Complete guide to all visa types for studying, working, and settling in Korea
Korea offers one of the most structured pathways for international students to build a long-term life. From student visa to permanent residency, every step is clearly defined.
From 153K (2020) to 209K (2024) to 253K (2025). Korea actively seeks international students. Certified universities expanded to 181.
D-2 (Study) → D-10 (Job Seeking) → E-7 (Skilled Worker) → F-2 (Residence) → F-5 (Permanent). New E-7-4R and F-2-R pathways added for population-declining regions.
TOPIK 4+: Unlimited part-time work fields, E-7-4R max points (120), F-2-R conversion eligible, apartment rental possible. Korean ability is the core criterion.
Students: max 20hrs/week during semester, unlimited during breaks. TOPIK 4+ unlocks all job categories. D-10 with TOPIK 5+ gets 30hrs/week.
107 designated regions offer easier visa transitions, local government recommendation points (50), relaxed income requirements, and additional benefits.
| Code | Name | Description | Stay Period | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-2 | Study Student | For students enrolled in associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs at certified universities | 2 years (renewable) | Students |
| D-4-1 | Language Training Student | For learning Korean at certified language institutes | 6 months (renewable) | Students |
| D-4-7 | Other Training Student | For non-degree programs, internships, and other training stays | 6 months (renewable) | Students |
| D-10 | Job Seeking Work | For graduates preparing for employment. D-2 holders: max 2 years, D-4 holders: max 1 year | 6 months (max 2 years) | Job seekers |
| E-7 | Skilled Worker Work | For professionals in IT, engineering, business, etc. Requires degree and work experience | 3 years (renewable) | Professionals |
| E-7-4 | Points-based Skilled Worker Work | For E-9/E-10/H-2 visa holders who qualify through K-point evaluation. Long-term stay possible | 3 years (renewable) | Workers |
| E-7-4R | Regional Skilled Worker Work | NEW 2025. Special E-7-4 for population-declining regions. 2-year stay converts to next visa + extra 50 points | 3 years (renewable) | Workers |
| E-9 | Non-professional Worker Work | Employment Permit System (EPS) workers in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, etc. | Max 4 years 10 months | Workers |
| E-10 | Crew Worker Work | For foreign crew members on Korean fishing/shipping vessels | Max 3 years (renewable) | Workers |
| H-2 | Working Visit Visit | For ethnic Koreans (mainly from China/CIS) for work and family visits | Max 4 years 10 months | Ethnic Koreans |
| F-2 | Residence Residence | Long-term residence for qualified foreigners. Points-based evaluation | 2 years (renewable) | Residents |
| F-2-R | Regional Residence Residence | Special residence visa for population-declining regions. Relaxed income requirements. TOPIK 4 required | 2 years (renewable) | Residents |
| F-4 | Overseas Korean Residence | For overseas ethnic Koreans. Allows work in some fields. H-2 to F-4 transition possible from 2026.02 | 2 years (renewable) | Ethnic Koreans |
| F-4-R | Regional Overseas Korean Residence | NEW 2025. F-4 for population-declining regions. Local gov recommendation + relaxed requirements | 2 years (renewable) | Ethnic Koreans |
| F-5 | Permanent Residence Residence | Permanent residence in Korea. No activity restrictions, no renewal required | Permanent (10-year renewal) | Residents |