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E-7 — Special Occupation Visa (E-7)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
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E-7 — Special Occupation Visa (E-7)

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

3–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

From KRW ₩280,000

Other charges may apply

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored work visa for skilled professionals in shortage occupations (IT, engineering, finance, biotechnology); renewable up to 3 years with PR pathway.

The E-7 Special Occupation Visa is South Korea's skilled worker visa for foreign professionals in shortage fields (IT, engineering, finance, biotechnology). Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it requires a job offer from a Korean employer, bachelor's degree, and 1+ years' relevant experience. Annual salary must meet government-set minimums (KRW 25.89 million or higher).

The visa permits 3-year stays, is renewable, and enables permanent residency conversion. Dependents may accompany; spouses have restricted work rights. Visa fees are $60 (single entry, 91+ days) or $90 (multiple entry); status-change and extension fees in Korea range from 60,000–120,000 KRW. Processing takes 3–4 weeks at the consulate.

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals with a bachelor's degree and 1+ years' experience in shortage occupations (engineering, IT, finance, healthcare) seeking 3-year Korean employment contracts.

Cost Breakdown

Status change (in-country)KRW ₩100,000
Activities beyond status / Employment changeKRW ₩120,000
Extension of stayKRW ₩60,000
Visa issuance (single entry, 91+ days) — consular feeUSD $60
Visa issuance (multiple entry) — consular feeUSD $90
TotalKRW ₩280,000

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 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

Job offer from Korean employer in designated occupation

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Employer must prove inability to fill role locally

Criminal background check

Minimum salary requirement (KRW 2M+/month)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

25,890,000 KRW/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Employment contract

Educational credentials

Professional licenses

Work experience

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Pathway to permanent residency via F-2 or F-5 visa conversion after E-7 term ends
  • Renewable up to 3 years per term with no absolute statutory cap
  • Dependents (spouse and children under 18) can accompany you with dependent visas
  • Dual intent permitted — employer sponsorship compatible with independent career goals
  • Work authorization included in visa — no separate employment permit needed
  • Covers 67+ occupations across 4 subcategories (E-7-1 through E-7-4)
  • Relatively low minimum experience requirement (1 year in relevant field)

Worth Knowing

  • Job offer from Korean employer in designated occupation (IT, engineering, finance, biotechnology) is mandatory
  • Spouse work rights are restricted despite being permitted to stay in Korea
  • Minimum annual salary of approximately KRW 25.89 million (~$20k USD) required
  • Remote work not permitted — must work on-site in Korea for sponsoring employer
  • Employer must demonstrate inability to fill role with available local talent before visa sponsorship is approved

Application Process

1

Skilled employment

From Korean company in designated field

2

Company petition

Employer applies for job seeker approval

3

Skills assessment

Verification of qualifications

4

Visa application

At Korean embassy

5

Visa processing

3-4 weeks

6

Visa issuance

E-7 skilled worker visa

Application Forms

E-7 Special Ability Visa Application—

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