Visa & Stay

Korean procedures explained in plain language

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Finding your embassy in Korea

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website lists all missions in Korea with contact details.

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Exchanging a foreign licence for a Korean one

Depending on your country, you may convert without taking the test.

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A child's acquisition of nationality

If one parent is a Korean national, the child acquires nationality at birth as a rule.

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The EPS-TOPIK test

The Korean language test you must pass to come under the Employment Permit System.

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What the Employment Permit System (EPS) is

The official government-run scheme for bringing in foreign workers. No broker needed.

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Registering a child's birth (foreign parents)

If both parents are foreign, register at your embassy; if one is Korean, at the community centre.

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The F-3 dependent visa

For the spouse and minor children of someone holding certain statuses.

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Getting permission to change your status

Changing to another status while staying in Korea. Do not start the new activity before permission is granted.

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Tuberculosis screening requirements

Nationals of high-TB-burden countries may be required to screen for residence procedures.

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Free legal advice on residence

Residence problems can be discussed free of charge too.

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How to register for KIIP

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Health checks for visa purposes

Some statuses require a health certificate from a designated hospital.

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Multiple re-entry permits

A permit for travelling in and out several times within your period of stay.

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Humanitarian stay permits

Where return would be dangerous, a stay may be permitted even without refugee recognition.

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Document translation and notarisation

First find out which form the receiving body requires.

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What happens if you overstay

It can lead to fines, deportation and an entry ban. But getting advice even now often opens a way through.

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What is the F-6 marriage migrant visa

The status for spouses of Korean nationals. Almost no employment restrictions, and it leads to permanent residence or naturalisation.

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Loss and renunciation of nationality

Acquiring a foreign nationality, or failing to choose in time, can cost you Korean nationality.

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Using the Seoul Global Center

If you live in Seoul, counselling, interpretation and business support are all in one place.

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E-government services for foreign residents

HiKorea and Gov24 let you handle a surprising amount from home.

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When a visa or residence application is refused

Find out the reason first. You can address it and reapply, or challenge the decision.

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Naturalisation: an overview

There are general, simplified and special routes, each with different requirements.

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The C-3 short-term visit visa

For short visits such as tourism, seeing family or business meetings. You cannot work on it.

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Is dual nationality allowed?

The principle is single nationality, with exceptions. Always check your own case.

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What the KIIP programme is

A near-free Korean language and society course run by the Ministry of Justice.

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Finding your immigration office

Go to the office for your registered address, and book a visit first.

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Re-entry permits

A system that preserves your status when you leave and return. Often waived, but always check.

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The G-1 miscellaneous visa (treatment, litigation, industrial accident)

A status for when you must remain in Korea for treatment, a lawsuit or an industrial accident claim.

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Changing workplace on an E-9 visa

Only for set reasons and a limited number of times. You apply at the employment centre and must find work within the job-search period.

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Korean visa types at a glance

Understanding the letter-and-number status codes tells you what you are allowed to do in Korea.

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Reporting a change or addition of workplace

Changing or adding a job requires permission or a report, depending on your status.

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Visa and residence glossary

The words you keep meeting on forms, gathered in one place.

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What is the F-2 residence visa

A status for settling in Korea long term, with few employment restrictions and a route towards permanent residence.

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What is the E-9 non-professional employment visa

The status for workers who came through the Employment Permit System. There are rules on changing workplace and on length of stay.

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Understanding the EPS standard contract

The standard employment contract uses a set form. Always confirm it through an interpreter before signing.

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Changing from student to work status

Start preparing before graduation. The role must fit the status requirements and the company must qualify too.

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Alien registration for minor children

A child who holds a residence status must also complete alien registration.

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Extending an F-6 stay

You need documents confirming the marriage continues. Apply before the expiry date.

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Booking a visit to an immigration office

Most offices work by appointment. Without one you may not be served, so book in advance.

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Early adaptation programmes for immigrants

A free course covering the basics of life in Korea, aimed at new arrivals.

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The D-2 student visa

For students on degree programmes. Attendance and grades directly affect your stay.

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Child custody

Custody, parental rights and child support are separate. Write all three into the agreement.

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Permanent residents' obligations

Permanent residence still involves card renewal and reporting duties.

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Using the 1345 Immigration Contact Centre

Free advice on residence and visas in 20 languages. The first number to save.

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Converting to E-7-4 skilled worker

A route recognising your work experience on E-9 or H-2 and converting it into a long-term status.

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Paying visa and residence fees

Online applications take electronic payment; in-person ones use the counter or revenue stamps.

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Certificate of entry and exit records

It shows when you entered and left. Often needed for permanent residence and naturalisation.

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EPS return support

Settle severance, insurance and pension before departure. Miss them and you lose them.

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Beware study and visa broker scams

"Pay me and the visa comes" is a scam. Verify free of charge with 1345.

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Fingerprint and facial data registration

Fingerprints and facial data are registered at alien registration or immigration inspection.

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