E-7 Visa Job Types in South Korea (2026): Requirements, Wages & Documents
E-7 at a glance
The E-7 (Specific Activities) visa is a long-term work visa for professionals in designated occupations. This post covers 41 E-7 job types. The rules below apply to every job unless its section says otherwise; each job section lists only what is specific to it.
Subtypes
- E-7-1: Professional workers
- E-7-2: Semi-professional workers
- E-7-3: General skilled workers
- E-7-4: Skilled workers
- E-7-4R: Region-specific skilled workers
- E-7-S: Professional workers under the “negative-list” system
2026 wage requirements
| Category | Minimum annual wage |
|---|---|
| Professional workers (E-7-1) | KRW 31.12 million or more |
| Semi-professional workers (E-7-2) | KRW 25.89 million or more |
| General skilled workers (E-7-3) | KRW 25.89 million or more |
| Skilled workers (E-7-4) | KRW 26 million or more |
- Amounts are gross (pre-tax) annual salary, applying from February 1 to December 31, 2026, and must be clearly stated in the employment contract.
- Pay must suit the job level, not just the minimum. If it falls short, the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance may be refused or a stay extension denied.
Standard worker requirements
- General (meet one): master’s degree related to the job; related bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of related experience; or 5 or more years of related experience. The major and experience must relate to the job.
- Special (can waive some or all general requirements): 1 or more year of professional work at a Global Fortune 500 company; graduates of top world universities (Times top 200 or QS top 500); graduates of Korean junior colleges (experience waived for jobs related to the major); graduates of Korean universities with a bachelor’s degree (any field, experience waived); high earners and ministry-recommended talent (salary thresholds tied to per-capita GNI); and certain young overseas graduates, trainees and program completers.
Standard employer requirements
- No unpaid national or local taxes and no legal violations such as unpaid wages.
- Most jobs are subject to a review protecting Korean jobs (company size, Korean headcount, employment ratio).
- Employers that breach contracts or fail to pay wages are barred from inviting new foreign workers.
Employment recommendations
- Many jobs need an employment recommendation from a ministry or agency; each job section names the issuer.
- Recommendations from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) or the Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) are often required only for SMEs.
Manager occupations
- A job title alone is not enough; the person must actually run an organization (managing Korean staff, decision-making authority, directing a department).
- In principle, only managers in a headquarters operations department qualify.
- Review considers the company’s operations departments, their independence, the number of regular staff and the manager’s wage.
- Large-company managers are exempt from the employment recommendation; SME managers need one where an issuing agency is designated.
Reshoring company special rule
- Applies to companies selected and certified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy under the Act on Assistance to Korean Offshore Enterprises in Reshoring.
- Workers from the company’s overseas subsidiary: bachelor’s degree + 6 or more months of work there; or 2 or more years for associate degree holders or those with a technical certificate, related awards, media coverage, or experience confirmed by the local KOTRA Korea Business Center (KBC). Where there is no KBC, a consular-confirmed career certificate is accepted.
- Foreign hires are capped at 30% of Korean employees enrolled in employment insurance (average of the last 3 months).
Standard documents
- Employer: employment contract, statement of reasons for employment, business registration certificate, national and local tax payment certificates, VAT tax certificate, four major social insurance subscriber list, and the employment recommendation where required.
- Worker: application form, passport, 1 standard-size photo, degree and career certificates, proof of residence, overseas criminal record certificate. Foreign documents need an apostille or consular confirmation.
Process and stay
- The employment contract must be signed before applying.
- From abroad: Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance → visa at a Korean mission → alien registration after entry. In Korea: change of status (e.g., from D-2 student or D-10 job-seeker status).
- Extensions check the prior year’s pay; if the wage or employer requirements were not met, the stay may be shortened or the extension refused.
- Changing employers is restricted; exceptions (business closure, financial deterioration) need a separate review and may require leaving Korea and re-entering on a new visa.
- When switching to job-seeker status, nationals of 21 countries with high illegal-stay rates get 3 months plus 3 more; others follow D-10 rules. Re-employment generally requires leaving and re-entering on a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance.
What reviewers look for
- Statement of reasons for employment: the key document. It must explain why a Korean cannot fill the role, the need for the hire, the plan for using the worker and the expected benefits, backed by evidence and matching the real business.
- Job fit: the major, experience and actual duties must match the occupation; a title alone is not accepted.
- Consistency: the statement, job duties, the worker’s background and the company’s business must tell one story; inconsistencies lead to supplementary requests, delays or refusal.
- History: past illegal work or overstay by the worker, or an employer barred from inviting foreigners, can block the application. After a refusal, address the earlier reason before reapplying.
- Rules and review practice change often, so check the latest standards before applying.
1. Accommodation, Travel, Recreation and Sports Manager (E-7-1)
Overview
- Plans, directs and coordinates businesses or departments in accommodation, travel, recreation and sports. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
Duties
- Planning accommodation and tourism business operations
- Managing and overseeing travel and leisure services
- Managing sports and recreation facility operations
- Organizational and staff management
Example positions
- Hotel manager; hotel general manager; casino manager
- Travel agency manager (general travel business, overseas travel business)
- Tourism and leisure business manager (comprehensive amusement facilities, vacation condominiums)
- Stadium/sports venue operations manager (golf courses, etc.)
Not eligible: Inn/motel (여관) managers.
Employment recommendation
- Required for travel agency managers and tourism and leisure business managers: Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division). Large-company managers may be exempt.
2. Advertising and PR Specialist (E-7-1)
Overview
- Analyzes the need for advertising and PR, designs how messages are delivered, plans advertising materials, then runs campaigns and analyzes their results.
Duties
- Planning and running advertising campaigns
- Digital marketing and social media channel management
- Brand strategy and content planning
- Overseas PR and global marketing cooperation
- Market research and consumer response analysis
Example positions
- Advertising specialist; PR specialist
Worker requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field (advertising, marketing, journalism/PR, communications, business administration, etc.); bachelor’s holders need 1 or more year of experience, master’s holders none.
- 5 or more years of experience in the field can substitute for an unrelated major.
- Experience in marketing companies, brand management, overseas advertising and PR, and influencer management may all be accepted.
Employer requirements
- Formal business registration.
- The Korean job-protection review does not apply, but review is harder for small companies; for startups and SMEs, the statement of reasons for employment is the key to approval.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Integrated application form or application for a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance
- Photo taken within the last 6 months
- Degree and career certificates translated and notarized
- Additional documents required for the occupation
3. Announcer (E-7-1)
Overview
- A professional broadcasting job that delivers prepared scripts (news, advertisements, announcements) or hosts broadcast programs, as a regular employee of a broadcaster.
Duties
- Hosting or co-hosting news, current affairs, educational and entertainment programs
- Reading broadcast scripts and delivering information
- Appearing on and hosting radio, TV and other media
- Presenting public information, advertisements and announcements
Worker requirements
- A formal employment contract with a broadcaster or similar.
- Annual salary of at least 80% of the prior year’s per-capita GNI.
Employment recommendation
- Korea Communications Commission or another relevant agency; required (no recommendation, no visa).
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- The statement of reasons for employment must also cover efforts made to recruit locally.
Key points
- Simple broadcast appearances or modeling fall under the E-6, not the E-7. Sham contracts or disguised employment can lead to cancellation.
| Item | E-7 announcer | E-6 arts and entertainment |
|---|---|---|
| Employment structure | Employment contract | Appearances and activities |
| Income requirement | At least 80% of per-capita GNI | None |
| Required documents | Employment recommendation, statement of reasons for employment | Employment recommendation, activity plan, personal profile, inviting company’s documents |
| Review focus | Need for the hire | Appropriateness of the activity |
| Work type | Company employee | Project-based appearances |
4. Architect and Architectural Engineer (E-7-1)
Overview
- Architect: designs and researches residential, commercial and industrial buildings, plans construction, maintenance and repair, and supervises interior design and construction.
- Architectural engineer: conceptualizes, plans and develops designs for building and repairing commercial, public and residential buildings.
Duties
- Building design, structural planning and interior space planning
- Construction and maintenance/repair planning
- Technical review of construction, safety and building services
- Managing and supervising construction and building projects
Example positions
- Architect: building architect; licensed architect
- Architectural engineer: building structural engineer; construction supervision engineer; construction engineer; building services engineer; building safety engineer; architectural engineer
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Construction Industry Division). For architects it must be obtained before applying; without it, no application can be made.
5. Business Support Manager and Management Consultant (E-7-1)
Overview
- Business support manager: supports operations under executives and plans and coordinates administration, HR, finance and other management work. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
- Management consultant: analyzes a company’s management, proposes improvements and redesigns how the organization operates.
Duties
- Overseeing business support, coordinating HR, finance and planning, drawing up management plans
- Diagnosing management, redesigning structures and processes, advising on strategy, accounting consulting
Example positions
- Business support manager: general affairs and HR manager; planning, PR and advertising manager; finance manager; materials and purchasing manager; other management department managers
- Management consultant: management consultant; accountant licensed under foreign law (must hold an accountant license)
Employment recommendation
- Management consultants: Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency), SMEs only.
- Business support managers: SMEs may need one for some occupations; large-company managers are likely exempt.
Key points
- Company-side requirements (the worker’s salary, foreign employment ratio, tax filings and finances) are often harder to meet than the individual’s.
6. Caregiver (Elderly Care Worker, 요양보호사)
Overview
- Created by the Ministry of Justice in July 2024 to ease elderly-care labor shortages as Korea becomes a super-aged society. A pilot ran from 2024 to 2025.
- As of 2026, the government is reviewing whether to keep or expand it based on the pilot. Hiring international students as caregivers is still allowed only within a limited scope, and policy is in transition.
Duties
- Supports physical activity and daily living: meals, bathing, toileting, changing clothes, moving, repositioning, walks, hospital visits and simple rehabilitation such as walking practice.
- Provides emotional support, such as being someone to talk to.
Worker requirements (all required)
- Associate degree or higher from a Korean college or university.
- Caregiver (요양보호사) certificate; it can be verified on the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute website.
- Korean ability: KIIP Level 3 or higher completed, a KIIP pre-assessment score of 61 or higher, or TOPIK Level 3 or higher.
Employer requirements
- A senior medical welfare facility under the Welfare of Senior Citizens Act.
- Holds a long-term care institution designation from the local city, county or district office.
Hiring limits
- Up to 20% of Korean employees per employer.
- During the pilot (2024–2025), up to 400 people per year in total.
Key points
- International students are a practical workforce: they can obtain the certificate, speak Korean and have lived in Korea. But approval depends more on the institution’s readiness than on the individual.
- Recommended hiring steps: (1) assess the operating structure; (2) set up working hours, shifts and pay; (3) confirm staffing-level standards; (4) resolve conflicts with evaluation standards; (5) prepare visa documents; (6) match with a worker.
- Treating it like hiring a Korean worker causes problems. The institution must show it can legally and practically accommodate foreign staff.
7. Chef and Cook (Foreign Cuisine)
Overview
- Plans cooking, supervises and coordinates cooks and kitchen assistants, or cooks directly, at hotels, restaurants, ships and similar places.
- Allowed only for foreign cuisine. Hiring through brokers, or hiring undocumented workers or international students, is illegal and can be punished.
Duties
- Planning meals and menus
- Preparing ingredients and cooking
- Managing cooks and assistant staff
- Kitchen operations and hygiene
Example positions
- Western, Chinese, Japanese and other national-cuisine chefs and cooks
Not eligible: Korean-cuisine chefs and cooks; cooks for bunsik (Korean snack food), coffee, traditional tea and beverages.
Worker requirements (meet one)
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| ① Competition winner | Award winner at an internationally recognized cooking competition in Korea or abroad |
| ② Certificate, training, experience | Intermediate-level certificate or higher (no experience needed) |
| Beginner-level certificate + 3 or more years of related experience | |
| 6 months or more of training + 5 or more years of related experience | |
| Other (e.g., regional cuisine with no formal course) + 10 or more years of related experience |
- Certificates, career certificates and training certificates need an apostille or consular confirmation; a 5-star hotel that has run its own verification may skip some checks.
Employer requirements (all required)
- Meets floor-area, annual VAT payment and Korean-headcount standards (headcount counts people on the employment insurance list for 3 or more months, including permanent residents and marriage migrants).
- Hiring may be restricted if the business has little foreign-tourist traffic or potential.
- Designated tourism convenience facilities need only 50% of the minimum floor area, but must fully meet the VAT and headcount standards.
Hiring limits
| Cooks allowed | Floor area, Chinese restaurant (m²) | Floor area, general restaurant (m²) | VAT paid*, Chinese (KRW 10,000) | VAT paid*, general (KRW 10,000) | Total taxable sales (KRW 100 million) | Korean employees, Chinese | Korean employees, general |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200+ | 60+ | 500+ | 300+ | 0.6+ | 3–4 | 2 |
| 2 | 250+ | 70+ | 600+ | 500+ | 0.75+ | 5 | 3 |
| 3 | 300+ | 100+ | 800+ | 600+ | 1+ | 6 | 4 |
| 4 | 350+ | 150+ | 1,000+ | 800+ | 2+ | 7 | 4 |
| 5 | 400+ | 200+ | 1,500+ | 1,000+ | 3+ | 8 | 5 |
| 6 | 500+ | 250+ | 2,000+ | 1,500+ | 4+ | 9 | 6 |
| 7 | 600+ | 300+ | 2,500+ | 2,000+ | 5+ | 10 | 7 |
| 8 | 700+ | 350+ | 3,000+ | 2,500+ | 6+ | 11–12 | 8 |
| 9 | 800+ | 400+ | 3,500+ | 3,000+ | 7+ | 13–15 | 9 |
| 10 | 900+ | 500+ | 4,000+ | 3,500+ | 9+ | 16–17 | 10 |
| 11 | 1,000+ | 600+ | 5,000+ | 4,000+ | 11+ | 18–19 | 11 |
| 12 | 1,000+ | 700+ | 6,000+ | 5,000+ | 12+ | 20+ | 12+ |
*VAT = value-added tax. Figures as shown in the source chart.
Ansan Multicultural Village and Incheon Jung-gu Chinatown special zones:
| Cooks allowed | Floor area | Annual VAT paid | Total taxable sales | Korean employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30–50 m² | KRW 2 million+ | KRW 40 million+ | – |
| 2 | 51–100 m² | KRW 2.5 million+ | KRW 50 million+ | – |
| 3 | 101–150 m² | KRW 5 million+ | KRW 100 million+ | – |
| 4 | 151–200 m² | KRW 7.5 million+ | KRW 150 million+ | 1 |
| 5 | Over 200 m² | KRW 10 million+ | KRW 200 million+ | 2 |
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Worker: proof of cook qualifications (competition award certificate; certificate and career certificate; or career certificate, 10 years for regional cuisine).
- Employer: employment insurance subscriber list and enrollment history; proof of floor area; VAT tax base certificate.
- If applicable: tourism convenience facility designation; documents on a duty-free or bonded store for foreign tourists.
8. Computer Hardware Engineer (E-7-1)
Overview
- Researches, designs, develops and tests computers and related equipment for home, industrial, military or scientific use, and supervises their manufacture and installation.
Duties
- Hardware research, design, development and testing
- Supervising and inspecting manufacture and installation of computers and peripherals
- Hardware development and operations at computer manufacturers and related businesses
Example positions
- Computer hardware design engineer; computer equipment engineer
- Computer network equipment developer; computer control system developer
- Recording device developer (magnetic, magneto-optical, etc.)
- Disk drive developer; hard disk developer
- Computer motherboard developer; controller developer; input/output device developer
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency), SMEs only.
Key points
- The reshoring company special rule applies (see E-7 at a glance).
9. Construction Machinery Parts Manufacturing Worker (Welder)
Overview
- Performs production processes such as welding and painting in making construction machinery and parts.
- A skilled technical job requiring welding and paint-quality skills, not simple repetitive work. Runs as a pilot program, so numbers may be capped.
Duties
- Welding and assembling construction machinery parts
- Painting and surface treatment
- Quality control and inspection of manufacturing processes
- Operating and maintaining production equipment
- Improving work processes and managing safety
Worker requirements (meet one)
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in science or engineering; or an associate degree in science or engineering + 1 or more year of experience in the field; or 5 or more years of experience in the field.
- Only relevant experience counts, and in principle only experience after the degree or certificate.
- For welding, an internationally recognized certificate such as AWS may partly ease the experience requirement. Welding qualifications and test results (FCW, GMAW, GTAW, etc.) must be verified.
Employer requirements (all required)
- A construction machinery parts manufacturer with 10 or more full-time employees.
- Average annual sales of KRW 1 billion or more over the past year.
- Foreign workers within 20% of Korean employees.
- Separate Korean job-protection review standards apply to this occupation.
Employment recommendation
- Prior recommendation through an institution designated by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Process
- Submit degree, career and certificate proof.
- Pass a skills test at a Ministry-designated institution, which issues a confirmation.
- Apply for the visa after the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance is issued.
Key points
- Passing the skills test and getting the recommendation are major approval factors.
- Prove the role is a skilled technician, not a manual laborer or simple production worker.
10. Culture, Arts, Design and Video Manager; Video Designer (E-7-1)
Overview
- Manager: plans, directs and coordinates newspapers, broadcasters, film companies, publishers and design or video organizations. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
- Video designer: plans stage and set designs for film, broadcast and games and designs visual elements with computer graphics.
Duties
- Planning operations of culture, arts and video organizations; managing departments; overseeing projects and content production
- Designing stages and sets; graphic design for video; creating characters and visual images; building visual elements for digital content
Example positions
- Manager: culture and arts manager; design manager; video manager; operations department manager at a newspaper, broadcaster or film company; TV programming director; radio station operator; newspaper editor-in-chief
- Video designer: stage and set designer; web designer (multimedia); game graphic designer; character designer; film CG designer
Employment recommendation
- Managers: Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency).
- Video designers: Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Video Content Industry Division); only film and TV program production companies are eligible.
Key points
- The company’s registered business must relate to video or design; for example, a company registered only for trade hiring a video designer is likely to be refused.
- Submit a portfolio with objective proof (project participation certificates, contracts, awards); a resume or online links alone are not enough.
11. Customer Service Representative
Overview
- Serves foreign customers within international services or overseas sales, typically at global companies with Korean branches that need native speakers.
- Limited to online consultation for international services and overseas sales; simple domestic customer service does not qualify. The company must prove a Korean cannot do the work.
Duties
- Selecting target customers and writing scripts for consultation and sales
- Presenting and promoting products and services by phone, email, social media and other channels
- Consulting on customers’ purchases, use and usage
- Handling inquiries and resolving complaints
Not eligible: telemarketers; door-to-door, street-stall and mobile salespeople; promotional assistants; sales promoters.
Worker requirements
- Education (meet one): associate degree or higher from a Korean institution, or an overseas bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of experience in the field.
- Language: TOPIK Level 2 or higher / KIIP Stage 2 completed / TOEIC 730 or higher.
Employer requirements (all required)
- Provides services to foreign nationals under an international service contract, or provides services overseas from Korea.
- 500 or more full-time employees and prior-year sales of KRW 5 billion or more from international service contracts or services (proof of contracts won from overseas companies or of overseas expansion).
- Direct hire (not outsourcing) and separate office space (not remote work).
Hiring limits
- International service sales of KRW 5 billion to 10 billion: up to 40.
- KRW 10 billion or more: no fixed cap, but within 70% of staff in that field.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Employer: international service contract; proof of office space; proof of business performance.
- Worker: fee; proof of language ability.
Visa and stay
- First issued as a 1-year single-entry visa; follow-up review, including pay records, is stricter at extension.
12. Data Specialist (Database Specialist, E-7-1)
Overview
- Designs and improves databases to keep collected data useful and stable, and analyzes, optimizes and controls data structures and operations.
Duties
- Designing and building database structures
- Analyzing and optimizing physical data layout
- Analyzing and improving database performance
- Operating and controlling data processing systems
Example positions
- Database specialist; database designer; database administrator; database programmer
Employment recommendation
- SMEs only: Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) or Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency). Whether one is required depends on company size and job fit.
Key points
- Simple development assistants or data-processing staff may not qualify.
13. Drafter (CAD/CAM, E-7-1)
Overview
- Designs systems or individual parts with CAD and CAM, based on expert knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment. Korea’s construction, machinery and plant industries face a shortage of such staff.
Duties
- CAD/CAM-based design of mechanical and electronic parts
- Designing product and system structures and preparing drawings
- Analyzing design data and technical review
- Design support linked to manufacturing processes
Example positions
- Mechanical drafter; electrical drafter; electronic drafter
Worker requirements
- Related certifications, for example:
- Korean: Electronic CAD Craftsman; Engineer Mechanical Design; Engineer General Machinery; Engineer Construction Equipment; press mold design certifications
- Computer-aided drafting: Craftsman Computer-Aided Mechanical Drawing; Craftsman Computer-Aided Architectural Drawing
- Overseas: CADTC; ACU; ACP (AutoCAD Professional)
- Some private AutoCAD certifications may not be recognized.
Employer requirements
- A design workspace separate from general production areas.
- Workplaces with 10 or fewer full-time employees may be at a disadvantage.
Employment recommendation
- Abolished for this occupation; none needs to be submitted.
Hiring limits
- Up to 2 per employer.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Business plan
14. Duty-Free and Jeju Sales Clerk (E-7-2)
Overview
- Interprets for and sells to foreign customers at duty-free shops, Jeju English Education City commercial facilities and restaurants in Jeju, where demand is rising with tourism.
Example positions
- Duty-free shop sales clerk; sales clerk at tax-free shops for foreign tourists
- Sales worker at Jeju English Education City commercial facilities
- Interpreter and sales clerk at Jeju restaurants
Not eligible: simple sales assistants.
Worker requirements
| Type | Requirements (meet one) |
|---|---|
| ① Duty-free and tax-free shops | 3 or more years as a tour guide, duty-free sales clerk, or both combined; a Korean junior college degree or higher (any major); or an overseas 4-year bachelor’s degree or higher (any major). Tour guide experience counts; general retail does not. |
| ② Jeju English Education City | Parents of international school students or family of staff; or overseas home-campus graduates aged 18 or older. Non-English-speaking nationals need TOEIC 800+ or TESOL. |
| ③ Jeju restaurants | TOPIK Level 2+; KIIP Stage 2+; 2+ years of regular study at a Korean junior college or higher; TOPIK Level 1+ after 6+ months of D-4-1 Korean training; or 3+ months of Korean at an overseas university. A video interview may check Korean ability. Status change is widely allowed except from short-term visas and D-3, E-9, E-10, G-1, etc. |
Employer requirements
| Duty-free and tax-free shops | Jeju restaurants |
|---|---|
| Designated tax-free shop or bonded store license | Floor area of 100 m² or more |
| Annual sales of KRW 240 million or more | Annual sales of KRW 100 million or more |
| Floor area of 200 m² or more | 2 or more full-time Korean employees |
| 2 or more full-time Korean employees |
- Restaurants with sales of KRW 300 million or more (Korean, Western, Chinese or Japanese cuisine) can hire at least 1 if they meet 70% of the floor-area requirement.
- Korean employees count only if enrolled in employment insurance for 3+ months and paid at least the minimum wage.
Hiring limits
- Based on sales, floor area and Korean headcount; up to 3 per employer.
- If a worker absconds, that number is deducted for 1 year; companies with poor stay management (e.g., unpaid wages) are barred from new hires for 1 year.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Statement of reasons for invitation; plan for using the foreign worker; letter of guarantee
- Proof of floor area, sales and the employment insurance list may be requested
Visa and stay
- Single-entry visa of up to 2 years (1 year or less at the mission’s discretion).
- Jeju international school parents and staff families work with a permit for activities outside status; home-campus graduates aged 18+ change status.
- Jeju restaurant clerks cannot do the same work outside Jeju. Changing directly from D-10 to this job in Jeju is restricted; re-entry on a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance is needed.
15. Education Manager (School / Educational Institution Manager, E-7-1)
Overview
- Oversees the operation of kindergartens, elementary/middle/high schools, foreign schools, foreign educational institutions and international schools; plans, directs and coordinates educational work. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance), not a teaching role.
Duties
- Planning and carrying out the institution’s operating plans
- Managing staff and overseeing the organization
- Managing curriculum operations and coordinating administration
- Planning and directing the institution’s work overall
Example positions
- Elementary, middle and high school principals and vice principals
- Kindergarten directors and vice directors
- Managers of foreign schools, foreign educational institutions and international schools
Worker requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Teacher’s or similar qualification under the relevant laws
- Meets experience requirements as an education institution manager or teacher
- Formally hired through the prescribed procedures
Employment recommendation
- SMEs need one from the agency designated for the occupation; large-company managers may be exempt. Company size is judged under the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises.
Key points
- Foreigners already in Korea on a D-2 student visa or similar may have some requirements eased or special rules applied when changing to E-7, depending on their stay history.
16. Electrical and Electronics Engineer (E-7-1)
Overview
- Electrical engineer: designs, develops and tests electrical equipment, parts or systems for commercial, industrial, military and scientific use, or supervises their manufacture and installation.
- Electronics engineer: uses electronic theory and material properties to research, design, develop and test electronic parts and systems, including circuits for spacecraft guidance, propulsion control, instruments and controllers.
Duties
- Designing and developing electrical systems; testing electrical equipment and parts; supervising manufacturing and installation
- Researching and designing electronic parts, systems, circuits and controllers; testing and developing electronic equipment
Example positions
- Electrical: electrical product development engineer; power generation equipment design engineer; power transmission and distribution equipment engineer; electrical control and instrumentation engineer
- Electronics: electronic equipment engineer; electronics engineer; semiconductor process, process equipment and device engineers; factory automation (FA) design engineer; mechatronics development engineer; electronic control programmer; electronic control and instrumentation engineer
- Medical device development: ultrasound, EEG, ECG, anesthesia machine, defibrillator, dialysis machine, MRI and CT scanner developers
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency), SMEs only.
- Engineers at reshoring companies must go through KOTRA; separate requirements apply to them (see E-7 at a glance).
17. Event Planner (E-7-1)
Overview
- Plans, organizes and coordinates conventions, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, festivals, premieres and performances, overseeing scenario design, artist booking, venues, production, marketing and audience safety.
Duties
- Planning and running events and performances
- Preparing and coordinating exhibitions, seminars and international conferences
- Designing performance scenarios, booking artists, managing audience safety
- Running performances, post-event evaluation and reporting
Worker requirements (meet one)
- Overseas education: high school diploma + 5 or more years of related experience; bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year; or master’s degree or higher (experience waived).
- 5 or more years of related experience alone may be accepted, even without a degree.
- Standard special requirements apply (see E-7 at a glance).
Employer requirements
- Annual sales of KRW 1 billion or more and a track record of planning related events.
- Domestic or overseas events planned within 1 year of hiring.
Employment recommendation
- Performance planners: Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Performing and Traditional Arts Division). Some requirements may be eased for companies with annual sales of KRW 5 billion or more.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Performance and international conference plans
- Proof of performance sales; corporate financial statements may be requested
Key points
- Performance planners need real planning and overall management experience, not just experience running events.
- Many applications are refused when the recommendation or sales requirements are not met.
18. Finance and Insurance Manager and Specialist (E-7-1)
Overview
- Manager: plans department operations at insurers, banks, securities firms and trust companies and oversees lending, deposits, investment and trust management. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
- Specialist: analyzes financial data, informs investors and develops financial products at banks, securities firms, insurers and asset managers.
Duties
- Department planning; overseeing lending, deposits and investment; managing securities and derivatives trading; fund and trust management; finance-related real estate
- Market and investment analysis; investor advice; developing financial and insurance products; asset management and risk analysis; foreign exchange and securities trading
Example positions
- Manager: insurance manager; finance manager
- Specialist: investment and credit analyst; asset manager; insurance and financial product developer; securities and foreign exchange dealer
Worker requirements
- Managers: bachelor’s holders lacking experience may still be approved after substantive review if the Financial Services Commission recognizes their expertise.
- Specialists: applicants without a degree need 5 or more years of experience and must submit a recommendation.
Employment recommendation
- Financial Services Commission: Banking Division (banking), Insurance Division (insurance), Capital Markets Division (investment and securities).
Key points
- Hiring foreigners is restricted in most finance-related industries.
19. Food Service Manager (Restaurant Service Manager)
Overview
- Plans food and beverage service operations at restaurants, oversees staff and service quality, and directs overall store operations.
- A management role (sales, staffing, customer service systems, service quality), not serving. Duties must match the job description; the title alone is not accepted.
Duties
- Planning store operations and managing service
- Hiring, training and scheduling staff
- Analyzing sales and setting operating strategy
- Building customer service systems and improving service quality
- Managing store hygiene and operating standards
Worker requirements (meet one)
- Overseas education: high school diploma + 5 or more years of relevant experience; overseas bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year; or overseas master’s degree or higher (experience waived, but the degree must be relevant).
- Special: standard special requirements apply (see E-7 at a glance).
Employer requirements (all required)
- Operates 10 or more branches or franchise locations nationwide.
- The need to hire a foreign manager is objectively proven.
Key points
- In principle, only managers at headquarters or an independent operations department qualify; ordinary store staff are likely not accepted.
- The company’s structure, Korean headcount and wage levels are reviewed; the foreign manager’s pay should be reasonable compared with regular staff.
- Store operation and staff management experience must be clearly shown, not just service experience.
20. Hotel Front Desk Clerk (Hotel Receptionist, E-7-2)
Overview
- Takes and manages reservations, confirms bookings on arrival and guides guests; demand is rising for multilingual front desk staff as tourism grows.
Duties
- Check-in and check-out
- Accommodation inquiries and guest requests
Example positions
- Front desk staff; hotelier; front office attendant
Worker requirements (meet one)
- Related bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of experience; related master’s degree or higher; 5 or more years of related experience; any master’s degree or higher; or a Korean or overseas bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of experience.
- Korean university bachelor’s degree: any major, experience waived. Korean junior college degree: experience waived if in the major’s field.
- Overseas junior college degrees are not recognized.
Employer requirements
- A tourist hotel, floating tourist hotel, traditional Korean hotel or family hotel under the Tourism Promotion Act.
- Prior-year share of foreign guests (OCC): 30% or more in the Seoul metropolitan area; 15% or more elsewhere; 10% or more in depopulation areas.
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division); required.
Hiring limits
- Up to 5 per hotel, 400 in total.
Visa and stay
- Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years.
Key points
- International students with an associate degree or higher in tourism or hospitality from a Korean university, hired with the Minister’s recommendation, may get an E-7 regardless of the foreign-guest ratio and per-hotel limit.
21. Information Security Consultant and Specialist (E-7-1)
Overview
- Computer systems designer and analyst: designs and analyzes system input/output formats, data processing logic, data access and database structures.
- Information security specialist: develops security programs to protect information systems from hacking and intrusion, checks security status and sets security measures.
Duties
- Designing system architecture, data flows and database access; analyzing information systems; improving efficiency and stability; IT infrastructure and integration design
- Developing security programs; network and server security checks; vulnerability analysis; cyberattack response and security policy; managing information protection
Example positions
- Systems designer and analyst: information systems consultant; network consultant; database consultant; information security consultant; computer systems designer; computer systems analyst
- Security specialist: internet security specialist; information security researcher; security systems engineer; security consultant
Employment recommendation
- SMEs only, through agencies under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy or the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (KOTRA, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, etc.).
22. IT Developer: System Software, Application Software and Web Developer (E-7-1)
Overview
- System software developer: develops low-level software tied to hardware (operating systems, firmware, embedded systems), researching and designing system software and writing related programs.
- Application software developer: develops programs for businesses and individuals (databases, accounting, document processing, statistics, games, networking) and optimizes them for the user environment.
- Web developer: builds and runs web servers, develops web services, designs server-client architecture and maintains web applications; cloud and full-stack skills are increasingly valued.
Example positions
- System software: embedded program developer; Linux developer; MICOM (microcontroller) control engineer; operating system software developer; firmware developer
- Application software: data management, financial management and information processing application programmers; game and online game programmers; protocol developer; network programmer
- Web: web engineer; web programmer; webmaster
Worker requirements
- Overseas education: high school diploma + 5 or more years of related experience; bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year; or master’s degree or higher (experience waived). 5 or more years of experience alone may be accepted.
- Vietnam software talent special rule: graduates (or expected graduates) of top Vietnamese universities who completed a software training course may have the 1-year experience requirement waived when hired by an SME or venture company, with a Ministry of SMEs and Startups recommendation.
Employer requirements
- Subject to the 20% Korean-employment rule.
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency), SMEs only.
Key points
- As of 2026, job relevance and fit of actual experience weigh more than education alone.
- Hiring without the proper procedure may be treated as illegal employment and hurt later reviews.
23. Life Science Specialist (E-7-1)
Overview
- Conducts theoretical and applied research in biology, medicine, food, agriculture, forestry and related fields, at life science, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and medical device companies.
Duties (fields)
- Biology (botany, ecology, bacteriology, genetics)
- Medicine (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology)
- Pharmacy (toxicology)
- Agriculture (agricultural economics, crop science, horticulture)
- Forestry (clinical engineering, forest science, soil science)
- Fisheries science (freshwater and marine biology)
- Food science, cosmetic science, biomedical engineering, animal science (zoology)
Worker requirements (meet one)
- Related bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of experience; related master’s degree or higher; or 5 or more years of related experience.
- Separate requirements apply in agriculture, forestry and animal science.
- Degrees are checked for being from a regular program and matching the major.
Employment recommendation
| Field | Issuing authority |
|---|---|
| Biology | Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) |
| Medicine, pharmacy, food, cosmetic science, biomedical engineering | Minister of Health and Welfare (Health Industry Policy Division) |
| Agriculture, forestry, animal science | Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Management and Workforce Division) |
| Fisheries science | Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (Aquaculture Industry Division) |
| Reshoring companies | KOTRA (required); the reshoring company special rule applies |
Key points
- The company’s R&D need is part of the review.
24. Mechanical Engineer (E-7-1)
Overview
- Researches, designs and develops machinery and systems for heating, ventilation, air purification, power generation, transport and production, and handles their evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance.
- Covers a very wide range of jobs, so requirements are complex, reviews tend to take longer and refusal rates are relatively high.
Duties
- Researching and designing machinery and systems
- Developing and evaluating mechanical systems
- Installing and managing operation of equipment
- Maintenance and technical management
Example positions
- Molds: press, plastic, casting and injection mold design engineers
- HVAC and refrigeration: heating equipment, air conditioning, ventilation, exhaust fan and refrigeration machinery engineers; heat exchanger designer and developer; clean room HVAC design engineer; GHP (gas heat pump) developer; air purification design engineer
- Construction machinery: construction machinery, road paving machinery and transport machinery design and development engineers; rock drill, boring machine, pile driver and pile extractor design and development engineer
- Industrial machinery: agricultural, mining, textile, food, machine tool and hydraulic machinery design engineers; industrial robot design engineer
Worker requirements
- Former E-9 holders applying on the 5-year experience requirement must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Hiring limits
| Full-time employees | Foreign hires allowed |
|---|---|
| Fewer than 5 | None |
| 5 to 10 | 1 |
| 11 to 30 | 2 |
| More than 30 | Up to 3 |
25. Medical Coordinator (E-7-2)
Overview
- Supports foreign patients at Korean medical institutions with interpretation, consultation, booking and follow-up, and handles attracting and managing foreign patients overall.
- Can be hired only by a medical institution or patient-attraction agency registered under the Act on Support for Overseas Expansion of Medical Services and Attraction of Foreign Patients.
Duties
- Consulting and booking for foreign patients
- Interpreting during examinations and treatment
- Explaining hospital programs, health checkups and procedures
- Administrative work on attracting and managing foreign patients
Worker requirements (meet at least one)
- Healthcare license (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.) or an associate degree or higher in a related field.
- Korean bachelor’s degree or higher + an international medical coordinator or medical interpreter course at the Korea Health and Welfare Personnel Development Institute or similar.
- National technical qualification “International Medical Tourism Coordinator.”
- Medical Interpretation Proficiency Test certificate.
Employer requirements
- A medical institution registered to attract foreign patients under Article 27-2 of the Medical Service Act (hospitals, dental clinics, plastic surgery clinics, health checkup centers, etc.), or a hospital or organization with a record of overseas expansion and attracting foreign patients.
- Hiring within each institution’s staffing needs.
- Possible exceptions: “excellent patient-attraction institutions” designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare; hospitals with outstanding patient-attraction records; institutions certified or awarded by local or central government.
Hiring limits
| Employer type | Maximum foreign hires |
|---|---|
| General medical institution | 2 |
| Patient-attraction agency | 1 |
| Designated medical institution | 3 |
| Designated patient-attraction agency | 2 |
- Employers that have attracted 1,000 or more foreign patients may hire beyond these limits.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Copy of the foreign-patient attraction registration certificate
- Employment recommendation
- Proof of language ability (e.g., TOPIK score)
26. Nurse (E-7-1)
Overview
- Assists doctors, performs nursing care as prescribed, checks and records patients’ condition and gives disease-prevention guidance; takes basic emergency measures when no doctor is present.
Duties
- Checking and recording patients’ condition
- Performing nursing procedures as prescribed
- Basic emergency measures
- Guiding patients and families on treatment and prevention
- Working with the medical team and assisting ward management
Not eligible: nursing assistants.
Worker requirements
- A Korean nursing license from the Minister of Health and Welfare (Article 7, Medical Service Act); a foreign qualification alone is not enough, and the Korean national nursing exam must be passed.
- No education limit; the license is the key requirement.
- International students: graduate from a Korean nursing program, obtain the license, then change from D-2 or D-10.
- May also do medical coordinator (S3922) work without separate permission.
Employer requirements
- Only hospital-level or higher medical institutions licensed under the Medical Service Act.
- Foreign employees within 20% of Korean workers.
- Annual pay of KRW 31.12 million or more (2026 E-7-1 standard).
- No unpaid taxes or social insurance contributions.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Copy of Korean nursing license
- Medical institution license
- Proof of the institution’s tax and social insurance payments
Process
- Find the nurse, abroad or among Korean nursing graduates.
- Check the nurse’s and the hospital’s requirements and fix any gaps.
- Sign an employment contract with clear working conditions.
- Submit documents to immigration; after approval, the nurse enters and registers.
27. Overseas Sales Representative
Overview
- For foreigners with professional international sales skills who boost a company’s competitiveness through export/import, trade and international sales with specific countries.
- Covers traditional trading companies and companies selling overseas through online shopping malls. The role must directly drive overseas sales through planning and operations, not just carry out tasks.
Duties
- Selecting products and listing them for overseas sale
- Managing inventory and logistics overall
- Handling and communicating with overseas customers
- Running sales channels and setting overseas market strategy
Not eligible: simple salespeople at domestic shopping malls; staff doing packing or receiving/shipping; simple office workers such as trade clerks.
Worker requirements (meet one)
- Associate degree or higher from a Korean institution (for international students in Korea, the major may not matter)
- Overseas bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of related experience
- Overseas master’s degree or higher
- Plus TOPIK Level 3 or higher
Employer requirements (all required)
- Trade business registered with the Korea International Trade Association or similar.
- Prior-year overseas exports of KRW 5 billion or more.
- Office space secured for the role; remote and dispatched work are not accepted.
Visa and stay
- Entrants on a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance receive a single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 1 year.
28. Product Planning Specialist (E-7-1)
Overview
- Plans marketable products from overseas consumers’ buying patterns, demand forecasts and consumption types, and sets strategies for producing and selling them.
- Collects and studies sales levels and consumer reviews, and researches current and future tastes to set or advise on sales strategy.
Example positions
- Overseas product planner (product development)
- Overseas marketing specialist (sales promotion specialist)
Employer requirements
- Holds a business registration certificate or unique identification number certificate.
- Review items: fit between the company’s industry and the job; sales size and recent performance; Korean employment and need for a foreign worker; whether the company has a research lab, registered patents or national R&D projects.
Employment recommendation
- Excluding health industry and medical fields: Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA).
- Health industry and medical fields: Minister of Health and Welfare (Health Industry Overseas Expansion Division).
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Certificate of employment (as proof of experience)
- Relevant certifications, only for occupations that require them
29. Production Manager (E-7-1)
Overview
- Plans, directs and coordinates businesses and departments handling production management and product repair for food, textiles and clothing, chemicals, metals, machinery and electrical/electronic products, overseeing production processes, planning and quality. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
Example positions
| Industry | Positions |
|---|---|
| Food | Plant manager; production process manager; production planning manager |
| Textiles and clothing | Plant manager; production process manager; production planning manager |
| Chemical products | Plant manager; production process manager; production planning manager |
| Metal products | Plant manager; production process manager; production planning manager |
| Machinery products | Plant manager; production process manager; production planning manager |
| Electrical products | Plant manager; production process manager; production planning manager |
Employment recommendation
- Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency).
- Food sector: Minister of Health and Welfare (Health Industry Policy Division).
- Reshoring companies: Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); the reshoring company special rule applies.
Key points
- Overseas degree holders must meet the related-experience requirement.
30. Professional Services Manager (E-7-1)
Overview
- Plans, organizes, directs and manages businesses providing professional services such as market and opinion research and overseas executive headhunting. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
Duties
- Planning market and opinion research operations
- Managing overseas executive headhunting services
- Building the organization and managing staff
- Managing service quality and operating processes
Example positions
- Market and opinion research manager; overseas executive headhunting service manager; professional services operations manager
Key points
- Immigration increasingly asks, “Why must this be a manager occupation?” Without clear, objective grounds, choosing it can backfire; if the role is really a specialist position, reconsider.
- Checklist: enough experience to be a manager; a key person not easily replaced; a role focused on managing and coordinating; an actual organization including Korean staff; a clear link between major and duties; provable need for a foreign worker; an objective, unexaggerated job description.
31. Sales Manager (E-7-1)
Overview
- Plans and directs wholesale/retail businesses and sales departments; technical sales managers lead technical sales departments in electronics and telecom, computing, industrial machinery and automotive fields; also covers those running trading and trade brokerage companies. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
Duties
- Planning and directing wholesale/retail and sales department operations
- Planning and managing technical sales department activities
- Planning and coordinating trading and trade brokerage operations
Example positions
- Sales manager; retail sales manager; trade manager
Not eligible: branch office heads and similar.
Employment recommendation
- IT field: Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA).
32. Teacher at Foreign, International and Gifted Schools (E-7-1)
Overview
- For teachers in regular curricula at foreign schools, international schools, foreign educational institutions and similar, not conversation instructors.
- Hagwons and language institutes use the E-2 visa instead. The E-7 has stricter standards: education, certificates, experience and employer are all reviewed.
Duties
- Running regular curricula and educating students
Example positions
- Teachers at foreign schools and foreign kindergartens
- Alternative school teachers
- Teachers at foreign educational institutions
- Teachers at international high schools and international schools
- Gifted school teachers
- Instructors, assistant teachers, assistant dorm supervisors and administrative staff
Worker requirements
| School type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Foreign schools, foreign educational institutions | Bachelor’s degree or higher + 2 or more years of related experience, or a teaching license from the relevant country |
| International middle, foreign language high, international high, autonomous private high schools, etc. | Teachers: Korean teaching certification, or teaching certification + 3 or more years of teaching experience. Instructors: bachelor’s degree or higher |
| Gifted schools | Doctorate, or master’s degree + 3 or more years of experience |
| Jeju international schools and Free International City schools | Assistant teachers, instructors, assistant dorm supervisors, administrative staff: bachelor’s degree or higher |
- Also accepted: parents of current international school students, family members of staff and graduates of the overseas home campus, if they have 2 or more years of experience in the field or a TESOL or similar English teaching qualification.
Employment recommendation
- Jeju international schools: Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
- International middle schools, foreign language high schools, international high schools, autonomous private high schools, etc.: the relevant superintendent of education.
Jeju international school special rules
| Eligible persons | Condition |
|---|---|
| Parents of current students; family members of school staff; graduates of the overseas home campus aged 18 or older | 2 or more years of experience in the field, or a certificate such as TESOL |
- These assistant teachers, instructors and administrative staff can work with a permit for activities outside their status of stay.
- Visa-free entrants and Working Holiday (H-1) holders from English-speaking countries can work by changing status; restrictions apply to some countries (UK, Ireland) under bilateral agreements.
33. Technical Instructor at a Vocational School (E-7-1)
Overview
- Teaches technical skills (design, hairdressing and beauty, software, cooking, etc.) at technical and vocational training schools in service-sector foreign investment zones; vocational training, not general lecturing.
Duties
- Practical technical training at vocational schools
- Teaching specialist fields such as design, hairdressing and beauty, software and cooking
Example positions
- Design instructor; hairdressing and beauty instructor; software instructor; cooking instructor
Worker requirements (meet at least one)
- Related master’s or bachelor’s degree + 3 or more years of experience in the field
- 2 or more years of related training at an overseas technical school + 5 or more years of experience
- 1 or more year of related training at an overseas technical school + 7 or more years of experience
Employer requirements
- Only schools in areas designated as service-sector foreign investment zones by a provincial governor or metropolitan mayor under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act; check the local government’s announcement.
34. Technical Sales Representative (E-7-1)
Overview
- Sells machinery and equipment using expert technical knowledge of industrial equipment, IT and telecom equipment and parts, and explains, installs and supports maintenance. Simple sales, retail or information-desk work does not qualify.
Duties
- Technology-based sales of industrial equipment and products
- Product explanations and technical consultations
- Technical guidance on use and maintenance
- Technical support for installation and operation
Example positions (product fields)
Pharmaceuticals; network and computer hardware; multimedia systems; computer software; telecom devices; computing equipment; semiconductor equipment; web development; measuring instruments; mobile solutions; telecom parts; data recovery; electronic parts; security solutions; PCBs; internet solutions; CCTV systems; ERP programs; GPS; IT solutions; ITS; KMS; switchboards; ultrasound devices; network equipment; MRI; imaging equipment; ventilators; mobile phone parts; ECG devices; SMPS; medical equipment; agricultural tractors; imported medical equipment; engines; pumps; auto parts; machine tools; automation equipment; motors; hydraulic machinery; machine parts; environmental equipment; automation devices; cutting tools; food packaging machinery; shipbuilding equipment; plant equipment; mold machinery; steel; industrial boilers; industrial pumps; construction equipment; and more.
Employer requirements
- The usual Korean-headcount review does not apply: even a workplace with fewer than 5 employees can hire if the need is shown in the statement of reasons for employment.
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency), SMEs only.
35. Technology Management Specialist (E-7-1)
Overview
- Combines engineering and management knowledge to manage technology and drive innovation efficiently.
Duties
- Setting and running technology management strategy
- Planning technological innovation and R&D direction
- Building and managing technology infrastructure
- Technology commercialization and technology management consulting
Example positions
- R&D strategy specialist; technology infrastructure specialist; product and production technology specialist; technology commercialization specialist; IT consulting specialist
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA).
Key points
- The job must combine technology and management and play a key role in technology management or innovation; simple production management or office work may not qualify.
- The company’s technology level is part of the review.
36. Tour Interpreter Guide
Overview
- Uses a foreign language to explain tourist sites to foreigners traveling in Korea and provides travel guidance and assistance, helping visitors understand Korean culture.
Duties
- Tour guiding
- Interpretation support
Worker requirements (meet one)
- Master’s degree or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in Korean studies from a foreign university + 1 or more year of related experience
- Graduate (or expected graduate) of a tourism or history department at a Korean university
- Graduate of a Korean junior college or higher + Korean tour interpreter guide license
- Overseas junior college degrees are not recognized.
Employer requirements
- Tourism business registration (general travel business only, serving domestic and overseas travelers).
- Average of 2,000 or more foreign tourists attracted over the last 2 years. If this falls short, exceptions: a record of attracting overseas charter flights; a local government plaque for attracting foreign tourists; a Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism excellent travel agency; or products designated excellent by the Korea Association of Travel Agents.
- Companies that violated the Tourism Promotion Act in the last 2 years cannot get a recommendation.
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division); required.
Hiring limits
- Up to 2 per employer if the 2,000-tourist standard is met, plus 1 more for every additional 2,000 tourists.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Copy of the tourism business registration certificate
- Proof of foreign tourists attracted
Visa and stay
- Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years.
- Under reciprocity, nationals of countries that restrict Koreans from working as guides may be restricted.
37. Translator and Interpreter (E-7-1)
Overview
- Accurately renders one language in another and conveys conversations between speakers of different languages, combining subject-matter knowledge with language ability.
Duties
- Translation
- Interpretation
- Multilingual communication support
Worker requirements
- Master’s degree or higher, or a bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of related experience.
- Fluent in Korean or a foreign language other than their native language.
- Proof of language ability: an official certificate (for Korean, TOPIK Level 6 or KIIP Stage 5 or higher), study-abroad history, or experience in a related field.
Employer requirements
- No industry restriction, but the job’s professional nature and need for a foreigner must be proven.
Visa and stay
- Usually a single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years, renewable through extension review.
- D-2 and D-4 students can change to E-7 around graduation, or switch to D-10 first; converting after an internship is also used.
- Existing Specific Activities holders can change workplaces with a transfer consent letter.
Key points
- Language ability alone is not enough: expertise, experience, education and language ability are judged together.
38. Transport Manager (E-7-1)
Overview
- Plans, directs and coordinates international passenger and cargo transport companies and other transport businesses; not driving or field work. A manager occupation (see E-7 at a glance).
Duties
- Planning international passenger and cargo transport operations
- Managing the transport department and directing operations
- Coordinating and managing transport processes
Example positions
- Shipping company manager; shipping department manager; airline manager; air transport department manager
- Ship management specialist at a ship management or shipping company
Worker requirements (ship management specialists)
- Sea service as captain, chief engineer, first officer or first engineer: 1 or more year of ship management experience.
- Sea service as second or third officer or engineer: 5 or more years of ship management experience.
Employer requirements (ship management companies)
- Registered with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
- Average of 10 or more ships managed per year over the last 3 years.
- Foreign currency income of USD 1 million or more per year, or annual sales of KRW 1 billion or more (both excluding crew wages).
Employment recommendation
- Ship management specialists only: Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (Seafarers Policy Division).
Hiring limits
- 1 worker for each time the basic standards are met (10 ships, USD 1 million, KRW 1 billion), up to 5 per company.
39. Transport Service Worker and Air Transport Clerk (E-7-2)
Overview
- Transport service worker: ensures passengers’ safety, comfort and convenience on ships and other transport.
- Air transport clerk: takes reservations, issues tickets, checks validity, looks up bookings and assigns seats at air transport companies.
Duties
- Passenger safety and protection; passenger services; customer service aboard ships and other transport
- Reservations and ticketing; ticket validity checks; booking lookups by name, route and flight number; seat assignment
Example positions
- International passenger ship crew (e.g., Mount Kumgang tour ships); international airline cabin crew; ship crew of Korean transport companies
- Air transport clerk
Not eligible: ship waiters.
Worker requirements
- Transport service worker: master’s degree or higher; bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of experience; or 3 or more years of experience.
- Air transport clerk: master’s degree or higher, or bachelor’s degree + 1 or more year of experience.
Visa and stay
- Single-entry visa of up to 2 years (1 year or less at the mission’s discretion).
| Status of foreign crew on Korean ships operating domestically | Who it covers |
|---|---|
| Professional Employment (E-5) | Regular passenger ship, Mount Kumgang tour ship and airline crew who serve passengers directly as professional service workers |
| Specific Activities (E-7) | Regular passenger ship, Mount Kumgang tour ship and airline crew who serve passengers directly as professional service workers |
| Seafarer Employment (E-10) | Cargo handling, loading/unloading, kitchen assistants, cleaners, deck crew and fishing crew |
40. Travel Product Developer (E-7-1)
Overview
- Coordinates with domestic and overseas travel agencies, plans and develops travel products and organizes group tours, and advises on transport, cost and convenience.
Duties
- Planning and developing travel products
- Drawing up and running itineraries
- Gathering information on transport, costs and more, and giving advice
Worker requirements
- Standard requirements apply, except that qualifying on experience alone without a degree is restricted (even with 5 or more years).
Employer requirements
- Registered as a general travel business with the local government, serving domestic and overseas travelers.
- Average of 2,000 or more foreign tourists attracted over the last 2 years, or the same exceptions as for Tour Interpreter Guide (section 36).
Employment recommendation
- Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division); required.
Hiring limits
- Up to 2; 1 more (maximum 3) if the company attracted an average of 5,000 or more tourists over the last 2 years, or the worker graduated from a Korean studies department at home or from a Korean university.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- Tourism business registration certificate (general travel business)
- Proof of foreign tourists attracted
Key points
- Tour interpreter guides (occupation code 43213) cannot be brought in under this occupation.
- Immigration may request more documents or inspect the workplace even when documents are complete.
41. University Lecturer (E-7-1)
Overview
- Lectures university students, runs seminars and experiments, and sets and grades exams in major subjects.
- Foreigners can also teach on the E-1 (professor) visa; choose based on qualifications and the job.
Duties
- Lecturing, seminars and experiments
- Setting and grading exams in major subjects
Worker requirements
- Hired by a junior college or higher under Article 14(2) or Article 14-2 of the Higher Education Act.
- Master’s degree or higher, in a major directly related to the subjects taught.
- Even with a contract of 1 year or more, the visa is restricted in principle if the field is unrelated to the subjects; exceptions are possible with a double major, related certifications or proof of experience.
Employer requirements (wage)
- The hourly rate, considering teaching hours, must be at or above the average lecture fee in the Ministry of Education’s “Higher Education Information Disclosure” data, published each June (the prior year’s figure applies until then).
- The contract must state the hourly wage, monthly salary, total pay and teaching hours.
Documents (in addition to the standard set)
- School: documents on the school’s establishment; business registration or unique identification number certificate; employment recommendation; letter of guarantee.
- Worker: passport valid for 6 or more months; confirmation of planned appointment.
Key points
- Ability to actually teach and fit of the major are the core review factors; many applications are refused when the major and subjects do not match.
The E-7 Visa Checklist: From Eligibility to Approval and Beyond
The E-7 is one of Korea’s most document-heavy work visas, and the requirements vary by occupation. A good employer alone won’t get you approved, and neither will strong academic credentials. Every requirement has to be met at once.
What Is the E-7 Visa?
The E-7 (“Special Occupation”) visa is a status under Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act. It is for foreign professionals working in occupations designated by the Minister of Justice. It covers skilled and professional work, not simple labor.
There is no single E-7 standard. Occupations are grouped into categories (professional/managerial, semi-professional, general skilled, and so on), and each sets its own education and experience requirements. The first step is to identify exactly which designated occupation your job falls under. Everything else follows from that.
To qualify, you generally need to satisfy four sets of criteria:
- Occupation: the job matches a designated occupation
- Qualifications: you meet that occupation’s education or experience threshold
- Salary: pay meets the applicable minimum
- Employer: the company meets its own eligibility requirements
Detailed criteria are revised often. Check HiKorea or your local immigration office for the current rules before you apply.
Three Things to Check Before Gathering Documents
Work through these in order. Skipping ahead often means collecting everything only to find you don’t qualify.
- Occupation. Your actual duties matter, not your job title. Examiners look at what you do day to day, as described in the job description.
- Qualifications. Make sure you can document the degree or work experience your occupation requires.
- Employer. The sponsoring company is reviewed too. Immigration checks its business registration, tax compliance, social insurance enrollment, and the ratio of foreign to Korean employees. Newly established companies, or those with few insured employees, may need to show more proof that the business is genuine.
Many applicants focus only on their own eligibility and overlook the employer’s requirements.
Required Documents
Documents fall into three groups. The lists below are typical. Your exact requirements depend on your occupation and application type, so confirm the final list with HiKorea or your immigration office.
From the applicant
- Integrated application form
- Passport copy and ID photo
- Degree certificate
- Employment/experience certificates
- Résumé
- Criminal record documents (if applicable)
From the employer
- Business registration certificate
- Corporate registry extract (or equivalent)
- Social insurance enrollment list
- Tax payment certificates
About the job
- Standard employment contract
- Job description or statement of reasons for hiring
- Materials describing the business (if needed)
Many documents are only valid for a limited time after issuance. If you obtain your degree certificate too early, it may be out of date by the time you file. Plan backward from your filing date.
Applying from Abroad vs. Changing Status in Korea
Your route depends on where you are now.
| Applying from abroad | Changing status within Korea | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Foreign nationals living overseas | Foreign nationals already in Korea (e.g., D-2, D-10) |
| Who files | Employer or agent files with immigration | Applicant files at local immigration office (agent may assist) |
| Process | Visa Issuance Confirmation → visa at Korean embassy/consulate → entry → alien registration | Status change approval → updated residence card |
| Watch out for | Apostille/consular legalization and translation of foreign documents | Timing relative to your current status’s expiry date |
Changing status in Korea may look simpler, but first confirm that a direct change from your current status to E-7 is permitted. Some statuses have restrictions.
The Application Process
From abroad: The employer prepares the documents and applies for a Visa Issuance Confirmation. Once it’s issued, you use the confirmation number to apply for the visa at a Korean embassy or consulate, then enter Korea. You must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry. Late registration can lead to penalties, so book an appointment as soon as you arrive.
Within Korea: Book an appointment, file the application, wait for review, then collect your updated residence card once approved.
Processing times vary by case and season, so no fixed timeline can be guaranteed. If your current status is close to expiring, leave yourself at least several weeks of buffer.
Salary and the Employment Contract
Salary thresholds are set by occupation and are usually tied to the previous year’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. Exact percentages and amounts can change each year, so check the current figures on HiKorea.
Examiners look beyond the salary figure. They also check:
- How meals or housing benefits are reflected in the monthly pay
- Whether working hours and duties match the occupation you applied under
- Whether the contract and the job description are consistent
Tip: Put your employment contract, job description, and résumé side by side. Check that the job title, duties, and salary match across all three. Inconsistencies between documents are the most common reason for supplementation requests.
Apostilles and Translations for Foreign Documents
Degree and employment certificates issued abroad usually can’t be submitted as is:
- Hague Apostille Convention countries: apostille required
- Non-member countries: consular legalization required
Confirm your country’s status and requirements when you apply.
Documents not in Korean must be translated. Make sure names, dates of birth, and dates match exactly between the original and the translation. If the English name on your passport differs from the name on your degree, you may be asked to prove they refer to the same person.
Employment certificates should list your dates of employment, position, and duties. A certificate that only confirms you worked there is weak evidence. Ask the issuer to include these details in advance.
Common Mistakes and Reasons for Rejection
The same mistakes come up again and again:
- Mismatch between the stated occupation and the actual job. This is the most common one. The title sounds professional, but the description reads like basic assistant work.
- No explanation of how your degree relates to the job
- Salary below the threshold, or a contract that doesn’t match pay records
- Employer’s social insurance or tax status not checked
- Missing apostille, legalization, or translation, or expired documents
- Filing so close to your status expiry that there’s no time to respond to requests for more documents
Example: Suppose a foreign graduate of a Korean university, currently on a job-seeking visa, applies to change to E-7 for a role outside their field of study. They would need to explain in writing how their coursework connects to the job, any relevant practical experience, and why the company needs to hire them specifically.
If you receive a supplementation request, read exactly what’s being asked and respond within the deadline. If you’re denied, find out why, address the gap, and consider whether reapplying is possible. Challenging a denial itself generally calls for professional legal help.
After Approval: Registration and Workplace Rules
Approval isn’t the end of the process.
- Complete alien registration within 90 days of entry and collect your residence card.
- Report any change of address. The deadline is generally within 15 days of moving, but confirm the current rule.
Your workplace matters most. The E-7 is tied to a specific employer. To change jobs or add a workplace, you must get prior permission for the change or addition under the Immigration Act. You cannot start at the new job and report it afterward. If you’re planning a move, check the new employer’s eligibility and the required documents before you resign. Contract terminations and resignations also carry reporting obligations, so don’t overlook them.
Q&A
Who prepares the documents, me or the company?
Both. You usually prepare personal documents (degree, employment history, passport), and the company prepares its own (business registration, insurance list, contract). Before filing, put everything together and check that it is consistent.
Does a supplementation request mean I’ve been denied?
No. It means the examiner needs more information to complete the review. Respond fully and on time.
Do I need new permission if I change jobs?
Yes. Changing or adding a workplace requires prior permission, and the new employer and role will be reviewed again. Check before you leave your current job.
Thank you for reading.
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