South Korea Visa Policy

Foreign nationals who wish to visit South Korea generally need to acquire a visa before entering the country, except for circumstances allowing for visa-free entry. South Korea issues several different types of visas for different purposes. 

South Korea Visa Types:

1. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
2. Short-term visa
3. Long-term visa

South Korea ETA will be implemented in 2021 for allowing travelers from visa-waiver countries before they realize their trip to South Korea.

Required Documents for South Korea ETA

1. Application Form (via the Visa Portal)

2. Scanned Image Files of Passport Pages

3. Photo ( 3,5 x 4,5)

4. Travel Itinerary

• Documents proving the reason for travel

Processing Time for South Korea ETA

The average processing time for a South Korea ETA is 2-5 working days.

South Korea ETA Fee

South Korea ETA fee is 40 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to apply for South Korea ETA?

You will apply for South Korea ETA online. You can apply for an ETA through this website.

South Korea Short-term Visa

South Korea Short-term visa is for an individual who intends to stay for a limited period of time to visit friends, to invest in public service, to engage in non-official sports games, to attend events or gatherings, to perform in performing arts, to take part in school, to take classes, to attend religious services, to gather records for academic study, or to conduct some other equivalent activities. 

South Korea Tourist Visa

South Korea Tourist visa is issued for applicants intending to visit South Korea for tourism and sightseeing. You can apply for a South Korea Tourist visa to realize your tourist activities.

Required Documents for South Korea Tourist Visa

1. Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

3. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Proof of Employment or Proof of Enrollment

• For example, employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, proof of pension

7. Flight Itinerary

• Flight reservation

8. Proof of Accommodation

• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.

9. Travel Plan

10. Means of Subsistence

• Bank statements of the last 3 months, including cover letter
• Credit Card, car registration e.t.c

11. Invitation Letter

• Must be official. A scanned version is accepted at the time of application, but it is advisable to send the original by mail as the original will be required at the border.
• Documents proving kinship (if any)
• If the invitee stays at the inviting person’s home, documents about the house (contract, payment for utilities, etc.)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Tourist visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Tourist Visa Fee

South Korea Tourist visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Tourist visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa

South Korea Business visa gives you the authorization to enter South Korea and stay here up to 90 days. It permits its holder to engage in business-related activities such as attending meetings or conferences, conducting or attending the training, conducting internal audits, installing equipment, or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate, or branch office.

Required Documents for South Korea Business Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

 3. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

5. Proof of Professional Status

• For example, employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, proof of pension

6. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

• A copy of the documents must be presented along with other documents. The required validity period for these documents is three months beyond the date of your travel to South Korea. 

7. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry to South Korea

8. Proof of Accommodation

• Proof of accommodation includes the reservation of a hotel or a tenancy agreement or certificate of ownership

9. Proof of Civil Status

• Proof of civil status includes marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

10. Means of Subsistence

• Bank statements of the last 3 months, including cover letter
• Credit Card, car registration e.t.c

11. Income Tax Return (By applicant)

• Last Assessment Year or in the absence of Income Tax Return, please provide an explanatory note with 3 months bank statement till the date of submission

12. Invitation Letter 

• That document must contain the organization's full address and name, contact details (phone number, e-mail address); name and position of the person signing the documents; the purpose of the event and the role of participants from your country; duration of stay, the name of the person or institution that will cover the applicant's travel and living expenses.

13. Business/Organization Registration Certificate

• From Korean Business/Organization

14. Guarantee Letter

• From Korean Business/Organization

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Business Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Business visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Business Visa Fee

 South Korea Business visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Business Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Business visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Visiting Family and Friends Visa

A Short-stay Family/friend Visa allows you to travel to South Korea to visit family or friends for up to 90 days.

Required Documents for South Korea Family Visit Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

 3. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry to South Korea

7. Proof of Accommodation for Your Entire Stay in South Korea

• Proof of accommodation includes the reservation of a hotel or a tenancy agreement or certificate of ownership

8. Proof of Civil Status

• Proof of civil status includes marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

9. Means of Subsistence

• Bank statements of the last 3 months, including cover letter
• Credit Card, car registration e.t.c

10. For Minors:

• Birth certificate or copy of the family book and travel authorization signed by the holder(s) of parental authority in the forms required under local law, along with a copy of his/her/their identity document (if the minor is not traveling with his/her parents or guardian)
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied.

11. Documents That Reflect the Purpose of Visit

         In case of visiting close relatives such as a spouse, children, parents (including guardians), grandparents:

• The letter of invitation, documents proving the relationship, a document confirming the status of the inviting person in South Korea documents about the address where the invitee will stay (payment for utilities, etc.) must be presented.

          If visiting other relatives or friends:

• Invitation letter (must be official), documents proving the relationship, documents about the address where invitee will stay (if invitee will be accommodated by inviter) must be presented.

          In case of attending the funeral:

• An official document confirming the fact of death and documents proving the relationship must be presented.

          In case of visiting a military or civilian grave:

• An official document confirming the existence and protection of the grave; documents proving the relationship must be presented.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Family Visit Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Family Visit visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Family Visit Visa Fee

 South Korea Family Visit visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Family Visit Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Family Visit visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Cultural, Scientific, Sports Events Visa

South Korea Cultural Visa enables you to enter South Korea for cultural, scientific, sport purposes such as attending cultural events.

Required Documents for South Korea Cultural Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

 3. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry to South Korea

7. Travel Insurance 

8. Proof of Accommodation

• Proof of accommodation includes the reservation of a hotel or a tenancy agreement or certificate of ownership

9. Proof of Civil Status

• Proof of civil status includes marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

10. Means of Subsistence

• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay, such as bank statements.

11. Proof of Professional Status

• For example, employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, proof of pension

12. For Minors:

• Birth certificate or copy of the family book and travel authorization signed by the holder(s) of parental authority in the forms required under local law, along with a copy of his/her/their identity document (if the minor is not traveling with his/her parents or guardian).
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied.

13. An Invitation Letter When You Take Part as a Participant

• That document must contain the organization's full address and name, contact details (phone number, e-mail address); name and position of the person signing the documents; the purpose of the event and the role of participants from your country; duration of stay, the name of the person or institution that will cover the applicant's travel and living expenses.

14. Entrance Ticket or Voucher to the Event when Attending an Event as a Spectator or Guest

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Cultural Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Cultural visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Cultural Visa Fee

South Korea Cultural visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Cultural Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Cultural visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Medical Treatment Visa

South Korea Visa for Medical Treatment purpose allows you to enter South Korea, seek and receive medical treatment for your health condition. This visa is designated for those who need to receive medical care in South Korea for up to 90 days.

Required Documents for South Korea Medical Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry to South Korea

7. Insurance for Hospital Cost

• Receipt for the deposit of hospital cost

8. Proof of Accommodation

• Documents about booking the general hospital

9. Medical Certificate (Diagnosis)

• From South Korea/Foreign Hospital

10. Relationship Certificate

• From accompanying caregiver or family member

11. Means of Subsistence

• Bank statements of the last 3 months, including cover letter
• Credit Card, car registration e.t.c

12. Proof of Professional Status

• For example, employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, proof of pension

13. For Minors:

• Birth certificate or copy of the family book and travel authorization signed by the holder(s) of parental authority in the forms required under local law, along with a copy of his/her/their identity document (if the minor is not traveling with his/her parents or guardian) 
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied.

14. Invitation Letter

• The document must contain the full address and contact details of the medical institution, name and position of the person signing the document, patient's name, citizenship, and date of birth, duration of treatment and length of stay, the estimated cost of treatment, confirmation of full or partial payment for treatment by a doctor or hospital (if any payment has been made), evidence that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of treatment or that a third party will cover these costs, confirmation of the need for treatment and escort at the same institution.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Medical Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Medical visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Medical Visa Fee

 South Korea Medical visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Medical Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Medical visa in South Korea Visa Application Centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Official Visit Visa

A South Korea Official Visit Visa for Official Visits to South Korea is an entry permit for you to participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations, exchange programs, other events held in South Korea by intergovernmental organizations.

Required Documents for South Korea Official Visit Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy(if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Proof of Civil Status

• Proof of civil status includes marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

7. Proof of Professional Status

• State of dispatch or employment, or a public letter by the Foreign Minister's or the Minister of the office of his country (the public letter should be able to prove one's status of official duty)

 8. Invitation Letter

• The document should be on the official letterhead of the inviting institution or international organization and reflect the name, surname, and position of the authorized person signing the letter, purpose, and duration of the visit.

9. Signed and Stamped Letter of Confirmation from the Relevant State Body or Organization That You are a Member of the Official Delegation That Will Participate in Official Meetings and Negotiations

• The document should reflect the name and full address of the state body or organization, the name and position of the person signing the document, your name and position, purpose, and duration of the visit.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Official Visit Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Official Visit visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Official Visit Visa Fee

South Korea Official Visit visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Official Visit Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Official Visit visa in South Korea Visa Application Centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Journalist Visa

South Korea Journalist Visa is for those looking to gather news materials for a brief period of time that are dispatched by outside journalistic organizations such as daily paper, broadcasting station, magazine, etc. and to gather news materials for a brief period of time in agreement with the contract with outside journalistic organizations, for brief-term remain for the course of action of a department of a remote journalistic organization. (If they wish to remain after the foundation, they must apply for D-5 status)

Required Documents for South Korea Journalist Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself 

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Certificate of Journalism

7. Letter from Employer Referring His/Her Purpose of Visit

8. 1 yr. Income Tax Return

• In case of absence of income tax return, bank statements of the last 6 months.

Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Journalist Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Journalist visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Journalist Visa Fee

South Korea Journalist visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Journalist Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Journalist visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Employment (Short-term) Visa

South Korea Employment (Short-term) visa is granted to undertake trips to South Korea for short-term work activities, which requires staying in South Korea temporarily.

Required Documents for South Korea Employment (Short-term) Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

3. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation
• Accommodation (if not indicated in the invitation) - Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

7. Proof of Visit

• Invitation from your business partner in South Korea

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation), if any

• The letter must include:
  • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
  • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
  • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
• Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
• Letter from University (if student)
• Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

        In the case of self-funding:

• Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
  • A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
  • Credit card
  • Cash
  • Traveler’s cheques
  • Payslips
  • Proof of employment
  • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
  • Proof of prepaid accommodation
  • Document about accommodation in private
  • Proof of prepaid transport
  • Other

        In the case of sponsorship:

• Latest 3 months current account bank statement of a sponsor (showing sponsor’s name, an end balance, and date of issue).
• Sponsorship letter, copy of the first page of the sponsor’s passport with the data.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Employment (Short-term) Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Employment (Short-term) visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Employment (Short-term) Visa Fee

South Korea Employment (short-term) visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Employment(Short-term) Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Employment (Short-term) visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Study (Short-term) Visa

South Korea Study (Short-term) visa is granted to you to undertake trips to South Korea for study or educational training, requiring staying in Korea up to 90 days per half a year.

Required Documents for South Korea Study (Short-term) Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo. 
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

 3. Passport 

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

• Ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry to South Korea

7. Travel Insurance 

8. Proof of Accommodation

• Proof of accommodation includes the reservation of a hotel or a tenancy agreement or certificate of ownership

9. Proof of Civil Status

• Proof of civil status includes marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

10. Means of Subsistence

• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay, such as bank statements

11. Proof of Professional Status

• For example, employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, proof of pension

12. For Minors:

• Birth certificate or copy of the family book and travel authorization signed by the holder(s) of parental authority in the forms required under local law, along with a copy of his/her/their identity document (if the minor is not traveling with his/her parents or guardian)
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied.

13. An Enrolment Certificate Allowing Attendance of Courses

• Certificate of completion of courses attended

14. Proof of Visit

• Original Letter of Acceptance by the Korean Education Institution, including details of the course, duration, and fees with proof of payment.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Study (Short-term) Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Study (Short-term) visa is 5-30 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Study (Short-term) Visa Fee

 South Korea Study (Short-term) visa fee is 15-55 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Study (Short-term) Visa?

You will apply for South Korea Study (Short-term) visa in South Korea Visa Application Centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Long-term Visa

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in South Korea, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before coming to South Korea.

The South Korea Long-term Visa is given to foreigners who wish to live in South Korea for a longer period of time or to have temporary or permanent residence established.

The long-term visa grants entry to South Korea on the basis that you will be applying for a residence permit. It enables you to enter South Korea as a potential resident and stay while you apply for residency. After you arrive in South Korea with your visa, you need to apply for a residence permit for staying in South Korea for a long period.

This visa applies to those who want to work within the legal frame of employment upon taking an employment permit and the work permit as per appointed procedure from competent regional authorities.

South Korea Employment (Long-term) Visa

South Korea Employment (long-term) visa is for those who are looking for engagement in the field of technical training or research: research of natural science or development of high technology, the scientists looking for a study or training within the institution which is under the Special Treatment Law as to Defense Industry Company, the person who is looking for offer expertise of the natural science or the technique of special field of industry in the public or private corporation, those dispatched under contracts that are provided with compensation such as the cost of staying. And for those who are looking for engagement in the field of IT (information technology), e-business, BT (biotechnology), NT (nano-technology), new composite material, transportation facilities, digital appliances, or environmental energy within the domestic corporation with the recommendation of the Minister of related Ministries (period of stay is within 90 days).

Required Documents for South Korea Employment (Long-term) Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Flight Ticket Reservation

• If the length of stay is more than 6 months, then a one-way ticket will be enough.

6. Proof of Accommodation 

• Proof of accommodation for the first three months: hotel reservation or statement/undertaking from the host (establishment/institution or private individual) or explanatory letter from the applicant.

7. Proof of Civil Status

• Proof of civil status includes marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

8. Original Employment Letter from the Applicant's Employer (Sponsor) in South Korea

• On the official company paper with stamp and signature, date and clearly mentioning:
  • Full address and contact details of the company
  • The name and position of the countersigning officer
  • Details regarding the employment of the applicant (e.g., position, salary, estimated duration)
  • Details regarding additional conditions of employment (e.g., accommodation, transport, living expenses)

        In the case of international transfer of the employee:

• A letter from the current employer confirming the transfer and approving the leave/absence of the applicant

9. Proof of Financial Means

        In the case of self-funding:

• Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency.
  • A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
  • Credit card
  • Cash
  • Traveler’s cheques
  • Payslips
  • Proof of employment
  • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
  • Proof of prepaid accommodation
  • Document about accommodation in private
  • Proof of prepaid transport
  • Other

        In the case of sponsorship:

• Latest 3 months current account bank statement of a sponsor (showing sponsor’s name, an end balance, and date of issue).
• Sponsorship letter, copy of the first page of the sponsor’s passport with the data.

10. Medical Insurance 

• Valid for the entire duration of the requested visa in South Korea
• Conditions must be stated either on the insurance document or a separate confirmation letter

11. Corporate / Foreign Investor

       From applied country:

• Transfer order / Temporary duty order
• Certificate of a registered foreign investment company or certificate of foreigner investment
• Occupation proof
• 1 yr. Income tax return (in case of absence of tax return, bank statements with last 6 months)

       From South Korea:

• Invitation letter(Scan copy or Photocopy)
• Business Registration Certificate

12. Trade Management

       From applied country:

• Contract copy between the applicant and Korean company and Occupation Proof or Employment certificate
• Dispatched/ transfer Order
• 1 yr. Income tax return (in case of absence of tax return, bank statements with last 6 months)

       From South Korea:

• Invitation letter (Scan copy or Photocopy)
• Business Registration Certificate

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Employment (Long-term) Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Employment (Long-term) visa is 10-60 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Employment (Long-term) Visa Fee

South Korea Employment (Long-term) visa fee is 50-200 USD for foreign nationals (it can vary depending on your nationality and validity period of visa).

Where to Apply for South Korea (Employment) Long-term Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Employment (Long-term) visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Study (Long-term) Visa

This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to obtain a long-term visa, allowing them to stay in South Korea for a longer period. This visa applies to those who are admitted to the state college or state university in South Korea.

Required Documents for South Korea Study (Long-term) Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

 3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Details from Your University in South Korea:

        a) Confirmed University Admission

• Admission letter issued by an educational institution (school/college/university) accredited in South Korea
  • Must state language of instruction
  • Must contain the start and end dates of the course
• Those in full-time education should submit a letter from their education establishment, clearly indicating the course of studies being followed.

       b) Confirmed Language Course with Conditional University Admission

• Receipt/confirmation of language course payment in advance
• Proof of conditional university admission or confirmation of admission as an applicant or detailed communication with the University for a concrete subject of study

6. Documents Attesting Previous Education:

• Higher secondary certificate - if the applicant applies for a visa based on a university certificate on admission to the first year of studies

        In the case of student exchange:

• The original certificate from the university confirming that the applicant is a student.
• Copy of the agreement/official information from the universities regarding the student exchange.
• Invitation from South Korea university.

7. Knowledge of Language, for Cases of Confirmed University Admission and Confirmed Admission to a Preparation Course for University (if Any)

• Proof of language proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS), if the course is taught in English

8. Proof of Accommodation in South Korea

• Document confirming the availability in South Korea of appropriate accommodation for the intended period of stay (documents shall contain information about the cost of living; the costs for a full period or monthly payment must be indicated)

9. Documents Confirming the Sufficient Financial Resources (of Applicant or Sponsor)

• Traveler’s cheque
• Original bank statement for the past 6 months
• A certificate of availability of money in a bank or a cooperative savings and loan association located on the territory of South Korea (it cannot be a bank located in your country)
• A document confirming granting of a national or foreign scholarship
• A certificate of employment with a monthly salary statement

10. Police Clearance Certificate

11. Medical Insurance 

• Valid for the entire duration of the requested visa in South Korea
• Conditions must be stated either on the insurance document or a separate confirmation letter

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Study (Long-term) Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Study (Long-term) visa is 5-60 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Study (Long-term) Visa Fee

South Korea Study (Long-term) visa fee is 50-200 USD for foreign nationals (it can vary depending on your nationality and validity period of visa).

Where to Apply for South Korea Study (Long-term) Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Study (Long-term) visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Family Reunion Visa

This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to obtain a long-term visa, allowing them to stay in South Korea for a longer period. This visa applies to family members of South Korean nationals and wishing to obtain a permit for long-term residence in South Korea. Children (unmarried and under the age of 20) and spouse who have registered in Korea (Alien Registration Card) can apply for this visa.

Required Documents for South Korea Family Reunion Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Flight Ticket Reservation

• The one-way ticket will be enough.

6. Proof of Accommodation 

• Proof of accommodation includes a tenancy agreement or certificate of ownership of a family member living in South Korea.

7. Proof of Civil Status

• Proof of civil status includes marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

8. Means of Subsistence

• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements.

9. Proof of Professional Status

• For example, employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, proof of pension

10. Alien Registration Card Copy of Inviter

11. Relationship Proof

If visiting close relatives such as a spouse, children, parents (including guardians), grandparents:

• The letter of invitation, documents proving the relationship, a document confirming the status of the inviting person in South Korea, documents about the address where the invitee will stay (payment for utilities, etc.) must be presented.

If visiting other relatives or friends:

• Invitation letter (must be official), documents proving the relationship, documents about the address where invitee will stay (if invitee will be accommodated by inviter) must be presented.

In case of attending the funeral:

• An official document confirming the fact of death and documents proving the relationship must be presented.

In case of visiting a military or civilian grave:

• An official document confirming the existence and protection of the grave; documents proving the relationship must be presented.

12. A certificate of incumbency of Inviting parties and a certificate of tax payment in South Korea

• These documents should be presented by the inviter

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Family Reunion Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Family Reunion visa is 10-60 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Family Reunion Visa Fee

South Korea Family Reunion visa fee is 50-200 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for South Korea Family Reunion Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Family Reunion visa in South Korea Visa Application Centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

South Korea Marriage Migrant Visa

This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to obtain a long-term visa, allowing them to stay in South Korea for a longer period. This visa applies to family members of South Korean nationals and wishing to obtain a permit for long-term residence in South Korea. A spouse of South Korean nationals can apply for this visa.

Required Documents for South Korea Marriage Visa

1.  Application Form

• Fully completed in English or Korean and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Two Photos

• Photos should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5x4.5, colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

 3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Official Marriage Certificate

• South Korea certificate of marriage or extract from the Family Register, along with certified copies.

6. Letter of Invitation

• Invitation Letter from South Korean family member

7. Guarantee Letter from Korean Spouse or Inviter

• Official Guarantee form can be downloaded from the Korean Immigration Official website

8. Documents Proving Inviter has a Job

• For example, employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, school attendance certificate, proof of pension

9. Documents Confirming the Sufficient Financial Resources

• Bank Statement, Home Lease Agreement, or any property owned by Inviter

10. Credit History Certificate from National Bank Association Korea

11. Medical Certificate

12. Certificate of Personal Records

• Police certificate

*Additional documents may be requested by the embassy.

Processing Time for South Korea Marriage Migrant Visa

The average processing time for a South Korea Marriage Migrant visa is 10-60 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

South Korea Marriage Migrant Visa Fee

South Korea Marriage Migrant visa fee is 50-200 USD for foreign nationals (it can vary depending on your nationality and validity period of visa).

Where to Apply for South Korea Marriage Migrant Visa?

You will apply for a South Korea Marriage Migrant visa in South Korea visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.