›South Korea visa types and ARC requirements
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
All foreigners staying in Korea for 90+ days must obtain an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증). This card serves as your residence permit and ID. It includes your visa type, stay duration, and photo.
E-1 to E-9: work visas
South Korea's E-series visas cover various employment categories: E-1 (Professor), E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor — the well-known English teaching visa), E-3 (Research), E-4 (Technology Transfer), E-5 (Professional), E-6 (Arts/Entertainment), E-7 (Specially Designated Activities), and E-9 (Non-professional Employment under the Employment Permit System). Conditions and period of stay vary by category and your approved status details. Third-country entry based on Korean status is destination-specific and should be verified before travel.
D-2: student visa
The D-2 visa is for degree-seeking students at Korean universities—not language students, who get a different classification. Duration matches your course length, with limited work rights that allow part-time employment under certain conditions. When it comes to third-country travel, recognition is mixed. Some countries accept D-2 visas for simplified entry, while others specifically require work visas or residence status. Students planning international travel should verify requirements carefully.
F-2: long-term residence
F-2 is Korea's points-based long-term residence visa for individuals with high skills, significant investment, or strong family ties to Korea. Unlike E-series work visas, many F-2 routes are not employer-tied.
Duration and renewal conditions vary by route. F-2 can be a pathway to F-5 permanent residence for eligible applicants.
F-5: permanent residence
F-5 is South Korean permanent residence. It requires no renewal, provides maximum immigration stability, and requirements vary by route.
Depending on route, applicants may need to satisfy residence, income, and integration criteria set by current policy.
D-4: language training and D-10: job seeking
D-4 is for Korean language students at approved institutions — distinct from D-2 (degree-seeking). Limited work rights apply. D-10 is a unique job-seeking visa available to graduates of Korean universities and certain skilled workers, allowing temporary stay for job transition subject to current rules. Once you secure a qualifying job, you may apply to switch to an eligible work status.
F-6: marriage visa
F-6 is for spouses of Korean citizens. No work restrictions — you can work anywhere, doing anything legal. It may provide a pathway to F-5 permanent residence for eligible applicants under current criteria.
Re-entry permit
Re-entry requirements depend on your visa type and current immigration rules. Check the Hi Korea guidance before travel. Two common permit types are:
- Single re-entry: Valid for a single departure and return
- Multiple re-entry: Valid for multiple trips within its validity period
Application tip: You can apply online via the Hi Korea website or in person at an immigration office. Fees and eligibility vary depending on your visa status, so verify current rules before any international trip. Leaving Korea without the proper re-entry permission can affect your status.
›How to apply for a South Korea visa: requirements and steps
Step 1: Visa application at embassy or consulate
Apply at Korean embassy/consulate in your country. Required documents vary by visa type but typically include:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa application form with photo
- Employment contract or university acceptance letter
- Educational credentials (apostilled)
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Health certificate
Processing times and fees vary by nationality. Some nationalities require a visa issuance process through a Korean sponsor before applying.
Step 2: Apply for ARC within 90 days
After arriving in Korea, you must apply for your Alien Registration Card within 90 days at your local immigration office (출입국관리사무소). Book an appointment via the Hi Korea website (www.hikorea.go.kr) — walk-ins are accepted but wait times can be long. Bring:
- Passport with visa sticker
- Completed ARC application form (available at the office or online)
- Passport-size photo that matches current immigration specifications
- Fee: check the current Hi Korea fee schedule
- Proof of address: rental contract (임대차계약서) or employer-provided housing letter
- Employment contract or university enrollment letter
Processing timelines vary by office and season. You'll receive a receipt slip (접수증) to use as temporary ID until the card arrives. The ARC is tied to your immigration status and is widely used for daily services in Korea. Keep it with your passport when traveling internationally.
›Countries you can visit with a South Korea visa or ARC
A valid South Korean visa or Alien Registration Card (ARC) may unlock simplified entry to select countries beyond South Korea. The F-5 permanent residence card carries the broadest recognition, while E-series work visas and D-2 student visas have more limited acceptance.
Important: Entry rules change frequently and are nationality-specific. Not all passport holders receive the same benefits even with identical Korean visas. Always verify current requirements with the destination country's embassy or official immigration website before traveling.
Countries that accept Korean visas or ARC for simplified entry
The following countries may offer simplified entry or visa-on-arrival to holders of valid South Korean visas or residence permits, depending on your nationality and visa type:
Asia-Pacific
- Philippines — Some travelers holding valid Korean status may qualify for facilitation under specific Philippine rules. Verify eligibility for your passport with Philippine Immigration.
- Taiwan — Some nationalities holding valid Korean residence permits or visas may be eligible for entry facilitation. Check Taiwan's National Immigration Agency for current nationality-specific rules.
Americas
- Peru — Holders of valid Korean residence may qualify for simplified entry in some cases. Verify current conditions with official Peruvian sources.
Intra-Korean Peninsula context
South Korean visas and ARC do not provide any access to North Korea. The two countries remain technically at war with a heavily controlled border.
Key conditions to remember
- Status category matters: Some destinations distinguish between short-term visas and long-term residence status when offering simplified entry.
- ARC must be valid: Most destinations require your ARC to be valid with sufficient time remaining — typically 3-6 months beyond your travel dates.
- Passport nationality is primary: Your travel rights are determined first by your passport nationality. Korean residence supplements but does not override passport-based restrictions.
- Carry original documents: Destinations may request original passport and status documents, not just copies.
›Common South Korea visa mistakes to avoid
Traveling without re-entry permit
Leaving Korea without required re-entry permissions can affect your visa status. Confirm requirements before your trip.
Not registering ARC within 90 days
Late registration triggers fines. Register as soon as you have a Korean address — within 90 days of arrival.
Working on wrong visa type
D-2 (student) and tourist visas prohibit most work. E-series visas are job-specific— changing employers may require status updates. Unauthorized employment can trigger penalties, including removal orders and future entry restrictions.
Not updating address changes
You must report address changes within 14 days to immigration and your local district office. Missing updates can lead to fines or renewal complications.
