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E-3 — Research Visa (E-3)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
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E-3 — Research Visa (E-3)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 1 month

Estimated Cost

KRW ₩120,000

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

For foreign nationals conducting research at public or private research institutes, universities, or R&D centers in Korea.

The E-3 Research Visa is designed for foreign nationals invited to conduct specialized research at Korean universities, R&D centers, or public and private research institutes. Applicants must secure an official invitation or employment contract from a qualifying host institution to be qualifying for this visa.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)

Validity3 years
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details
F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing2–3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be invited by a recognized Korean public or private research institution.

Must hold a Master's degree with at least 1 year of relevant professional experience, or a PhD in a relevant field.

Holders of a Master's degree from a South Korean university are exempt from the 1-year work experience requirement.

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.

No history of visa denials or entry bans in the recent past.

The research field must align with the applicant's academic background and the institution's research focus.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

master or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Visa application form

Photograph

Employment contract

Degree certificate (Master's or PhD)

Documents related to the inviting organization (e.g., Business Registration)

Proof of qualification/career certificate

Fee payment

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows legal employment in specialized research fields.
  • Family accompaniment is permitted.
  • Access to Korea's public healthcare system.
  • Streamlined process for changing workplaces via post-facto reporting.
  • Path to permanent residency after 5+ years.

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly limited to research and development activities.
  • Cannot engage in general profit-making labor outside the research scope.
  • Visa duration is tied to the employment contract.
  • Requires active sponsorship from a Korean institution.

Application Process

1

Research appointment

From Korean research institution

2

Institution petition

Research facility applies for approval

3

Visa application

At Korean embassy

4

Visa processing

2-4 weeks

5

Visa issuance

Researcher visa granted

Application Forms

Go to application portal
E-3 Researcher Visa Application—

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