status to a Permanent Resident in
accordance with the Presidential Decree of the Immigration Act
- However, if you fall under any conditions below, you do not have to submit the criminal
record.

‣ Those among the special table of the Presidential Decree of the Immigration Act:
Foreign Investors (who have invested at least US$500,000), Ph.D degree holders, Foreign
Talents in particular areas, Special Contributors

‣ You are a second generation of Chinese who was born in the Republic of Korea and
who has stayed here ever since the birth.

‣ You have submitted a criminal record from your country to obtain your visa first before
and have stayed in the Republic of Korea continuously*.
* In this case, if you have stayed in a foreign country for up to 6 months, you are
considered not to continuously live in the Republic of Korea, thus, you need to submit a
criminal record.
1. You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for 5 years or more.
 CONTENTS

A. Eligible Applicants [Article 28(3)(A) of Special Stable under the Presidential Decree of the

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

Immigration Act]
You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 5 years on a D-7, E-7 or an F-2
Residential visa
B. Requirements
You are considered an adult under the Korean Civil Law.
You had continuously stayed in Korea for at least 5 years prior to the date of
application.
- You cannot count time you spent in Korea if it was before that continuous period of stay.
However, you are able to count time if you had resided in Korea as a D-7, E-7 or F-2
resident visa holder during that continuous period of stay.
You meet all requirements of each type of visa listed on

〔Annex 1〕.

- You or your accompanying family member has an ability to earn a living, and you are a
person of good conduct.
- You satisfy basic criteria to stay continuously in the Republic of Korea.
- Your annual income must be twice bigger than the GNI per
capita of Korea.
Common

- You have scored Level 2 or higher on the Korean
Proficiency Test or completed the Immigrant Integration
Program
- D8, D9: your company's sales revenue for the past 2 years

Requiremen

must be 1 billion won.

ts

(among D9 visa holders, person-in-charge of export facility
Additional

installation/management/repair and

shipbuilding/equipment

production supervisor are exempted from the sales revenue
requirement)
- E7 : Bachelor's Degree or higher
- If you have stayed in Korea for 10 years or more, you are
exempted from the Korean Proficiency Test requirement.
- Among E-5 visa holders, those who are taking their medical
Special Application

internship or residency at a Korean hospital must earn an
annual income which is twice bigger than the GNI per
capita of Korea and must score Level 5 or higher on the
Korean Proficiency Test.

C. Required Documents
Common Documents: Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien
Registration Card, Personal Reference Letter, Fee: 200,000 KRW, Overseas Criminal Record
Check, Proof of Residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail
giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for
 CONTENTS

any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

* The document needs to be confirmed by the Apostille Agreement (for participants
countries), or by the consul of the diplomatic mission abroad (for non-apostille-participants
countries).
Required Documents to be submitted for each visa types : Please see the enclosed form

〔Annex 1〕

2. An F-6 spouse of a Korean National (F-6), An F-2-2 underage foreign child of a Korean
National (F-2-2)
(1) Eligible Applicants
You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 2 years as a spouse or an
underage child of a Korean nationals

※ Article 28(3)(B) of special table 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act
(2) Permission Requirements
A. You are an F-6 Marriage Migrant visa holder and have stayed in the Republic of Korea
for at least 2 years as a foreign spouse of a Korean national.
You continue to be married to the Korean national.
Your Korean spouse has died or been declared as missing by a court.
You have divorced or separated from your Korean spouse or you can prove the fact that
the fundamental causes for the divorce or separation can be found in the Korean Spouse.
You are still raising the kid born between a Korean national even though the marriage has
been discontinued.
B. You are an underage foreign child of a Korean national and has stayed in the Republic of
Korea for at least 2 years on an F-2-2 Resident status, therefore, you are acknowledged to
have acceptable reasons to stay in Korea permanently.
C. You fall under “A”, “B”, and you are well-behaved and have basic qualities such as
necessary Korean language skills to continue your stay in the Republic of Korea.
D. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form $34) Passport and alien
registration card, Fee: 500,000 KRW (If you don't have an alien
registration card, a standard profile-size color photograph and
additional fee 100,000 KRW will be charged)

② Documents proving your current financial status (A spouse of a
Common

Korean National)
- You either choose a bank statement (or a photocopy of real estate
registration or a photocopy of lease contract) which proves you have
had at least 30 million KRW in your bank account under your name
or your dependent's name OR a proof of your or your spouse's
employment which proves you have regular incomes

 CONTENTS

- 212 -

※ However, if you are a Chinese who entered the Republic of Korea

CHANGE OF
STATUS

before the establishment of the Korean government and a direct
descendent of such a person, or a Japanese spouse of a Korean
national who has F-2 Resident status issued before April 18th, 2002,
you are exempted from submitting a personal reference letter and a
document proving your current financial status.

③ Criminal Record

- However, people who meet any of the following conditions are
exempted from submitting this document

‣ You have already submitted a criminal record before when you
applied for a stay permit at an immigration office in Korea, and have
continued to stay in the country since then*.
* If you have stayed in a foreign country for 6 months or more, then
your stay in the Korea is considered 'discontinued', therefore, you will
be asked to submit a criminal record issued by the country you were
staying

‣ You are a foreign child of a Korean national who is under age 15 at
the time of application submitted (F-2-2)

④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract,
confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the
expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
Declaration of Disappearance Sentencing

①

※ Disappearance refers to a case where it receives the declaration of
disappearance as set forth in Article 27 of the Korean Civil Law.

② Documents proving that you are not the cause of disappearance :
official documents such as a court sentencing

③ Documents related to custodianship of underage children : family
register of a child, resident registration, sentencing (divorce report and
confirmation registration), a confirmation written by a first cousin or
Supplementary

closer of a Korean spouse or by the head of his/her areas

④ Level 2 or higher of TOPIK or a certificate of Korea Immigration
Integration Program. Nevertheless, this category applies to those who
are eligible for F-6-2 Parenting, F-6-3 Marriage Severance, F-2-2
Underage Foreign Child of a Korean National (F-2-2, you are under
age 15 at the time of your application submitted or you have
completed (graduated) at least two years of education at an
elementary school, middle school, including alternative school

 CONTENTS

⑤ Underage child of a Korean National : Documents that can prove
- 213 -

that you are an underage child of a Korean national such as a Birth

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Certificate

※ If you have multiple citizenships including Korean nationality, please
see

Guidelines on Immigration & Visa of multiple Citizenship

holders , Visa&Residence Division-700, effective since January 31st,
2011
3. You are a spouse or an underage child of a F-5 Permanent Resident status holder
A. Eligible Applicants (Article 28(3)(b) of special table under the Enforcement Decree of the
Immigration Act)
You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 2 years on a F-2 residential visa
as a spouse of a F-5 Permanent Resident.
You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 2 years on a F-2-3 residential visa
as a child (under age 20) of a F-5 Permanent Resident.
B. Requirements
You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 2 years on a F-2 Residential visa
as a spouse of a F-5 Permanent Resident.
- If you are maintaining the marriage with a permanent resident
You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 2 years as a child (under age 20)
of a F-5 Permanent Resident, who is recognized to have acceptable reasons to stay in the
Republic of Korea permanently.
- Not including those who have multiple citizenships including Korean nationality.
You behave properly and are able to financially support yourself or accompanied family
members.
You have basic qualities necessary for continuously staying in the ROK.
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form#34), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fee:
50,000KRW (If you do not have an alien registration card, a standard profile-sized color
photograph and a fee 10,000 KRW will be added.)

② Personal Reference Letter ③ Officially confirmed Criminal Record from other countries
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of
provided residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of
sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee
and others.)

⑤ Documents proving your financial ability to maintain adequate Living Standard
- Documents proving that over the one year from the application date for permanent
 CONTENTS

residence, the total income* of you or you family members living together with you

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

combined was per capital GNI of the previous year (announced by the Bank of Korea)
or over**
* A combination of earned income + business income (including income from freelance
and agriculture, forest and fishery work) + real estate rental income + interest income +
dividend income + annuity income (Other non-regular income is excluded.)
** If the whole family members living together are three or less including you, the
minimum total income requirement is 70% of per capita GNI of the previous year.

⑥ Documents proving family relations, birth certificate, etc.
4. Foreign Investors (at least USD 500,000)

A. Eligible Applicants (Subparagraph 28(3)(C) of Special Table 1, the Enforcement Decree of
the Immigration Act)
You are a foreign investor who has invested at least 500,000 USD in Korea and have
hired at least 5 Koreans at the time of your Permanent Resident application submitted in
accordance with the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
B. Requirements
You must invest 500,000 US dollars in Korea in accordance with the Foreign Investment
Promotion Act
* The investor is the only qualified permanent resident candidate. (The investor's employee is
not eligible to apply for the permanent resident status. If the investment is made by two
people, then each person should have invested at least 500,000 US dollars in order to
apply.)
You are the principal employer* who is directly involved in an employment contract with
Korean employees.
* If you are not an executive member of that respective company, it refers to a person
directly involved in the employment contract.
You have hired at least five Koreans as your permanent employees for 6 months or more.
C. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Personal
Reference Letter, Fee: 50,000 KRW

② Reference Letter
③ Registration Certificate of Foreign Corporate Investor
④ A photocopy of business registration, certified copy of register
⑤ Receipts for Earned Income Tax Withholding (issued by a Tax Office) or Certificates of
Income Amount (issued by a Tax Office) of at least 5 employees that you hired

⑥ Proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving
 CONTENTS

the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
5. Chinese born in the Republic of Korea
A. Eligible Applicants (Subparagraph 28(3)(F) of Special Table 1, the Enforcement Decree of
the Immigration Act)
You used to fall under subparagraph 27 (F-2 Residential Status) of Special Table of the

「

」

previous Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act while you plan to continue staying
in the Republic of Korea.
B. Requirements
You are an overseas Chinese born in the Republic of Korea and currently a F-2
residential visa holder.
You are an overseas Chinese born in the Republic of Korea who used to have the F-2
Residential status and currently holds F-1 Family Visitation visa due to expiration of the
period of your re-entry permission.
You are an overseas Chinese born in the Republic of Korea and used to have a F-2
Residential visa. But you immigrated to other country (complete departure) but
re-immigrated to Korea later and now want to settle down here.
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee:
500,000 KRW

② Family register issued by the Overseas Chinese Association
③ Personal Reference Letter
④ Documents proving property relations
- Documents proving that over the one year from the application date for permanent
residence, the total income* of you or you family members living together with you
combined was per capital GNI of the previous year (announced by the Bank of Korea) or
over
* A combination of earned income + business income (including income from freelance and
agriculture, forest and fishery work) + real estate rental income + interest income +
dividend income + annuity income (Other non-regular income is excluded.)
⑤ Overseas Criminal Record Check*
* Only those who had stayed outside of Korea for at least 6 months after departing the
country need to submit the certified criminal record check issued by a competent authority
of the country they stayed in.

⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
 CONTENTS

6. Ph.D Degree Holder (Subparagraph 28(3)(G) of Special Table 1, Enforcement Decree of

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

the Immigration Act )
A. You have a Ph.D degree in Advanced Science and Technology from a school abroad
while being hired by a Korean company.
Eligible Applicants: You earned a Ph.D degree in Advanced and Science Industries* and
have been hired in a relevant industry, by a Korean company, for at least one year.
* Advanced Industries refer to as Information Technology (IT), e-Commerce, e-business, Bio
Industries, Nano Technology, Environment, Energy, new materials, transport machinery,
digital appliances and etc.
Requirement(s): You must have earned** your Ph.D degree* in Advanced Science and
Technology
* Information Technology, Technology Management, Digital Electronics, Biological Science,
Transportation and Machinery, New Materials, Environment and Energy,
** You have earned your Ph.D degree before the date of your application submitted (NOT
including the prospective graduates)
- You had worked in a relevant industry, at a Korean company as a permanent employee, for
at least one year prior to the date of your application submitted
- Your annual salary is higher than the previous year's Gross National Income Per Capital
published by the Bank of Korea.
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Personal Reference Letter
③ Photocopy of Ph.D Degree
④ A copy of your company's Business Registration Certificate, proof of
employment

⑤ Certificate of Income Amount (issued by a Tax Office)
⑥ Documents proving regular employment such as a certificate of regular

employment,

the list of subscribers to four major national insurance, etc.

⑦ Documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence,
a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
B. You have earned a Ph.D degree after completing a regular graduate program at a graduate
school in the RoK
Eligible Applicants: You have completed a formal Ph.D program in Korea and have
earned a Ph.D degree. Now you want to stay in the RoK continuously.
Requirements: You must complete the Ph.D program at a graduate school in the RoK.

※ If you have earned a degree without completing the program at a graduate school, you are
 CONTENTS

not eligible to apply.

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STATUS

- You have been engaged in economic activities at a Korean company, as a permanent
employee, for at least one year at the time of your permanent residence application
submitted. (Your study of major at school is irrelevant.)
- You behave properly, and have an annual salary higher than the previous year's Gross
National Income Per Capita, published by the Bank of Korea.
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), passport, application registration card, fee
② Personal Reference Letter
③ Photocopy of Ph. D degree
④ Certificate of business registration of your company, proof of employment
⑤ Certificate of Income Amount (issued by a Tax Office)
⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
7. Bachelor's Degree in Advanced Technology
A. Eligible Applicants (Subparagraph 28(3)(H) of special table 1, Enforcement Decree of the
Immigration Act)
You have a bachelor's degree in Advanced Technology and Science industries or you have
a technician license issued by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea or any
other licenses that can substitute the technician license [ex. licenses recognized by the ROK
government in accordance with the Mutual Recognition Agreement]. You also have stayed
in the ROK for at least 3 years, and your annual income, which you receive from a
Korean company, shall be three times larger than the previous year's Gross National
Income Per Capita published by the Bank of Korea at the time of your permanent resident
application submitted.
B. Requirements
You are a bachelor's degree holder in Advanced Science and Technology* or technician
license holder issued by the Human Resource Development Service of Korea or any other
license holder which can replace the former. You must have a license recognized by the
government of Korea in accordance with the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
* IT, Technology Management, Nanoscience, Digital Electronics, Biological Science,
Transportation and Machinery, New Materials, Environment and Energy
- However, if you have earned a master's degree at a Korean university or a bachelor's
degree in science and engineering at a Korean university, your major will be recognized
regardless of relevance to Advanced Science and Technology.
You stayed in Korea for at least 3 consecutive years until the date of your application
submitted
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CHANGE OF
STATUS

* For overseas degree/license holders: The 3-consecutive-years refers to the period for which
you have worked in a field relevant to the degree/license while consecutively staying in the
country.
* For Korean degree holders: The 3-consecutive-years refers to the period for which you
have consecutively stayed in Korea after earning the degree. (However, if you had
completely departed from Korea and re-entered the country, the period before the re-entry
is not recognized.)
You must be hired as a regular employee* by a Korean company, etc. in a field*
relevant to your degree or license at the time of application for a permanent resident status
* You must have been hired by a Korean company, etc. for at least one year as a regular
employee at the time of application for a permanent resident visa and if the workplace is
changed, the work experience at the previous workplace is recognized as well.
Your annual salary is at least the previous year's Gross National Income Per Capita
published by the Bank of Korea.
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee: 50,000
KRW

② Personal Reference Letter
③ Photocopy of Bachelor's degree
④ Photocopy of License (for eligible applicant only)
⑤ Proof of employment
⑥ Certificate of Income Amount (issued by a Tax Office)
⑦ Criminal Record Check Overseas
⑧ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
8. Talents in Particular Areas
A. Eligible Applicant (28-3(i) of Table 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration
Control Act)
Persons with exceptional capabilities in such fields as science, business management,
education, culture and arts, sports, etc. who meet the qualifications required by at least one
of the "Compulsory Items" of the table below and at the same time, satisfy one of the
following requirements:
1. Thirty (30) points or higher from one compulsory item and 50 points or higher from
compulsory and elective items combined (prompt issuance of a permanent resident visa
irrespective of how long the applicant has stayed in Korea)
 CONTENTS

2. Twenty (20) points or higher from compulsory items and 100 points or higher from

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compulsory and elective items combined (prompt issuance of a permanent resident visa
irrespective of how long the applicant has stayed in Korea)
3. Eighty (80) points or higher from compulsory and elective items combined, and at least
one-year stay in Korea after foreigner registration
Points System for Persons with Exceptional Capabilities: Items and Points
□ Compulsory Items (245 points)

Category
Prominent
World
Figure
(50)

Celebrated
Research
Outcome
(30)

Items
Description
Prominent figures with
great influence and
reputation in the world's
politics, economy, society,
culture and science, etc.

Publication of a paper in
five years on the SCI
(Science Citation Index),
SSCI (Social Sciences
Citation Index), or
A＆HCI (Arts and
Humanities Citation
Index)

Worldfamous
Sports Star
(30)

Medalists of a large-scale
global sports game and
their instructors

Lecture
Experience
at Global
University
(30)

Lecture experience at the
top 200 universities
designated in three years
by renowned
university-ranking
organizations such as QS
(Quacquarelli Symonds),
THE (Times Higher
Education), ARWU
(Academic Ranking of
World University),
CWUR (Center for
World University
Rankings), etc.

 CONTENTS

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Details
Former heads of state or international
organizations
Winners of the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer
Prize, Seoul Peace Prize, Goethe Prize,
etc.
Five-year or longer work experience as
a full professor or higher in the
relevant area at four-year Korean or
foreign universities
Three-year or longer work experience
as a full professor or higher in the
relevant area at four-year Korean or
foreign universities
Five-year or longer research experience
in the relevant area at Korean national
research institutions or other equivalent
Korean or foreign research institutions
Three-year or longer research
experience in the relevant area at
Korea's national research institutions or
other equivalent Korean or foreign
research institutions
Bronze medal or higher from the
Olympic games
Bronze medal or higher from the
World Championships, Asian Games or
other equivalent sports games
Five-year or longer work experience as
a full professor at one of the
universities
Three-year or longer work experience
as a full professor at one of the
universities

Three-year or longer work experience
as a lecturer or higher at one of the
universities

Points
50
40

30

20

20

15

30
20

30

20

15

CHANGE OF
STATUS
Work
Experience
at Global
Company
(30)

Work
Experience
at Large
Company
(25)

Intellectual
Property
Rights
Holder
(25)

Work experience at the
top 500 companies
designated in three years
by UNCTAD or leading
business magazines such
as Fortune, Forbes,
Businessweek (U.S.),
Economist (U.K.), etc.

Work experience at large
Korean or foreign
companies with at least
300 full-time employees
and more than KRW 8
billion in capital
Ownership of intellectual
property rights in Korea
or other countries
(Patent rights, utility
model rights and design
rights only)

One-year or longer work experience as
an executive director or higher at one
of the companies
Three-year or longer work experience
as a manager, executive or higher at
one of the companies
Seven-year or longer work experience
as a regular worker at one of the
companies
Five-year or longer work experience as
a regular worker at one of the
companies
Two-year or longer work experience as
an executive director or higher at one
of the companies
Ten-year or longer work experience as
a regular worker at one of the
companies
Seven-year or longer work experience
as a regular worker at one of the
companies
Two or more patent rights
One patent right

30

25

20

15

25

20

15
25
20

One or more utility model or design
rights and at least one-year experience
15
of managing a relevant business entity
Winners of globally recognized
competitions or award ceremonies or
25
persons with the equivalent global
recognition
Persons with exceptional
Highlytalent in science, business Persons with a world record in the
talented
management, education,
relevant area certified by globally
15
Person
culture and arts, sports,
acknowledged institutions
(25)
etc.
Persons who have shown their work or
performance in a prominent global
10
exhibition, fair or performing events or
who have participated as a judge
Note: When items are overlapped in the same category, the item with the highest score is
recognized only.

□ Elective Items (185 points)
Category
Annual Income
(30)
Net Worth in
Korea
(30, Unit: won)

Four times
GNI or more
30
1 bil or higher
30

 CONTENTS

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Items and Points
Three times
Two times
GNI or more GNI or more
20
10
700 mil or
500 mil or
higher
higher
20
10

GNI or more
5
300 mil or
higher
5

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Education Level
(20)
Korean Proficiency
(15)

Additional Points
(90)

Doctoral degree
20
Advanced
15
Letter of
recommendation
20
Volunteer
activity
10
Business
management
experience
5

Master's
Bachelor's
degree
degree
15
10
Intermediate
10
Study in
Tax payment
Korea
record
10
10
Employment
Home
of Korean
ownership
nationals
10
10

Associate degree
5
Basic
5
Stay in Korea
10
Stay in Korea
with dependent
family
5

<Reference>

-

-

-

-

 CONTENTS

-

Annual income: based on a certificate of earned income issued by the head of a tax
office
(GNI: Per capita Gross National Income of the previous year announced by the Bank
of Korea, only for income earned in Korea)
Net worth in Korea: real and personal properties, and other personal assets excluding
debts
(A credit information certificate will be reviewed to find records of default and debts.)
Education Level: degrees earned from either a Korean or foreign university, only for
graduates
(not applicable to prospective graduates)
Korean proficiency: based on Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) administered by
the National Institute for International Education (Advanced: level 5-6, Intermediate:
level 3-4 or completion of the Korean Immigration and Integration Program, Basic: level
1-2)
Letter of recommendation: issued by the head of constitutional institutions, ministers of
the central government, members of the National Assembly, or the head of upper-level
local governments
Study in Korea: at least two-year study in a Korean university and acquisition of an
associate degree or higher
Tax payment record: at least KRW four million in annual income tax payment over one
year up to the application date
Stay in Korea: legal stay in Korea for at least three years (total stay period in the past
combined)
Volunteer activity: at least one year of volunteer activities in Korea (including activities
in interests of the public after being appointed as a member of the central or
upper-level local governments)
Employment of Korean nationals: employment of two or more Korean nationals as
regular workers for at least six months up to the application date
Home ownership: a house worth KRW 200 million or more in Korea under the
ownership of the applicant (Applicants can gain points from both the item "Net Worth
in Korea" and "Home Ownership.")
Stay in Korea with dependent family: Dependent family members only refer to a spouse

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-

or a child. (only when the applicant has continuously stayed in Korea for at least six
months after foreigner registration)
Business management experience: a head of a Korean or foreign business entity who
can prove at least three years of business management experience
Note: When items are overlapped in the same category, the item with the highest score
is recognized only. (However, points from "Additional Points" items are all recognized
regardless.)

B. Required documents

① An application form (Form No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fees
② Documents proving the place of residence (lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others)

③ Documents to prove your qualifications required by each relevant item of the points
system
9. Special Contributors
A. Eligible Applicants (Subparagraph 28(3)(J) of special table 1, Enforcement Decree of the
Immigration Act)
You have contributed to the Independence and Development of the Republic of Korea
- You have received a medal or a prize for making a special contribution to the
independence and development of the Republic of Korea or you are a family member of
such a person (alive*/deceased**)
* a lineal descendent (up to great-grandchild) of a man of national merit whose annual
income is at least per capita Gross National Income of the previous year, and who has
earned a bachelor’s degree or higher after completing regular courses in a Korean
university or who has engaged in employment, work as a transferee, investment or trade
for at least one year
** a spouse/child of a man of national merit or a spouse/child of a person who was
specially naturalized as a lineal ascendant/descendant of a man of national merit
- You have been appointed for at least 5 years at a government organization and a local
government and have worked for the common good.
You have contributed to improving international relations and raising the international
status of the RoK.
- You stationed in the Republic of Korea as a member of a foreign delegation or of a
consulate, making a special contribution to improving the relationship between your country
and the Republic of Korea.
- You are a secretary general, vice-secretary general or at equivalent position of an
international organization of which the Republic of Korea is a member, raising the
international status of the Republic of Korea.
 CONTENTS

- You have contributed to the enhancement of international exchanges in the areas of

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economics, society, culture, and science of the RoK.

․

You have contributed to Society Public Welfare

․Employment

- You have contributed to the advancement of society and public welfare in the Republic of
Korea and have been recommended by the head of relevant ministry.
- You have volunteered for the Republic of Korea for at least 5 years as a clergy,
contributing to the advancement of society and public welfare of the Republic of Korea
- You have contributed to creating jobs in the Republic of Korea by hiring at least 10
Korean nationals as an executive of a foreign invested company or at a foreign company's
Korean branch office.
You have contributed to the National Security and Social Order
- You have contributed to the national security of the Republic of Korea and have been
recommended by the head of intelligence agency by preventing the leakage of national
secrets or information on high-tech industries as well as providing vital information such as
terrorist attacks.
- You have contributed to exposing transnational organized crimes such as human and drug
trafficking, smuggling of migrants and fakes passports and have been recommended by the
head of investigative agency.
※ The head of investigative agency refers to the Director of the National Intelligence
Service, the Public Prosecutor General, and others of the central government.
You have contributed to other miscellaneous stuff
- You have contributed to saving lives and protecting properties from crimes, disasters,
calamity, and accidents
- You have cooperated with a national policy of the Republic of Korea and have made a
special contribution to the national developments and interests of the Republic of Korea,
recognized by the Minister of Justice.
B. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee:
500,000 KRW

② Statement of Reasons
③ Personal Reference Letter
④ Certificate of medal or award (for winners only)
⑤ Documents proving your contribution, Recommendation Letter(eligible applicants only)
⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
10. Pension Beneficiary
 CONTENTS

A. Eligible Applicants {Subparagraph 28(3)(K) of special table 1, Enforcement Decree of the

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CHANGE OF
STATUS

Immigration Act}

○ You are age 60 or older receiving pension from a foreign country, and your annual
pension amount is at least two times larger than the previous year's Gross National Income
Per Capita published by the Bank of Korea.
B. Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee: 500,000
KRW

② Personal Reference Letter
③ Pension Certificate (Photocopy) and Pension Bank Book
④ Criminal Record
⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
11. You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 3 years after acquiring F-2
Residential Status through the Points-Based System or you are a spouse/underage child of
the person.
A. Eligible Applicants (Subparagraph 28(3)(M) of special table 1, the Enforcement Decree of
the Immigration Act)
You have stayed in the Republic of Korea for at least 3 years after acquiring F-2
Residential Status through the Points-Based System or you are a spouse/underage child of
the person.
B. Requirements
Financial Ability to maintain a stable livelihood: You (who has stayed in Korea for at
least three years after acquiring F-2 status under the points system) have an annual income
which is two times higher than the previous year's Gross National Income Per Capita
published by the Bank of Korea
Good Conduct: You have never violated the Korean Laws and maintained a healthy
condition of your stay, for example, you are not working at an adult establishment or in
non-professional areas.
Basic Qualities: You have earned at least Level 2 or higher of the Korean Language Test
or have completed the Korea Immigration & Integration Program. However, if you have
scored at least 15 points on the Korean Language Skill category at the time of acquiring
your F-2 residential status, you are exempted from this criteria.
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Personal
Reference Letter, Fee

 CONTENTS

② Documents proving that you have financial assets worth at least 30 million KRW (Bank
account balance statement, real-estate contract) and the Receipt for Earned Income Tax

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STATUS

Withholding or Certificate of Income Amount

③ Criminal Record Check from a foreign country
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑤ Documents proving family relations (for your spouse and underage children)

12. Permitting a Foreign Real Estate Investor to change the status of stay to a F-5 Permanent
Resident
A. Eligible Applicants
You are a foreign investor or a spouse and underage child (F-5-19) of the investor who has
maintained the investment for at least 5 years since the date you earned F-2 Resident status
and who has satisfied certain visa requirements.
B. Requirements
You behave properly and have no grounds for disqualifications.
After receiving the F-2 Resident status for real estate investment, you maintain the investor
status for at least 5 years (the same rule is applied to your spouse and unmarried child as well)
- You can add the investment period of public business to the investment period of real estate
as long as the combined total is 5 years or more,
- Re-entry permission(exemption) period is recognized as a part of investment period.

※ If you re-acquired(re-register) resident status after the final departure (cancellation of
registration) from Korea, the sum of period of status and the period of re-acquisition of
resident status will be recognized as valid staying period for visa determination.
You must maintain your investor status for at least 5 years while satisfying certain investment
requirements such as having a long-term lease contract or collateral for the loan. But the long
term lease contract amount must be set within the standard amount of investment.

※ In a case where you fail to satisfy one of the investment requirements during your
investment period, the period of investment before you lost your investor status and after
you reinstated the status will be counted as a part of your official staying period.
Moreover, the investment period for Public Business will be added to the investment period
for Real Estate as long as the combined total is 5 years or more.
C. Required Documents

① Application form(enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Documents proving that you have maintained your investment amount, such as real estate
business registration (effective only for five days from the issue date)

③ Residence Record of the House (only for persons who invested in an unsold new house,
issued by the head of Eup, Myeon and Dong, effective only for five days from the issue date)

 CONTENTS

④ If you are an executive or stockholder of a corporate, you must submit documents proving
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CHANGE OF
STATUS

that you are a sitting executive or stockholder of the corporate at the time of application for
the change of status of stay (e.g. an official letter issued by the corporate with its name on
it, a certificate of employment, documents confirming your holding of shares, etc.)

⑤ Overseas Criminal Record Check (please see appendix 4 for those exempted)
⑥ Family Relations Certificate (only if your spouse or unmarried child apply for visas as well)
⑦ Documents proving that your child is single (only if your unmarried child applies for a visa)
⑧ Proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any public
services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
13. You are a child of an F-5 permanent resident, who was born in the Republic of Korea
(F-5-20)
A. Eligible Applicants (Subparagraph 28(3)(B) of special table 1, the Enforcement Decree of
the Immigration Act)
You have applied for a F-5 Permanent Resident visa in accordance with Article 23 of the
Immigration Act as you were born in the Republic of Korea, and your father or mother
was a F-5 permanent resident staying in the Republic of Korea at the time of your birth
B. Requirements
Your father or mother who was a F-5 permanent resident staying in the RoK, has applied
for a F-5 permanent resident visa for you born in the Republic of Korea.
- This does not include a child born in a foreign country.
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed form #34), Passport, Personal Reference Letter, Fee
② Documents proving family relations (Family register for Chinese only), Birth Certificate,
and etc.

③ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.
14. Foreign Investors under the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business and their
Spouses･Unmarried Children
A. Eligible Applicants
You have maintained investment status for at least five years after acquiring F-2 resident
status and have satisfied certain investment requirements, you are a spouse or an unmarried
child of such a person.
B. Requirements
You behave properly and have no grounds for disqualification.
You maintain F-2 Residential status for at least five years after acquiring F-2 Residential
 CONTENTS

status (applied to a spouse and unmarried child as well)

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STATUS

- The sum of the period of Real Estate investment and other investment periods will be
counted as a part of official staying period as long as the combined total is five years or
more.
- The period of re-entry permission (exemption) is recognized as a part of the maintenance
period of the status.

※ In case where you re-acquire the same residential status after the complete departure
(cancellation of registration) from Korea, the maintenance period prior to the complete
departure will be added to the re-acquisition maintenance period.
You have maintained your investor status for five years* and you haven't withdrawn your
money.
* Regardless of the loss of original investment amount caused by the capital mismanagement
by the investment promotion agency, you will be considered an investor who has
maintained his/her investments, provided that you have never withdrawn your money.
- We will recognize the sum of the period of real estate investment and the period of
transition as long as the combined total is five years* or more.
* We will recognize the sum of the period (including transition period) of real estate
investment and the period of public business investment if it is five years or more.
(However, the investment period of public business must be 2 years or more.)
For immigrant retiree investors, they or their spouses must have financial assets equivalent
to 300 million KRW in Korea.
* Only the assets in Korea is counted, which means that assets in other countries will not be
taken into a consideration.
C. Required Documents

① Application form (enclosed form #34), photocopy of passport, alien registration card, fee
② Documents demonstrating that you have maintained the investment money (must be issued
within 5 days from the application submitted)

③ Immigrant retiree investors must prove that they have financial assets equivalent to 300
million KRW under their names, or their spouses' names.

④ Overseas Criminal Record Check
⑤ Family Relations Certificate (only if your spouse or unmarried child apply for visas as well)
⑥ Documents proving that your child is single (only if your unmarried child applies for a visa)
⑦ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
17. Business Establishment (D-8-4) visa holder
A. Eligible Applicants (Subsection A of Special Table 1(28)(3) of the
 CONTENTS

the Immigration Control Act)

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Presidential decree of

CHANGE OF
STATUS

You have stayed in Korea for at least 3 consecutive years on a Business Establishment
(D-8-4) visa while securing 300 million KRW or more as investment amounts from other
investors and hiring at least 2 Korean nationals as employees for at least 6 months
B. Requirements
You behave properly and have no grounds for disqualification.
You had stayed in Korea on the Business Establishment visa for 3 consecutive years
before the date of application submitted (not including period of stay before the
3-consecutive-years)
You have attracted at least 300 million KRW from investors in Korea or abroad, or you
have investment capitals equivalent to that.

※ You can add the amount of investments that you have attracted to the investment capitals
of the respective entity if the combined total is 300 million KRW or more.
You had hired 2 Korean nationals for at least 6 months before the date of your
application submitted.
C. Required Documents

① Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Reference Letter
③ Business Registration Certificate, Complete Record of Business Registration
④ Overseas Criminal Record Check
⑤ Documents proving that you have attracted at least 300 million KRW as investment
capitals from international/domestic investors, or possess investment capitals equivalent to
that (i.e. Financial Statements, Introduction of Investment Capitals and etc.)

⑥ You have hired at least 2 Korean nationals as your employees for at least 6 months
(Certificate of Income Amount, Tax Payment Receipt, etc.)

⑦ Proof of Residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving
the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill payment for any
public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
18. Permanent Residency on a condition that the applicant makes a large investment
A. Eligible Applicants
You must invest 1.5 billion KRW in public fund of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for
Public Business and maintain the investment status for at least 5 years. In addition, you
must satisfy certain criteria to qualify.
B. Requirements
You must deposit KRW 1.5 billion or more in the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public
Business of the Korea Development Bank designated by the Minister of Justice
You must sign a written oath for investment maintenance for the next five years (please
 CONTENTS

submit the Written Oath for Investment Maintenance)

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※ If you withdraw part or full investment money from your account, your permanent resident
status will be cancelled.
You do not have any grounds for disqualification and you are a person of good conduct.
C. Required Documents

CHANGE OF
STATUS

① Application Form (Form 34), Passport, Fee
② Proof of Residence (e.g. Lease Contract)
③ Criminal Record Check
④ Confirmation of Investment (issued by the Korea Development Bank), any documents
proving the bank transfer of foreign currency

(e.g. Certificate of Purchase Foreign

Currency), Written Oath for Investment Maintenance (Appendix 5)

EXTENSION OF
STAY

N/A

If you want to re-enter the Republic of Korea within 2 years from the original departure
date, you will be exempt from re-entry permission requirements.
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

If you want to stay in another country for more than 2 years from the original date of
your departure, then you must apply for extension of re-entry permission at a foreign
mission (permission period: within 3 months)
- Permission range of the Chief of Mission : within 3 months before your re-entry permit is
expired

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

Visa Application Form(enclosed form #34), One standard size photograph, Fee

 CONTENTS

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Marriage Migrant (F-6)
Your marriage is valid in Korea as well as in your country, and you have decided to
stay in the Republic of Korea to maintain your marriage.
As a father or a mother, you are raising a child born within your marriage to a Korean
national (including de facto unions), and your paternity/maternity of that child is recognized
by the Minister of Justice
ELIGIBLE

The de facto union refers to a couple who is living together and intends to get married

APPLICANT

eventually in the future. Also, their lifestyle is considered as something that a married

AND ALLOWED
ACTIVITIES

couple shares from a third person's point of view. (Supreme Court 98므961, 1998.12.08)
ex) Cases where a couple does not have any intention to get married despite the fact that
they have given a birth to a baby by living together, and where one of the partners is
legally married to another man/woman are NOT considered the de facto unions.
You were staying in the Republic of Korea as a spouse of a Korean citizen, but you
were unable to continue your marriage due to unforseen circumstances (i.e. death and
disappearance of your spouse) recognized by the Minister of Justice.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

3 years

STAY
Visa Codes
F-6-1

Eligibility Criteria
Your marriage is valid in both countries and you have decided to stay in
the Republic of Korea in order to continue the marriage.
Although you are NOT eligible to earn 'F-6-1’ status, a baby was born

SPECIFIC VISA
CODE

F-6-2

within the marriage (including the de facto union) and you are currently
raising the child or planning to raise the child in the Republic of Korea
as a biological father or a biological mother.
You were married to a Korean citizen, but you were unable to continue

F-6-3

your marriage due to reasons and circumstances beyond your control such
as death and disappearance of your spouse.

ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF

N/A

VISA STATUS
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

N/A

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Article 23 (Granting Status of Stay)
A foreigner who is born in and stays in the Republic of Korea without any qualified
status of stay under Article 10 shall obtain a status of stay within 90 days from the date
of birth; and a foreigner without qualified status of stay due to reasons such as loss or
renunciation of nationality of the Republic of Korea, etc. during stay in the Republic of
Korea, shall obtain a status of stay within 30 days from the occurrence of such event, as
GRANTING
STATUS OF
STAY

prescribed by Presidential Decree.
1. Those who have lost their original visa status during their stays in the Republic of Korea
will be given F-6 Spouse of a Korean National visas, depending on the purposes of their
stays.
2. American soldiers who have been discharged in the Republic of Korea will be given F-6
Spouse of a Korean National visas depending on the purposes of their stays.

※ Required documentation and permitted period of stay are the same as the application to
the Change of Visa Status.
CHANGE OF
STATUS

Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1)

1. Permitting the change of visa status to a F-6 Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1)
A. Eligible Applicants for the change of status
You are , and you want to change your status to F-6 Spouse of a Korean National.
If you fall under any of the conditions below in the table, then by principles, you are
NOT eligible to apply for the change of visa status, which means you must leave Korea
and obtain a visa at a Korean diplomatic mission abroad for re-entry.
1. A short-term stay visa holder 2. An illegal immigrant (including smuggling of
migrants, forged/fake passport holders), 3.
3. departure period probationer, 4. ordinary
criminal (except those who have been charged with fines)

※ Entrant on a Short-Term Visa : B-1 Visa Exemption ․ B-2 Tourist/Transit, from C-1
Temporary Journalism to C-4 Short-Term Employment visa holders

※ However,
However, German nationals who have come to Korea on B-1 Visa Exemption visa are
allowed to change their status to F-6 Spouse of a Korean National.
However,, if you have a very good reason that requires you to stay in the Republic of
However
Korea such as pregnancy·childbirth, parenting and others, you are allowed to apply for the
change of visa status for review.
B. Permitted Period of Stay: 1 year
C. Authority: The head of an immigration (branch) office
 CONTENTS

D. Required Documents

- 232 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

 Basic Required Documents
Types of Required

Remarks

Documents

M/O

Visa Application Form

-

Passport

-

Reference Letter

-

Marriage Migrant Invitation
Letter

-

Marriage Migrant Personal
Statement

must be written in either Korean or English

Inviter's Basic Certificate

to judge whether the inviter has naturalized or not

Inviter's Family Relation
Certificate

to consider the inviter's family relations

Inviter's Copy of Resident
Registration

to confirm the inviter's cohabiting partner on
national resident registration system (# of household
family members)

Inviter's Marriage
Certificate

to check whether an inviter has been married
before and how many times he/she has invited a
marriage migrant in the past

Marriage Certificate from
the Migrant's Country of
Origin

to check whether the marriage is also valid in a
foreign country
(If the certificate cannot be issued in accordance
with national legislations of the migrant's country,
this requirement can be dropped)

M

 Required Documents for Income and Residency
Types of Required Documents

Common

Earned
Income

CONTENTS

Remarks

M/O

Amount of
Income Certificate
(issued by the
National Tax
Services)

to prove your total annual income in the
previous year.
(All reported incomes to the National Tax
Services can be checked)

M

Credit Information
Report

to check an applicant's any default on a
financial obligation or debts

Invoice of
Withholding Tax
(issued by the
place of
employment)

to prove your annual income last year from
the place of employment

Certificate of
Employment

If you are currently employed.......

Certificate of
Career

If you were employed in the past.......

O

Copy of Business

The copy of registration is to confirm

O

- 233 -

M when
used

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Registration

whether the place of employment exists or
not

Miscellaneous

If it is too difficult to prove your income
through the documents mentioned above,
you can submit following documents
instead; copy of account balance statement,
pay check, confirmation of health insurance
qualification gain/loss, etc.

Business

to check the applicant's business (not

Registration
Business

including agriculture, fishing industry)

Certificate

O

M when
used

Miscellaneous

any documents that can prove the
applicant's annual income (ex, farmland
register, certificate of member of
association, confirmation letter on farming,
agriculture&fishery confirmation, etc)

O

Other
Income
and Assets

Documents
proving relevant
facts

to check the applicant's annual income and
total assets

M when
used

Residency
Requireme
nt

Documents
proving residency
requirements

Income

copy of real estate registration, copy or
lease contract

M

 Required Documents for Communication and Language Proficiency
Types of Required Documents

Korean
Language

Use of
Languages
Other than
Korean
 CONTENTS

Remarks

TOPIK Report Card

The report card can be authenticated at the
TOPIK Website (www.topik.go.kr)

Designated
Educational
Organization
Certificate

If necessary, Korea immigration service will
check with the respective educational
organization to confirm the certificate

Certificate of Degree
in Korean Language

-

Documents proving
your are overseas
Korean with a
foreign nationality

to verify whether an applicant is Korean
descent

have lived in Korea
before for one year
or more

Immigration Records on the Integrated Visa
information System

documents proving
your ability to speak
the respective
language

-

have lived abroad

Immigration Record, Immigration Stamps on

M/O

Select
one
for
submission

O

- 234 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

before for one year
or more

Passports

 Required Documents for Eligible Applicants for the International Marriage Introduction
Program (Health Status, Criminal History)
Types of required
documents
International Marriage
Introduction Program
Certificate

Remarks

M/O

The certificate is not required if its reference
number is written on an invitation letter

Criminal Record Check

Required for both bride and groom
(Please see more details)

Health Examination Report

O

M

 Other documents that are deemed necessary for visa application review
An immigration officer may ask additional documents individually for accuracy and
effectiveness of visa application review
 Expiry Date of Each Document
Unless the expiry dates of required documents, such as invitation letter and marriage
certificate, are set herein, these documents are valid for the maximum of 3 months from
the date of issuance.

【International Marriage Guidance Program】
☞ Policy Background
The policy is geared towards supporting multi-cultural families, minimizing the setbacks
of international marriages, and increasing the awareness of international marriage
☞ Who needs to take the International Marriage Guidance Program?
A Korean spouse who wants to invite a specific person from a country where divorce
rate is high and where a big number of its citizens have acquired Korean citizenship.
※ Examples : China․Vietnam․Philippine․Cambodia․Mongolia․Uzbekistan․Thailand (Source:
The Ministry of Justice Announcement)
☞ Those who are exempt from the International Marriage Guidance Program requirement.
You can prove that you have studied or worked in your spouse's country or a third
country for at least 45 days while having a relationship with your partner
You can prove that you developed a romantic relationship with a foreign spouse while
he/she was legally staying in Korea for 91 days or more after the alien registration.
Your spouse is recognized as someone in need of stay in Korea due to

․

pregnancy childbirth and other humane factors.
※ Confirmed via the personal statement of relationship history.

Friend's Guarantee

Statement, Couple's Pictures, E-mails, relevant Immigration records and Interview.
 CONTENTS

- 235 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Custodian of a Child (F-6-2)

A. Eligible Applicants
You are on a visa other than the F-6 Spouse of a Korean National visa and raising a
child born within the marriage to a Korean national as a biological father or a biological
mother (including de-facto unions).
B. Permitted period of stay: 1 year
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, One
Standard-Size Photograph, Fee

② If your child is a Korean citizen, you should submit Basic Certificate․Family Registration
Certificate issued under your child's name.

③ Documents proving the family (parents-child) relations
- Birth Certificate, DNA Test Results and other relevant documents

④ Documents proving that you are raising the child

ex.) Court Sentencing related to custodianship, copy of Resident Registration on which your
child is listed, a resident confirmation from your child's first cousins once removed or
closer (who shall be Koreans) or from the chief of dong office.

⑤ Those who have experienced marriage breakdown (i.e. Divorce, Death, Disappearance and
Others) must submit documents explaining the reasons behind the breakdown (for eligible
applicants only)

⑥ Documents that are deemed necessary for reviews
Marriage Breakdown : Death, Disappearance, Divorce (F-6-3)

A. Eligible Applicants (Those who meet all condition below)

① Although you are currently staying in the Republic of Korea on a visa other than the F-6
Spouse of a Korean National visa, you have stayed in the Republic of Korea as a spouse
of Korean national (including F-6-1, F-2-1 visas) before.
※ You are allowed to apply for extension of your stay in Korea if you are staying on a
F-6-1 or F-6-2 visa.

② You are unable to maintain your marriage due to unforeseen circumstances such as death
or disappearance of your Korean spouse.
B. Permitted Period of Stay : 2 years
 CONTENTS

C. Required Documents

- 236 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

Common

‣Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien
Registration
Registratio
n Card, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee

‣Documents proving the death of a spouse
Death

- Death certificate, Basic certificate which indicates the death of your
spouse

‣Documents proving family relations (Marriage Certificate, and etc.)
‣Marriage certificate which indicates divorce
‣Documents related to divorce (divorce papers, divorce certificate, and
others)

‣Documents explaining divorce causes
Divorce

- Runaway report of your Korean spouse, Medical Certificate to prove
Domestic Violence (spouse abuse), documents consisting of a
prosecutor's decision not to indict the matter, a confirmation from a
legitimate women's association, a confirmation from a first cousin or
closer of your Korean spouse, or a confirmation from the chief of
dong office of your residential areas

Disappearance

‣Documents verifying disappearance (disappearance declaration form)
‣Documents proving family relations (marriage certificate)

☞ You may need to submit additional documents if deemed necessary for review
D. Authority: the head of an immigration (branch) office

Getting Domestic Affairs in Order (F-1-6)

A. Eligible Applicants
You are not a F-6-3 candidate, and even though your marriage is no longer intact, you
need to stay in the Republic of Korea for a while in order to divide financial properties,
get domestic affairs in order and others.
B. Period of Stay : Within 6 months (up to 1 year)
C. Required Documents

① Visa application form (visa application form #34), passport, alien registration card, one
standard-size photograph, fee

② personal reference letter
③ marriage certificate which indicates your divorce
④ Documents explaining why you need to stay in the Republic of Korea
 CONTENTS

- statement of reasons, documents related to division of property and debts

⑤ Other documents that are deemed necessary for review
- 237 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1)

1. A Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1) is allowed to extend his/her period of stay.
A. This is your first time to extend your stay in Korea.
You must complete alien registration and apply for extension of your stay at an
immigration (branch) office in your residence area within 90 days after you have entered
the RoK on a Spouse of a Korean National visa (F-6-1, 90 days).
Permitted Period of Stay : 1 year
- However, if you have completed the Happy Start Program, you will be given maximum 2
years for your stay (excluding those who are subject to entry regulation).
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard-Size Photograph, Fee
② Marriage certificate and a copy of resident registration of a Korean national
③ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
B. Permitting Extension of Your Stay
Eligible Applicant
- You are staying in the Republic of Korea on a F-6-1 visa.
Permitted period of Stay : within 2 years
- However, if you are rearing a child born within the marriage to a Korean national, you
will be given maximum 3 years for your stay.
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Fee
② Marriage Certificate ③ Copy of Resident Registration
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑤ Other documents that are deemed necessary for review (Please submit them upon
requests).
2. You are allowed to extend your stay if you are currently facing marriage separation,
divorce, and disappearance of your spouse (for F-6-1 candidates only).
Eligible Applicants
- You are currently staying in the Republic of Korea as a spouse of a Korean national
 CONTENTS

(F-6-1).

- 238 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

① You are not living with your spouse (Marital Separation).
※ Marital Separation is a type of relationship in which a couple lives apart from one
another but is still considered to be legally married. Please note that a situation where a
married couple meets only on the weekend is not considered as 'marital separation'.

② You are currently going through a divorce.

- including the ones who are about to file a divorce and are appealing against a court ruling
that you were not notified of.

③ Your spouse has disappeared, but you have not yet received a disappearance declaration
from the Domestic Relations Court (hereinafter referred to as the 'Family Court').
Required Documents

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien
registration, fee

② Marriage certificate and a copy of resident registration of your
Korean spouse
COMMON

③ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease
contract, confirmation of provided residence, a mail giving the
notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility bill
payment for any public services, receipt of university housing
fee and others.)

‣Documents proving reasons for marital separation
- Runaway report of your Korean spouse,
spouse, doctor's notes regarding
injury or photos proving such injuries,
injuries, admission confirmation of
a women's shelter for victims of domestic violence, criminal
SEPARATION

sentencing, relatives/friends' confirmation, confirmation from a
legitimate women's association
※ If your spouse is currently serving his/her sentences in a
prison: your spouse's certificate of imprisonment (mandatory),
family confirmation or other documents from your spouse's first
cousins or closer

DIVORCE

DISAPPEARANCE

‣Documents related to divorce trials (certificate of filing a
divorce)
‣Documents proving disappearance of your spouse
- Disappearance Declaration by the family court,
court, Disappearance
Report, confirmation from family/relatives/friends or from a
legitimate women's association

☞ Other documents that are deemed necessary for review
Custodian of a Child (F-6-2)

CONTENTS

A. This is your first time to extend your stay in Korea.

- 239 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

You must complete alien registration and apply for extension of your stay at an
immigration (branch) office within 90 days after you enter the Republic of Korea on a
Custodian visa (F-6-2, 90 days).
Permitted Period of Stay: 1 year
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② Basic Certificate․Family Relations Certificate issued under your child's name (if your
child is a Korean citizen)

③ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
B. Extending the permitted period of your stay
Eligible Applicants
- You are staying in the Republic of Korea to raise your child (F-6-2).
Permitted period of stay : 3 years
- until your child becomes an adult
Required Documentation

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Fee
② Basic Certificate, Certificate of Family Registration under your child's name (if your child
is a Korean citizen)

③ Documents proving that you are raising your child
- ex: tuition receipt, hospital receipt and others

③ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑤ Documents that are deemed necessary for reviews (submit them upon requests)
Special Privileges will be given to those who have the Right of
Interview and Negotiation

1. Special Privilege Applicants: Your marriage fell apart during your stay as a spouse of
a Korean national (F-6-1). You have the right of interview and negotiation on a child
born within your marriage to a Korean citizen.
2. Screening Criteria: the Korea Immigration Service will investigate

① whether or not an Interview and Negotiation Right is restricted by the decision of the
Family Court

② whether or not you still have continuing relationships with your child(ren)
CONTENTS

➠ If the right of interview and negotiation is restricted or excluded and if you have no

- 240 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

continuing relationships with your child(ren), you will not be allowed to continuously
stay in Korea.
3. Required Documentation: visa application form, basic certificate

․family relations

certificate, divorce sentencing and other documents issued under the name of your child
(in order to verify whether the right of interview and negotiation is restricted, but if the
divorce was mutually agreed upon, you can skip submitting these documents. Also,
these documents are asked only when you apply for extension of your stay for the first
time after your marriage fell apart), pictures or other documents which can prove your
continuing relationships with your child(ren), other documents that are deemed necessary
for reviews
4. Permitted Period of Stay: up to 1 year if you are a F-6-2 visa holder / only until your
child becomes an adult

Marriage Breakdown (F-6-3)

A. This is
is your first time to extend your stay since the death of your Korean spouse.
Eligible Applicants
- You entered the Republic of Korea as a spouse of a Korean national (F-6-1) and had
maintained a normal marriage relationship until your spouse died due to sickness, accidents
and other reasons.
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Documents proving the death of your spouse
- Death Certificate, Basic Certificate which indicates the death of your

spouse

③ Documents proving family relations (Marriage Certificate and others)
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑤ Documents that are deemed necessary for review

B. This is your first time to extend your stay since the disappearance of your Korean spouse.
Eligible Applicants
- You stayed in Korea as a spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1), but your spouse went
missing/disappeared all of a sudden.
* Disappearance is perceived valid only when it is declared by the Family Court in
accordance with Article 27 of the Korean Civil Law.
CONTENTS

Required Documents

- 241 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport and Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Documents proving the disappearance of your spouse (Disappearance Declaration by the
Family Court)

③ Documents proving family relations (ex. Birth Certificate)
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑤ Other documents that are deemed necessary for review

C. This is your first time to extend your stay since you divorced your Korean spouse.
Eligible Applicants
- You used to stay in Korea as a spouse of a Korean national (F-6-1), but you divorced
your spouse due to reasons for which you are not responsible. (i.e. your spouse ran away
or abused you via violence and other means)
* Objective documents proving reasons attributed to the divorce:: the documents must
prove that divorce happened due to your spouse's faults such as runaway, domestic
violence, family troubles and etc.
(ex. : disappearance report of your korean spouse, doctor's notes confirming physical
abuse by your spouse, a document about a prosecutor's decision not to indict the
matter, a confirmation from a legitimate women's association, a confirmation from first
cousins or closer of your korean spouse, a confirmation from the chief of dong office
in an area you were staying when your marriage fell apart)
Required Documentation

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), passport and alien registration card, fee
② Marriage certificate which indicates your divorce
③ Legal documents related to divorce (ex. accusation claim, divorce sentencing and etc)
④ Documents explaining reasons attributed to divorce
⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑥ Other documents that are deemed necessary for reviews
Privileges

Even if the divorce occurred as a result of foreign spouse's faults, if he/she is supporting
the family/parents of the Korean spouse, the foreigner is allowed to stay for up to 1 year
in Korea on a F-6-3 visa after submitting relevant documents.
D. You can continue to extend your visa after the first extension. (for F-6-3 visa holders
CONTENTS

only)

- 242 -

Eligible Applicants
- You are staying in the Republic of Korea on a F-6-3 visa (Marriage Breakdown).
Required Documentation

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

③ Other documents that are deemed necessary for reviews
Getting Domestic Affairs in Order (F-1-6)

Eligible Applicants
EXTENSION OF
STAY

- Although your marriage is no longer intact, you are not a F-6-3 visa (Marriage Breakdown)
candidate. It is inevitable for you to stay in Korea for a while in order to divide
properties, get domestic affairs in order and etc.
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration card, one standard
size photograph, fee

② Personal Reference Letter (You can skip submitting the letter if the period of your
previous reference letter is still valid)

③ Marriage Certificate which indicates your divorce
④ Documents explaining
explaining why you have to stay in Korea
- Statement of Reasons, Documents proving property divisions

⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)

⑥ Other documents that are deemed necessary for reviews
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

1. Re-entry Permission Exemption
Eligibility
- You
ou have completed the registration as a Spouse of a Korean National (F-6 visa holders,
including former F-2-1, F-2-10 visa holders), and you want to re-enter Korea within one
year from the date of original departure.
Exemption Period: 1 year
- If you have less than a year left before your visa expires, then you will be exempted from
the re-entry permission requirement

CONTENTS

within the period of your stay.

2. Multiple Re-entry Permission

- 243 -

Eligibility
- You have completed the registration as a spouse of a Korean national (F-6 vis holders
including former F-2-1, F-2-10 visa holders), and you want to re-enter Korea after more
than a year but less than 2 years from the date of original departure.
RE-ENTRY
PERMIT

Fee : Exempted
Permission Period : 2 years
- Note: If your visa will expire in less than 2 years, then you will be given permission
period within the original length of your period of stay.
However, if you are subject to entry regulation by the Korean government, you must
obtain re-entry permission approved by the Korea Immigration Service headquarters.

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

1. Spouse of a Korean National (F-6-1)
You must complete alien registration in an immigration (branch) office in your residential
area within 90 days after entering the Republic of Korea on a F-6-1 visa.
Please write down your Korean spouse' profile on the reference section (Reference Period;
2 years)

※ This is not about submitting additional reference letter. Please write down your spouse'
profile only.
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② Marriage Certificate of your Korean spouse ③ A copy of resident registration of your
Korean spouse
2. Custodian of a Child(F-6-2)
(Eligibility) You entered the Republic of Korea on an F-6-2 Spouse of a Korean National
Visa.
(Additional Review Criteria and Warnings)
- If you register after 90 days from the date of your entry, you will be charged with a
crime
Sojourn Permission Period : 1 year
Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② If your child is a Korean national, you must submit a basic certificate and family relation
certificate under the child's name.

③ Proof of residency
 CONTENTS

- 244 -

Miscellaneous (G-1)
RANGE OF
ACTIVITIES

You are allowed to engage in any activities outside of A-1 diplomat, F-6 Spouse of a
Korean National, H-1 Working Holiday and H-2 Work and Visit visas
You are eligible to apply if you are recognized by the Minister of Justice of the ROK
and do not fall under Diplomat (A-1) through Marriage Migrant (F-6), Working Holiday
(H-1) or Work and Visit (H-2) status
<Scope of persons recognized by the Minister of Justice>
- You have claimed for compensation for industrial accidents and receive medical treatment
and your guardian
- You receive medical treatment for a disease or accident and your guardian
- You are involved in a lawsuit

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

- You are in arbitration proceedings for income in arrears
- You have applied for refugee status
- You are permitted to stay in the ROK on humanitarian grounds after failing to obtain
refugee status
- You are permitted to stay in the ROK on humanitarian grounds such as pregnancy and
childbirth
- You are a foreign patient
- When grant for G-1 status need to be under consideration on humanitarian grounds such as
falling victim to sexual crimes

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

1 year

STAY
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF
STATUS

1. G-1 visa holders whose human rights have been violated are allowed to engage in
activities outside of their visas
A. Eligible Applicants
You are currently undertaking the relief process via a criminal suit and other measures
because your human rights have been seriously violated in the past and you are a victim
of serious crimes. For instance, you were being forced into prostitution and exposed to
constant physical abuse and violence. Therefore, you have been selected as a beneficiary of
the relief program run by the “Protection of Foreigner's Human Rights and Promotion of
Other Rights and Interests Council'.
※ Eligible applicants are selected by the decision of the ‘Protection of Foreigner's Human
Rights and Promotion of Other Rights and Interests Council' which is established in every

 CONTENTS

immigration (branch) office.

- 245 -

ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF

B. Employment Procedure
Change of Visa Status

STATUS
- If your human rights have been violated and you have applied for a status of stay in order
to undertake relief measures such as a lawsuit and others, you are allowed to change your
visa status to G-1 Miscellaneous in accordance with the existing guidelines.
Activities Outside of Visa Status
- If you are selected by an eligible applicant for the relief program by the “Protection of
Foreigner's Human Rights and Promotion of Other Rights Association' even though you are
a G-1 Miscellaneous visa applicant, you will be allowed to engage in activities outside of
your visa on an E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability visa
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Documents proving various trials/lawsuits
③ Employment Contract, a photocopy of business registration
2. Refugee Status applicants are allowed to engage in employment activities outside of their
status
A. Eligible Applicants (Article 20 of the Refugee Act,

Subparagraph (2) and (3) of Article

76(8) of the Refugee Act)
You are permitted to stay in the Republic of Korea on a

humanitarian ground even

though you did not obtain a refugee approval
You applied for refugee status and six months or more have passed since then
※ But if you have attributed to causes for the delay, for instance, you submitted evidentiary
documents or you went missing, the stay will not be counted as parts of the six-month
period.
You are one of those people who have applied for refugee status and your need is
accepted by the Chief of an immigration office since you must support dependents who are
considered disabled therefore unable to work.
B. Range of Permission
There is no restriction on employment activities except all of the following conditions.
(However, please note that you must satisfy specific requirements as set forth in respective
laws in each field)
You have engaged in speculative activities that are against the social order and traditional
virtues in the RoK.
It is necessary to limit foreigners' employments in order to maintain the social order of
domestic employment and increase national interests.
C. Permitted Period
CONTENTS

You are allowed to stay in the RoK on the basis of humanitarian concerns

- 246 -

- You are allowed to engage in activities outside of your status for up to one year at a time
within your period of stay
an applicant who is undecided within six months, an applicant who has other reasons
- You are allowed to engage in activities outside of your status for up to six months at a
ACTIVITIES

time

OUTSIDE OF
STATUS

D. Required Documentation

① Visa Application form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card and other
I.D.

② Employment Contract
③ Photocopy of Business Registration
CHANGE OR
ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

N/A

GRANTING
STATUS

N/A

CHANGE OF
STATUS

1. Persons under medical treatment due to industrial accidents and the family member (G-1-1)
A. Eligible Applicants
You have claimed for review (or re-examination) for industrial accident compensation
You are under hospital care due to industrial accidents or after treatment, you are
rehabilitating with an approval from the Korea Worker‘s Compensation and Welfare
Service, or you are under treatment for after effects
You are a family member or a guardian of the patient
B. Permitted Period of Stay
For one year within the period of stay (until your hospital care is complete or you are
compensated for the accident)
C. Required Documents

① Visa Application form(enclosed form #34), passport, one standard-size photograph, fee
② A bill to industrial accident compensation review or re-examination of the compensation
③ Doctor's notes on industrial accidents
④ Documents demonstrating family relations or guardianship (only for a family or guardian)
⑤ [Attachment 2] Confirmation on the applicant’s living expenses
2. You are currently undergoing medical treatments as a result of diseases or accidents, or
you are a guardian of such a person. (G-1-2)
 CONTENTS

A. Eligible Applicants

- 247 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

(Registered Foreigners) A person who needs long-term treatment due to a disease or an
accident that occurred while staying in Korea and who cannot retain the current status of
sojourn
(Entrants on a short-term visa) A person for whom long-term treatment is inevitable due
to an accident

※ If you entered Korea on a short-term visa and if a need for long-term treatment or
rehabilitation is recognized by a medical institution, etc., you shall apply for the change of
status to G-1-10
A guardian/family member of a patient for whom long-term treatment is necessary
B. Permitted Period of Stay
For one year within the period of stay
C. Required Documents

① an opinion letter issued by a medical institution, etc. proving the necessity of treatment
② documents proving your financial ability to afford living/medical expenses
③ a personal reference letter
④ documents proving family relations (only when accompanying a spouse or immediate
family member)

⑤ [Attachment 2] Confirmation on the applicant’s living expenses (used in deciding whether
to grant extension of period of stay)
3. You are involved in a lawsuit (G-1-3)
A. Eligible Applicants
Persons involved in a civil lawsuit associated with compensation claims for industrial
accidents, lease deposit return, etc.
Persons involved in a criminal lawsuit as follows.
- A person for whom a trial is underway as he/she is under investigation without detention,
etc.
- A person for whom a trial is underway after bail is granted
- A person for whom a trial is underway after being release according to the result of
detention review
- A person for whom an appeal is underway after a stay of execution is granted
Persons involved in a family/administrative lawsuit
B. Permitted Period of Stay
For six months within the period of stay
C. Jurisdictional immigration office
 CONTENTS

An immigration office having jurisdiction over your place of residence

- 248 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

D. Required Documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② a photocopy of petition, certificate of starting a suit, a photocopy of legal aid's written
decision, and other documents proving the existence of a bill

③ Personal Reference Letter
④ Documents demonstrating family relations or guardianship (only for a family or guardian)
⑤ [Attachment 2] Confirmation on the applicant’s living expenses (used in deciding whether
to grant extension of period of stay)
4. You are in arbitration proceedings (by a labor office) for income in arrears
A. Eligible Applicants
You have filed a petition regarding overdue wages with the Ministry of Employment and
Labor of the Republic of Korea and are currently in the process of arbitration
You had filed a petition regarding overdue wages but as it remained unsolved, you are
involved in a civil lawsuit
B. Permitted Period of Stay
For six months within the period of stay
C. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② Photocopy of a petition submitted to the Ministry of Employment and Labor
③ Overdue Wage Confirmation issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and other
documents

④ Personal Reference Letter
⑤ [Attachment 2] Confirmation on the applicant’s living expenses (used in deciding whether
to grant extension of period of stay)
5. You have applied for refugee status (G-1-5), or your application for refugee status has
been rejected but you are permitted to stay in the Republic of Korea on a humanitarian
ground
A. Eligible Applicants
You are in the Republic of Korea and have applied for refugee status (G-1-5)
Your application for refugee status has been rejected but you are permitted to stay in the
Republic of Korea on a humanitarian ground (G-1-6)
B. Permitted Period of Stay
Refugee status applicant: for six months within the period of stay
Persons staying in the Republic of Korea after being denied refugee status: for one year
 CONTENTS

from the date of notification

- 249 -

CHANGE OF
STATUS

C. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fees
② Receipt for Refugee Application
6. You need to stay in the Republic of Korea for a humanitarian reason such as pregnancy
or childbirth
A. Eligible Applicants
You cannot immediately depart for such reasons as pregnancy or childbirth
B. Permitted Period of Stay
For one year within the period of stay
C. Required documents
Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
Documents proving statement of reasons such as a doctor's note
Personal Reference Letter
7. You are a patient (G-1-10)
A. Eligible applicants
You have entered the RoK on a B-1, B-2, or C-3(including C-3-3) visa, and you are
recognized as someone in need of long-term medical treatment or recuperation after being
diagnosed by a medical institution.
A patient who needs a long-term stay for treatment purposes and his/her family member
such as a spouse or a caregiver who can take care of him/her during his/her stay
B. Permission Conditions
Status of Stay : G-1-10, Period of Stay : within 1 year
C. Required Documentation

① Application Form (Enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
② Documents issued by a medical institution, proving the necessity of long-term treatment
③ Documents proving your ability to afford medical treatments and living expenses
※ You are exempt from submitting the documents to prove your financial ability when your
identity is guaranteed by a medical tourism institution or a guarantor

④ Documents proving family relations or a caregiver

8. You are in the need of humanitarian considerations as you have fallen victim to
prostitution, etc. (G-1-11)
A. Eligible Applicants
You have filed a lawsuit or taken other steps to seek remedies for human rights
infringement caused by coercive prostitution, repeated violation/abuse, subsequent damage
 CONTENTS

from crimes, etc. and have been selected as a beneficiary of remedies by “Protection of

- 250 -

Foreigner‘s Human Rights and Promotion of Other Rights and Interests Council“
B. Permitted Period of Stay
For one year within the period of stay
CHANGE OF
STATUS

C. Required documents
Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
Documents proving a lawsuit regarding a rights relief
Personal Reference Letter

EXTENSION OF
STAY

1. Persons under medical treatment due to industrial accidents and the family member (G-1-1)
A. Extended period of stay
Up to six months at a time (However, patients with intractable diseases are granted up to
one year)
B. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Doctor’s note on industrial accidents
③ “Notification on the decision for treatment planning (industrial accident card)”, “After
effects service card”, etc. issued by the Korea Worker‘s Compensation and Welfare Service
④ Confirmation of review for Miscellaneous (G-1) status (Attachment 2)
⑤ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
2. You are currently undergoing medical treatments as a result of diseases or accidents, or
you are a guardian of such a person. (G-1-2)
A. Extended period of stay
Up to six months at a time
B. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Medical report, etc. issued by a medical institution that proves the necessity of long-term
treatment

③ Documents proving financial ability to afford medical/living expenses
④ Personal reference letter
⑤ Confirmation of review for Miscellaneous (G-1) status (Attachment 2)
⑥ Documents proving family relations (only when accompanying a spouse or an immediate
family member)
⑦ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
 CONTENTS

residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility

- 251 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
3. You are involved in a lawsuit (G-1-3)
A. Extended period of stay
Up to six months at a time (However, patients with intractable diseases are granted up to
one year)
B. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② A photocopy of petition, certificate of starting a suit, a photocopy of legal aid's written
decision, and other documents proving the existence of a bill

③ Personal reference letter
④ Confirmation of review for Miscellaneous (G-1) status (Attachment 2)
⑤ Documents demonstrating family relations or guardianship (only for a family or guardian)
⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
4. You are in arbitration proceedings (by a labor office) for income in arrears
A. Extended period of stay
G-1-4 holders: up to six months
If you have been granted a grace period for departure: up to three months
B. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Confirmation of overdue wages issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, a
receipt from the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, etc.

③ Documents regarding a lawsuit (only for those involved in a lawsuit)
④ Confirmation of review for Miscellaneous (G-1) status (Attachment 2)
⑤ Personal reference letter
⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
5. You have applied for refugee status (G-1-5), or your application for refugee status has
been rejected but you are permitted to stay in the Republic of Korea on a humanitarian
ground
A. Extended period of stay
Applicants for refugee status: the Chief of an immigration office, etc. grants the applicant
up to six months of extension at a time
 CONTENTS

If you are permitted to stay on a humanitarian ground: the stay period is extended by up

- 252 -

EXTENSION OF
STAY

to one year at a time until the humanitarian ground ceases to exist
B. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card
② Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
6. You need to stay in the Republic of Korea for a humanitarian reason such as pregnancy
or childbirth
A. Extended period of stay
Up to six months
B. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Medical report, etc. that proves the necessity of extension
③ Personal reference letter
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
7. You are a patient (G-1-10)
A. Eligible Applicants
G-1-10 holders who need to stay for a long time as the treatment or recuperation period
has been extended.
Patients who need to stay for a long period and his/her family member (a spouse, etc.) or
a caregiver to take care of him/her
B. Extended period of stay
Up to one year
C. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Documents such as a referral letter or a medical report issued by a medical institution
that proves the necessity of long-term stay

③ Documents proving financial ability to afford medical/living expenses
※ You are exempt from submitting the documents to prove your financial ability when your
identity is guaranteed by a medical tourism institution or a guarantor. However, if your
medical tourism institution has not invited foreign patients before, or if many of the
patients invited by the institution overstayed in Korea in the past, you may be requested to
submit the documents.

④ Documents demonstrating family relations or a caregiver
- 253 -

※ Only for a spouse or other family members accompanying the patient. The document is not
required if you have already submitted it before.
⑤ Additional documents for application through a representative
▸ If a medical tourism institution applied for Confirmation of Visa Issuance on your behalf:
ID card of the employee-in-charge registered on Hunet
▸ If a medical institution is not registered as a medical tourism institution: President or an
employee of the institution where the patient is being treated/recuperated can apply on
behalf. In this case, a power of attorney and certificate of employment is required.
⑥ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
 CONTENTS
EXTENSION OF
STAY

bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
8. You are in the need of humanitarian considerations as you have fallen victim to
prostitution, etc. (G-1-11)
A. Extended period of stay
Up to one year
B. Required documents

① Visa Application Form (Enclosed Form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee
② Documents proving a lawsuit regarding a rights relief
③ Personal reference letter
④ Acceptable documents for proof of residency (i.e. Lease contract, confirmation of provided
residence, a mail giving the notice of the expiry date of your period of sojourn, a utility
bill payment for any public services, receipt of university housing fee and others.)
1. Implementing the Re-entry Permission Exemption System (enforcement regulation revised
on December 12th, 2010)
- If you are going to re-enter Korea within a year from the original date of departure and
have completed the alien registration already, then you will be exempt from the re-entry
permission requirement.
- If your period of stay is left less than one year, then you are exempt from the re-entry
RE-ENTRY

permission requirement as long as you enter Korea within the period of stay.

PERMIT
- A student who needs a re-entry permission due to entry regulation must obtain re-entry
permission from an immigration (branch) office in your residence area, the fee for re-entry
permission is exempted
2. Required Documentation
Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, Fee(Single
entry visa: 30,000 KRW, multiple entry visa: 50,000 KRW)
ALIEN
REGISTRATION

① Visa Application Form (enclosed form #34), Passport, One Standard Size Photograph, Fee
- 254 -

Working Holiday (H-1)
Tourism, academic and employment activities
- (Academic activities) You can engage in academic activities including regular education or
training courses within a total of 780 hours per year. (The same applies for countries
affected by a limited employment period.)
RANGE OF
ACTIVITIES

- (Employment types) You can engage in employment activities regardless of employment
types (e.g. employment on contract, part-time jobs, etc.)
- (Maximum employment period) You cannot work for a period exceeding 1,300 hours out of
1 year-period of stay (52 weeks, 25 hours per week).
(Not permitted activities) Activities irrelevant to the purpose of the working holiday
agreement such as news coverage, political activities, etc.

ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT

You are a citizen of a country that has signed a working holiday agreement with the
Republic of Korea, and you are travelling around Korea while engaging in temporary
employment to financially support the trip.

MAXIMUM
LENGTH OF

Period of stay as set forth in an agreement

STAY
You are a young adult (aged between 18 and 30, both inclusive) of a
country that has signed a Working Holiday Visa Agreement or MOU with

ELIGIBILITY

the Republic of Korea and intend to temporarily engage in employment

STANDARD FOR

activities to support the trip in the RoK.

STATUS
Eligible

You have a valid passport, round-trip tickets and living expenses for an
initial period of stay

※ If you hold a Working Holiday visa and want to engage in a professional
occupation that requires specific qualifications (e.g. doctor, lawyer, professor,
pilot, language instructor, etc.), you must apply for the change of status.
You intend to engage in an occupation against the purpose of the MOU or
a job that requires specific qualifications according to the Koran law.
You intend to work as a service employee, dancer, singer, musical
instrument player, acrobat, etc. in an adult entertainment establishment.
Not
Eligible

You intend to engage in a professional occupation that requires specific
qualifications (e.g. doctor, lawyer, pilot, language instructor, etc.).
You want to enroll in a regular education course or training other than a

 CONTENTS

Korean language training.
You intend to focus not on tourism but only employment upon the entry
into Korea.

CHANGE OR

You do not have to report a change or addition of workplace to work.

- 255 -

ADDITION OF
WORKPLACE

- However, you are not allowed to work in areas that require specific conditions and
qualifications or that fall under the activities of E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability
visa.

GRANTING
VISA STATUS

N/A
(Standards) Change of status is not allowed in principle.
(Change to statuses requiring specific qualifications) If you meet the qualifications required
for specific occupations (doctor, lawyer, professor, pilot, language instructor and others

CHANGE OF
VISA STATUS

falling under E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability visa), you can apply for the change
of status.
- Exceptions: the U.K., France, Ireland and Denmark
(Others) Persons with other visas cannot apply for the change of status to Working
Holiday visa

EXTENSION OF
PERIOD OF
STAY

Period of stay can be extended within the range of 1 year from the entry date.
- However, exceptions are made to the U.S. (1.5 year) and the U.K. (2 years) in accordance
with respective agreements.
1. Implementing re-entry permission exemption system (enforcement regulation revised on
December 1st, 2010)
- You will be exempt from the re-entry permission requirement if you want to re-enter Korea
within a year from the original date of departure on a condition that you have completed
alien registration.
- If the permitted period of your stay is left less than a year, you will be exempt from the

RE-ENTRY

reentry permission requirement within the period of your stay.

PERMIT
- A student who must obtain a re-entry permission due to entry regulations must apply for
the re-entry permission at an immigration (branch) office in his/her residence area, and the
application fee is exempted.
2. Required Documents
Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, alien registration card, fee (single
entry: 30,000 KRW, multiple entry: 50,000 KRW)
Eligible applicants
- Persons who want to stay in Korea for a period exceeding 90 days (No exception is made
according the agreement.)
Required Documents

ALIEN
REGISTRATION

① Visa application form (enclosed form #34), passport, one standard size photograph, fees
② Travel schedule and activity plan
③ A photocopy of the Business Registration Certificate of your workplace and employment
agreement (for employees only), etc.

④ Documents proving your place of residence (a contract for monthly housing rent, etc.)
- 256 -

The
The Overseas Korean
Korean
Policy
Policy Manual

2015. 2. 16.

Korea Immigration Service
Ministry of Justice

 Contents

- 257 -

Ⅰ

Outline for the Current Policy on Overseas Koreans

The Ministry of Justice is currently implementing various immigration policies such as the
Working Holiday Program, Expansion of Eligibility Criteria for Overseas Koreans, Relaxation
of Permanent Residence Visa Requirements, and Provision of Technical Training Opportunities
in Korea.
1. C-3 Short-Term General

○ Beginning on Tuesday, April 1st, 2014, the Korean government issues a multiple entry visa to any overseas
Korean under age 60 who would like to visit Korea. The visa is valid for 3 years, and guarantees a free access
to Korea without immigration restraints.

※ Although free arrival/departure is possible, getting engaged in employment activities is not allowed.
2. H-2 Working Holiday Visa Policy

□ Chinese-Koreans and Ethnic-Koreans living in the former Soviet Union region are allowed to travel freely to the
Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as Korea). Also, the range of employment activities in which they are
allowed to engage has been expanded.

○ A multiple-entry H-2 visa, which is valid for 3 years, will be issued to Overseas Koreans from China and the
former Soviet Union region if he/she is 25 years of age or older. These Overseas Koreans will be allowed to
freely enter and exit Korea for the maximum of 4 years and 10 months within the expiry date of their visas.

○ If, in any case, they want to take up employment in Korea, they can get a job in simple labor services, after
completing vacational education and procedure for seeking employment, designated by the Enforcement Decree of
the Immigration Act.

□ Different procedures for the visa issuance will be applied to those who have a relative(s) in Korea and those
who do not.

○ Those with visa privileges, such as an Overseas Korean who has a relative(s) in Korea or a parent of an
Overseas Korean studying in Korea, are allowed to enter Korea upon the invitations from a Korean national as
long as the inviter has not exceeded the number of people he/she is allowed to invite.

○ Considering the current labor market condition in Korea, an Overseas Korean without a local family tie in Korea
will have to enter through an electronic draw in order to lawfully enter the country.

□ An employment procedure will be simplified.
○ There are 38 types of simple labor jobs which Overseas Koreans on the working visit visa are allowed to find
employment. (Please see enclosed document 1)
- A job seeker can take up a job through job centers or on his/her own after completing the vocational education
and job applications. Also, he/she can just change his/her work place by simply reporting to a local immigration
(branch) office

 CONTENTS

- 258 -

3. Policy on granting F-4 Overseas Korean status to ethnic Koreans living in China and the former Soviet Union
Regions

□ Eligibility criteria for Overseas Koreans status has been expanded in order to eliminate discrimination among
Overseas Koreans by country of origin and to enlarge cultural exchanges between them and their homeland.

○ Eligibility also has been expanded to highly-skilled Overseas Koreans, such as a university graduate, the CEO of
a corporation, a certified technician and others,

from China and the former Soviet Union region who have a very

low chance of finding a job in simple labor services.

○ In coordination with the Work Visitation program, those who have worked in a specific industry, such as
manufacturing, that does not affect domestic job market, will be allowed to change their status to F-4 Overseas
Korean.
4. Policy on Granting F-5 Permanent Resident Status to Overseas Korean

□ The amendment is geared to revitalize granting permanent residence status by reforming the current permanent
residence policy in order to strengthen the relation between Overseas Koreans and their homeland as well as to
improve the relation between the countries where Overseas Koreans live and Korea.

○ Permanent resident status will be given to Overseas Koreans on the H-2 visa who have been working in
manufacturing, agriculture, and fishery for a long period of time and satisfy certain requirements.

○ A permanent resident status, which permits family invitation, will be granted to those who have qualifications to
acquire Korean nationality.
5. Technical Training for Overseas Koreans

□ Those who applied for technical training will enter Korea through an online draw at the HiKorea website, and
those who win the draw will be given opportunities to take technical training without any charge.

○ The opportunities are given to only those who want to take technical training for 'jobs in Manufacturing,
Agriculture, and Fishery' which are designated by the Overseas Koreans Vocational Education Support Group, at a
private technical training academy.
 CONTENTS

Ⅱ

Detailed Procedure for Each Policy

1. Entry Procedure Flow Chart for Overseas Koreans
S
H
O
R
T
T
E
R
M
V
I

You apply for a visa at a korean diplomatic
mission abroad.
The Korean diplomatic mission abroad will review
your application.

○ Those
who won an online
training.
○ Overseas Korean under age 60

The Korean diplomatic mission will issue a
Temporary Visit(C-3) visa.

- 259 -

draw for technical

S
I
T

You enter Korea.

You apply for a visa.
W
O
R
K
I
N
G
V
I
S
I
T

o
V
E
R
S
E
A
S
K
O
R
E
A
N
S

○ You are a foreign national who is 25 years of age
or older living in China and the former Soviet
Union region.

Your application will be reviewed.

- If you are invited by a Koran national or a
permanent resident (F-5-7)
blood-related or non-blood related direct family
members (parents, children, siblings,
grandparents-grand children, parents-in-law,
daughter-in-law, son-in law): apply at a Korean
diplomatic mission abroad
invited by blood-related third cousins or closer or
by first cousins-in-law or closer: apply at a
local immigration (branch) office
- Winners of an online draw

⇒

A Working Visit(H-2) will be issued.

⇒

You enter Korea.

You apply for a visa at a Korean diplomatic
mission abroad.

The Korean diplomatic mission abroad will
review your visa application.

The Korean diplomatic mission abroad will
issue an Overseas Koreans(F-4) visa.

○ An ethnic Korean with foreign nationality who
satisfies certain requirements
⇒ A government scholar or a university graduate
⇒ The CEO of a corporation
⇒ Executives of a multinational corporation, reporter,
lawyer, doctor and others
⇒ Age 60 or older

You enter Korea.

2. Detailed Procedure for the Working Holiday Visit Policy

Detailed procedures for the issuance of working visit visa and the immigration
control for Korean-Chinese are as follows.
A. Eligible Applicants for H-2 Work and Visit visas
Overseas Koreans who have lived in China or the former Soviet regions and who are 25 years of age or older are
eligible to apply for the H-2 visas.

○ You were born as a Korean national and, are added to one 's family register or a linear descendent of the
- 260 -

person on the family register.

○ You are invited by a third cousin or closer on your father's side OR a first cousin or closer on your
mother's side, who is a Korean national having a residential address in Korea or who has an F-5 Permanent
Resident visa.

○ You are a person of distinguished services to the state or the family of the deceased of distinguished
services to the state in accordance with Article 4 of the

Act on the Honorable Treatment and Support of

Persons etc. of Distinguished Services to the State , OR, you are a person of distinguished services to the state
or the family of

the person of distinguished services to the state including the family of the deceased ones in

accordance with Article 4 of the

Act on the Honorable Treatment and Support of Persons etc. of

Distinguished Services to the State .

○ You have made a special service to the Republic of Korea, or have contributed greatly to increasing national
interests of the Republic of Korea.

○ You are a father·mother or a spouse of a person on D-2 Student visa holder who has studied for at least
one semester.

○ You have voluntarily left the Republic of Korea in accordance with criteria and procedures designated by the
Minister of Justice, to maintain public order among foreigners staying in Korea.

○ You do not meet any of the conditions listed above and have won the online draw which is announced by
the Minister of Justice.

 CONTENTS

B. Procedure for the Issuance of H-2 Work and Visit visa

In regards with inviting relatives while you are on the H-2 Work and Visit visa, you can
invite your grandparents and siblings at a diplomatic mission abroad. On the other hand, you
can invite an uncle(s)/aunt(s)/third cousin(s) or closer on your father's side as well as an
uncle(s)/aunt(s)/first cousin(s) or closer on your mother's side at a local immigration (branch)
office.

□ Eligible applicants and required documentation for visa applications at a diplomatic mission abroad are as
follows.

Eligible Applicant

○ You were born as a Korean national and are

Required Documentation

• Any certificates or documents proving your family
- 261 -

currently added to the family register

․closing

relations

register, or withdrawals register

○ You are either a parent or a sibling of the inviter • If your relation with relatives can be verified by
who is a Korean national.

family register, then you just need to submit any
certificates or documents regarding your family
relations. (ex. Family Registration Certificate, Basic
Certificate, Marriage Certificate)

• If your relation with relatives cannot be verified by
domestic family relations, then you need to submit a
birth certificate or a family register and a copy of
resident register, personal statement written by your
inviter regarding the relation with you and personal
reference, and a confirmation of family register with
the invitee.

○ You are either a parent or a sibling of the inviter • You need a birth certificate or a family register
who is on a F-5-7 visa.

and resident register, a copy of alien registration and
personal statement regarding your relation with the
inviter and personal reference, and a confirmation of
the invitee as a relative.

○ You have made a special service to the republic of • You need any orders․medals or awards given by
Korea or contributed to the national interests of the

a cabinet member (the head of each ministry), you

Republic of Korea

need official documents proving that you are
Overseas Koreans from a legitimate organization of
your country.

○You are a person of distinguished services to the

• You need a card for a person of distinguished

state or the bereaved family of a person of

services to the state or a person of distinguished

distinguished services to the state in accordance with

services to the independent movement of the state.

Article 4 of the

Or you need an official document that you are the

Act on the Honorable Treatment

and Support of Persons etc. of Distinguished

family of such a person.

Services to the State . You are the family of a
person of distinguished services to the independent
movement of the state or the bereaved family of a
person of distinguished services to the independent
movement of the state in accordance with Article 4
of the

「Act on the Honorable Treatment and

Support of Persons etc. of Distinguished Services to
the Independent Movement of the State

」.

- 262 -

○ You have voluntarily left the Republic of Korea

• You need any official documents proving that you

according to the criteria and procedures designated

are a Korean descent, which are issued by a

by the Minister of Justice for the maintenance of

legitimate institution of your country.

public order among foreigners staying in Korea.
Also, 6 months have passed from the date of your
complete departure, and you are under age 60 .
- However, if you have been employed in regional
manufacturing areas outside of Seoul for at least 1
year, you can apply after 2 months from the date of
departure.
- If you have been employed in farming and fishery
for at least a year, you can apply after 2 months
from the date of departure.
- If you have been employed as a baby sitter
(nanny) for at least one year, you can apply after
one month from the date of departure.

○ You have applied for the working visit visa (H-2) •You need any official documents proving that you
as designated by the Minister of Justice and have

are a Korean descent, which are issued by a

won the online draw.

legitimate institution of your country.

• A receipt of your early application or a print-out
of your draw results.

○ You are applying for a visa by submitting a visa
issuance confirmation for the Working Visit visa

• You need the number of a confirmation of
Working Visit Visa Issuance.

(H-2).

□ Eligible applicants and required documentation for visa applications at a local immigration (branch) office are as
follows.

○

Eligible Applicants
You are invited by a Korean national who has

Required Documentation

• If your relation with relatives can be verified by

a valid residential address in Korea, and who is

family register, then you just need to submit any

at least third cousin or closer from paternity side,

certificates or documents regarding your family

or first cousin or closer from maternity side.

relations. (ex. Family Registration Certificate, Basic
Certificate, Marriage Certificate)

• If your relation with relatives cannot be verified by
domestic family relations, then you need to submit a
birth certificate or a family register and a copy of
resident register, personal statement written by your
inviter regarding the relation with you and personal

- 263 -

 CONTENTS

reference, and a confirmation of family register of the

○ You are invited by a permanent resident visa

invitee.

• Birth Certificate or an original(duplicate) copy of

holder who is either your third cousin or closer

family register, resident register, a copy of alien

from the paternity side or your first cousin or

registration card, personal reference and a personal

closer from the maternity side.

statement indicating the family relation with the inviter,
a confirmation of family relation of the invitee

○ You have made a special service to the
○

• Orders․Medals or Awards conferred by the head of

Republic of Korea or contributed greatly to the

each ministry or official documents proving that you

national interests of the Republic of Korea.
You are a father mother or a spouse of an

are Overseas Korean from your country
Transcript and proof of current enrollment, any

․

•

inviter who is studying in Korea on the Study

certificates proving the family relations with the person

Abroad (D-2) visa (someone who has registered

studying in Korea, or official documents proving that

for at least one semester).

the invitee is an overseas Korean from

his/her

country.

※ A parent․ spouse of an international student will be exclude from the H-2 reservation list.
□ You have to submit the criminal records issued from foreign countries.
○ If you are an overseas Korean who wants to enter Korea on the working visit visa in accordance with the
Enforcement decree of the Immigration Control Act

(including an industrial trainee on a short-term general

visa(C-3-1))
- However, if you can be identified as one of the people below, you can skip submitting your criminal record
check.

∙ You are a person of distinguished services to the state or a person of distinguished services to the independence
movement of the state or a family member of such a person or an overseas Korean who has contributed greatly
to the national interests of the Republic of Korea in accordance with the Enforcement decree of the Immigration
Control Act.

∙ You are 60 years old or older, or you left Korea because your Working Visit visa expired.
○ If you are applying for a visa from diplomatic mission abroad, you need to submit the criminal records.
 CONTENTS

【 Criminal Records Must Consist of Following Documents】
1) A criminal record must include all records of one's criminal history in his/her country.
- However, if the country has a poor police record system, then he/she can replace the document
by a certificate issued by an administration organization of local security and public order.
2) The record/certificate should have been issued within 3 months of the visa application date.

- 264 -

□ Health Check-up Results
○ You are an overseas Korean with a foreign nationality who wants to enter Korea on a Work and Visit (H-2)
visa in accordance with the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act (including an industrial trainee on a
short-term general (C-3-1) visa).
- However, you can skip the health check-up if you meet any of the following below.

∙ You are a person of distinguished services to the state or a person of distinguished services to the independence
movement of the state or a family member of such a person or an overseas Korean who has made a special
service to Korea and who has contributed greatly to the national interests of Korea.

○ Confirmation Documents

- If you are applying from a diplomatic mission abroad, you need to submit a health check-up confirmation written
by yourself. <Please see the enclosed document 6>

∙In this confirmation, you need to write about your medical facts such as whether you have been infected by
Tuberculosis․Hepatitis B․Syphilis and others and whether you have experimented with drugs or whether you
have treated mental illness or not.
C. Immigration Control Procedure for an H-2 Work and Visit visa

An immigration procedure for an overseas Korean who has come to Korea on a working visit visa
is as follows.

□ You have to register yourself as an alien first.
○ Overseas Koreans who have entered Korea on an H-2 Work and Visit visa must register themselves as aliens at
a local immigration (branch) office with the following documents below within 90 days of the entry date.

⇒ Passport, 2 Color Photographs, Alien Registration Application, Fee, Completion Certificate of Basic Law and
System (except for those who re-entered Korea after leaving the country due to the expiration of their visa,
effective as of September 1, 2014)

⇒ Parents of an International Student : in addition to the document above, a proof of enrolment and a copy of
alien registration of the person on a D-2 Student visa are needed.

○ Health Check-up Confirmation Results

Health Check-up results filled in the <enclosed form no.7> issued by a designated hospital of the Ministry of Justice
must be submitted by the H-2 visa holder.

※ Health check-up, which a work visit applicant had to take as a mandatory requirement before during his/her
vocational training, can be skipped.
 CONTENTS

- 265 -

【 Required Information that Health Check-up Must Consist Of】
1) The diagnosis categories designated by the Ministry of Justice must be included.
<Enclosed document 7>
- Tuberculosis, Mental Illness, Hepatitis, Syphilis, Drug(Philopon, Cocaine, Opium, Marijuana) Test are
required.
2) The diagnosis must be issued within 3 months of each registration or application date.

□ The range of employment activities that a person on a working visit visa can engage into is as follows.
○ If you want to see allowable jobs you can get, please see the enclosed form #1
* In terms of construction works, only those who have obtained a 'confirmation of construction employment’ can get
a job in this field.

○ Employment procedure for acceptable job categories is as follows.
- You enter Korea on an H-2 visa, and then get a job through job centers after applying for vocational training and
job hunting. Also, you can just find a job on your own.
 CONTENTS
* Employment Seeking Application is submitted at the Human Resources Development Services of Korea during the
vocational training.

○ Overseas Korean Employment Procedure for Users is as follows.
- If a user fails to find an appropriate candidate for a particular job after 14 days of the job advertisement, he/she
can apply for a “Confirmation of Potential for Special Hiring” issued by the Employment Support Center of the
Ministry of Employment and Labor
- The user is allowed to hire an overseas Korean candidate among those on the Foreign Workers List of the
Employment Support Center as long as he/she does not exceed the number of employees he/she can hire as
indicated on a confirmation of potential for special hiring.
<Diagram 1. Employment Procedure for Overseas Koreans>

◈ Overseas Koreans on H-2 Work and Visit visas are
allowed to take 38 types of jobs in Manufacturing,
Agriculture&Fishery, and Service in accordance with
simple procedures, and they can switch their work
places by just reporting the change to a local
immigration office.

- 266 -

□ Overseas Koreans shall report on the start of his/her employment and a change in work places.
 CONTENTS

○ Eligible Applicants
- You are a H-2 visa holder and have gotten a job for the first time in areas allowed by your visa.
- You are a H-2 visa holder and have changed your work place after you have gotten the job for the first time.

○ Period of Report

⇒ You have to report within 14 days of your employment start date.
- You have changed the work place ⇒ You have to report within 14 days of changes in the work place.
○ How to Report
- This is your first time getting a job

- You have to make a reservation in advance or report on the internet or via fax, or hire a representative.

∙ Online Report :【Hi-korea】> Online Petition > Choose your petition headline 【H-2 visa Employment Start
Report or Report on change in your work place】and enter required information.
⇒ Enter mandatory fields online
※ Considering convenience of access to the internet and preventing chaotic situation at the counter, an acquaintance
can apply on the internet on behalf of the applicant.

∙ Report via fax : You have to fill out the employee declaration form for overseas Koreans, and fax it to the
head of an immigration office. (☎ without the local number, call 1577-1346)
⇒ Work Visit Overseas Korean Employment Start Report and a copy of alien registration
∙ Report via representatives : You can apply through a representative registered at a local immigration (branch)
office.

○ Required Documentation
- a copy of confirmation of potential for special hiring, a copy of standard labor contract, a copy of business
registration
 CONTENTS

○ Those who have violated the responsibility to report will be punished as follows.
- You will be charged with 10,000,000 won or less in accordance with Article 2 of the Immigration Control Act

□ You want to get a permission to change your status to working visit visa.

Following applicants can apply for a change in visa status to Working Visit (H-2) at
a local immigration office, by a reservation or through an agency.

○ The details are as follows.
- You are eligible to apply if you were staying in Korea on a working visit visa initially but had to switch your
status to miscellaneous(G-1) due to circumstances beyond your control such as industrial accidents or illness while

- 267 -

your original date of entry has not exceeded the period of 4 years and 10 months.
- You are eligible to apply if you have been on a Family Visitation(F-1) visa for at least 3 months after applying
for the acquisition of nationality.
However, those whose Working Visit visas are about to expire, those who switched to a miscellaneous visa (G-1)
after filing a lawsuit for acquisition of nationality or those who have requested to stay in Kore after divorcing
their Korean partners are not applicable to this case.
- You are eligible to apply if you legally entered Korea before April 1st, 2004, but stayed illegally and switched to

【

G-1 status after applying for Korean nationality. including those who enter Korea before the Establishment of

․

Korea China Diplomatic Relation(‘92.8.24)

】

- You are an overseas Korean who has completed the technical training program (

⇒ a recommendation letter from

the Overseas Koreans Vocational Education Support Group)
- You have switched your status to Family Visitor (F-1) visa upon the completion of technical training and have
reached 25 years of age.
- You are legally staying in Korea as an overseas Korean who has contributed to the national interests of the
country and whose need to stay is recognized as humanitarian reasons by the head of a local immigration
(branch) office.
 CONTENTS

○ You need to submit following documents.
- Application, passport, documents proving that you are an overseas Korean, explanatory materials for your job type,
a confirmation of extension of period of employment if you wish to stay more than 3 years. (issued by the
Ministry of Employment and Labor), fee:

₩50,000

- (Additional documents for those who have completed technical education courses for overseas Koreans) A
recommendation letter from the Overseas Koreans Support Group, Criminal Records certificate issued by an
overseas country, and a medical examination report issued in Korea

○ In principle, the permitted period for your employment will be maximum 3 years from the date you received the
permission for change in your status. However, if the employer has received a confirmation for extension of
period of your employment from the Ministry of Employment and Labor before your permitted period expires,
then you will be given additional 1 year and 10 months for your extension of period of sojourn. (if rehired)
 CONTENTS

□ If you continue to stay in Korea, you have to get a permission for extension of sojourn period.
If you are the H-2 Work and Visit visa holder, then you have to visit a local immigration
(branch) office in person at least 2 months before the expiry date of your current visa, or you
have to make a reservation or hire an agent in order to apply for extension of sojourn period.

- 268 -

○ If this is your first time to enter Korea on an H-2 visa, you will receive 3 years as your sojourn period.
- However, if you have obtained a confirmation of extension of employment period from the Ministry of
Employment and Labor, then your sojourn period will be given maximum 4 years and 10 months from the
original date of entry.

○ If you have re-entered Korea on a working visit visa(re-entry after a complete exit), then your sojourn period
will be given within the expiry date of your visa.

○ If you are a parent․spouse of the inviter(international student), then your
than the sojourn period of your inviter.

-

sojourn period will not be any longer

If the international student has switched to overseas Korean (F-4)

status, then his/her parent(s) or spouse will be given a permission for extension of period sojourn as the H-2 visa
holder until the student's enrollment is over. (requires a Proof of Enrollment)

○ You have to submit following documents.

- Application, Passport, Alien Registration, if you want to stay in Korea for more than 3 years,

then a

confirmation of extension of employment period (issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor), Fee

₩60,000

○ You can apply for extension in person, by reservation, by a representative or through the internet.
∙ Online Application :【Hi-korea】> Online Civil Petition > Choose the appropriate headlines of your petition:
【Extension of Sojourn Period of an Alien】and fill out the required fields on the form.
∙ Request for Representatives : You hire a representative listed on the Korean Immigration Service Website.
 CONTENTS

3. Detailed Procedure for Granting Overseas Korean (F-4) status

If a Korean-Chinese wants to enter Korea under Overseas Korean status, detailed Procedures
for visa issuance and immigration control are as follows.

A. Eligible Applicants for an Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa

○ You used to be a Korean national, but you lost your citizenship after acquiring a foreign nationality.
○ Either of your parents/grand parents was a Korean national and acquired a foreign nationality.
B. Procedure for Overseas Korean (F-4) visa issuance

□ Required documents for an Overseas Koreans visa application are as follows.
○ If those identified by the standard below are unable to submit certificates of their family relations, then they
can submit a population register, resident register, or birth certificate to prove that they are indeed Overseas
Koreans.

□ Additional Documents for Specific Visa Codes for Overseas Koreans Visas are as follows.
Eligible Applicants

Supplementary Documents

① You have stayed in Korea for at least 6 months

• No supplementary documents are required.

- 269 -

on Cultural Arts(D-1), Journalism(D-5) Trade
Management(D-9), Professorship(E-1), and
Non-professional Employment(E-7) visas.

② You have a bachelor's degree in engineering from • Proof of enrollment or a diploma
a Korean university, a graduate of university
• Any documents proving that you are a student
in․outside of Korea or a student invited by the
invited by the government.
government including the National Institute for
International Education.

 CONTENTS

③ You are a permanent resident of any OECD

• You need a document issued by a respective

country.

organization to prove that you are a permanent

④ The CEO and Executives and Management Staff
- Only 2 people among executives and management

resident of the respective country.

• If you are the CEO or a corporate executive,
- you need to submit official documents equivalent to

staff in a corporation can be given overseas

a business registration of your company issued by

Koreans status.

your country, proof of employment and an oath to

※ Granting Overseas Koreans status to the CEO,

non-employment.

executives or employees of a corporation is limited

• If you are an employee of a corporation,

to the companies that have been established for at

- A copy of domestic residential address card for the

least one year. Also, only those executives who

CEO of the company or a copy of Overseas

have been employed for at least 6 months or

Koreans (F-4) visa issuance details, a business

management staff who have been employed for at
least a year will be given Overseas Koreans status.

registration of your company, a proof of
employment, a personal reference from the CEO of
a corporation and an oath to non-employment

※ In case the CEO is not receiving the Overseas
Koreans visa, then Overseas Koreans visas will be
issued to employees who have applied with their
CEO.

⑤ A business owned by an individual whose sales
was worth more than $100,000 in the previous

• Certificates equivalent to business registrations
such as sales results, operation weaving and etc.

year. (The CEO of personal business)

 CONTENTS

- 270 -

⑥ Executives of multinational corporations,

• Proof of enrollment and a copy of business

Executives of media companies or Journalists,

registration of your affiliated association or other

Lawyers, Accountants, Doctors,

certificates for jobs

First level

• if you are an Agriculture technician, an

Recognized by the government of the respective
country (equivalent to a university
professor)

▪Second level(equivalent to an associate

professor of a university) Artists, Industrial R&D

inter-mediate level of certificate in professional skill
is required. If you are an advanced technician for a
ship or a flight (private airline), then you need

Researcher, Agriculture Technician at the

relevant certifications to prove your qualifications.

Intermediate level, Advanced Technician of a ship
or a flight (private airline)

⑦ The President or the Vice President of an

• Proof of Registration and proof of employment of

overseas Korean support group recognized by the
host country, or of a cultural

․artistic Associations.

- For a single groups, maximum number of employees
and members eligible to overseas Koreans visas is
10.

your association
<Employees or Members of International Overseas
Koreans Support Group>
- Business registration, Current Statistics of an
Association, recommendation from Overseas Koreans

※ Overseas Koreans support groups refer to

Groups, Proof of Employment, Oath of

government-registered overseas Korean associations,
including the regional Korean-Chinese Business

Non-Employment
<Employees of Domestic Overseas Koreans Support

Owner Association, the World's Korean Trade

Groups>

Association, Yeonbyeon Korean-Chinese
- Business Registration of the associations,

Self-Governing Province Artist Association,

recommendation letter from the chair of the

Yeonbyeon Korean-Chinese Traditional Culinary
Association, Beijing Korean Culture and Economy

Overseas Koreans associations, Proof of
Employment, An Oath of unemployment

Research Association, and others.
- For domestic overseas Korean support groups, two
employees are allowed per each group.

※ For employees, the visa issuance is limited to
those who have been employed for at least 1 year
at international overseas Koreans groups. (excluding
domestic overseas Koreans support groups)

⑧ Former․Current Member of the

• Proof of employment

National

Assembly, Civil Servant with at least 5 years of
public service experiences and a worker at a public
company.

⑨ Professor (including an associate professor and a
lecturer), teacher at middle․high school or

• Proof of employment,

Appointment Letter from

the host country or Lecturers Certificates for middle

- 271 -

elementary school

and high schools, Certificate of Teacher

business in Korea

• Documents proving that he/she has invested
₩100,000,000 or more into Korea

(Your visa status is irrelevant at the time of your

Ex) Investment Corporation Business Registration

⑩ Someone who wants to open and run a new

Application, Wire Transfer Receipt, Foreign

application.)

Exchanges Receipt Certificate of exchange rates and
usages, a business venue lease contract and
statement of deposit remittance

※ If your assets / profits are formed in Korea, then
you do not have to submit the investment
corporation business registration application.

⑪ You are on a working visit visa, and you have

• Any documents that can prove your place of

worked at the same place for at least 2 years, in

employments as well as employment relations for

industries such as baby sitting, agriculture,

the past 2 years (ex. employment Income receipt),

livestock, fishery, local manufacturing, and etc.

copy of business registration, copy of training

(please refer to p.45)(F-4-24)

certificate (for baby sitters only)

relationship was established, who obtained a special

information system

⑫ Overseas Korean under age 60 (F-4-25)
• Eligibility will be checked by an overseas Korean
※ Not including pure tourism
document proof
⑬ Those who came to Korea before the Korea-China • Eligibility will be checked through the immigration
sojourn permit and visa, and who is currently
staying as a Working Visiter (F-4-26)

⑭ Those who acquired national skill licenses
(technician or above) accredited by the Korean

• Please submit the original copy for the copy of
license

government (NOT including skills related to
construction or for Metal Joinery or those who
acquired the license before 2013) (F-4-27)
 CONTENTS

※ Among those listed above, F-4 Overseas Korean status will be granted to only graduates of a Korean university,
registered alien (including past registrations), frequent travellers to Korea, and employees of domestic Overseas
Koreans Support Groups, whose submitted documents can be either issued in Korea or verified by the immigration
information system. These people are allowed to change their status in Korea, but visas of others must be issued
at a diplomatic mission abroad.

※ ⑪ Baby Sitter Requirements

- 272 -

- Detailed Standards for Granting Sojourn Privileges to Those Who Have Completed Baby Sitter Training
○ Eligible Applicants: H-2 Work and Visit
○ Duration of Continuous Employment: After the completion of training, the applicant must work for the same
employer for at least two consecutive years as a baby sitter.

※ (Calculation) Date of Work Commencement Declaration and Date of Employment Commencement Declaration
(continuous employment), Employment Insurance or Salary Bankbook

Account Balance History

○ Place of Employment: After the declaration of employment commencement, you can work for any household
that has a child under age 10.
○ Privilege: F-4 Overseas Korean status will be granted

※ If the applicant meets requirements, such as employment commencement report before the training
completion and continuous employment place, the prior work experiences will be included in the duration of
continuous employment.

○ A multiple entry visa which is valid for 5 years and which the sojourn period lasts for 2 years will be issued.
□ A treatment of family members of someone on Overseas Korean (F-4) visas is as follows.
○ A spouse or an underage child of someone who has obtained Overseas Koreans visas will be granted Family
Visitor (F-1) visas regardless of them being overseas Koreans.

※ Please note that only those whose family relations can be clearly verified by an official birth certificate or a
family registration from their countries can enjoy such privileges mentioned above.

○ Those who have been given F-4 Overseas Korean status must submit a local domestic residential address report,
a copy of visa issuance details (including a copy of passport),

and an oath to non-employment, to prove that

they are eligible overseas Koreans.

□ Following applicants will not be able to obtain Overseas Korean(F-4) visa status.
○ You are ineligible to apply if you have violated the immigration control act in the past 3 years and have been
charged with fines worth of ₩2,000,000 or more OR have been ordered a deportation.
○ You have been sentenced to jail in the past 5 years.
 CONTENTS
C. Procedure for Overseas Koreans Immigration Control

◈

Overseas Koreans who have entered Korea with the Overseas Korean (F-4) visa
should report their resident addresses to a local immigration (branch) office.

◈

Immigration Control Procedures for those entered Korea on Overseas Koreans visas
are as follows.

□ Those listed below are eligible to switch their status to an Overseas Korean.
○ Eligible applicants and required documentation
- 273 -

Eligible Applicants

Required Documentation

• An oath to non-employment

1. You stayed in Korea for 30 days or less within
the past 2 years with a single-entry visa (C-3

～

C-4) or an H-2 work and visit visa, and you have
entered Korea for at least 10 times. Also, you
stayed in a foreign country for at least 150 days
every year in the past 3 years after you entered
Korea on the H-2 visa.

☞ However, if you meet these conditions within the
1 year period, then you are not eligible under this
category.
2. You have contributed to national interests of Korea
while holding a working visit visa as below.

㉮ Someone working for at least 2 years at regional • Any documents proving your employment relations
business places of Agriculture․Fisheries(including
with your employer for the past 2 years (receipt
farming fishes)․ Manufacturing
for earned income tax withholding), a copy of
business registration

*‘Regions’ refer to areas outside of Seoul, Incheon,

․

※ The Ministry of Justice will examine whether the

and parts of Kyung-gi province (a town city of
population 200,000)

change in work place of the applicant was due to

※ Areas in the Kyung-gi province that are
considered "region" (a town․city of population

the close down of business by employer through
the employment start report forwarded from the

200,000 or below): Yangju, Pochun, Dong-du

Ministry of Employment and Labor.

cheon, Guri, Osan, Gwacheon, Euwang, Hanam,
Ansung, Icheon, Yeojum Yeonchun, Gapyung, Yang
Pyung

※ If you have altered your work place at your

※ Please note that a caretaker or a household
assistant has not been admitted since August 1st,
2011.

employer's faults, for example, the employer closed
down the business, etc, your duration of work in
the previous work place will be considered parts of
the total employment duration. (if you have
changed an employment field, then this will not be
considered valid)

※ ‘Those who reported employment start report
before July 31st, 2011 will be administered by the
previous guideline

㉯ You are 60 years of age or older

• Documents proving that you are overseas Korean

3. You have entered Korea before the establishment

• Documents proving that you are overseas Korean

- 274 -

of the Korea

․China diplomatic relation with a

special visa and you are currently staying in Korea
with a working visit visa.
4. You have obtained a National Certified Technician

• A copy of your certificate (you need to submit an

License (higher than the technician's license - but

original copy as well, see enclosed form number 4)

the construction field is not included)

※ Those who have obtained Overseas Koreans visas through the streams 1-4 above are not allowed to invite their
spouse or underage children by a family visitor (F-1) visa.
 CONTENTS

○ You will be given maximum 3 years for the permitted period of change of visa status, from the date of change.
□ An Overseas Koreans(F-4) visa holder needs to get a permission for extension of sojourn period if he/she wants
to stay in Korea longer.

○ By principle, the maximum length of stay is 3 years.
○ Please note that if you have violated koran laws in the past, you will not be able to get a permission to extend
your sojourn period in Korea.

○ Following documents need to be submitted for applying for extension of your sojourn period.
- Application and fee (₩60,000 with stamp)
※ If you are caught being engaged in the simple labor service, then you will be prohibited from receiving a
permission for extension of sojourn period, and you will be ordered to leave the country.

□ The range of employment activities of Overseas Korean (F-4) visas holders is as follows.
○ The Overseas Koreans(F-4) visa holder is not allowed to get a job in the following conditions.
- You are engaged in a simple labor service (Please see the enclosed form number 2)
- You are engaged in activities against virtuous public customs and order such as speculation
- Other cases involved with subjective judgments when your activities are considered somethings against collective
interests or domestic public order on employment, which the necessity of limiting applicants is recognized by the
Ministry of Justice.

○ Excluding the circumstances mentioned above, everyone has an equal chance of getting a job and being engaged
into employment activities.

※ However, even if your employment activities are allowed by principle, if Koreans Laws require particular
qualifications or a set of skills to get a particular position, then you have to possess those qualities to work.

4. A Detailed Procedure for granting a Resident(F-2) visa for Overseas Koreans with foreign nationalities.

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The government of the Republic of Korea issues a Resident (F-2) visa to Overseas
Koreans, which gives them freedom to get a job and stay in Korea.
A. Basic requirements for getting a Resident (F-2) visa are as follows.

○ You are an adult under the Korean Civil Law
○ You or your family member have financial ability to support yourself.
○ You have basic knowledges and qualities to keep staying in Korea.
○ You are a person of good conduct.
B. Following applicants specified below are not eligible to obtain a Resident (F-2) visa.

○ You have violated the Korean immigration law in the past 3 years from the application date and have been
charged with the fine worth of ₩2,000,000 or was ordered to leave the country.
○ You come under any of the subsections of Article 54 of the presidential decree of the Immigration Control Act,
and you have been charged with the fine worth of ₩2,000,000 in the past 5 years or was sentenced to
○

imprisonment or higher punishment.
You have been imprisoned due to your violation of the Immigration Control Act or any other Korean Laws in
the past 5 years from the application date.

○ You are considered a threat against national security, public order, social welfare, and interests of the Republic of
Korea.
C. Eligible applicants and required documents to obtain a Resident (F-5) visa as an overseas Korean are as follows.
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□ All applicants are required to submit confirmation of Criminal Record (Common Application)
○ If you want to switch your status to a resident in accordance with the presidential decree of the Immigration
Control Law, you need to submit a criminal record.
- However, anyone who comes under conditions below can skip submitting the document.

∙ Among occupations included the special table, in accordance with the Presidential Decree of the Immigration
Control Act, foreign investors (invested US$500,000 or more), Ph.D Degree holder, Talents in specific fields,
Special Contributor, and etc.

∙ You are under age 14 (under the Criminal Law) from the date of application submitted
∙ You are an underage person who has lived in Korea continuously for at least 5 years.
∙ A second generation of Chinese-Korean who was born in Korea and has been living here ever since.
∙ A person who has submitted a criminal record in the past for his/her initial visa application and who has been
staying in Korea ever since then.
*

However, if you have stayed in a foreign country for 6 months or more, then you will NOT be considered
'someone who has continuously stayed in Korea'. Therefore, you will have to submit a criminal record from the
country that you were staying in that particular period.

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○ Submitting the criminal record at the time of a Permanent Resident (F-5) visa
※ If an applicant comes from a signatory state to the Apostille Convention, he/she needs to receive the apostille
confirmation from his/her government or a confirmation from a consul of his/her respective country residing in
Korea on his/her criminal record. If an applicant does not come from a signatory state to the Apostille
Convention, then he/she needs to get a confirmation from a consul of his/her respective country residing in Korea.
【 Requirements of Criminal Records 】

1) The document must include all criminal records nationwide.
- Nevertheless, if the criminal record system is inadequate in the respective country the applicant
comes from, then he/she can just submit a certificate issued by a local administrative body.
2) The certificate must have been issued within 3 months of the visa issuance application date.

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□ If you are an F-4 Overseas Korean visa holder who has maintained a valid residential address in Korea for at
least 2 years and who meets any of the conditions below, you are eligible to apply.

Eligible Applicants

Required Documentation

○ Someone whose income in the previous year was
two times bigger than the Gross National Income

• Receipt for earned income tax withholding or
Certificate of Income Amount

per capita in Korea announced by the Bank of
Korea.

○ Someone who is 60 years old or older receiving a • Pension Certificate (Duplicate copy) and a
pension from a foreign country and the total

bankbook to which pension is deposited

amount of pension is bigger than the National
Income per capita in Korea announced by the Bank
of Korea.

○ A person who paid 500,000 won for general

• Certificate of Tax Payment or a Lease Contract

property tax in the previous year or a person who

(Jeonsae contract), or a certificate of bank balance

does not have a record of general property tax but
who has the lease deposit or property worth of
500,000 won or more under his/her name or name
of his/her family member.
A person whose total amount of trading with a

• A proof of employment, a certified copy of the

Korean company is worth 2 billion won or more.

register or a copy of business registration, Import

○

and Export Performance Record (Bill of landing,

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Invoice, and etc), Certificate of Annual Tax
Payment

○ A person who has invested US$500,000 or more

• A copy of business registration or a certified copy
of the register, commercial and real estate lease

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contract, and a certificate of foreigner investment
registration, a certificate of foreigner invested
corporation

○ A chairman/representative/president of an Overseas • A recommendation letter from the head of a
Koreans group recognized by the government of the

diplomatic mission abroad

respective country (including those who have
actively engaged into the overseas Koreans group
for the past 3 years) or the CEO of a corporation
recommended by the head of a diplomatic mission
abroad.

□ You meet all the conditions below as a H-2 visa holder
○ You have continuously worked in the same place for at least 4 years in manufacturing, agriculture, or fishery
industries.

※ If you have changed your visa status from Working Visit to Overseas Korean, you will be given at least 3 years
from the date of change, as the permitted period of stay. Those who have changed their visa status after August
1st, 2011, after declaring the commencement of employment, you will be given at least 2 years from the date of
change, as the permitted period of stay.

※ If you have changed your work place due to wage delays, close-down of the businesses and other inevitable
circumstances, you will be recognized as 'being continuously employed'.

○ You or your family member in the same household has a financial ability such as owning property/assets worth
of 30,000,000 won

○ You have obtained a skill․technician license through an examination designated by enclosed document number 3
and held by the Human Resource Development Service Korea, or you have earned annual income worth more
than Gross National Income per capita in Korea from the previous year.

․

* Skill Technician licence refers to a license defined in Article 2(1) and paragraph 1 of Article 9(1) of the ⌜
National Technical Qualifications Act

」

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Required documents
Recommendation letter from an employer, a copy of business registration, a proof of employment,

․

Receipt for earned income tax withholding in the past one year, a copy of skill technique license and
documents proving your ownership in assets/property (ex. a lease contract(including both jeonsae and

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wolsae) or a certificate of bank balance)

□ You are an overseas Korean defined as in Article 2(2)「Act on immigration and legal status of Overseas
Koreans」while meeting all the prerequisites for the acquisition of nationality in accordance with the Nationality
law.
Common Required Documents

▫Application
▫Any documents proving that you are an overseas Korean such as a passport and a copy of
identification from the respective country (you should also show the original copy)

▫Alien Registration Card(Declaration form of residential address) ▫ Documents proving your financial
ability to support yourself.
- choose one of the followings: a certificate of bank balance consisting of 20,000,000 won under your
name or a name of your family member, a copy of real estate property register, lease contract, proof
of employment (please enclose a copy of business registration of your employer)

① Eligible Applicants for Regular Naturalization (Article 5 of the Nationality Law)
Supplementary
documentation

▫Certificate of family relation and any documents proving family relationship

② Eligible Applicants for Simplified Naturalization (Paragraph 1 of Article 6(1) of the Nationality Law)
▫Documents demonstrating that your father or mother was a Korean national
▫Documents proving the biological relation between you and your father(an original copy
is needed)

▫ A confirmation from more than one member of your family including relatives living
in Korea (the relatives must be the 3rd cousin of the applicant or closer)
Supplementary
Documentation

- A genealogy : family relations with relatives (guarantor)
- business registration or any documents proving your relations with the relatives
- (for each guarantor) A guarantor statement, resident registration, a copy of resident
registration are needed
- a letter exchanged with relatives living in Korea, a confirmation of separate families
reunification from the KBS, DNA test results with relatives living in Korea (optional)

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③ Eligible Applicants for Simplified Naturalization (Article 6(2) of the Nationality Law)
▫ A copy of family relations or marriage certificate (the entire photocopy of family
relations issued by your country of nationality)
<Supplementary documentation for a Spouse of Korean National>
Supplementary
documentation

① Basic Certificate ② Marriage Relation Certificate ③ Certificate of family relations
④ Resident Register ⑤ A copy of Resident Registration
▫ Other documents need to be submitted in order to demonstrate genuineness of a
marriage

※ for a person who is divorced, a certificate of marriage indicating a divorce, or
sentencing stating liability/faults of the spouse or a confirmation from an officially
recognized woman's support group

④ Eligible Applicants for Special Naturalization (Paragraph 1 of Article 7(1))
1. (children of the first generation of Overseas koreans who have restored Korean
nationality) Supplementary documents for the second generation of overseas Koreans are
as follows.

▫ Document proving a biological parent-child relationship (an original copy is needed)
▫ Identification certificate, a certificate of family relation, resident registration, a copy
of identification card of the first generation
2. (After the second generation Overseas Koreans have restored Korean nationality)
supplementary documents for the third generation of overseas Koreans are as follows.

Supplementary

▫ Documents proving a biological parent-child relationship (an original copy is needed)
▫ Identification certificate, a certificate of family relation, resident registration, a copy
of identification card of the second generation

Documentation
3. Supplementary documents for a child of a person who has restored Korean nationality
by marriage

▫ Documents proving a biological parent-child relationship (an original copy is needed)
▫ Identification certificate, a certificate of family relations, resident registration, a copy
of identification card of the person who has obtained permission for restoration of
Korean nationality.
4. Supplementary documents for a Descendent of Independence Patriots

▫ Documents proving that you are a descendent of independence patriots and of a man
of national merit, or documents demonstrating the family relationships with such a
person.

⑤ Eligible Applicants for Restoration of Nationality (Article 9(1) of the Nationality Law)
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▫ Identification certificate, a certificate of family relations, Expulsion Record copy of the
applicant

▫ Documents relevant to acquisition of foreign nationality (please enclose the translated
version and the original copy)

▫ A permit for restoration of Korean nationality, citizenship papers, birth certificate,
official documents(Gongbu) in regards with family

Supplementary
Documentation

※ If the date of birth Is different compared to your foreign passport, please select and
bring one from the following documents: a confirmation of the same person, name
change certificate, notarized confirmation of the same person by relatives living in Korea
(issued by the notarization office),

Expulsion Record Copy, or any documents proving

the parental-child relationship between you and your parents.
➠ The Administrative Guideline on the Reinstatement of Citizenship for Overseas
Koreans will be applied to Korean-Chinese who would like to reinstate their Korean
nationalities.
D. Treatments of family members of those with permanent residence(F-5) visas are as follows.

○ Spouses and children under the age of 20 of those with permanent resident (F-5) visas will be given F-2
Resident visas.

(A child who is 20 years of age or older will have to stay in Korea on an appropriate visa.)

E. There will be no restrictions for those on F-5 Permanent Resident visas to engage in certain activities limited by
different types of visas.
F. If you come under any of the followings below, you will lose your F-5 Permanent Residency visa.

○ Those who received a deportation order
○ Those who have gotten Permanent Resident visas by forgery or cheating the system
○ You have exceeded the re-entry permit exemption period or re-entry permission period
○ You have entered Korea with a fake passport or you are in a sham marriage.
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○ Those who are exempt from a re-entry permit or who have stayed longer than the permitted duration of period
○ Those who have entered the Republic of Korea on fake passports or passports under other people's names or
those who are considered to have a sham marriage.

○ Those who have received imprisonment without forced labour or heavier punishments
5. Detailed Procedure for Vocational Education Opportunity for Overseas Koreans

◈ Those who are selected for the vocational education online draw after submitting the
application for vocational education will be able to receive the skill training in Korea.

◈ Detailed procedures for visa issuance and immigration control are as follows.
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A. Those who won the vocational education online draw through submitting the vote at the Ministry of Justice will
have to obtain a C-3 Short-Term General visa first in order to enter the Republic of Korea. The procedure for
visa issuance is as follows.

□ Eligible Applicants for Vocational Education
○ Those who won the vocational education online draw after applying for vocational education at the HiKorea
website.

□ Entry Procedure for the Winner of Vocational Education Draw
⇨ Winning the Online Draw ⇨ C-3-1 visa issuance (a
diplomatic mission abroad) ⇨ Entry ⇨ Vocational Education (6 weeks) ⇨ Alteration of H-2 visa
Apply for Vocational Education (HiKorea)

□ Required Documentation
○ Any official documents proving that you are Overseas Koreans from your country of origin and a receipt for
application for the draw (or a draw result print-out indicating you have won the draw)
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※ Please note that if you have less than 7 weeks (49 days) left until your sojourn period expires, you are not
allowed to register for vocational education. Therefore, you have to register for the training right after you enter
Korea. (Please refer to the registration procedure for Overseas Koreans Vocational Education Support Group
Webpage)
B. If you are an eligible applicant for vocational education and have entered Korea on a Short-Term General (C-3,
090) visa, you are allowed to receive the vocational training without having change your status(6 weeks)

※ Please be aware that those who are on-the-job training will not be permitted to engage in activities outside of
designated status.
C. After receiving 6 weeks of vocational training, you have to receive a recommendation letter for the change in
working visit visa status from the Overseas Koreans Vocational Education Support Group, and then apply for the
alteration of visa status at a local immigration (branch) office.
D.

If Overseas Koreans have obtained a permission to change the type of visa, then they need to complete
vocational training at the Ministry of Employment and Labor after registering themselves as job seekers. They can
get jobs that were introduced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, or they can freely choose where they
want to work at.

E. Please note that if you are getting a job on a working visit visa, you have to declare your start date of
employment at a local immigration (branch) office within 14 days of hiring. (You will be punished accordingly if
you violate this rule.)

Ⅲ

Miscellaneous Remarks

1. Inquiry and Consulting/Counselling

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A. Visa, Entry/Exit, Procedure for immigration and others

□ The Foreigners Information Call Center (#1345), Korea Immigration service Website, HiKorea Website, a local
immigration office
B. Proof of Employment, Confirmation of Potentials for Special Hiring issuances
Labor Counselling Centre (#1350)
C. Vocational Employment for Overseas Koreans and Counselling

□ Human Resources Development Service of Korea(1577-0071)
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□ Ministry of Employment and