[GLOBAL ECONOMIC TIMES] Foreigners wishing to visit or stay in Korea must apply for a visa. Visa types vary depending on the purpose of visit, and the documents and procedures required for each visa type are also different.
[Visa type]
Korean visas can be broadly divided into short-term visas and long-term visas.
1. Short-term visa (stay within 90 days)
- Short-term visit (C-3): This refers to a short-term visit to Korea for the purposes of tourism, social visits, consultation, etc.
- Short-term employment (C-4): This applies to visiting Korea for specific activities (e.g. performances, lectures, etc.) for a short period of time.
2. Long-term visa (stay over 91 days)
- Employment (E-7): This applies to those seeking employment in Korea as a professional, technical, or technical worker.
- Study Abroad (D-2): This applies to those who wish to study abroad at a graduate school or university in Korea.
- Visiting Employment (H-2): Applicable to cases where a foreign worker with certain qualifications is hired in Korea and wishes to work at a specific workplace for a certain period of time.
- Residence (F-2): Applies to foreigners married to Koreans, spouses of foreigners residing in Korea, etc.
※ In addition to the visas mentioned above, there are various types of visas. For accurate information, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Safe Travel Overseas website or the Korean Embassy/Consulate in Korea.
[How to apply for a visa]
- Check visa type: Check exactly the type of visa that suits the purpose of your visit.
- Preparation of required documents: The required documents are different for each visa type, so check the list of documents appropriate for the visa type. Typically, you will need a passport, passport photo, visa application form, and proof of finances.
- Visit to the Korean embassy/consulate: Visit the Korean embassy or consulate in your country of residence to submit a visa application and conduct an interview.
- Visa Issuance: Once the visa is issued after screening, a visa sticker will be affixed to your passport.
[Things to keep in mind when applying for a visa]
- Passport validity period: Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining beyond your intended stay.
- Proof of finances: You must prepare documents proving sufficient financial power. (e.g. bank statement proof, proof of employment, etc.)
- Health examination: For some visa types, a health examination may be required.
- Visa application fee: The fee varies depending on the type of visa.
- Processing time: The time it takes to issue a visa varies depending on the country and visa type.
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