Guide to Visas for Expats in South Korea: Application and Renewal Process
Moving to another country is sadly never as simple as merely going on vacation and never returning. In order to move to South Korea, it’s necessary to become familiar with the various visa types and how applying/re-applying for them works.
Whether you are moving to Korea for work, retirement, or simply a change of scenery, understanding the visa requirements will help ensure a smooth transition to your new home in South Korea.
Visa Application Process
Applying for a visa involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail to ensure a successful outcome. Here’s what the process looks like:
Determine the Right Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa type based on your purpose of stay (e.g., work, study, family, or tourism) - common visas include the E-series for employment, D-series for study, and F-series for family. Once you have an idea of the visa type, review the eligibility criteria and required documents as listed on the relevant South Korean embassy/consulate website.
Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as proof of employment, educational certificates, bank statements, or letters of invitation, depending on your visa type. Ensure documents are translated into Korean or English if needed, and have them in hard copy - although be prepared not to get them back. You will also typically to bring a valid passport and (potentially) a recent passport photo.
Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Korean consulate or embassy - or online (if offered). This can usually be done online through the consulate's website or via the 365 Overseas Korean Portal. It is advisable to do this well in advance, as appointment slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Attend the Visa Interview: Meet with an embassy official at the arranged time, whether in-person or online. Follow instructions regarding all the required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans. If required, provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs at the consulate.
Pay the Visa Fee: There is a non-refundable visa application fee that must be paid at the time of your appointment. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
Visa Issuance: After your interview, your application will undergo processing. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes around 7 working days. During this period, the consulate may contact you for additional information or documents. If applying via the 365 Portal, check this frequently as they will not separately inform you re issuing visas. You can then generate your visa on the Visa Portal.
Proper preparation and understanding of the requirements will significantly increase your chances of a successful visa application.
Different Types of Visas in South Korea
Tourist Visa Waiver
For citizens of 110 countries, short-term travel to South Korea is allowed for varying numbers of days (typically between 30-90) with a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). These are valid for three years, although sometimes countries are exempted from K-ETA. Always check before travelling!
E: Work Visa
South Korea has a wide range of work visas for expats depending on their exact circumstances, categorized under the E- (and some D-) series visas. Eligibility typically depends on your job role, qualifications, and sponsorship by a Korean employer. Applicants must usually have a valid job offer and meet specific educational or professional experience requirements relevant to their field. The employer plays a crucial role in the visa process by providing a sponsorship letter and filing necessary documents with the Ministry of Justice to support the application. However, your visa could be at risk if you change jobs.
Temporary Residence Permits
Unlike some other countries, there is no specific temporary residence permit for South Korea. Instead, temporary residency can be achieved on a number of different visas - based on your specific circumstances. If those conditions are still met towards the end of your visa validity period, you may reapply for the same/another visa. Holding temporary residency allows expats to live and work in Korea with greater stability, but it does not provide the same benefits or rights as permanent residency, such as voting or easier employment transitions.
F-5: Permanent Residency
Unlike for temporary residency, there is a specific F-5 permanent residence visa for South Korea, with a range of eligibility requirements. However, expats on a work visa need to transition to the intermediary step of an F-2 or F-4 type visa before eligibility for an F-5 visa (for details about the various visa types, click here). Typically other requirements are necessary too. Despite the headache, many long-term expats opt for permanent residency as it provides benefits such as more employment flexibility, access to social services, and a path to citizenship, making it an attractive option for expats looking to settle long-term in South Korea.
F-4: Overseas Korean Visa
These visas are reserved for people with strong connections to Korea, such as descendents of expat Koreans or graduates who studied in Korea. These visas offer the ability to live, work, and study in South Korea with fewer restrictions compared to other visas. The F-4 visa is relatively easy to obtain and renew, making it an ideal option for overseas Koreans looking to reconnect with their roots or pursue professional opportunities in Korea.
D-2: Student Visa
The D-2 visa in South Korea is designated for international students pursuing higher education, including undergraduate, graduate, or research programs at Korean universities. Applicants must provide an acceptance letter from a recognized institution, proof of financial stability, and academic credentials. The D-2 visa allows students to work part-time during their studies and is typically valid for the duration of the academic program.
Find out more about health insurance for overseas students
F-1-D: Workation Visa (Digital Nomad)
Expats who work remotely for a Singaporean company may be interested in South Korea’s ‘digital nomad’ visa. It is not intended for freelancers, but spouses and minor children can accompany the visa holder to South Korea. F-1-D visa holders could potentially stay for 2 years in the country, but expect to present your work contract to Korean migration authorities.
Korea’s Visa Renewal Process
Application Timing: Apply for renewal several months before your current visa expires. Overstaying can lead to ineligibility for future visas.
Gather Updated Documents: You’ll need your valid passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), updated employment/enrollment documents, and any additional paperwork specific to your visa type.
Submit Renewal Application: Fill out the renewal application form accurately. Apply via the HiKorea online portal or visit your local immigration office, making an appointment in advance if needed.
Attend the Appointment: If needed, go to your appointment with all required documents. During the appointment, you may need to provide biometrics (such as fingerprints and photographs) and be asked additional questions about your stay in Korea.
Renewal Fees: Complete the payment. This will vary depending on your visa type.
Receive the Renewed Visa: The processing time for visa renewals can vary, but it generally takes a few weeks. Once approved, collect your visa and ensure your ARC is updated to reflect the new visa period.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Renewal Process in South Korea
Start Early: Begin the visa application or renewal process well in advance. It’s advisable to start gathering documents and scheduling appointments at least two to three months before your planned travel or visa expiration date. This allows ample time to address any unexpected issues or delays.
Stay Informed: Visa regulations and requirements can change. Check the Korean Immigration Service website or contact the local immigration office for any updates or changes in the renewal process or requirements.
Accurate and Complete Applications: Ensure all information in your application is accurate and complete to avoid delays or denials.
Prepare for Interviews: If an interview is required, be honest, clear, and concise in your answers.
Keep Records: Maintain copies of all documents submitted and received during the visa process. This ensures you have a backup in case any issues arise.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider hiring a legal or immigration consultant if you find the process complex. Professionals can provide valuable guidance and help avoid common pitfalls.
Getting a visa for any country is stressful, but remember that huge numbers successfully get visas every year. Ensuring that your application is complete with all the correct boxes ticked and necessary documents provided will make any visa-efforts straightforward.
If you are concerned about your ability to complete the visa process properly, feel free to contact immigration lawyers to guide you through the process. Be wary of advice from friends/family/acquaintances, however; visa requirements can change suddenly, and even previously successful visa holders may try to give you out-of-date advice.
Start the process well in advance of your intended travel date and stay informed about any updates or changes in visa regulations - especially if renewing your visa to stay longer. Being thorough with the paperwork is what allows expats to begin or continue their life in South Korea.
