Visa to South Korea

The holder of a Korean visa gets access to high-quality medical care and education systems. However, in order to obtain a temporary residence permit, a number of requirements must be met, depending on various factors, including the state from which the candidate immigrates.

Currently, a number of foreigners can enter the territory of the Republic without a mandatory visa. Citizens of a number of countries can stay in Korea for 60 days without a visa. The right applies to various purposes of the visit: tourist, transit, private.

Instead of a visa, the applicant can apply for an electronic permit, which is called a K-ETA. The validity period of the K-ETA is 3 years. The right can be used by citizens of countries that have visa-free entry to South Korea. The cost is 10000 KRW or $40 per person.

Additional features

You can find out the details of the K-ETA registration on the official portal of the Government of the Republic of Korea.   

Freelancer Visa

At the beginning of 2024, the Digital Nomad visa became available to foreigners entering the country. The main requirement for applicants is the availability of remote work. By becoming a permit holder, freelancers receive the right to live in South Korea for 2 years. At the same time, digital nomads can only cooperate with customers who are located outside the state.

The next of kin can count together with the candidate for a visa: spouses and minor children.

In 2024, the following requirements are imposed on candidates:

• Confirmation of annual earnings of 85 million Won (equivalent to $60,000).
• Work in the specialty for at least 1 year before applying.
• Registration of medical insurance with coverage from 100 million Won ($72500).
• Providing a certificate of no criminal record.

Important

A request for a digital nomad visa must be submitted at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the applicant's country of residence. To reduce the risks of rejection, it is recommended to use the services of a migration lawyer.

How much does a visa cost?

The state duty rates depend on the purpose of the trip and the type of visa. The amount paid will not be refunded to the candidate if they wish to refuse to continue processing or gross violations when submitting documents. You can make a payment on the official website of the embassy, or by receiving the details at the migration center.

If the current citizenship of the foreigner allows, then it is enough to issue an electronic K-ETA permit to enter the Republic. Available only when planning a trip, the duration of which will not exceed 60 days. The service fee will be 10000 KRW.

According to official data, the consular fee for a short–term Korean visa is $ 50, and for a long-term permit - $ 90. Other types of visas will cost the applicant a little more. Their cost will be $120.

Types of visas (types of visas)

Depending on the purpose of the visit to the Republic and the duration of the visit, visas are usually divided into several categories. A foreigner has the right to request one of the following permits:

• C1 – temporary stay in the country.
• C2 – short-term entry for meetings with family members.
• C3 is a short–term visit for business trips.
• C4 – employment in a local company for a short period of time.
• D1 – for long-term employment and business activities.
• D2 is for interns.
• D3 – for studying and participating in scientific research.
• D4 is for general interns.
• D5 is for journalists.
• E-1 is for professorial degrees.
• E-2 is for the management of large companies.
• E-3 – for conducting research.
• F-1 is for visiting relatives living in the country.
• F-2 is for residents from other countries living in Korea.
• F-3 is for holders of work visas.
• The F-4 is for the indigenous people of Korea.
• G-1 – to receive medical treatment or patient care.

Student's

Foreign students who have successfully passed the entrance exams to universities and colleges in Korea are eligible for a student visa. To do this, you need to provide a document confirming admission to a certain educational institution. Otherwise, the candidate will be rejected. You can submit a request at the consulate, being outside the Republic.

According to the current migration legislation, a foreigner must provide a passport, a letter from an educational institution confirming enrollment in students, information about the availability of funds to pay for tuition and accommodation, and medical insurance. The visa gives you the right to live in Korea for the duration of your studies.

Tourist

Citizens of countries that have a visa-free travel agreement with South Korea are required to issue an electronic K-ETA permit, without which they will not be able to check in for a flight. The visa-free regime is valid for a period of no more than 60 days of continuous stay. If a foreigner leaves the country and visits again, the K-ETA is valid for 90 days.

It is important to remember that the visa-free regime applies only to travel for tourist purposes. Having issued a K-ETA, foreigners will not be able to receive education, use medical services, get an official job and engage in any kind of commercial activity.

Business (for business trips)

To attend conferences, commercial events, find partners for business expansion and negotiations, foreign citizens must apply for a business visa. A foreigner's long-term stay in South Korea for the purpose of conducting commercial activities requires a D1 visa.

In practice, the decision to issue a permit is made within 3-4 weeks. If the applicant needs to undergo an additional interview, he will be notified in advance of the time and place of its holding.

Working (to work legally in the country)

A foreign citizen does not have the right to official employment without a work visa. Before sending a request to the agencies dealing with migration issues, you need to get a job invitation from a local employer who will act as a sponsor. The application will not be considered without an invitation letter.

The validity of a work visa is limited to 1 year. When the deadline comes to an end, the candidate can apply for an extension. A request for a work visa is considered both from the applicant and on behalf of the company.

Required documents

The composition of the dossier is influenced by the type of visa, the personal circumstances of the immigrant, and the purpose of the trip to the Republic. When considering standard cases, the package of documents will be as follows:

• Candidate's application.
• Photos are 35*45 mm.
• Documents on the lease or purchase of real estate.
• Round-trip tickets (tourist purposes).
• Description of the purpose of the visit.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Bank receipts to confirm the applicant's financial independence.
• Medical insurance.
• A certificate of completed medical examination.
• Receipts for payment of the application fee.

Important

The application will be reviewed within 2-4 weeks (the time frame depends on the type of entry permit). The process is delayed if falsification of documents or the applicant's desire to conceal important information is detected.

Recent changes in the visa issue of South Korea

Until July 2023, the validity period of the K-ETA was 2 years. Now this period has been extended to 3 years. However, the changes relate only to new permits to enter the Republic for citizens of countries eligible for visa-free travel. If the K-ETA was received before the specified date, the permit is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. A valid document gives the right to enter the country as many times as required by its holder.

Regardless of the type of visa, the final decision on granting a foreigner the right to enter is made by border guards. When crossing the border, information is requested about the availability of return tickets, the place of intended residence and the purpose of the visit.