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The difficulty of obtaining a work visa in South Korea for foreigners may vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s qualifications, the nature of the job or business they are seeking, and the country of their citizenship. 

In general, it may be easier for individuals who have in-demand skills or experience or who have a job offer from a South Korean employer to obtain a work visa in South Korea.

To apply for a work visa in South Korea, individuals must typically have a job offer from a South Korean employer and meet certain requirements, such as having the necessary qualifications or experience. The employer must also provide supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation, as part of the visa application process.

The visa application process can be complex, and it is recommended that individuals seek the assistance of a lawyer or professional visa service to ensure that all necessary documents are properly prepared and submitted. 

It is also advisable to consult a professional firm such as Relin Consultants for more information on the specific requirements and application process for a work visa in South Korea.

TYPES OF VISA IN SOUTH KOREA

1. Employment Visa – This type of visa is issued to individuals who are seeking employment in South Korea. It is typically valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
2. Investment Visa – This visa is issued to individuals planning to invest in a South Korean company or start their own business there. It is typically valid for up to three years and can be renewed.
3. Research Visa – This visa is issued to individuals who are conducting research in South Korea. It is typically valid for the duration of the research project.
4. Internship Visa – This visa is issued to individuals who are participating in an internship program in South Korea. It is typically valid for the duration of the internship.
5. Training Visa – This visa is issued to individuals who are participating in a training program in South Korea. It is typically valid for the duration of the training program.

It is important to note that these visas may have specific requirements and conditions that must be met to be eligible for them. It is recommended that you consult with the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country of residence for more information on the specific requirements and application process for each type of business visa.

TYPES OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISAS IN SOUTH KOREA

The type of visa you can get depends entirely on your occupation. Below is the list of the visas that you can get.

E-1 Professor Visa

This visa is for foreigners who want to offer lectures or conduct research in their specialty at educational institutions above the college level. The multiple-entry visa has a one-year validity period and can be renewed in one-year increments. In some situations, you may be allowed to stay as long as you require, with five-year renewals.

E-2 Foreign Language Instructor

This visa is for foreigners who want to teach foreign languages at a corporation or broadcast station-owned school, educational facilities above the elementary school level, or comparable institutions. This visa is also available to foreign language teaching assistants in elementary, middle, or high school. Multiple-entry visas are valid for two years and can be renewed every two years.

E-3 Research

The E-3 visa is for foreigners who have been asked to undertake research in natural science or advanced technology by a governmental or commercial institution. The multiple-entry visa has a one-year validity period and can be renewed in a year. In some situations, you may be allowed to stay as long as you require, with five-year renewals.

E-4 Technological Guidance

This visa is for foreigners with expertise in natural science or high technology who public or private facilities have invited. This visa is also obtainable for those who are experts in skills that are not available in Korea. The multiple-entry visa has a one-year validity period and can be renewed in one-year increments. The single-entry visa is valid for three months and can be renewed every year.

E-5 Special Profession

This visa is available to architects, lawyers, physicians, accountants, and other professionals. They must be internationally licensed and have permits to practice their expertise from the Korean government. The multiple-entry visa has a one-year validity period and can be renewed in one-year increments. The single-entry visa is valid for three months and can be renewed every year.

E-6 Culture and art

This visa is specialized for foreigners who wish for musical, artistic, and literary pursuits. Other categories such as profit modeling, pop entertainment, adult entertainment, hotel and business entertainment, and sports are also categorized under this type of visa. This multiple-entry visa has a one-year validity period and can be renewed in one-year increments.

E-7 Specially designed activities

This visa is for foreigners who participate in Korean Ministry of Justice programs through a public or private organisation. Multiple-entry visas are valid for one to three years and can be renewed every one to three years. The single-entry visa is valid for three months and can be renewed every year.

D-5 Long-Term News Coverage

This visa is for reporters who are employed under foreign media platforms, such as broadcast, newspapers, and magazines. The single-entry visa is valid for three months and can be renewed annually. 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A SOUTH KOREA WORK VISA?

Most working visa requirements for South Korea are different and must be met to be eligible for them. These requirements may include the following:

• A completed application form
• An original passport and copies
• A colored passport-style photo
• A copy of the employment contract
• Educational and professional certificates
• A criminal record check
• A recommendation letter

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific type of working visa and the individual’s circumstances. 

TYPES OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT VISAS IN SOUTH KOREA

This category of visa is invented by the South Korean government to encourage foreign business growth in the country. Similar to employment-based visas, self-employment visas depend on the scope of the industry that you are involved in. The type of visas available are

D-8-4 Visa

This visa is for technology and business start-ups and is designed to facilitate the country’s most promising ventures.

D-10-2 Visa

This visa is for foreigners who wish to attend the Overall Assistance of Start-up Immigration System (OASIS) training.

D-8-1 Visa

This visa is for foreigners who wish to invest a large amount of funds into their business once it has been established.

For all of these visa types, they offer single-entry with three months of validity. Additionally, it can be extended in one year-intervals.

How Do I Apply For South Korea Visas?

The immigration offices of South Korea encourage both online and physical visa applications. 

You can apply for visas through.

• E-visa application through the visa portal
• Application from a foreign South Korean diplomatic mission
• Confirmation of the visa on the portal
• Confirmation of the visa at a South Korean immigration office.

What Type Of South Korean Visa Can A Newly Incorporated Company Apply For On Behalf Of Its Foreign Director?

Suppose a newly incorporated company in South Korea wishes to apply for a visa for a foreign director. In that case, they may be able to apply for an Employment Visa or an Investment Visa, depending on the specific circumstances of the individual and the company.

An Employment Visa may be suitable for a foreign director working for the company in a full-time paid position. To be eligible for an Employment Visa, the individual must typically have a job offer from a South Korean company and meet the necessary qualifications or experience requirements for the position. The company must also provide supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation, as part of the visa application process.

An Investment Visa may be suitable for a foreign director who will invest in the company or start their own business in South Korea. To be eligible for an Investment Visa, the individual must typically have a business plan and a certain amount of capital to invest in the company.

The company must also provide supporting documents, such as a business plan and proof of the individual’s financial stability, as part of the visa application process.

It is important to note that these visas may have specific requirements and conditions that must be met to be eligible for them. 

SOUTH KOREA WORK VISA COSTS AND PROCESSING TIME

The processing time for a work visa in South Korea depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the specific circumstances of your application. However, most work visas are processed within a few weeks to a few months.

Some types of work visas may be processed more quickly than others, and the time it takes to process a visa may also vary depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate where you are applying. As for the cost of a work visa, the fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the length of your stay in South Korea.

The fees for a work visa may also vary depending on the country you are from. Generally, the fees for a work visa are paid at the embassy or consulate when you submit your visa application. It is important to note that the fees for a work visa are separate from the fees for any other required documents, such as a criminal background check or a medical examination.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO WORK PERMITS AND EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISAS

• Foreigner who wishes to stay longer than 90 days in the country are obligated to register with the local immigration offices within the first three months of their arrival.
• A valid Korean visa does not guarantee entry as your admittance can still be refused.
• The visa applicants must self-collect their visas three months after approval before they expire.
• Entry to the country is discouraged if the visa is still being processed. 
• Employees who want to bring their family members to South Korea will need to go through an extra step. 

For assistance, you may contact us at Relin Consultants.