South Korea•Asia2–4 weeks
USD $40
Varies by filing options
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
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.
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
South KoreaMust 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.
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
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)
| E-5 Professional Visa Application | — |
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