South Korea Business Visa - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

Indian nationals planning to visit South Korea for business purposes—such as attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or exploring business partnerships—can apply for a visa through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India or designated visa application centers. The processing time generally ranges from 5 to 10 working days for short-term C-3 business visas, while long-term D-7 visas may take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to process.

a. C-3 (Short-Term Business Visa)

• Validity: Up to 3 months
  
  
• Stay: Maximum of 90 days from the date of entry
  
  
• Entries: Single, Double, or Multiple
  
  
• Purpose:
  
  
• Business meetings
• Conferences
• Trade fairs
• Short-term business training
  
  

b. D-7 (Intra-Company Transferee Visa)

• Validity: More than 91 days, depending on the employment contract
  
  
• Stay: As per the contract, with the possibility of extension
  
  
• Entries: Typically Multiple
  
  
• Purpose:
  
  
• Intra-company transfers
• Long-term business assignments
• Employment with a Korean company (requires a work permit)

C-3 (Short-Term Business) Visa Requirements

Mandatory Documents

• Passport:
  
  
• Valid for at least 6 months from the planned departure date.
  
  
• Two blank visa pages.
  
  
  
• Completed Visa Application Form:
  
  
• Download from the Korean Embassy/Consulate website.
  
  
  
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
  
  
• One or two, depending on the embassy/consulate's requirements.
  
  
  
• Business Invitation Letter:
  
  
• From a Korean host company, including purpose, dates, and host's details.
  
  
  
• Indian Company Documents:
  
  
• Certificate of Incorporation.
• GST Registration Certificate (if applicable).
• Latest Income Tax Return.
  
  
  
• Proof of Financial Resources:
  
  
• Bank Statement (last 3-6 months) showing sufficient funds ( ₹1,50,000 or more).
  
  
  
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Arrangements:
  
  
• May be required to show entry and exit plans.
  
  
  
• Hotel Booking or Accommodation Details:
  
  
• Proof of accommodation in Korea.
  
  

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Previous Passports (if any)
  
  
• Proof of Education (for certain business activities)
  
  
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) (in specific cases)
  
  

D-7 (Intra-Company Transferee) Visa Requirements

In Addition to C-3 Requirements (with Adjustments for Long-Term Stay)

• Employment Contract:
  
  
• Detailing job description, salary, and tenure in Korea.
  
  
  
• No Objection Certificate (NOC):
  
  
• From the Indian company, for transfers from an Indian branch to a Korean one.
  
  
  
• Korean Company's Business Registration Certificate:
  
  
• To verify the employing company's legitimacy in Korea.
  
  
  
• Detailed Business Plan:
  
  
• Outlining objectives, roles, and expectations during your tenure.
  
  
  
• Higher Education Diploma and Transcripts:
  
  
• For certain positions, to verify qualifications.
  
  
  
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):
  
  
• Mandatory for stays exceeding 91 days.

4.1 Check the Latest Requirements

• Why: Visa requirements can change frequently. Ensuring you have the latest information is crucial for a successful application.
  
  

• How:

• Visit the Official Website:

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en/index.do (or the specific website for the consulate in your region, if applicable).

• Navigate to the "Visa" or "Consular Services" section.
  
  

• Consult with a Visa Application Center (VAC):

• If the Korean Embassy/Consulate has outsourced visa applications to a VAC (e.g., VFS Global), you can:

• Visit the VAC's website for the latest requirements.

• Contact them via phone or email for personalized assistance.
  
  

Example Checklist for Latest Requirements:

4.2 Prepare Documents

• Why: Ensuring all documents are complete, accurate, and in the required format avoids delays or rejection.
  
  

• How:

• Gather Mandatory Documents (as per the latest requirements):

• Passport

• Completed Application Form

• Recent Photos

• Business Invitation Letter

• Company Documents (Indian and Korean, if applicable)

• Proof of Financial Resources

• Flight Itinerary (if required)

• Accommodation Details

• Review Each Document:

• Accuracy: Double-check names, dates, and other details.

• Completeness: Ensure all required pages, signatures, and stamps are included.

• Validity: Verify the documents are within their validity period (if applicable).

• Organize Documents:

• Use a folder or envelope to keep all documents neatly arranged.

• Consider making photocopies of your original documents (for your records).

Document Preparation Checklist:

4.3 Fill Out the Application Form

• Why: Accurate and complete information is crucial for a smooth application process.
  
  

• How:

• Download the Latest Form:

• From the Korean Embassy/Consulate's website.
  
  

• Fill Out the Form:

• Online (if available): Fill, save, and print.

• Offline: Print, fill using a black pen, and sign.
  
  

• Required Information:

• Personal Details (name, DOB, passport number, etc.)

• Travel Plans (dates, flight numbers, accommodation, etc.)

• Business Information (purpose, host company, etc.)
  
  

• Review and Sign:

• Double-check all information for accuracy.

• Sign in the designated area.
  
  

Application Form Filling Tips:

• Use the Latest Form Version to avoid rejection.

• Be Precise with dates, names, and numbers.

• Do Not Leave Blank Spaces; use "N/A" if not applicable.

4.4 Submit Application

• Why: This step officially initiates the visa application process.

• How:
  In Person at the Embassy/Consulate (if allowed)

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm if the embassy/consulate accepts in-person submissions.

2. Visit During Working Hours: With all documents ready.

3. Meet with a Consular Officer: Submit your application and documents.

• Through a Designated Visa Application Center (VAC)

1. Find Your Nearest VAC: Check the embassy/consulate or VAC's website.

2. Submit Your Application: During the VAC's working hours, with all required documents.

3. Receive a Receipt: Confirming your application submission.

Submission Day Checklist:

4.5 Pay the Visa Fee

• Why: This is a mandatory step for processing your visa application.

• How:

1. Check the Current Fee:

• On the embassy/consulate's website or through the VAC.

2. Payment Methods:

• Cash: At the embassy/consulate or VAC (if accepted).

• Credit/Debit Card: If accepted by the VAC or embassy.

• Bank Draft: In the name of the embassy/consulate (if specified).

3. Additional Service Charges:

• VAC Service Fee: If submitting through a VAC.

• Courier Service Fee (optional): For passport return via courier.

Visa Fee Payment Details:

4.6 Wait for Processing

• Why: This period allows the embassy/consulate to review your application.

• How:

1. Wait Patiently: After submitting your application.

2. Track Your Application (if possible):

• Through the VAC's website or by contacting them.

3. Response Time:

• C-3 Visa: Typically 5-10 working days.

• D-7 Visa: Usually 2-4 weeks.

Waiting Period Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Apply well in advance of your trip.

• Stay Informed: Regularly check for status updates.

4.7 Collect Your Visa

• Why: The final step to obtain your approved visa.

• How:

1. Confirmation of Approval:

• Receive notification from the VAC or embassy.

2. Collection Options:

• In Person: At the VAC or embassy (if allowed).

• Courier Service: If you opted for this during submission (additional fee applies).

3. Verify Your Visa:

• Check for Accuracy: Ensure all details are correct.

• Validity and Entries: Confirm the visa's validity period and number of entries match your application.

• C-3 Visa Fee: Approximately ₹700 for a single-entry (subject to change).
  
  
• D-7 Visa Fee: Varies, typically higher than C-3.
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• Cash (at the embassy/consulate or visa application center).
• Credit/Debit Card (where accepted).
• Bank Draft (in the name of the embassy/consulate, if specified).

• Processing Time:
  

• C-3 Visa: Typically 5-10 working days.
• D-7 Visa: Usually 2-4 weeks.
  
  

• Status Update:
  

• Check online through the embassy/consulate's website (if available).
• Contact the embassy/consulate or visa application center directly.

• Apply in Advance: To account for any unexpected delays.
  
  
• Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all documents for errors or omissions.
  
  
• Contact the Embassy/Consulate: For any specific queries or updates in requirements.
  
  
• Consider Hiring a Visa Service: If navigating the process independently seems daunting.

• Incomplete Documentation:

• Solution: Ensure all required documents are submitted.
  
  

• Insufficient Financial Resources:

• Solution: Provide a bank statement showing sufficient funds.
  
  

• Unclear Business Purpose:

• Solution: Clearly outline the business purpose in the invitation letter and application form.

• Immigration Check: Present your passport and visa at the airport.
  
  
  
• Registration with the Local Authorities:
  
  
• Required for stays exceeding 90 days (typically handled by your employer for D-7 visa holders).
  
  
  
• Cultural and Language Differences:
  
  
• Prepare for potential cultural and language barriers.