Work visa to South Korea

1. Business Visa:

Issued to individuals under the following criteria:

• D-7 Intra Company Transfer Visa – This visa is issued to an employee upon their transfer to South Korea. An employee who works at an MNC and is now being transferred to a South Korean branch will be issued the D-7-1. An employee who works for a South Korean company in a foreign branch and is now being transferred to a domestic branch will be issued the D-7-2.
• D-8 Business Investment Visa – Issued to those who plan to set up or invest in a business in South Korea and will undertake related activities during their stay.
• C-3-4 Business Visitor Visa – Issued to those individuals who plan to conduct meetings, market research, or take part in meetings and negotiations. This visa is issued for a short term visit.  

2. Professional Visa:

Issued to the people entering South Korea under the following categories:

• C-4 Short-Term Employee Visa – Individuals, if they plan to work for less than 90 Days, have to apply for this, regardless of the employment visa type for which they are applying.
• D-10-1 Job Seeker Visa – Individuals who wish to find a job in South Korea in one of the below-mentioned professional visa categories have to apply for this visa.
• E-1 Professor Visa – Foreigners who want to conduct research or give lectures at a higher education level are issued this visa. The validity period is one year, with a multiple entry option available. This visa can be extended by Expats for one year at a time.
• E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa – Issued to those who will teach a foreign language at Schools or organizations. The visa is issued for two years on a multiple entry visa type. This visa also has the option of renewal after the two-year period ends.
• E-3 Researcher Visa – Issued to those who wish to undertake research in natural sciences or the field of advanced technology. This visa is issued only if an institution in South Korea invites the individual. The validity period is one year with a multiple entry option available. This visa can be extended for one year at a time.
• E-4 Technical Instructor or Technician Visa – This visa is issued to those individuals who are experts in the field of science and technology and will impart their scientific/technical knowledge in South Korea. This visa is issued only if the individual is invited by an institution in South Korea. Both single and multiple entry visas are issued, with the option of extension as and when required.
• E-5 Professional Visa – Issued to foreign individuals who intend to practice law, medicine, accounting, and other professional activities in South Korea. Applicants must be internationally licensed and in possession of a national certificate under the laws of the Republic of Korea to practice in the country.

3. Non Professional Visa:

Issued to those individuals who enter South Korea to work in the following sectors:

• E-9-1 Manufacturing
• E-9-2 Construction
• E-9-3 Agriculture
• E-9-4 Fishery
• E-9-5 Service
• E-10 Coastal Crew
• F-1 Household Assistant

Expats who plan to live in South Korea for more than six months will mandatorily have to apply for an Alien Registration Card. Foreigners need to apply for this card within 90 days of their arrival in South Korea. The ARC, the national identification document for foreigners, makes essential services such as banking, medical insurance, internet, etc., available to them.