Republic of Korea visas
South Korea's immigration is administered by the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice. The system uses letter-coded visa categories: E-series for employment (E-7 designated activities, E-2 teaching), D-series for study and investment (D-8 corporate investment, D-10 job-seeking), and F-series for residence (F-2 points-based, F-5 permanent residence). Korea introduced a points-based F-2-7 system to attract skilled foreign professionals.
5 routes · 3 without a sponsor · 3 lead to settlement
Official portal
Regulators of immigration advice
- Korean Bar Association (KBA) — Regulates byeonhosa (lawyers) authorised to provide immigration legal services in Korea.
Visa routes (5)
E-7 Designated Activities Visa
Work visa for foreign professionals in specialised occupations — Korea's primary employer-sponsored route for skilled workers.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
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 sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
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.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Student Visa (D-2)
Visa for international students at Korean universities — includes part-time work rights and a post-graduation job-seeking extension.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
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 sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Korea have?+
We cover 5 Republic of Korea visa routes in these categories: sponsored work, skilled migration, entrepreneur, study, and family. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Korea visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
3 of the 5 Republic of Korea routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Korea visas lead to permanent residence?+
3 of the 5 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in South Korea