🛂 Korean Visa Types Explained (D-4, D-2, E-2, F-series, etc.)
🛂 Korean Visa Types & Residency Roadmap (2026)
Navigating the codes, mastering the process, and building your life in Korea.
🌟 Part of the Master Series
This guide is a deep dive into our main residency roadmap. For a full picture of life in Korea, including housing, banking, and culture, visit our:
Ultimate Guide to Living in Korea 2026
1. Deciphering the Korean Visa Codes
Understanding your visa code is the first step to a legal and stable life in Korea. Each code represents a specific permitted activity, and staying within these boundaries is crucial for future extensions.
📘 D-Series: The Path for Students
- D-4 (General Trainee): Primarily for those studying Korean at university-affiliated language institutes. It requires a minimum attendance of 90% for a smooth renewal.
- D-2 (Student): For undergraduate, graduate, or exchange students at accredited universities. Unlike D-4, D-2 holders can apply for part-time work permission (Siganje-alba) more easily after their first semester.
🧑🏫 E-Series: Professional Careers
- E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor): The standard visa for English teachers in private academies (Hagwons) or public schools. It is strictly tied to your sponsoring employer.
- E-7 (Special Occupations): For skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, or marketing. This visa requires a high salary threshold and specific professional qualifications.
🏠 F-Series: Long-term Residency
- F-2 (Resident): Often obtained through a points-based system (F-2-7) by high-earning or high-skilled individuals. It offers significant freedom in the job market.
- F-4 (Overseas Korean): A highly flexible visa for those of Korean descent. It allows almost any type of employment with few exceptions.
- F-5 (Permanent Resident): The "Green Card" of Korea. It grants permanent right to stay without the need for periodic renewals.
2. Your Identity Card: Applying for the ARC
Any foreigner staying longer than 90일 must apply for a Residence Card (formerly ARC). This card is your primary ID in Korea for everything from banking to getting a phone.
📋 Key Requirements for ARC:
- Passport & Copy
- 1 Color Photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
- Application Form & Fee (₩30,000)
- Certificate of Enrollment (for students) or Employment
- Proof of Residence (Rental contract or confirmation of stay)
Expert Tip: You must book an appointment at HiKorea.go.kr before visiting the immigration office.
3. Expert FAQ: Crucial Visa Questions
Can I change my visa status (e.g., D-4 to D-2) within Korea?
Yes, in most cases. This is known as a "Change of Status." You must apply at your local immigration office with the required documents from your new university or employer before your current visa expires.
What happens if my job contract ends early on an E-2 visa?
Your E-2 visa is tied to your sponsor. If the contract ends, you must find a new sponsor and report the change to immigration within 14 days, or apply for a D-10 (Job Seeker) visa to stay legally while looking for work.
👩🏫 Teacher Hoon's Final Wisdom
Navigating Korean bureaucracy requires patience and preparation. Never trust rumors on social media regarding visa laws; they change frequently. Always verify information through the 1345 Immigration Contact Center or the official HiKorea portal. Being over-prepared with your documents is the best way to ensure a stress-free life in Korea.
🚀 Secure Your Life in Korea
Need a specific document reviewed or want to practice your visa interview? Let’s build your residency strategy together. Book a "Fluent Life Strategy" session with Hoon on italki today.
Consult with Teacher HoonLast Updated: December 23, 2025 | Part of the "2026 Residency Masterclass" Series.
