South Korea•AsiaE-5 — Professional Employment Visa (E-5)
At a Glance
2–4 weeks
USD $40
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work visa for licensed professionals in regulated fields such as medicine, law, and aviation, renewable for up to five years.
The E-5 Professional Employment Visa is South Korea's work permit for internationally licensed professionals in government-regulated fields like medicine, aviation, and law. Applicants must hold government-recognized credentials and secure a position with a Korean institution, with the employer obtaining an official recommendation letter from the relevant Korean ministry.
The visa grants up to five years of employment authorization and is renewable. Fees range from USD 40 to USD 90. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Dependents may reside in Korea, though spouses may only work under restricted conditions. A pathway to permanent residency (F-2) is available.
This visa is ideal for internationally credentialed professionals—doctors, lawyers, pilots, and marine officers—who have secured employment in South Korea and require long-term work authorization with a clear path to permanent residence.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
South KoreaF-2 — Resident Visa (F-2)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must hold a nationally recognized professional license or certification from a foreign country that is recognized under the laws of the Republic of Korea.
Must be authorized to practice the specific professional field under Korean law.
Must have a valid employment contract with a Korean institution or organization.
Must obtain an employment recommendation letter from the relevant central administrative agency (e.g., Ministry of Health and Welfare for doctors, Ministry of Land for pilots).
Must not pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health.
Must have a clean criminal record.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Passport-sized photograph
Employment contract
Apostilled or legalized professional license or qualification certificate
Employment recommendation letter from the competent government ministry
Business registration documents of the sponsoring Korean employer
Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) (if applicable)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Up to 5 years renewable visa for licensed professionals seeking long-term work in Korea
- Clear pathway to permanent residency (F-2) after initial professional employment period
- Work authorization included — practice your licensed profession independently
- Dependents allowed to accompany you to Korea
- Dual intent permitted — can apply for permanent residency while employed
- Bachelor's degree minimum (lower threshold than some competing nations)
- Government-recognized professional credentials facilitate employer sponsorship
- Only 2-4 weeks processing time for approved applications
Worth Knowing
- Restricted spouse work authorization — spouse cannot work without separate visa
- Must obtain employment recommendation letter from relevant Korean government ministry
- Korean government ministry approval required; only certain regulated professions qualifying (doctors, pilots, lawyers)
- Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) often required, obtained by sponsoring employer
- Fees range USD 50–80 depending on single vs multiple entry
- Foreign professional license must be recognized and authorized under Korean law — credential recognition not guaranteed
- Remote work explicitly prohibited — must work on-site with Korean employer
Application Process
Professional employment
From Korean company
Company petition
Employer applies for approval
Visa application
At Korean embassy
Visa processing
2-4 weeks
Visa issuance
Professional work visa
Application Forms
| E-5 Professional Visa Application | — |
Related visas
More visas in South Korea
Work visas in other countries
- Francophone Mobility Work Permit (Mobilité Francophone)
Canada
- Hong Kong BN(O) Adult Child Visa
United Kingdom
- Lawyer Visa (LS)
Vietnam
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