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C-4 — Short-Term Employment Visa (C-4)
VisasSouth KoreaC-4 — Short-Term Employment Visa (C-4)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
Open

C-4 — Short-Term Employment Visa (C-4)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4–14 days

Estimated Cost

$40 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Employment visa for professionals and skilled workers performing remunerative work in South Korea for up to 90 days under a formal employment contract.

The C-4 Short-Term Employment Visa allows foreign nationals to perform time-bound paid work in South Korea for up to 90 days. Issued by the Korean government, this visa is for professionals, artists, athletes, and technical experts contracted by Korean entities for specific projects. An employment contract with a Korean employer is required; dependents are not permitted.

The visa covers single-entry stays up to 90 days and is not renewable. The standard fee is $40 USD for most nationalities ($45 USD for US citizens by reciprocity). Processing typically takes 4 working days to 2 weeks, though additional verification may extend timelines. Work is limited strictly to the contracted activity specified in the application.

This visa is ideal for contractors, performing artists, guest lecturers, and sports professionals with formal employment agreements from Korean organizations seeking to work temporarily in Korea.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Employment contract with Korean entity

Description of activities

Relevant professional credentials

Employer's business registration certificate

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Visa application form

Proof of funds

Return ticket

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Affordable flat fee of $40 USD for most nationalities
  • Processing time of 5–14 business days without expedited fees required
  • Straightforward employment visa ideal for short-term contract work or temporary assignments
  • Up to 90 days of authorized work per visa cycle within contracted scope
  • Direct processing pathway without complex qualification requirements beyond employment contract
  • Clear, government-backed official process with documented requirements for short-term projects

Worth Knowing

  • Non-renewable — must reapply or pursue alternative visa if work exceeds 90 days
  • Requires confirmed employment contract and employer sponsorship before application
  • Spouse and family members cannot legally work during your stay
  • Work limited strictly to contracted activities only
  • No dependent visa available; family members cannot accompany or work legally
  • No pathway to permanent residence

Application Process

1

Prepare documents: Gather all required documentation

2

Apply at embassy: Submit at Korean embassy or consulate

3

Visa processing: 4 working days to 2 weeks (no expedited service)

4

Collect passport: Visa affixed to passport

Application Forms

Visa Application Form—

Verified Claims (5)

Last verified Jun 30, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Single-entry (≤90 days): 40 USD
mofa.go.kr
Fees
$40 USD for most nationalities (US citizens: $45 USD by reciprocity); single-entry, 90 days or less
mofa.go.kr
Official Info
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/au-en/brd/m_3306/view.do?seq=760562&page=1
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":4,"maxDays":14}
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Processing Time
4 working days to 2 weeks (may be further delayed if additional verification is required; no expedit…
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Information

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