South Korea•AsiaE-10 — Crew Member Visa (E-10)
At a Glance
1–2 weeks
USD $130
Up to 3 years (extendable)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employment authorization for foreign crew members aboard vessels or aircraft operating in South Korean waters and airspace.
The E-10 Crew Member Visa is South Korea's work visa for foreign crew members on vessels or aircraft in Korean waters or airspace. Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it requires a signed employment contract for at least 6 months. Cruise ships must be 2,000 tons or larger. Core qualification demands no criminal record and no prior visa denials to Korea within 3 years.
Duration extends to 3 years with renewal available, matching your vessel or aircraft assignment. Fees are USD 50 for single-entry or USD 80 for multiple-entry visas. Processing takes 1–2 weeks via the Korean embassy. Work authorization is included; spouses may not work independently under this visa category.
This visa is ideal for professional maritime and aviation crew members from all nationalities seeking seasonal or long-term employment on vessels or aircraft operating in South Korean jurisdictions.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have a signed labor contract for 6 months or more with an employer operating a vessel or aircraft.
For cruise ship crew, the vessel must be 2,000 tons or more.
Must not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health, or international relations.
No criminal record for offenses such as overstaying a visa.
Must not have been denied a Korean visa within 1 year prior to the date of entry.
No entry denials to Korea within the last 3 years prior to the date of entry.
No fines exceeding 5 million Korean won, and no history of departure orders or deportation for legal violations.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Passport
Visa application form
Photograph
Employment contract
Identity guarantee
Certificate of employment of foreign seafarers
Inland passenger transportation business license
Employment recommendation letter for foreign seafarers
Fee payment
Current immigration or residence status (if applicable)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Work authorization included—no separate permit needed
- Fast processing in just 1-2 weeks from application
- Competitive fees: USD 40-90 depending on entry type
- Up to 3 years stay per contract with renewable status
- Can renew indefinitely as long as employment contract remains valid
Worth Knowing
- Requires 6+ month labor contract with authorized Korean shipping or aviation employer
- Vessel size minimum 2,000 tons for cruise ships—excludes smaller commercial boats
- No pathway to permanent residency or citizenship
- Dual intent not allowed—must genuinely intend employment, not immigration
- Criminal record, overstaying history, or visa denial within 3 years disqualifies applicant
Application Process
Seafarer labor contract
From Korean shipping company
Maritime employment
6+ months contract
Company petition
Employer applies for approval
Visa application
At Korean embassy
Visa processing
1-2 weeks
Visa issuance
Maritime crew visa
Application Forms
| E-10 Maritime Crew Visa Application | — |
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