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 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Korea have?+
We cover 5 Republic of Korea visa routes across the work, study, family, business, and residence categories. 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.
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