Student Visas — D-2 & D-4
The D-2 is for students enrolled in a full-time degree program (bachelor's, master's, PhD, or associate) at an accredited Korean university. The D-4 is for language training at a Korean institution (usually a university language center) or short-term research and non-degree programs. Both visas require proof of enrollment and evidence of financial support.
- D-2: Degree programs, valid 2 years renewable, 20-25 hrs/week part-time work allowed after 6 months
- D-4: Language training, valid 6-12 months renewable, limited work permission
- Financial proof: ~US$10,000 in a Korean or foreign bank account
- Admission letter from accredited Korean institution required
Work Visas — E-2, E-7, D-10
The E-2 is Korea's English teaching visa, limited to native speakers from 7 designated countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa). It requires a bachelor's degree, a clean criminal background check, an apostilled diploma, and a health check after arrival. The E-7 is for skilled specialists — IT, engineering, research, design — sponsored by a Korean employer. The D-10 is a job-seeker visa allowing 6-24 months in Korea to find qualifying employment.
| Visa | Purpose | Key Requirement |
|---|
| E-2 | English teaching | Bachelor's + clean BGC, native speaker |
| E-7 | Specialized worker | Employer sponsorship + skills match |
| E-9 | Non-professional labor | EPS system quota |
| D-10 | Job search | Points-based qualification |
| D-8 | Business investment | ~₩100M investment minimum |
E-2 visa holders must undergo a medical check in Korea within 90 days of arrival — including drug screening.
Residency Visas — F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6
F-series visas are for long-term residence with fewer restrictions. The F-2 is a residence visa awarded on a points system (income, Korean language, education) or to qualifying investors and talent. The F-4 is the Overseas Korean visa for ethnic Koreans and their descendants. The F-5 is permanent residence, and the F-6 is for foreign spouses of Korean citizens.
- F-2: Points-based long-term residence, work allowed with minor restrictions
- F-4: Overseas Korean ethnic heritage, very flexible, 3-year renewable
- F-5: Permanent residence after 5 years of legal stay + income + language
- F-6: Marriage to a Korean citizen, full work rights
Many foreigners move through a progression: D-4 → D-2 → E-2/E-7 → F-2 → F-5. Each step builds on the previous residence record.
How to Choose the Right Visa
Your correct visa depends on your purpose and profile. Students go D-4 or D-2. Teachers go E-2 (native English) or E-1 (university professor). Skilled workers with a Korean job offer go E-7. Remote workers look at the F-1-D workation visa. Spouses of Koreans get F-6. Anyone looking for long-term flexibility should ask whether they qualify for points-based F-2.
All long-term visas require apostilled documents from your home country. Start document collection 2-3 months before your target application date.
Student Visas — D-2 & D-4
The D-2 is for students enrolled in a full-time degree program (bachelor's, master's, PhD, or associate) at an accredited Korean university. The D-4 is for language training at a Korean institution (usually a university language center) or short-term research and non-degree programs. Both visas require proof of enrollment and evidence of financial support.
- D-2: Degree programs, valid 2 years renewable, 20-25 hrs/week part-time work allowed after 6 months
- D-4: Language training, valid 6-12 months renewable, limited work permission
- Financial proof: ~US$10,000 in a Korean or foreign bank account
- Admission letter from accredited Korean institution required
Work Visas — E-2, E-7, D-10
The E-2 is Korea's English teaching visa, limited to native speakers from 7 designated countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa). It requires a bachelor's degree, a clean criminal background check, an apostilled diploma, and a health check after arrival. The E-7 is for skilled specialists — IT, engineering, research, design — sponsored by a Korean employer. The D-10 is a job-seeker visa allowing 6-24 months in Korea to find qualifying employment.
| Visa | Purpose | Key Requirement |
|---|
| E-2 | English teaching | Bachelor's + clean BGC, native speaker |
| E-7 | Specialized worker | Employer sponsorship + skills match |
| E-9 | Non-professional labor | EPS system quota |
| D-10 | Job search | Points-based qualification |
| D-8 | Business investment | ~₩100M investment minimum |
E-2 visa holders must undergo a medical check in Korea within 90 days of arrival — including drug screening.
Residency Visas — F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6
F-series visas are for long-term residence with fewer restrictions. The F-2 is a residence visa awarded on a points system (income, Korean language, education) or to qualifying investors and talent. The F-4 is the Overseas Korean visa for ethnic Koreans and their descendants. The F-5 is permanent residence, and the F-6 is for foreign spouses of Korean citizens.
- F-2: Points-based long-term residence, work allowed with minor restrictions
- F-4: Overseas Korean ethnic heritage, very flexible, 3-year renewable
- F-5: Permanent residence after 5 years of legal stay + income + language
- F-6: Marriage to a Korean citizen, full work rights
Many foreigners move through a progression: D-4 → D-2 → E-2/E-7 → F-2 → F-5. Each step builds on the previous residence record.
How to Choose the Right Visa
Your correct visa depends on your purpose and profile. Students go D-4 or D-2. Teachers go E-2 (native English) or E-1 (university professor). Skilled workers with a Korean job offer go E-7. Remote workers look at the F-1-D workation visa. Spouses of Koreans get F-6. Anyone looking for long-term flexibility should ask whether they qualify for points-based F-2.
All long-term visas require apostilled documents from your home country. Start document collection 2-3 months before your target application date.