SEOUL – South Korea is known for its technological prowess and advances, which is why so many people are drawn to the country to better their lives.
If you are looking for work opportunities overseas, South Korea should be on your list, and in this guide, we will explain how to move to the country on a work visa.
To work in South Korea, two things are required: a visa to enter the country and a work permit. A work visa indicates that the holder has been granted permission to work in the country under established rules and regulations.
There are multiple visa options available as some are short-term while others are long-term.
South Korea Work Visa types
The following are types of South Korean work visas which can be availed depending on one’s professional background:
- Professor visa
- Foreign language Instructor
- Research visa
- Technological Guidance visa
- Special Profession
- Culture and Art
- Specially Designed Activities
- Long-Term New Coverage
- Job Seeker Visa
- Business Visa
- Self-Employment Visas
- Investment Visa
Eligibility Criteria
The following eligibility criteria must be met in order to apply for the South Korean work visa:
- Candidates must be healthy enough to travel to South Korea
- Candidates must have good intentions of traveling to South Korea
- The citizens of South Korea must not feel any danger with their existence
- Make sure you have enough financial resources to cover your living expenses in South Korea
- Before traveling, make sure you have a confirmed employment offer
- Make sure that the company hiring you has already submitted the visa application to the Entry Division of the Immigration Office and that the Ministry of Justice approves the application
Required Documents
The general set of documents needed to apply for the work visa are listed below but you can be asked for additional documents which should also be provided.
- A valid passport
- Complete the visa application form.
- CV/Resume
- Cover letter from the employer/company
- Two photographs with white background
- Academic transcripts and qualifications
- Health certificate
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) from the Ministry of Justice
- Employer documents (Certificate of Incorporation/Certification of Registration/Letter of financial guarantee from the company)
- Proof of nationality
- Proof of confirmed travel dates (Air tickets)
- Proof of enough funds to support
- Proof of accommodation in South Korea
South Korea Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time varies depending on multiple factors. Sometimes, it takes several weeks for the verification of your documents. In General, the permit is issued within 5 to 10 working days, Youthpop reported.
How to apply for a South Korean Work Visa
For applying, you can opt both offline or online methods. In order to apply in person, you must visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and fill out all the required spaces in the application form. You must also attach all the documents needed and pay the application fee and submit the application. Then you should wait for the final decision.
