Get your visa sorted in 5 steps
Don't overthink it. Here's exactly what to do.
Need the full details? Read our comprehensive Visa & Immigration Guide.
Figure out which visa you need
Teaching English? E-2. Working at a company? E-7. Remote worker? F-1-D digital nomad. Starting a business? D-8-4S. Most Western nationals get 90 days visa-free for tourism, but you need a proper visa to work or stay long-term.
Tip: If you are not sure, start with our visa eligibility section in the full guide. It covers all 10+ visa types.
Get your documents ready
Every visa needs: valid passport (6+ months remaining), application form, passport photos. E-2 also needs: bachelor's degree, criminal background check (apostilled), and an employer offer letter. E-7 needs: degree + job offer from Korean company.
Tip: Apostilling your background check can take 4-6 weeks. Start this before anything else.
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Apply at your local Korean embassy
Book an appointment at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Bring all documents. Processing takes 5-10 business days for most visa types. Some embassies accept mail-in applications.
Arrive and get your ARC
Once in Korea, apply for your Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days. Book an appointment at hikorea.go.kr, visit your local immigration office with passport, visa, photos, and 30,000 KRW fee. ARC arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks.
Tip: Your ARC is your Korean ID. You need it for banking, phone contracts, housing, and healthcare. This is the most important thing to get done first.
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Know your visa rules
Your visa is tied to your employer (E-2/E-7). If you quit, you have 14 days to report to immigration and switch to a D-10 job seeker visa. Do not overstay. Do not work outside your visa category. Both can result in fines and deportation.
Want the full guide?
This was a quick start. The complete guide has everything.
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