Visa Types in South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers and Expats
Are you planning to visit or stay in South Korea for tourism, business, study, or work? Knowing the different types of visas is important to ensure you can enter and stay in the country legally. This blog post will provide a detailed overview of the main visa categories in South Korea ! 🤗
Short-Term Visas
✈️ Tourist Visa (B-2)
To visit South Korea for vacation or to see friends or family, you must obtain a Tourist Visa (B-2). This visa allows you to stay in South Korea for a specific period for leisure purposes. You can apply for the Tourist Visa through the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country.
Make sure to check the specific requirements and documents needed for the application process. Authorities can extend this visa for another 90 days, in addition to its usual 90-day validity.
👝 Business Visa (C-3)
The Business Visa (C-3) is for short-term business activities in South Korea like meetings, consultations, negotiations, or conferences. This visa is typically valid for up to 90 days.
Long-Term Visas
📋 Work Visa (E-series)
The E-series visas cover various types of employment in South Korea, including:
- E-1 (Professor): For foreign professors teaching at higher educational institutions.
- E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor): For foreign nationals teaching their native language.
- E-3 (Research): For those conducting research in natural science or advanced technology.
- E-7 (Specially Designated Activities): Issued for specific activities approved by the Minister of Justice.
🧑🏻🎓 Student Visa (D-2)
Korean colleges, universities, or graduate schools issue the Student Visa (D-2) to those who intend to study there. This visa allows you to stay in South Korea for the duration of your studies.
👪 Family Visas
- F-1 (Visiting and Joining Family): For those visiting or joining family in South Korea for a long-term stay.
- F-2 visa is for foreigners married to Koreans or meeting requirements like age, language skills, income to qualify.
- F-4 visa allows foreign ethnic Koreans to live and work in South Korea as if they were Korean citizens.
💲 Investment Visa (D-8)
The D-8 Investment Visa is for foreign investors who put money into Korean businesses or industries.
🏢 Corporate Investment (D-7)
The D-7 visa is for employees of foreign companies that have invested in South Korea. Also for employees of international companies with a branch in Korea.
Other Visas
👩🏻💻 Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
The Working Holiday Visa (H-1) allows young people from certain countries to work and travel in South Korea for a year. These countries include the United States, France, and Singapore.
💍 Marriage Migrant Visa (F-6)
The F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa is for foreigners married to Korean citizens. They can use this visa to live in South Korea with their spouse.
This list shows the main visa types in South Korea. It also includes additional categories and subcategories. These criteria rely on the purpose of stay and applicant qualifications. Always check the latest guidelines from the Korean embassy or consulate in your country, as visa policies can change.
When you apply for a visa, make sure you have all the right documents ready. When applying for a visa, ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared. These documents include your passport, completed forms, and evidence of why you require the visa. This evidence can be a job offer, school acceptance letter, or marriage certificate.
Planning ahead is important when applying for a visa. Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa and how busy the embassy or consulate is. Applying early is best to avoid any delays.
Discover the various types of visas available for South Korea for tourism, business, study, work, or family purposes.
