Vietnamese citizens moving to Republic of Korea
Vietnamese nationals typically move to Republic of Korea through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Korea Immigration Service, so check each route below for its primary source.
We cover 5 South Korea routes — 3 can be started without a job offer, and 3 lead to permanent residence.
Tourist entry
No. Vietnamese nationals require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
No nationality-specific treaty routes apply.
Consular processing: a Republic of Korea consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
What this means for Vietnamese citizens
Of the 5 Republic of Korea routes we cover, 3 can be started without an employer sponsor and 3 can lead to permanent residence. Expect a language test or qualification-recognition step, since language alignment is only partial.
Routes with nationality-specific notes
Each link opens the Vietnamese-specific guide for that route.
E-7 Designated Activities Visa
Work visa for foreign professionals in specialised occupations — Korea's primary employer-sponsored route for skilled workers.
Vietnamese E-7 holders are a growing cohort in manufacturing, IT, and translation/interpretation. Vietnam–Korea economic ties are strong and drive recruitment — Korea is one of the largest foreign investors in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese E-7 holders previously studied at Korean universities (on Korean Government Scholarships or institutional scholarships). TOPIK proficiency rates among Vietnamese applicants are high due to the significant Vietnamese student population in Korea.
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
Visa for foreign nationals investing in or managing a Korean corporation — requires minimum investment and creates a pathway to long-term residence.
Vietnamese D-8 investors are a growing cohort, driven by the deep Vietnam–Korea economic relationship. Many Vietnamese-Korean business ventures focus on trade, manufacturing, and food services. The large Vietnamese community in Korea provides a domestic market base for Vietnamese-focused businesses.
Student Visa (D-2)
Visa for international students at Korean universities — includes part-time work rights and a post-graduation job-seeking extension.
Vietnamese students are the largest international student cohort in Korea. Many enter through Korean-language programmes (D-4-1) at university-affiliated institutes before transitioning to degree programmes (D-2). The deep Vietnam–Korea educational relationship includes multiple scholarship programmes. Vietnamese students are well-served by an extensive Vietnamese community and infrastructure in Korea.
All Republic of Korea routes open to Vietnamese applicants
General routes available to all nationalities. Click any to read the full guide.
F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence
Points-based long-term residence for skilled professionals scoring 80+ points — the bridge between work visas and permanent residence in Korea.
No job offer needed · Leads to permanent residence
F-1 Family Visitation / F-3 Dependent Family
Residence permits for family members of work-visa and student-visa holders in Korea — F-3 for dependents of E-series workers, F-1 for extended family visits.
No job offer needed · Temporary
Frequently asked questions
Can Vietnamese citizens enter Republic of Korea without a visa?+
No. Vietnamese nationals require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Which Republic of Korea visa routes are best suited to Vietnamese applicants?+
Common general routes used by Vietnamese applicants include E-7 Designated Activities Visa, D-8 Corporate Investment Visa, Student Visa (D-2). Vietnamese nationals typically move to Republic of Korea through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Korea Immigration Service, so check each route below for its primary source.
Where do Vietnamese applicants typically apply for a Republic of Korea visa?+
Applications are typically processed at a Republic of Korea consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with Republic of Korea's immigration authority without a consular visit.
Do Vietnamese citizens need a job offer to move to Republic of Korea?+
Not necessarily. 3 of the 5 Republic of Korea routes we cover can be started without an employer sponsor, while the rest need a sponsoring employer or job offer. If you do not have an offer yet, the no-sponsor routes are the place to start.
Can Vietnamese citizens get permanent residence in Republic of Korea?+
Yes. 3 of the 5 Republic of Korea routes we cover lead toward settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Timelines vary by route, so check the settlement detail on each visa page.