Residence in South Korea: permits and requirements
Living legally in South Korea is possible through 6 permit types: work, investment, permanent, family, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Visa (E-7)
Residence type #1 of 6
Residence permit for skilled workers in specific occupations designated by the Korean government.
Requirements
- University degree or at least 5 years of experience in the relevant field
- Employment contract with a registered Korean company
- Minimum annual salary per the Korean government standard
- The company must show the need to hire a foreigner
- No criminal record
- Pass a background check of the country of origin
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Employment contract
- University degree or work-experience certificates
- Company registration certificate of the employer
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Passport-size photos
Frequently asked questions about residence in South Korea
How many types of residence permits are there in South Korea?
South Korea offers 6 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, investment, permanent, family, study. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in South Korea last?
Durations vary by permit type: Up to 3 years renewable; 2 years renewable; Indefinite; 1 to 3 years renewable (F-6); F-1 per case. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in South Korea be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of South Korea (6 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in South Korea?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Passport-size photos; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Formulario de solicitud. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in South Korea lead to nationality?
Yes, through the General naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of South Korea.
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Anything to correct or add about South Korea?
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