Korea has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years. When visiting Korea, you will experience 5,000 years of history and culture as well as stunning mountains and serene bays. However, South Korea is more than just a popular tourist destination. Most people consider Korea immigration due to its low cost of living, high quality of life, and generous salaries.
So, if you're considering relocating to South Korea but don't know how to start the process, you're at the right place. We will discuss the ins and outs of the immigration process, including visa types, application process, requirements, and benefits for those looking to make Korea their new home.
Top Benefits of Korea Immigration
Here are some of the benefits of relocating to Korea :
1. Friendly Work Environment
Koreans value interpersonal connections with their coworkers and will make time to get to know one another. The typical workplace environment can be quite social for foreign residents, with staff members frequently dining and drinking after work before heading to a karaoke bar. Also labor shortage in the labor markets has led to an increase in foreign immigrants in Korea.
2. Cheap Basic Amenities
South Korea's cost of living varies depending on the city in which one resides. Nevertheless, compared to the costs in most Western nations, groceries, utilities, public transportation, and even alcohol are all reasonably priced. Most foreigners consider living in Korean society to be an effective way to save money.
3. Excellent Education
Most public Korean elementary and secondary schools are of a high caliber. They mostly focus on science and math together with English and Korean. Even in rural regions, many schools hire native English speakers to teach the language. Hagwons are private after-school programs that are both very well-liked and quite demanding. The great education system is one of the reasons why Korea is among the most popular destinations for immigrants.
Korea Entry Requirements
For short-term visits, citizens of many countries are not required to obtain a visa in South Korea, they don’t have a travel restriction. However, if you are a citizen of a country exempted from South Korean visas but want to stay for a longer period, you don’t have an automatic entry; you must apply for the right Korean visa before traveling.
Anyone who wants to move to South Korea (Korean immigrants) and stay for more than three months (90 days) must obtain a visa. You are free to select the type of visa that best fits your needs based on your intended itinerary and length of stay in Korea. Furthermore, you need a long-term visa if you want to relocate to South Korea. Additionally, you need to register your stay and apply for an ARC (Alien Registration Card) at the closest Immigration Office in South Korea if you plan to stay legally for longer than three months.
Korea Visa Types
Based on their length and the number of entries they permit, South Korean visas are classified as follows:
- Single-entry visas are valid for one entry and up to 90 days.
- Multiple entries allow for several entries into South Korea throughout its validity.
Afterwards, you can apply for any of the following visas based on your intention to visit South Korea:
1. Korea Tourist Visa
Foreign nationals wishing to travel for leisure or tourism can obtain a tourist visa for South Korea. Therefore, if any of the following apply to your trip, you may be granted a tourist visa:
- Transit
- Tourism
- To receive medical treatment
- To visit a family member/friend
- To attend cultural/sporting/religious events
A tourist visa allows travelers to spend up to 90 days in South Korea. However, the visa prohibits the visitor from working or participating in other paid activities.
2. Korea Business Visa
A long-term business visa to South Korea is given to you if you meet the following requirements:
- You are a professional who will work in Korea for a public or private company installing, maintaining, or operating imported machinery.
- You'll be employed by a South Korean corporation as a manager or specialist.
- You're an Intra-company transferee
- You are a specialist for a foreign investment firm in South Korea.
3. Korea Work Visa
Obtaining a work visa and work permit is necessary if you are considering Korea immigration for work purposes. Your professional position and the time you plan to stay in South Korea will determine the kind of work visa and permit you need. You can work for longer than ninety days if you have one of the following visas:
- E-1 professor visa.
- E-2 foreign language instructor.
- E-3 research.
- E-4 technological guidance.
- E-5 special profession.
- E-6 culture and art.
- E-7 specially designed activities.
- D-5 long-term new coverage.
- D-8-4 technology and business start-up visa.
- D-10-2 business start-up visa.
- D-8-1 investment visa.
As a foreign worker, you must register your stay at a local South Korean immigration office when you arrive. You must also visit the immigration office to obtain your Alien Registration Card (ARC).
4. Korea Student Visa
International students wishing to study in a Korean university in South Korea must apply for a Korea student visa (D-2 Visas). They may be:
- Short-term student visas to enroll in courses of study lasting less than 90 days.
- Students need long-term student visas to enroll in courses lasting more than 90 days, such as those offered by universities or language schools.
The following visas are available for you to select from based on your course of study:
- D-2-1 associate degree visa.
- D-2-2 bachelor's degree visa.
- D-2-3 master's degree visa.
- D-2-4 doctoral degree visa.
- D-2-5 research visa.
- D-2-6 exchange visa.
You must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within ninety days of your arrival in South Korea. Furthermore, you need to be admitted into a South Korean university to qualify for the visa.
5. Korea Family Visit Visa
Applying for a long-term family visit visa will allow you to relocate to South Korea to be with your family. You can apply if:
- You are married to a citizen of South Korea.
- You are the spouse or kid (under 20) of a temporary or long-term resident of South Korea.
- You'll spend over ninety days in South Korea staying with a relative.
In addition, if you are an overseas Korean citizen or a member of the South Korean diaspora, you may be eligible for this kind of visa. It’s the visa to get if you’re considering Korea immigration by visiting your family member.
6. Korea Working Holiday Visa
Citizens of nations with a Working Holiday Agreement with South Korea may apply for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa. With the WHV, a person may stay in South Korea for up to a year to work, study, or take vacations. To be eligible for a working holiday visa to South Korea, you must:
- Come from one of the qualified countries
- Be a person who is between the ages of 18 and 30 (25 in some situations).
- Have enough money (at least KRW 3,000,000) to cover at least the start of your journey.
- You must not have previously been granted a South Korea Working Holiday Visa.
- Maintain a spotless criminal history.
Korea Visa Requirements
When you apply for a Korean visa, you must provide many documents to support your visa application. The criteria for a South Korean visa vary depending on the kind of visa you require and the nation from which you are applying. Nonetheless, everyone must provide the same set of documentation, which consists of:
- Korea visa application formÂ
- Passport
- Passport size photos
- An onward or return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of payment of visa fee
Additional Visa Requirements
- Letter of acceptance into school
- Reference letter
- Letter from employer
- Letter of invitation from a Korea company
- Employment contract
- Cover letter
- Trip itinerary
- Certificate of Family Relations
How to Apply For A Korean Visa
You can apply for your Korea visa by:
- Applying at an embassy or consulate.
- Your South Korean host or sponsor may apply for a visa on your behalf via the South Korea Visa Portal.
Submitting at an Embassy/Consulate
You must apply for a Korean visa at the closest South Korean Embassy or Consulate (at your country of birth) if you don't have a sponsor or don't qualify for a “Confirmation of Visa Issuance. The procedure for applying is as follows:
- Locate the South Korean Consulate or Embassy in charge of your region (or your country of origin).
- Fill out and submit the visa application for Korea. Check the visa application rates for your region and make payments.
- Await the processing of your visa application.
Once the application has been processed, you will need to return to the Diplomatic Representation office. If the Korean immigration service approves the visa, it will be stamped in your passport, and you will be able to enter South Korea. Then, your Korea immigration begins!
Submitting Through A Sponsor
Your sponsor in Korea may file for a “Confirmation of Visa Issuance” on your behalf if you fit into one of the following categories:
- A South Korean corporation has invited you to go for business purposes.
- You are traveling for a medical appointment.
- You are a professor, researcher, technical teacher, or professional traveling for research or academic purposes.
- You possess outstanding scientific and technological skills, making you a “Foreign National of Special Ability.”
- A marketing organization for South Korea's Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business has invited you as an investor.
- You are traveling in a group intended exclusively for Chinese nationals.
How & Where to Apply for ‘Confirmation of Visa Issuance'
Your sponsor must apply via the Korean Immigration Office's Visa Portal for the Confirmation of Visa Issuance. They need to do the online application by:
- Complete the online Korea visa application form
- Pay the fee
- Attach the required documents
- Wait for the Confirmation of Visa Issuance. If approved, they'll print it and send it to you.
South Korea Visa Processing Time
The processing period for a South Korean visa varies depending on the Embassy or Consulate you apply at. However, you must submit your completed application at least 15 days before your planned trip but no earlier than three months.
South Korea Visa Fees
- Single entry visa (90 days) cost $40
- Single entry visa (longer than 90 days) cost $60
- A double-entry visa cost $70
- Multiple entry visas cost $90
Conclusion
Korea immigration fuels economic growth, innovation, and cultural diversity, transforming the nation into a vibrant hub. By attracting global talent, the Korean government crafts a better future, promotes development and prosperity, and confirms Korea's ranking as a top destination for foreign immigrants and investors.
