South Korea offers 19 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Business Investor Scheme (IISPB) | N/A | €74,074 | 120-210d | 7/10 | Yes |
| D-10 Job Seeker Visa | N/A | €5,103 | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| D-7 Intra-Company Transferee Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| D-8 Corporate Investment Visa | N/A | €74,074 | 60-180d | 7/10 | Yes |
| Digital Nomad Workation Visa | €57,000/mo | N/A | 60-180d | 4/10 | Yes |
| E-1 Professor Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| E-3 Research Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| E-5 Professional Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| F-2-7 Point-Based Resident Visa | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-180d | 4/10 | Yes |
| K-STAR Visa (Science & Technology Talent) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Real Estate Investment Visa (Jeju) | N/A | €74,074 | 120-210d | 8/10 | Yes |
| E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) | N/A | N/A | 60-120d | 4.5/10 | Yes |
| H-1 Working Holiday Visa | N/A | €2,222 | 30-60d | 3.5/10 | No |
| F-5 Permanent Residence Visa | €37,004/mo | N/A | 90-180d | 6.5/10 | Yes |
| D-8-4 Startup Visa | N/A | €74,074 | 90-180d | 6.5/10 | Yes |
| E-6 Arts/Entertainment Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-120d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does South Korea offer?
South Korea offers 19 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for South Korea?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in South Korea?
The path to permanent residency in South Korea typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to South Korea?
Most long-term visa categories in South Korea allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to South Korea?
Not all pathways require a job offer. South Korea may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: South Korea Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries