South Korea•AsiaE-4 — Technology Transfer Visa (E-4)
At a Glance
2–4 weeks
USD $130–$150
Varies by filing options
5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
5-year renewable work visa for foreign specialists providing technology transfer services to Korean companies.
The E-4 Technology Transfer Visa is for foreign specialists with proprietary technical or specialized industrial expertise required by Korean companies. Applicants must be contracted to provide technology transfer or technical guidance. Core qualification requires formal credentials or 5+ years of experience in high-technology or proprietary industrial fields.
Each grant permits up to five years of stay and is renewable. Application fees are USD 60–90 depending on entry type. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Spouses may not work independently. Dependents are allowed, and conversion to permanent residency (F-2) is available.
This visa is ideal for multinational technical experts and engineers providing licensed manufacturing, patented technology operation, or system integration services to Korean corporations.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 5 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
South KoreaF-2 — Resident Visa (F-2)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a foreign specialist possessing expertise in natural sciences, high-technology fields, or specialized industrial knowledge not readily available in Korea.
Must be invited by a Korean company or institution to provide technology transfer, technical guidance, or specialized training.
Must have a formal technology transfer or service contract with the Korean entity.
Must possess relevant academic degrees, professional licenses, or significant employment history (typically 5+ years) demonstrating specialized expertise.
The technology being transferred must be proprietary to the foreign specialist or their company.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport and visa application form with photo.
Technology transfer or service contract between the foreign and Korean entities.
Technology Import Contract Notification Approval (if applicable).
Dispatch order or employment certificate from the overseas company.
Evidence of specialized expertise (degree certificates, professional licenses, employment history).
Korean company's business registration documents.
Criminal background check (apostilled/legalized).
Appointment letter from the foreign technology-holding company.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Up to 5 years per grant with renewal options — long-term stability for tech specialists
- Dependents can accompany you and qualify for family visas
- Work authorization automatically included with visa issuance
- Pathway to permanent residency (F-2) conversion after successful technology transfer
- Competitive visa fees (USD 60-90 range) with single or multiple-entry options
- 2-4 week processing time provides relatively quick approval decision
- Technology transfer role is highly valued in Korea's high-tech economy
Worth Knowing
- Spouse cannot work independently — limited to dependent status only
- Requires formal technology transfer contract and proof of specialized expertise
- Job offer mandatory — must be sponsored by a Korean company or institution
- Specialized expertise requirement (typically 5+ years) narrows qualifying candidate pool
- No remote work allowed — must perform technology transfer services on-site in Korea
Application Process
Internal transfer request
From company HR department
Korean office petition
Formal transfer application
Immigration approval
Company applies for job seeker approval
Visa application
At Korean embassy
Visa issuance
Intra-company transfer visa
Application Forms
| Visa Application Form (Form No. 17 / 사증발급신청서) | — |
Related visas
More visas in South Korea
Work visas in other countries
- Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive
Sweden
- Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree
United States
- Proposal Visa Extension (EP)
Cambodia
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