How To Get A Work Permit In South Korea

It’s every foreigner teacher’s dream to teach English in South Korea, but is it simple to get a work permit in South Korea (as an English teacher) like many people say? Not really. In fact, obtaining a work permit to teach English in South Korea is harder than you think.

Do you know how to get a work permit in South Korea? Working abroad can be a great experience, but there are so many documents, processes and confusion involved. In this article I will help you understand the requirements and procedures to get your work permit in South Korea.

The problem that many western expats in South Korea face is the inability to get a work permit. It is the first step in getting a job certainty within South Korea and can be very discouraging when you are turned down by The Ministry of Justice.

How To Get A Work Permit In South Korea

The process of obtaining a work permit in South Korea is long and can be quite difficult to do alone. But why go through the trouble of doing everything yourself when you can use our services to make things easier. Here’s how we help.

A lot of foreigners want or will start working in a new country when they move abroad. Getting a work permit is an important step if you want to work in another country.

Types of Work Visas in South Korea

There are several types of working visas in South Korea that allow for long-term employment. These permits let your employees stay for more than 90 days.

• E-1 professor visa: Expats wanting to give lectures or do research in their field at a college-level education facility should apply for this visa. It’s a multiple-entry option valid for one year, and employees can typically renew it in one-year intervals.
• E-2 foreign language instructor visa: This visa is an option for expats looking to teach a foreign language at a company, broadcast station-owned school, elementary school, middle school, or high school. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for two years and can be renewed every two years by the employee.
• E-3 research visa: E-3 visas are for expats researching natural science or advanced technology through an invitation by a public or private institution. The E-3 is another multiple-entry visa good for one year with the option to renew every year.
• E-4 technological guidance visa: Expats with unmatched experience in science or technology can come to South Korea on an E-4 visa when invited by a public or private organization. A multiple-entry version of this visa is good for one year and can be renewed each year, while a single-entry visa is good for three months and can also be renewed every year.
• E-5 special profession visa: The E-5 visa is for architects, lawyers, physicians, accountants, and more who are internationally licensed and have permission from the South Korean government to practice in their chosen field. Choose a multiple-entry visa to stay for a year and renew in one-year intervals or a single-entry visa to stay for three months.
• E-6 culture and art visa: Expats with musical, artistic, or literary backgrounds can work in a variety of jobs to obtain this multiple-entry visa valid for one year. They can renew it every year, as well.
• E-7 specially designed activities visa: Expats must participate in activities the Korean Ministry of Justice designed through a public or private organization. Employees can choose the multiple-entry option to stay for one to three years and can renew it in one- to three-year intervals. They can also obtain a single-entry visa for three months and renew it every year.
• D-5 long-term news coverage visa: This visa is specifically meant for reporters working in foreign media such as broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, and more. It’s good for three months and can be renewed yearly.

Requirements to Obtain South Korea Work Visas

Every South Korea working visa has different stipulation. However, most mandate that the applicant submit a completed application form, an original passport and copies, and a colored passport-style photo. Other requirements may include:

• A copy of the employment contract
• Educational and professional certificates
• Criminal record
• Recommendation letter

Application Process

South Korea allows both online and in-person visa applications, including:

• E-visa application through the visa portal
• Application from a foreign South Korean diplomatic mission
• Confirmation of the visa on the portal
• Confirmation of the visa at a South Korean immigration office

Often, your employees’ job determines what visa they need and how they should apply for it. Keep in mind that your company must be a legal entity in South Korea to obtain an application for every employee. You will then act as a sponsor for all of your work visa applicants.