Visa Requirements for South Korea 2026 — All Visa Types
Not legal advice. This content is for educational and decision-support purposes only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant official authority before making decisions.
Beyond tourist visas: every pathway to live and work in South Korea
19
Visa Types
1mo
Fastest Processing
€74,074
Lowest Investment
All Visa Types for South Korea
| Visa Programme | Who It's For | Key Requirement | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Workation Visa | Remote workers | €5,167/mo income | 1mo |
| F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa | Family members | Employment offer | 1mo |
| D-8 Corporate Investment Visa | Various applicants | €90,000 investment | 1mo |
| Real Estate Investment Visa (Jeju) | Various applicants | €720,000 investment | 6mo |
| D-10 Job Seeker Visa | Various applicants | Bachelors degree | 6mo |
| K-STAR Visa (Science & Technology Talent) | Various applicants | Masters degree | 6mo |
| D-7 Intra-Company Transferee Visa | Corporate transferees | Bachelors degree | 1mo |
| E-7 Foreign National of Special Ability Visa | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 1mo |
| E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 1mo |
| E-5 Professional Visa | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 1mo |
| F-2-7 Point-Based Resident Visa | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 6mo |
| E-3 Research Visa | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 1mo |
| E-1 Professor Visa | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 1mo |
| Public Business Investor Scheme (IISPB) | Various applicants | €74,074 investment | 4mo |
| E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) | Employed professionals | High School degree | 2mo |
| H-1 Working Holiday Visa | Young travelers (18-30) | €2,222/yr salary | 1mo |
| F-5 Permanent Residence Visa | Various applicants | €37,004/mo income | 3mo |
| D-8-4 Startup Visa | Business founders | €6,173/mo income | 3mo |
| E-6 Arts/Entertainment Visa | Employed professionals | Employment offer | 2mo |
Why whereTOemigrate? Most visa sites show tourist visa requirements. We cover the visas that let you stay — work permits, investor visas, digital nomad visas, family reunion, and retirement pathways. Our database covers 19 verified programmes for South Korea alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa types does South Korea offer for immigration?
South Korea offers 19 distinct visa programmes for long-term immigration, including work visas, investment pathways, and family reunion options. This goes far beyond the standard tourist visa that most websites cover. Each programme has different eligibility criteria, processing times, and requirements.
Does South Korea have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, South Korea offers a digital nomad or remote worker visa programme. This allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to live in South Korea while working remotely. Requirements typically include proof of remote employment or freelance income, health insurance, and a minimum monthly income threshold.
How long does it take to get permanent residency or citizenship in South Korea?
The fastest pathway to citizenship in South Korea takes approximately 3 years. Permanent residency can often be obtained sooner. The timeline depends on your visa type, continuous residence, language proficiency, and integration requirements. Some investment programmes may offer accelerated pathways.
Which South Korea visas do you qualify for?
Take our free assessment — we'll match your profile against all 19 programmes.
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