If you have received a full-time job offer from a Korean company or startup in fields like IT development, marketing, sales, or engineering, the E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) Visa is your primary pathway to long-term residency and career growth in South Korea.
Here is an overview of the key eligibility pathways, company criteria, and essential application steps.
1. Basic Qualification Pathways (Meet at least ONE)
To qualify for an E-7 visa, the foreign applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:
- Master’s Degree or higher: Related to the specific job occupation code (no work experience required).
- Bachelor’s Degree + 1 Year Experience: Related bachelor’s degree plus at least 1 year of verifiable, relevant professional work experience.
- 5+ Years of Relevant Experience: In the designated specialized field if you do not hold a related degree.
- Korean University Graduate: International students graduating with an associate or bachelor’s degree from a domestic Korean university are exempt from the 1-year work experience requirement.
2. Company Requirements
The sponsoring Korean company must also satisfy strict regulatory ratios:
- Foreign Employee Ratio: Generally, foreign employees cannot exceed 20% of total full-time domestic Korean employees (exceptions apply for designated high-tech startups and venture companies).
- Salary Threshold: The contracted annual salary must meet the legal threshold (typically at least 80% of Korea’s previous year GNI per capita, or 70% for select SME/venture startups).
- Clear Justification: The employer must submit a formal Statement of Employment Recommendation/Reason explaining why a local Korean citizen cannot fill the position.
3. Required Application Documents
- Visa Application Form / Visa Issuance Certificate Application + Passport Photo.
- Signed Employment Contract (표준근로계약서): Outlining salary, duties, and work hours.
- Company Documents: Business registration certificate (사업자등록증), corporate register (법인등기부등본), tax payment certificates, and domestic employee list (4대보험 가입자명부).
- Employer’s Statement of Reason for Hiring Foreign National (고용활용계획서 / 고용사유서).
- Applicant Credentials: Apostilled diploma/degree certificate, apostilled work experience certificates, and updated resume.
4. Key Considerations for E-7 Holders
- Occupation Codes (80+ Categories): The job title must align precisely with one of the Ministry of Justice’s designated E-7 occupation categories (e.g., Software Engineer 2221, Overseas Marketer 2742).
- Changing Workplaces: You cannot change employers freely without prior reporting or approval from the immigration office.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Holding an E-7 visa allows you to accumulate points for the F-2-7 (Points-based Long-Term Resident Visa), granting much greater career mobility.
