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Visa and Residence in South Korea (2025): Complete Guide for Students, Workers, and Expats
Planning to study, work, or live in South Korea? This 2025 guide explains every visa type (D-2, D-4, E-series, H-1, F visas), Residence Card (ARC) process, student work permits, and immigration rules — with practical tips to avoid delays and penalties.
Evan Han
TIPRegion
Table of contents
- 01Visa and Residence in South Korea (2025 Guide for Students, Workers, and Travelers)
- •1. Short-Term Entry (Tourism & Business)
- •2. Long-Term Study Visas
- •3. Employment Visas (E-Series)
- •4. Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
- •5. Family & Residency Visas (F-Series)
- •6. Investment & Corporate Visas
- •7. Residence Card (Alien Registration Card → Residence Card)
- •8. Common Challenges for Foreigners
- •9. Penalties for Violations
- •10. Practical Checklist Before Arrival
- •Final Thoughts
- •Make Your Move to Korea Simple, Safe, and Fast — With FOHO
Visa and Residence in South Korea (2025 Guide for Students, Workers, and Travelers)
South Korea welcomes hundreds of thousands of foreign students, professionals, and travelers each year. But entering the country legally and settling down requires more than just a flight ticket. Understanding visa categories, application rules, and residence procedures is the foundation for a smooth start.This guide consolidates the latest 2025 updates on Korean visa types, work rules, and the Alien/Residence Card process — with details most competitors skip.
1. Short-Term Entry (Tourism & Business)
Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Key Notes |
Tourist (B-2) | Vacation, visiting friends/family | 90 days | Many nationals use K-ETA (online approval) instead of a stamped visa. Extensions possible up to another 90 days. |
Business (C-3) | Meetings, negotiations, conferences | 90 days | Cannot involve long-term employment. Multiple-entry versions available for frequent visitors. |
⚠️ Even visa-waiver travelers from the US, EU, and others must apply for K-ETA online before boarding.
2. Long-Term Study Visas
Visa | Target Group | Work Rights | Special Rules |
D-2 (Degree Students) | University or graduate school | Part-time allowed immediately (with permit). 25h/week during semester; 30h for graduate students; unlimited in vacations. | Must keep GPA ≥ 2.0 and attendance above 70%. |
D-4 (Language Training) | Korean language institutes, technical training | No work for first 6 months. After that, up to 20h/week with 90% attendance. | TOPIK score or proof of English program may be required. |
D-2-4 (Exchange) | Short-term study abroad exchanges | Similar to D-2 but tied strictly to program length. | Not renewable beyond exchange duration. |
📌 TOPIK hurdle: Some immigration offices require Level 2–4 proficiency to approve work permits. Universities can sometimes waive this with proof the program is taught in English.
3. Employment Visas (E-Series)
Visa | Use Case | Notes |
E-1 | Professors in higher education | Appointment letter required. |
E-2 | Foreign language instructors | Must be native speakers from approved countries + bachelor’s degree. |
E-3 | Research in advanced sciences | Invitation from Korean institution. |
E-7 | Designated professional fields | Covers IT, engineering, design, etc. Requires degree + work experience. |
E-9 | Non-professional employment | For factory, agriculture, fisheries. Limited to quotas. |
👉 Restrictions: Work must match the visa. Teaching English on a D-2 visa without an E-2 is illegal and risks deportation.
4. Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
- Available to 18–30 year olds from 25 partner countries.
- Valid for 12 months, multiple entry.
- Annual work cap: 1,300 hours (≈ 25h/week).
- Allowed: cafés, hotels, retail, tourism, language exchange.
- Prohibited: professional teaching, medical work, construction, entertainment.
Applicants must show:
- Proof of funds (≈ ₩3,000,000 or equivalent).
- Return ticket or additional funds.
- Health insurance.
5. Family & Residency Visas (F-Series)
Visa | Who Qualifies | Benefits |
F-1 | Dependents, long-term visitors | Limited work rights. |
F-2 | Residents (points-based, marriage, or long-term stay) | Can work freely; renewable. |
F-4 | Overseas Koreans (ethnic Koreans abroad) | Nearly full rights of Korean citizens. |
F-5 | Permanent residency | Unlimited stay, full work rights. |
F-6 | Marriage migrants | For spouses of Korean nationals. |
6. Investment & Corporate Visas
- D-7: Intra-company transferees / branch office staff.
- D-8: Investors contributing significant capital to Korean businesses.
- D-9: Trade and business start-ups.
Applicants must prepare detailed investment documentation, business plans, and proof of capital.
7. Residence Card (Alien Registration Card → Residence Card)
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Residence Card (RC) within 90 days of arrival.
Required Documents:
- Passport + copy
- Application form
- 1 passport photo (3.5×4.5 cm, white background)
- ₩30,000 fee (cash)
- Proof of address (rental contract, dormitory certificate, etc.)
- School admission letter or employment contract (depending on visa)
Process:
- Book appointment at HiKorea.go.kr.
- Visit the immigration office (arrive 20 min early).
- Submit documents + fee.
- Receive card in 1–4 weeks (home delivery or pickup).
📌 You must update address changes within 14 days to avoid fines.
8. Common Challenges for Foreigners
- Immigration officer discretion: Different offices apply rules differently. Patience and full documentation are key.
- University restrictions: Some institutions ban students from working. Always confirm with your school.
- Language barrier: Most jobs require Korean proficiency. Even basic retail jobs may reject applicants without it.
- Scheduling conflicts: Employers prefer flexible staff, but students must prioritize academics.
- Regional differences: Rural universities sometimes have looser rules and incentives to attract foreigners.
9. Penalties for Violations
Working without permission or overstaying can result in:
- Deportation and re-entry ban.
- Fines up to ₩20 million (~USD 15,000).
- Imprisonment (up to 3 years for severe violations).
- Visa cancellation and academic penalties.
10. Practical Checklist Before Arrival
- ✅ Confirm visa type & requirements with Korean embassy.
- ✅ Prepare sufficient funds (do not rely solely on part-time work).
- ✅ Secure housing contract for Residence Card application.
- ✅ Print multiple copies of all documents (immigration often requests extras).
- ✅ Learn basic Korean phrases for daily life and job applications.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Korea’s visa system is not simple — rules vary by visa type, institution, and even the immigration officer you meet. However, with proper preparation, students, workers, and travelers can enjoy a stable and fulfilling stay.
Golden Rule: Always check the latest guidelines from the Korean Immigration Service or your local embassy, as rules can change without warning.
Would you like me to add comparison tables with other countries’ visa rules (e.g., Japan, Singapore) so readers see how Korea differs, or should I keep it fully Korea-focused?
Make Your Move to Korea Simple, Safe, and Fast — With FOHO
Starting a new life in Korea shouldn’t be a paperwork marathon or a messaging maze. FOHO removes the friction so you can focus on your studies, your job, or your next weekend trip — not on chasing landlords or juggling payments.
Why renters choose FOHO
- Real support, end to end
Clear, responsive communication with landlords — before move-in and long after. We keep conversations organized and visible so nothing gets lost.
- Faster, cleaner payments
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- One place, many homes
From studios near campuses to shared flats in business districts, browse a wide range of verified listings that fit different budgets and timelines.
- Details that actually help
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