Employment System for Foreigners
Foreigners must check employment qualification information to work in Korea.
To Work in Korea as a Foreigner
Employment qualifications are crucial for foreigners seeking jobs in Korea.
Find information about employment qualifications, changing job-seeking qualifications, and the employment procedures for foreign workers.
Changing to Employment Qualification
If You are a Graduate (or Expected to Graduate) If the qualifications for employment status such as Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7) are met, you can apply for a change of stay
status to employment status.
For junior college graduates (or those expected to graduate), the connection between employment field and major is broadly recognized. For university graduates (or those with a bachelor’s
degree or higher), there is no required connection between employment field and major
Eligibility for Application
Qualification Requirements (All of the following 1, 2, and 3 must be met)
- 1. Individuals legally residing in Korea with Job-Seeking (D-10) status or Study (D-2) status
- 2. The field of intended employment must correspond to the stay qualifications of Professor (E-1), Conversational Guidance (E-2), Research (E-3), Technical Guidance (E-4), Professional Employment (E-5), Artistic Performance (E-6)**, or Specific Activities (E-7), and the relevant qualification requirements must be met
-
3.
③ An employment contract must be signed with the representative of the organization or entity where employment is intended
※ Holders of Study Abroad (D-2) status must be prospective graduates meeting the requirements to change to Job-Seeking (D-10) status
(However, if the individual has already obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university in their home country or a third country and meets the required career qualifications, the change is allowed even during enrollment)
※ Performing activities in entertainment establishments (E-6-2) are excluded; only pure arts or sports fields are permitted.
Review Criteria and Required Documents
-
Professor(E-1)
Conversational Guidance(E-2)
Research(E-3)
Technical Guidance(E-4)
Professional Employment(E-5) -
Change is allowed if the required educational background, work experience, and certifications for the status are met
※ Required Documents- 1. Application form (Annex 34), passport, alien registration card, fee
-
2.
Employment contract, employer-related documents such as business registration certificate,
certified copy of corporate registration, or academy establishment license (1-2 items only) - 3. Career certificate (for E-1, etc.), criminal record certificate (for E-2), medical examination certificate (for E-2), copy of qualification certificate (for E-5, E-7), employment recommendation letter, or documents proving the necessity of employment (for E-5, E-7), etc.
- Artistic Performances(E-6)
-
Change is allowed for those holding an associate degree or higher if the field of employment is related to their major However, those intending to engage in performances or entertainment activities at hotel businesses, entertainment establishments, and similar venues as defined by the Tourism Promotion Act (visa type E-6-2) will not be permitted.
※ Required Documents- 1. Application form (Annex 34), passport, alien registration card, fee
- 2. Employment contract, employer-related documents such as business registration certificate, certified copy of corporate registration, or academy establishment license (1-2 items only)
- Specific activities (E-7)
-
Holders of an associate degree from a Korean university are allowed changes without career requirements if the field of employment is related to their major.
※ Required Documents
Holders of a bachelor’s degree or higher level from a Korean university are allowed changes without career requirements if the field of employment is related to their major.
Considering substitutability with local nationals and their employment, additional hiring is restricted for domestic-focused businesses employing fewer than five nationals or where E-7 visa holders exceed 20% of the total national workforce.
* However, advanced industrial sectors may hire up to 50% upon recommendation from the relevant government authority
To prevent the misuse of low-wage labor, changes in visa status are generally restricted if the employment contract offers less than 60% of the average wage of nationals with similar roles and experience, or if the monthly wage is below 1.5 million KRW.
Further details are subject to the issuance of a Certificate of Visa Issuance and residency management guidelines for specific activities (E-7).- 1. Application form (Annex 34), passport, alien registration card, fee
- 2. Employment contract
- 3. Employer-related documents such as business registration certificate, certified copy of corporate registration, or academy establishment license (1-2 items only)
- 4. Career certificate
- 5. Copy of qualification certificate
- 6. Employment recommendation letter or documents proving the necessity of employment
Specific activities (E-7)
- Occupation
-
Managers (15 occupations)
- Economic Interest Group Senior Executive(S110)
- Corporate Senior Executive(1120)
- Business Support Manager(1202)
- Education Manager(1312)
- Insurance and Finance Manager(1320)
- Culture, Arts, Design, and Visual Media Manager(1340)
- Information and Communication Manager(1350)
- Other Professional Service Manager(1390)
- Construction and Mining Manager(1411)
- Product Manufacturing Manager(1413)
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Manager(14901)
- Sales and Marketing Manager(1511)
- Transportation Manager(1512)
- Accommodation, Travel, Entertainment, and Sports Manager(1521)
- Food Service Manager(1522)
Professionals and Related Workers (52 occupations)
- Life Science Specialist(2111)
- Natural Science Specialist(2112)
- Physics Specialist(21121)
- Chemistry Specialist(21122)
- Astronomy and Meteorology Specialist(21123)
- Social Science Researcher(2122)
- Computer Hardware Engineer(2211)
- Telecommunications Engineer(2212)
- Computer System Designer and Analyst(2221)
- System Software Developer(2222)
- Application Software Developer(2223)
- Database Developer(2224)
- Network System Developer(2225)
- Computer Security Specialist(2226)
- Web and Multimedia Planner(2227)
- Web Developer(2228)
- Architect and Architectural Engineer(2311)
- Civil Engineering Specialist(2312)
- Landscape Technician(2313)
- Urban and Transport Designer(2314)
- Chemical Engineering Technician(2321)
- Metal and Material Engineering Technician(2331)
- Environmental Engineering Technician(2341)
- Electrical Engineering Technician(2351)
- Electronics Engineering Technician(2352)
- Mechanical Engineering Technician(2353)
- Plant Engineering Technician(23532)
- Automotive, Shipbuilding, Aviation, and Railroad Engineering Specialist(S2353)
- Textile Engineering Technician(2392)
- Gas and Energy Engineering Technician(2393)
- CAD Specialist(2396)
- Nurse(2430)
- University Lecturer(2512)
- Other Education-Related Experts(25919)
- Teachers at Foreign Schools, Foreign Educational Institutions, International Schools, and Gifted Schools(2599)
- Legal Professional(261)
- Government and Public Administration Expert(2620)
- Special Institution Administrator(S2620)
- Management and Diagnostic Expert(2715)
- Finance and Insurance Expert(272)
- Product Planning Expert(2731)
- Travel Product Developer(2732)
- Advertising and Public Relations Expert(2733)
- Research Specialist(2734)
- Event Planner(2735)
- Overseas Sales Representative(2742)
- Technical Sales Representative(2743)
- Technology Management Expert(S2743)
- Translator/Interpreter(2812)
- Announcer(28331)
- Designer(285)
- Video-Related Designer(S2855)
-
Semi-Professional Workforce
(8 Occupations) -
Clerical Workers (4 Occupations)
- Duty-Free Shop or Sales Clerk in Jeju English Education City(31215)
- Airline Transportation Clerk(31264)
- Hotel Receptionist(3922)
- Medical Coordinator(S3922)
Service Workers (4 Occupations)
- Transportation Service Worker(431)
- Tourism Interpreter Guide(43213)
- Casino Dealer(43291)
- Chef and Cook(441)
-
Skilled Workforce
(8 Occupations) -
Agriculture, Forestry, and Livestock Skilled Workers (3 Occupations)
- Skilled Farmer and Livestock Worker(610)
- Animal Keeper(61395)
- Sea Cucumber Farming Technician(63019)
Skilled Workers in Manufacturing and Related Fields (5 Occupations)
- Instrument Maker and Tuner(7303)
- Skilled Workers in Root Industry Companies(740)
- Skilled Workers in General Manufacturing and Construction(700)
- Shipbuilding Welder(7430)
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer(7521)
Change of Status to Job-Seeking or Start-up (D-10)
Individuals who wish to engage in job-seeking activities at domestic companies or organizations, participate in short-term internship programs with training allowances before official employment, participate in the OASIS (Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System), prepare for patent or intellectual property applications, or carry out other preparatory activities related to starting a business may apply for a change of status to Job-Seeking (D-10).
Eligibility for Application
Eligible Applicants
- 1. International students who have obtained (or are expected to obtain) an Associate Degree from a domestic junior college.
- 2. International students who have obtained (or are expected to obtain) a Bachelor's Degree or higher from a domestic university or have completed (or are expected to complete) a research program at an academic or research institution.
- 3. Individuals with a Bachelor's Degree or higher (including those expected to receive the degree) from domestic or foreign institutions who wish to prepare for start-up activities based on intellectual property or equivalent technological skills.
Ineligible Applicants
Individuals who have voluntarily resigned during an employment contract period within the past year without any fault on the part of the employer and have previously been granted the D-10
status.
This restriction is in place to protect good-faith employers who are not at fault and to prevent the misuse of the job-seeking status, maintaining order in the immigration system.
Required Documents
- For Job-Seekers
-
Holders of D-2 (Study) Status
- 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, and fee payment
-
2.
Proof of Educational Background or Academic Transcript*
*Submission is exempt if the information can be verified through the immigration information system. - 3. Job-seeking Activity Plan
- 4. Copy of National Technical Qualification Certificate (if applicable)
- For Start-up Preparatory Activities
-
Holders of D-2 (Study) Status
- 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, and fee payment
- 2. Proof of Educational Background (Bachelor's Degree or higher)
- 3. Start-up Activity Plan
- 4. Copy of Patent Certificate, Utility Model Registration Certificate, Design Registration Certificate, or Application and Receipt for Patent, etc. (if applicable)
- 5. Certificate of Completion or Participation Confirmation for OASIS Program (if applicable)
- Application Procedure
-
Applicants must apply at the local immigration office in charge of their residence as soon as their status changes (including anticipated changes).
Change of Residency Status through Point System (F-2-7)
If an individual has obtained (or is expected to obtain) a master's degree or higher from a Korean university and has secured employment at a Korean company, they may apply for a change to residency status based on a point system, provided their age, education, income, etc., meet certain criteria.
Eligibility for Application
- 1. Only those who have obtained (or are expected to obtain) a master's degree or higher from a Korean university and have secured employment at a Korean company under D-2 or D-10 status are eligible.
-
2.
The applicant must have legally resided under the applicable status for at least one year.
* However, if the applicant has changed their status from D-2 or D-10 to another eligible status (e.g., E-1~E-7) that allows application, the residency period requirement is deemed fulfilled.
Qualification Standards
The total score obtained from evaluation items in the points table must meet or exceed the minimum required score.
Evaluation Item Scores (Total: 120 points) and Minimum Required (Score: 80 points)
Age
- 18-24 years
- 20
- 25-29 years
- 23
- 30-34 years
- 25
- 35-39 years
- 23
- 40-44 years
- 20
- 45-50 years
- 18
- 51+ years
- 15
Criteria : Based on the date of birth listed on the passport (as of the evaluation date).
Educational Background
- Doctorate
-
Science/Technology Fields
35Humanities
33
- Master's Degree
-
Science/Technology Fields
32Humanities
30
- Bachelor's Degree
-
Science/Technology Fields
28Humanities
26
- Associate Degree
-
Science/Technology Fields
25Humanities
23
- High School Diploma
-
15
Korean Language Proficiency Level
-
High Proficiency
Advanced Communication Skills
-
Level 6
20Level 5
18
-
Intermediate
Familiar Communication on General Topics
-
Level 4
16Level 3
14
-
Beginner
Basic Communication Skills
-
Level 2
12Level 1
10
Criteria : The level on the Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK) score certificate issued by the Director of the National Institute for International Education or the completion level (1-4 levels) of the Korean language course on the Social Integration Program certificate.
Annual Income
- 100 million KRW or more
- 10
- 90-100 million KRW
- 9
- 80-90 million KRW
- 8
- 70-80 million KRW
- 7
- 60-70 million KRW
- 6
- 50-60 million KRW
- 5
- 40-50 million KRW
- 4
- 30-40 million KRW
- 3
- 20-30 million KRW
- 2
- Less than 20 million KRW
- 1
Criteria : Income Verification: Nominal total income for the past year is based on the copy of the earned income withholding tax certificate submitted by the workplace (original verified by the organization).
Bonus Points Items
Annual Income Tax Payment Record
- 5 million KRW or more
- 5
- 4-5 million KRW
- 4
- 3-4 million KRW
- 3
- 2-3 million KRW
- 2
- 1-2 million KRW
- 1
Korean Study Experience
- Doctorate
- 5
- Master's Degree
- 4
- Bachelor's Degree
- 3
- Associate Degree
- 2
- Korean Language Training
- 1
Domestic Community Service Activities
- 3 years or more
- 5
- 2-3 years
- 3
- 1-2 years
- 1
Overseas Employment Experience in Professional Fields
- 3 years or more
- 5
- 2-3 years
- 3
- 1-2 years
- 1
Completion of the Social Integration Program : A certificate of completion issued by the head of the jurisdictional immigration office under the ‘Regulations on the Social Integration Program for Immigrants and Its Operation’
(See details at www.socinet.go.kr).
- Annual Income Tax Payment Record : Certificate of income tax payment for the previous year issued by the National Tax Service.
- Study Experience in Korea: Degree certificate or completion certificate (for Korean language studies only), immigration information system, and student information system.
- Community Service Activities in Korea: Community service certificate issued by relevant public institutions or social organizations (recognized if a total of 50 hours of service over six or more instances per year is completed within the last three years).
- Overseas Employment Experience in Professional Fields : Experience certificate issued by the head of relevant overseas public institutions, organizations, or companies (only periods of regular employment are recognized).
Penalty Points Items
Penalty or Fine
Applicant
- Two instances or total exceeding 3 million KRW
- -3
- One instance between 1-3 million KRW
- -2
- One instance below 1 million KRW
- -1
Penalty or Fine
Accompanying Family or Invitees
- Two instances or total exceeding 3 million KRW
- -1
Illegal Stay
Any accompanying family member or invitee currently illegally residing in Korea or who has exited Korea after illegal residence of three months or more within the past two years.
-1Criteria : Criminal Record Check System, Immigration Information System(Only violations within two years prior to the application date are considered.)
Required Documents
- 1. Application Form (Appendix Form No. 34), Passport, Alien Registration Card, and Processing Fee
- 2. Degree Certificate or Graduation Certificate (Applicable only for high school graduates)
- 3. Documents Verifying Korean Language Proficiency
- 4. Income Verification Documents (e.g., Earned Income Withholding Tax Receipt)
- 5. Employment Contract
- 6. Family Relationship Verification Documents (for spouse and children)
- 7. Additional Supporting Documents, including: Social Integration Program Completion Certificate, Income Tax Payment Verification documents, Social Volunteer Activity Certificates, Employment/Work Experience Certificates, Other evidence required for bonus point recognition as per the evaluation criteria (if applicable)
Relaxation of Work Permits for International Students (Part-Time Jobs)
Part-time work (e.g., part-time jobs) is limited to 30 hours per week for undergraduate students and 35 hours per week for graduate students. There are no restrictions during weekends and
vacation periods.
Additionally, students enrolled in accredited universities or those with excellent academic performance may receive additional benefits within the range of 10 to 35 hours.
Korea aims to expand the working hours and scope for international students to provide them with opportunities to explore career paths.
Trends in Part-Time Work Permits for International Students
“Increasing Number of International Students Engaged
in Part-Time Work in Korea”
Source : Ministry of Justice [Trends in Part-Time Work Permits for International Students] https://www.moj.go.kr/moj/index.do
Eligibility for Part-Time Work (e.g., Part-Time Jobs)
- International students holding a student (D-2) or general training (D-4) visa must possess a certain level of Korean language proficiency and obtain part-time employment permission from the local immigration office if they wish to engage in part-time work.
- Students who fail to meet graduation requirements after the completion of their study period (2 years for associate degrees, 4 years for bachelor's degrees) and have received an exceptional stay permit are excluded from eligibility.
- Part-time work is limited to 30 hours per week, and the unlimited work allowance on holidays, public holidays, and vacation periods does not apply.
Allowed Fields for Part-Time Work (e.g., Part-Time Jobs)
Part-time work activities are typically limited to simple labor tasks commonly performed by students.
Examples include assisting in restaurants, general office assistance, tourism guidance assistance, and duty-free shop sales assistance.
※ If you plan to undertake part-time work, first contact the international relations office or the department responsible for international students at your institution to verify the
regulations concerning part-time employment for foreign students.
Scope of Allowance
Permissible hours are based on Korean language proficiency and degree programs.
| Types of Universities | Year of Study | Korean Language Proficiency Requirements ① TOPIK② Social Integration Program③ King Sejong Institute |
Start Time | Permissible Hours | Accredited University, Excellent Grades, Proficiency in Korean (During Weekdays) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | Weekends and Vacation Periods | ||||||
|
Language Training
Programs |
No Restriction |
|
|
Eligible after 6 months | 10 hours | 10 hours | |
|
20 hours | 25 hours | |||||
|
Associate Degree
Programs |
No Restriction |
|
|
Immediately Eligible | 10 hours | 10 hours | |
|
|
25 hours | No Restriction | 30 hours | ||||
|
Bachelor's Degree
Programs |
1~2
Grade |
|
|
Immediately Eligible | 10 hours | 10 hours | |
|
|
25 hours | No Restriction | 30 hours | ||||
|
3~4
Grade |
|
|
Immediately Eligible | 10 hours | 10 hours | ||
|
|
25 hours | No Restriction | 30 hours |
Master’s/Doctorate
Programs |
No Restriction |
|
|
Immediately Eligible | 15 hours | 10 hours |
|
|
30 hours | No Restriction | 35 hours | ||||
Source : Easy-to-Find Living Law Information Service [Part-Time Employment: Hourly Work] https://www.easylaw.go.kr/
