What are the E-7 sub-categories (E-7-1, E-7-2, E-7-3, E-7-4)?

The E-7 visa has four sub-categories based on occupation type. E-7-1 (Professional) covers 67 occupations including IT developers, engineers, marketers, and HR professionals. E-7-2 (Semi-professional) covers 10 occupations such as medical coordinators and hotel receptionists. E-7-3 (Skilled Labor) covers 10 occupations in manufacturing and shipbuilding. E-7-4 (Point-based) covers 3 occupations for skilled workers who meet a points threshold. Your sub-category determines your minimum salary requirement and eligible occupational codes.

What are the 2026 salary requirements for each E-7 sub-category?

As of February 1, 2026, the minimum pretax annual salary requirements are: E-7-1 (Professional) ≥ ₩31,120,000/year, E-7-2 (Semi-professional) ≥ ₩25,890,000/year, E-7-3 (Skilled Labor) ≥ ₩25,890,000/year, E-7-4 (Point-based) ≥ ₩26,000,000/year. Since April 2025, the same wage requirement applies to all companies regardless of size. If the salary in your employment contract falls below these thresholds, the visa application may be denied. Note: these thresholds are updated annually by MOJ — verify the current year's figures at visa.go.kr before applying.

Why is occupational code matching important?

Each E-7 sub-category has a list of approved occupational codes (직종코드). Your actual job duties must match the code listed on your visa. Immigration officers verify this during applications and extensions. A mismatch between your actual work and the registered code can result in visa denial, cancellation, or penalties. Work with your employer's HR team to select the correct code before applying.

Do Korean university graduates have an advantage?

Yes. According to published immigration guidelines, graduates of Korean universities are exempt from the career experience requirement regardless of their major. This means a Korean university graduate with a bachelor's degree can apply for E-7 without demonstrating 1 year of work experience. This is often described as one of the most accessible paths to E-7 sponsorship.

What about the age exemption for 18-24 year olds (since April 2025)?

Since April 2025, individuals aged 18-24 with a long-term stay history in Korea may apply for E-7 without meeting the standard education or career requirements. This policy aims to support young foreign residents who have studied or lived in Korea long-term. Specific conditions and documentation requirements may vary — check with your local immigration office for current details.

Do graduates from top-ranked universities get special treatment?

Yes. Published immigration guidelines indicate that graduates of QS World Top 500 or THE (Times Higher Education) World Top 200 universities are exempt from the career experience requirement. This means they can apply with a bachelor's degree alone, similar to Korean university graduates.

How do I change employers while on an E-7 visa?

Changing employers on E-7 requires your new employer to file a new CCVI application at immigration and you must apply for a change of workplace (근무처변경). You cannot start working for the new employer until the change is approved. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. If you leave your current employer before the change is approved, you may be in violation of your visa conditions.

How do I extend my E-7 visa?

Submit an extension application at your local immigration office at least 30 days before your visa expires. You need your current employment contract, proof of continued employment, tax payment records, and your ARC. Your employer must still meet the sponsorship requirements (5+ Korean employees, 20% foreigner limit). The 2026 salary thresholds apply to extensions as well — your salary must meet the current minimums.

Can I eventually get permanent residency (F-5) through E-7?

Yes. There are two common paths. First, you can transition from E-7 to F-2 (Points-based Resident Visa) after meeting the 80-point threshold (based on age, income, Korean language ability, tax payment, etc.), typically after 3+ years on E-7. From F-2, you can then apply for F-5 (Permanent Resident). Second, in certain cases, you may apply for F-5 directly after an extended period on E-7 if you meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Justice.

What are the employer size and foreigner ratio requirements?

The sponsoring company must employ at least 5 Korean nationals. Foreign employees are generally limited to 20% of the company's total workforce (Korean national employees). Small companies or startups that do not meet these thresholds may face difficulties sponsoring E-7 visas. Certain industries and special economic zones may have exceptions — check with immigration for current rules.

What happens if I am terminated or my company closes?

If your employment ends, you are generally required to report the change to immigration within 15 days. You may be granted a grace period (typically 30-90 days) to find a new employer willing to sponsor your visa. If you cannot find a new sponsor within the grace period, you may need to change your visa status (e.g., to D-10 job-seeking visa if eligible) or leave Korea. Overstaying without valid status incurs penalties — consult immigration (1345) for current penalty rates.

What is the typical timeline from job offer to starting work in Korea?

The overall timeline is typically 3-6 weeks but can vary. Step 1: Employer files CCVI at immigration (2-4 weeks review). Step 2: You apply for visa at Korean embassy with CCVI number (5-10 business days). Step 3: Enter Korea and begin work. Step 4: Register for ARC within 90 days. Plan for at least 6-8 weeks from when your employer starts the process to when you can begin working in Korea.

Korea Professional Employment Visa (E-7)

Work in Korea with employer sponsorship

At a Glance

Duration

Up to 3 years

Fees

~USD 60-100

Processing Time

3-6 weeks total

Max Stay

No fixed maximum

Sponsorship from a Korean employer
Meet minimum salary threshold for your E-7 sub-category
Employer must have 5+ Korean national employees

Key Requirements

Employer sponsorship + bachelor's degree with 1 year experience (or master's, or 5+ years experience)

RequiredSponsorship from a Korean employer
A Korean company must sponsor your visa. Self-application is not permitted. The employer must file on your behalf.
Job code mismatch between actual work and visa category can result in visa cancellation
RequiredMeet minimum salary threshold for your E-7 sub-category
As of February 2026: E-7-1 (Professional) ≥ ₩31,120,000/year, E-7-2 (Semi-professional) ≥ ₩25,890,000/year, E-7-3 (Skilled Labor) ≥ ₩25,890,000/year, E-7-4 (Point-based) ≥ ₩26,000,000/year. These are pretax annual salary thresholds. Thresholds are updated annually by MOJ — verify current figures at visa.go.kr before applying.
RequiredEmployer must have 5+ Korean national employees
The sponsoring company must employ at least 5 Korean nationals. Foreign workers are limited to 20% of the total workforce.

OptionalMaster's degree or higher (no work experience needed)
Published requirements indicate that holders of a master's degree or higher in a relevant field are not required to demonstrate work experience.
OptionalBachelor's degree + 1 year of related work experience
According to immigration guidelines, a bachelor's degree holder must demonstrate at least 1 year of work experience in the relevant field.
Optional5+ years of career experience (no degree needed)
Published requirements indicate that individuals with 5 or more years of professional experience in the relevant occupation may apply without a formal degree.
OptionalKorean university graduates — career requirement exemption
Graduates of Korean universities are exempt from the career experience requirement regardless of major, according to published immigration guidelines.
OptionalQS 500 or THE 200 university graduates — career requirement exemption
Graduates of universities ranked in the QS World Top 500 or THE World Top 200 are exempt from the career experience requirement.

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

RestrictionMust work exclusively for the sponsoring employer
RestrictionJob duties must match the approved occupational code on your visa
RestrictionChanging employers requires a new CCVI and visa modification
RestrictionSide employment or freelancing is not permitted without separate authorization
RestrictionWorking for any employer other than your sponsor without authorization is a visa violation

E-7 is tied to a specific employer and occupational code. If you change jobs, your new employer must file a new CCVI application and you must apply for a change of workplace at immigration. Working outside your approved job code may result in visa cancellation.

Tax Implications

Threshold:: 183 days

According to Korean tax law, individuals who stay in Korea for 183 days or more in a calendar year may be classified as tax residents.
Tax residents are subject to Korean income tax on worldwide income at progressive rates (6-45%).
E-7 holders are typically tax residents as they work full-time in Korea.
Employers withhold income tax monthly.
Double tax treaties may apply depending on nationality.
Consult a licensed tax professional (세무사) for specific guidance.

Source: National Tax Service (NTS)

Choosing the wrong occupational code is one of the biggest reasons for E-7 rejections. Work with your employer's HR or an immigration specialist to match the exact code for your position.
If you graduated from a Korean university, you're exempt from career requirements regardless of your major. This is often described as the easiest path to E-7.

Process

2-5 months

Estimated total timeline

2-5 months

CCVI review at immigration: 2-4 weeks. Embassy visa processing after CCVI: 5-10 business days. Total timeline from employer filing to visa in hand is typically 3-6 weeks. Processing times vary by nationality, embassy workload, and season. According to published guidelines, submit the CCVI application at least 6-8 weeks before your intended start date.

Secure a Job Offer from a Korean Company

Find employment with a Korean company willing to sponsor your E-7 visa. The employer must meet the minimum size requirement (5+ Korean national employees) and be able to justify hiring a foreign professional.

Job portals: Saramin, JobKorea, LinkedIn Korea, Wanted
Tech positions in Pangyo/Bundang have high demand for foreign professionals
Confirm the job code matches an approved E-7 occupational code before signing

Employer Applies for CCVI at Immigration

2-4 weeks

Your Korean employer submits an application for a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI, 사증발급인정서) at the local immigration office in Korea. This is the employer's responsibility.

The employer prepares and submits all company-side documents
Immigration reviews the employer's justification for hiring a foreigner
The CCVI number is issued to the employer upon approval

Receive CCVI Number

1-3 days

Once approved, your employer receives the CCVI confirmation number and forwards it to you. This number is required for the embassy visa application.

Apply for Visa at Korean Embassy/Consulate

5-10 business days

Submit your visa application at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country, using the CCVI number provided by your employer. Bring all applicant-side documents.

Book an appointment in advance — some embassies have long wait times
Bring both originals and copies of all documents
Some embassies accept mail-in applications

Receive Visa and Enter Korea

1-5 days

Pick up your E-7 visa from the embassy and travel to Korea. Your visa allows entry for the period specified.

Register for Alien Registration Card (ARC)

2-3 weeks for card issuance

Within 90 days of arrival in Korea, visit your local immigration office to register and receive your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). The ARC serves as your official ID in Korea.

Book an appointment on HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) in advance
Bring your passport, employment contract, and a passport photo
You receive a receipt immediately that serves as a temporary ID
Submit extension application at least 30 days before visa expiry to avoid potential fines

The CCVI review usually takes 1.5 to 2 months. Even if your visa expires during review, the expiration date is typically extended. But submit at least 30 days before expiry to avoid potential fines.

FAQ

Show all 12 questions

Tips

Start the CCVI process early — the immigration review alone takes 2-4 weeks
Verify your occupational code matches your actual job duties before applying
Keep all apostilled degree certificates and career certificates — you need them for extensions too
Join expat communities in Seoul (Facebook groups, Reddit r/korea) for employer reviews and job leads
Pangyo/Bundang (Korea's tech hub) and Songdo have the highest demand for foreign tech professionals
Learn basic Korean — even TOPIK Level 2 helps with daily life and scores points toward F-2 residency

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-02-27

Visa Status Change

Looking to change your visa status?

See 2 available paths from E-7

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized immigration guidance, consult a licensed immigration consultant (행정사) or attorney (변호사). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Korean Ministry of Justice and immigration authorities.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Korea Professional Employment Visa (E-7)

At a Glance

Key Requirements

Work Permission

Tax Implications

Documents

Required Documents (0 of 11 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Process

Secure a Job Offer from a Korean Company

Employer Applies for CCVI at Immigration

Receive CCVI Number

Apply for Visa at Korean Embassy/Consulate

Receive Visa and Enter Korea

Register for Alien Registration Card (ARC)

FAQ

Tips

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Related Visas

Work Permission

Tax Implications

Required Documents (0 of 11 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Secure a Job Offer from a Korean Company

Employer Applies for CCVI at Immigration

Receive CCVI Number

Apply for Visa at Korean Embassy/Consulate

Receive Visa and Enter Korea

Register for Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Tips

Official Sources

Related Visas