Korean visas

South Korea visa types explained: the complete list

B-1, C-3-4, D-8, E-7, F-1-D… Korea’s visa codes look cryptic, but the logic is simple. Here is every main category, what it allows and how to apply — in plain English.

Updated 3 October 2026 · 10 min read

Short visits: B-1, B-2 (with K-ETA), C-3
Study: D-2, D-4
Work and business: C-4, D-7 to D-10, E series
Residence and family: F-1 to F-6

How Korea’s visa system works

Every foreigner in Korea holds a status of sojourn — a code made of a letter and a number, such as C-3 or E-7. The letter indicates the family (short stays, study and business, work, residence) and each code defines exactly which activities are allowed and for how long. Sub-codes, such as C-3-4 for business visitors, refine the purpose.

Visas are no longer stuck in passports: since 2020 Korea issues a printable Visa Grant Notice. Anyone staying more than 90 days must register with immigration and receives a Residence Card.

Visa-free entry: B-1 and B-2

Nationals of 112 countries and territories can visit Korea without a visa for tourism, family visits, events and business meetings. They receive B-1 status (under a visa waiver agreement) or B-2 status (tourism and transit) on arrival. The length of stay depends on nationality — up to 90 days for most, six months for Canadians, shorter for some countries.

Most of these travellers need an approved K-ETA before boarding, apart from the temporary exemptions in force until 31 December 2026. Paid work is never allowed on visa-free entry.

Visiting without a visa?

Most B-1 and B-2 visitors need an approved K-ETA before boarding. Apply with our guided form — checked by our team before submission.

Start my K-ETA application

Short-term visas: C-1, C-3 and C-4

Nationals who need a visa for short visits apply for the C-3 short-term visit visa, valid for stays of up to 90 days and covering unpaid activities only. Its main sub-types are:

C-3-1 general short-term visit (conferences, family, short courses);
C-3-2 group tourism and C-3-9 general tourism;
C-3-3 medical tourism;
C-3-4 general business visitor;
C-3-8 visits by overseas Koreans;
C-3-10 transit.

C-4 covers short-term paid work of up to 90 days, such as installing imported equipment or giving paid lectures. C-1 is reserved for short-term news coverage.

Study and training: D-2 and D-4

D-2 is the student visa for degree programmes, from associate degrees to PhDs, exchange and research. D-4 covers Korean-language courses at university institutes and other training; a K-Trainee variant (D-4-2K) was added in October 2025 for students and staff from designated countries. Details in our guide to study, working holiday and nomad visas.

Business and investment: D-7 to D-10

D-7 — intra-company transfer to a Korean branch or office.
D-8 — corporate investment, including technology startups (D-8-4) and the Startup Korea Special Visa (D-8-4S).
D-9 — trade and business management.
D-10 — job seeking, startup preparation and internships; since October 2025 it can be held for up to three years in total.

Compare them in our business visa guide.

Work: the E series

Code	For
E-1	University professors
E-2	Foreign-language instructors
E-3	Researchers
E-4	Technology transfer and technical guidance
E-5	Licensed professionals (law, accounting, medicine)
E-6	Arts, entertainment and sports
E-7	Specially designated professional and skilled occupations
E-8	Seasonal work in farming and fishing
E-9	Non-professional work under the Employment Permit System
E-10	Crew members

See work visas for Korea for requirements.

Residence and family: the F series

F-1 — visiting or joining family; includes F-1-D, the workation (digital nomad) visa.
F-2 — resident status, including the points-based F-2-7, the regional F-2-R, the K-STAR track for STEM graduates and the top-tier F-2-T.
F-3 — dependants of D and E visa holders (no work).
F-4 — overseas Koreans; since February 2026 it also replaces the former H-2 working-visit visa.
F-5 — permanent residence.
F-6 — marriage migrants.

Diplomatic and other statuses

A-1 to A-3 cover diplomats, officials and people covered by international agreements such as the US SOFA. G-1 is a miscellaneous status for situations such as medical treatment, lawsuits, humanitarian stays and asylum applications. H-1 is the working holiday visa for young nationals of partner countries. No new H-2 visas have been issued since 12 February 2026.

Where and how to apply

Abroad: at the Korean embassy, consulate or visa application centre for your country of nationality or residence.
Online: the Korea Visa Portal issues e-visas for selected categories, often filed by the sponsor in Korea.
Through a sponsor: for many work visas, the employer first obtains a Confirmation of Visa Issuance, which you then use to get the visa.
Inside Korea: extensions and changes of status are handled by immigration offices, with appointments booked on HiKorea.