South Korea Work Visa For Indian Passport Holders

• Visa Type: Employment Visa (E-1 to E-7) or Work Visa (depending on the job category)
  
  
• Processing Time: Typically 7-14 working days (may vary depending on the embassy's workload)
  
  
• Validity: Usually 1-3 years (depending on the employer's contract and visa type)
  
  
• Language:
  
  
• Korean Language Proficiency: Not always mandatory but beneficial for the application process and daily life.
  
• English Proficiency: May be required for certain professions or by the employer.
  
  
• Work Permit: Typically, the work visa serves as a work permit.

• E-1 Professor
  

• Eligibility: University professors, researchers, and instructors.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Ph.D. or higher in the relevant field.
• Employment contract with a Korean university.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 3 years.
  
  

• E-2 Professor (Foreign Language Instructor)
  

• Eligibility: English or other foreign language instructors.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field.
• TEFL/CELTA certification (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
• Employment contract with a Korean language institute.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 2 years.
  
  

• E-3 Research
  

• Eligibility: Researchers in various fields.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Master’s degree or higher in the relevant field.
• Research proposal and employment contract with a Korean research institution.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 3 years.
  
  

• E-4 Technology Transfer
  

• Eligibility: Specialists transferring technology or skills to Korean companies.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in the relevant field.
• Proven experience in technology transfer.
• Employment contract with a Korean company.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 3 years.
  
  

• E-5 Professional
  

• Eligibility: Professionals (lawyers, accountants, doctors, etc.).
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Relevant professional license in India.
• Employment contract with a Korean company.
• Additional certifications may be required.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 3 years.
  
  

• E-6 Artist/Athlete
  

• Eligibility: Artists, entertainers, or athletes.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Portfolio or performance schedule.
• Contract with a Korean counterpart.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 1 year (with possible extensions).
  
  

• E-7 Specially Designated Activities
  

• Eligibility: Skilled workers, pilots, chefs, etc., not covered by other categories.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Relevant qualifications and experience.
• Employment contract with a Korean company.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 3 years.
  
  

• H-1 Working Holiday
  

• Eligibility: Indians aged 18-30 for work and travel.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately ₩3,000,000 or ₹1,80,000).
• Health insurance.
• Flight itinerary or proof of onward travel.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 1 year (non-renewable).

For All Applicants:

• Valid Indian Passport:
  
  
• At least 6 months' validity from the planned departure date from South Korea.
  
  
  
• Completed Visa Application Form:
  
  
• Download from the Korean Embassy/Consulate website or collect in person.
  
  
  
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
  
  
• 1-2 photos depending on the embassy's requirements.
  
  
  
• Certificate of Employment:
  
  
• Issued by the Korean employer, detailing job title, salary, and employment duration.
  
  
  
• Business Registration Certificate of the Korean Employer:
  
  
• Proof of the employer's legal status in South Korea.
  
  

Additional Documents (Visa Type Specific):

• E-1 to E-5, E-7:
  

1. Educational Certificates:
   
   
• Degree certificates (Ph.D., Master’s, Bachelor’s).
• Transcripts.
  
  
2. Proof of Qualifications:
   
   
• Licensing certifications (for E-5 Professionals).
  
  
3. Resume:
   
   
• Detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
  
  
4. Employment Contract:
   
   
• Signed contract between the applicant and the Korean employer.
  
  

• E-6 (Artist/Athlete):
  

1. Portfolio or Performance Schedule:
   
   
• Demonstrating artistic or athletic capabilities.
  
  
2. Contract with the Korean Counterpart:
   
   
• Outlining the terms of the artistic or athletic engagement.
  
  

• H-1 (Working Holiday):

1. Proof of Sufficient Funds:
   
   
• Bank statement showing approximately ₩3,000,000 (or ₹1,80,000).
  
  
2. Health Insurance:
   
   
• Policy covering the entire stay in South Korea.
  
  
3. Flight Itinerary or Proof of Onward Travel:
   
   
• Showing entry and exit plans from South Korea.

1. Secure a Job in South Korea:

• Finding an Employer:
  
  
• Job Portals:
  
  
• Popular Korean job portals like JobKorea, Saramin, and Incruit often list English-speaking positions.
  
  
• Utilize filters for "English," "Foreigner," or "International" to find suitable jobs.
  
  
• Company Websites:
  
  
• Check the career sections of Korean companies in your industry for international job openings.
  
  
• Recruitment Agencies:
  
  
• Some agencies specialize in placing foreigners in Korean jobs. Research and reach out to them.
  
  
• Networking:
  
  
• Leverage professional networks like LinkedIn. Connect with people working in your desired field in South Korea.
  
  
• Attend international job fairs or industry conferences where Korean companies might be represented.
  
  
  
• Ensuring the Employer Meets Korean Immigration Requirements:
  
  
• License to Hire Foreigners:
  
  
• The employer must have a valid license to hire foreign workers, issued by the Korean government.
  
  
  
• Minimum Salary Requirement:
  
  
• The employer must offer a salary that meets the minimum requirement set by Korean immigration for foreign workers (subject to change, but generally around KRW 2.5 million per month for most visa types).
  
  
  
• Health Insurance and Other Benefits:
  
  
• Ensure the employer provides the mandatory health insurance and adheres to other labor laws for foreign employees.
  
  

2. Gather Required Documents:

• Collect Necessary Documents Based on Your Visa Type:
  
  
• Refer to the detailed list of documents required for your specific visa type (e.g., E-1 to E-7, H-1).
  
• Common Documents:
  
  
• Valid Indian passport
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Certificate of Employment from the Korean employer
• Business Registration Certificate of the Korean employer
  
  
  
• Visa Type Specific Documents:
  
  
• Educational certificates (degrees, diplomas) and transcripts for E-1 to E-5, E-7
• Proof of qualifications (licensing, certifications) for E-5 Professionals
• Portfolio or performance schedule for E-6 Artists/Athletes
• Proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and flight itinerary for H-1 Working Holiday
  
  
  
• Authenticate and Apostille Documents (if required):
  
  
• What is Apostille?
  
  
• An apostille is a certification provided under the Hague Convention for authenticating documents for international use.
  
  
• Which Documents Need Apostille?
  
  
• Typically, educational certificates, marriage certificates, and sometimes employment contracts require apostille.
  
  
• How to Get Apostille in India:
  
  
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
  
• Submit your documents to the MEA for apostille.
• Check the MEA website for the latest procedures and fees.
  
  
• Attestation from State Home Department (if required before MEA):
  
  
• For some documents, attestation from the State Home Department where the document was issued might be necessary before applying for an apostille.
  
  

3. Apply for a Visa Issuance Number (if required):

• Who Applies:
  
  
• The Korean employer typically applies for the visa issuance number on behalf of the foreign employee.
  
  
• How to Apply:
  
  
• Korean Immigration Website:
  
  
• The employer logs into the Korean immigration website (www.hikorea.go.kr) with their business registration number.
  
  
  
• Submit Required Information:
  
  
• Enter the employee’s details and upload necessary documents.
  
  
  
• Receive the Visa Issuance Number:
  
  
• Once the application is approved, the employer receives a visa issuance number, which is then shared with the applicant.
  
  

4. Submit Your Application:

• In Person or Through an Authorized Travel Agency:
  
  
• Locations:
  
  
• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi
• Consulate Generals in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata
  
  
• Process:
  
  
• Visit the Embassy/Consulate:
• Go to the designated location with all your documents.
  
  
• Submit Your Application:
• Hand over your application and supporting documents to the officer.
  
  
• Biometrics (if required):
• In some cases, biometric data (fingerprints) may be collected.
  
  
• Online (if eligible):
  
  
• Check Eligibility:
• Visit the Korean Embassy's website to see if you can apply online.
  
  
• Submit Online:
  
  
• Create an Account:
• Register on the embassy's online portal.
  
  
• Fill Out the Application:
• Complete the online application form.
  
  
• Upload Documents:
• Attach all required documents in the specified format.
  
  
• Pay the Fee Online:
• Use a credit/debit card or other accepted online payment methods.
  
  

5. Pay the Visa Application Fee:

• Fee Amount:
  
  
• Currently around ₹500-₹1,500 (approximately KRW 7,000-21,000), depending on the visa type.
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• In Person:
  
  
• Cash, Credit/Debit Card, or Demand Draft (check with the embassy for accepted methods).
  
  
• Online:
  
  
• Credit/Debit Card or other online payment options provided on the embassy's portal.
  
  

6. Wait for Processing:

• Processing Time:
  
  
• Typically 7-14 working days, but can vary based on the embassy's workload.
  
  
• Tracking Your Application:
  
  
• Online:
• If you applied online, you might be able to track the status on the embassy's website.
• Contacting the Embassy:
• For in-person applications or to inquire about the status, contact the embassy via phone or email.
  
  

7. Collect Your Visa:

• Once Approved:
  
  

• In Person:
  
  
• Visit the embassy/consulate where you submitted your application.
• Bring your receipt or application reference number.
  
  
• Through an Authorized Person:
  
  
• If you can’t collect in person, you might be able to authorize someone to collect on your behalf (check with the embassy for procedures).
  
  

• Check Your Visa:
  
  

• Ensure all details (name, passport number, visa type, duration) are correct before leaving the embassy/consulate.

• Alien Registration Card (ARC):
  

• Application: Within 90 days of arrival at a local immigration office.
• Purpose: Serves as your identification and proof of residency.
  
  

• Health Insurance:
  

• Enrollment: Mandatory for foreigners staying over 6 months in Korea's National Health Insurance program.
• Benefits: Covers medical expenses in South Korea.
  
  

• Taxation and Other Compliance:
  

• Understanding Tax Obligations: Familiarize yourself with South Korea’s tax laws for foreigners.
• Compliance with Local Laws: Adhere to all regulations, including labor laws and visa conditions.

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India (New Delhi):
  

• Address: 9, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91-11-4200-7000
• Website: ind.mofa.go.kr

• Consulate Generals of the Republic of Korea in India:
  

• Mumbai: mum.mofa.go.kr
• Chennai: chn.mofa.go.kr
• Kolkata: kol.mofa.go.kr

• Korean Immigration Website: www.hikorea.go.kr (for visa issuance numbers and general information)
  

Need more clarity on the South Korea Work visa? Check out helpful resources below

South Korea Visa Requirement

South Korea Tourist Visa Requirement

South Korea Business Visa Requirement

South Korea Visit Visa Requirement

South Korea Study Visa Requirement

South Korea Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection