Asia Pacific
South Korea immigration and visa guide
South Korea offers the F-2-7 points-based residency visa, E-7 professional work visa, K-Culture visa, and the official Workcation (Digital Nomad) F-1-D visa.
Korea Immigration Service & Ministry of Justice
- Processing time
- 3 – 8 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- Yes
- Digital nomad friendly
- Yes
Visa options in South Korea
Key requirements
- For Workcation F-1-D: annual income double the Korean GNI per capita (~ $65,000+ USD)
- For F-2-7: score at least 80 points on the evaluation rubric (income, age, TOPIK Korean language score, KIIP integration)
- Apostilled criminal record certificate and international private medical insurance (min 100M KRW coverage)
How to apply for a South Korea visa: step by step
- 1
Consular Visa Application Abroad
Submit bank records, employment contracts, and criminal checks at the Korean Embassy/Consulate.
2 - 4 weeks
- 2
Arrival & Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Enter South Korea and book appointment on HiKorea at the local immigration office for ARC fingerprinting.
3 - 6 weeks
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is the KIIP program in South Korea?
The Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) provides free Korean language and culture education, granting major bonus points for F-2-7 residency and waiving naturalization exam requirements.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in South Korea. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Korea Immigration Service & Ministry of JusticeGeneral information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Korea Immigration Service & Ministry of Justice on the official website before applying.