Working in South Korea: E-7, E-2, E-9 and other work visas

The basic rule: no work without the right status

In Korea, you may only work in the activity your status allows, and usually only for the employer named in your application. Changing jobs or adding a side job generally requires permission from immigration. Visitors on a K-ETA, a B status or a C-3 visa cannot work at all.

E-7: specially designated activities

The E-7 is the main visa for foreign professionals hired by Korean employers. It requires a job offer in an occupation on the Ministry of Justice’s list, and is divided into four tiers: E-7-1 (professional), E-7-2 (semi-professional), E-7-3 (general skilled) and E-7-4 (skilled workers converting from E-9, E-10 or H-2).

• For E-7-1, applicants generally need a master’s degree, a bachelor’s degree plus one year of experience, or five years of experience.
• A minimum salary applies, and employers must respect a ratio of foreign to Korean staff.
• The visa is granted for up to three years at a time. A regional variant, E-7-4R, exists for population-decline areas.

E-2: foreign-language instructors

The E-2 allows native speakers to teach their language at schools, academies (hagwons) and companies. It typically requires a bachelor’s degree, citizenship of a country where the language is official, a criminal record check and a health check.

Other professional visas

• E-1 — professors at universities and colleges.
• E-3 — researchers at institutes and companies.
• E-4 — technology transfer and technical guidance.
• E-5 — licensed professionals such as lawyers, accountants and doctors.
• E-6 — artists, performers and athletes.

E-9 and the Employment Permit System

The E-9 is issued under the Employment Permit System (EPS), a government-to-government programme with 17 sending countries for jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, construction and some services. Candidates must pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean test. The initial stay is three years, extendable by one year and ten months, and a re-entry route exists for workers who complete their contracts.

Top talent: F-2-T and the K-Tech Pass

Since April 2025, the top-tier visa offers resident status to highly qualified professionals — typically graduates of the world’s top universities with experience in global companies and a high salary compared to Korea’s average income. Holders can apply for permanent residence after three years. The scheme was extended to professors and researchers in June 2026. The K-Tech Pass, run by the trade ministry and KOTRA, uses it to attract talent in semiconductors, batteries, displays and biotechnology.

How the process works

1. Find an employer willing to sponsor you.
2. The employer applies for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance or supports your application.
3. You obtain the visa at a Korean embassy, or online for some categories.
4. After arrival, you register with immigration within 90 days and receive your Residence Card.

Looking for a job first

The D-10 job-seeker visa lets qualified graduates look for work in Korea — since October 2025 for up to three years in total. Many people also travel first to meet employers and attend interviews, which is an unpaid business activity possible on visa-free entry with a K-ETA.