●■●●Comprehensive Guide to Korean Visas for Foreigners (2025)
Korea offers many visa types for studying, working, and living.
This guide explains every major visa category, application process, and screening standard for 2025.
✅ Thousands of foreigners experience disadvantagesevery year due to visa issues in Korea
→ Always double-check accurate information, and seek professional help if necessary—that’s the safest approach
✅ Most foreigners haven't dealt with visa processes in their own countries before
→ Misunderstanding visa conditions can easily lead to
unexpected problems in other countries as well
●●🟧 Why Do You Need a Visa?
→ Think of a visa as a kind of "permission"
→ For example, if you want to study in Korea, you need a "study permit"
→ If you want to work, you need a "work permit"
→ If you want to travel, you need a "travel permit"
→ Doing anything without proper authorization is considered "illegal"
→ Entering on a tourist visa but working – illegal employment
→ Entering with a language-study visa but not attending classes – violation of visa purpose
→ Staying beyond your allowed period – illegal stay
📌 Violating visa conditions can lead to penalties such as fines,
forced departure, and future entry bans
→ In most countries, financially stable applicants have an easier time obtaining visas
They are often viewed favorably because of lower risk of illegal stay
📌 Remember, a visa is an official authorization from the Korean government
allowing you to stay and act legally in Korea. Never take it lightly
●●🟧 Why is a Korean Visa Important?
●✅ Foreigners who wish to stay long-term in Korea must obtain the correct type of visa matching their intended purpose
→ Visa types differ depending on your purpose: tourism, language study,
university studies, employment, investment, marriage, etc
●✅ Choosing the wrong visa initially can cause problems later
→ You may face difficulties extending or changing your visa status later on
→ To change or extend a visa during your stay, you must apply through
the Immigration Office. Required documents and evaluation criteria differ by visa type
📌 A visa isn’t just permission to enter; it defines the scope of
all activities permitted during your entire stay in Korea
●●🟧 Korean Visa Classification System
→ Korean visas are broadly divided into three categories based on the purpose of your stay:
→ Short-Term Visas – tourism, short visits, short-term employment
→ Long-Term Visas – study abroad, employment, marriage, family accompaniment
→ Special-Purpose Visas – religion, arts, working holiday, etc
📌 All visas have unique codes composed of letters and numbers, such as D-4, E-7, F-6
●●🟧 Korean Visa Types Overview (as of 2025)
●✅ Short-Term Stay Visas
→ C-3 Visa – tourism, visiting family, short business trips (stay up to 90 days)
→ C-4 Visa – short-term employment, temporary contracts, modeling, and entertainment activities
📌 Most short-term visas allow stays of up to 90 days,
and changing to long-term visas within Korea is usually restricted
●✅ Long-Term Stay Visas
→ D-2 Visa – formal studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. programs)
→ D-4 Visa – language training, vocational training, nursing assistant programs
→ D-7 Visa (Corporate Expatriate Visa): Issued to employees dispatched to Korean branches of multinational or foreign companies
→ D-8 Visa – establishment of foreign-invested companies
→ D-9 Visa – management of trade businesses and similar ventures
→ E-1~E-7 Visas – professional employment such as professors, researchers, technical specialists, legal experts, language instructors, and other specialized occupations
→ D-10 Visa – job-seeking activities or internship preparation
→ F-1 Visa – visiting and living with family or relatives
→ F-3 Visa – spouses and children of D or E visa holders
→ F-6 Visa – marriage immigration visa for foreigners married to Koreans
→ F-2 Visa – points-based long-term residence visa for those who have stayed in Korea after marriage or studies
→ F-5 Visa – permanent residency visa (income and career standards apply)
📌 Managing long-term visas requires consistent and systematic management,
especially regarding extensions, visa-type changes, and permanent residency conversions
●✅ Special-Purpose Stay Visas
→ D-6 Visa – religious activities (missionaries, priests, religious institution staff)
→ E-6 Visa – arts and performance activities (models, actors, singers, etc.)
→ G-1 Visa (Miscellaneous special-purpose visa): Issued to refugee applicants or those needing to stay for humanitarian reasons
→ H-1 Visa – working holiday (available to youths aged 18–30, allowing travel and temporary work)
📌 Special-purpose visas usually have more limited scopes of permitted activities
compared to other visas, and regular checks and evaluations are required
●●🟧 Detailed Types of D-4 Visa (As of 2025)
●✅ D-4-1 Language Training Visa
→ This visa is for studying Korean or other foreign languages
→ Suitable for foreign university students, general foreigners, or those who plan to attend a Korean university and need language training
→ Classes are usually held at university-affiliated language institutes or language schools approved by the Ministry of Justice
📌 Easiest to obtain for general foreigners; widely used and highly accessible
●✅ D-4-2 General Training Visa
→ Visa for vocational training or obtaining professional certifications
→ Ideal for foreigners aiming to learn practical job-related skills such as nursing assistant training, beauty care, baking, and pastry-making
→ Education must be at vocational schools or institutions officially designated by the Ministry of Justice. Always verify the eligibility of the institution before applying
📌 Requires clear objectives and specific approved institutions; generally difficult for individuals to apply without careful preparation
●✅ D-4-3 Elementary, Middle & High School Training Visa
→ Visa for foreigners who plan to study at elementary, middle, or high schools in Korea
→ Primarily for overseas Korean nationals' children or exchange students. Applicants may attend general or specialized middle/high schools
📌 Generally restricted to overseas Korean students or official exchange students; not easily accessible to general foreign applicants
●✅ D-4-4 Industrial Technology Training Visa
→ Visa for foreign trainees receiving industrial or technical training in Korea
→ Intended for individuals training at institutions affiliated with small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on practical industry skills
📌 Requires formal support from relevant companies or institutions; difficult to apply individually
●✅ D-4-5 Government-Invited Training Visa
→ Visa for foreigners officially invited by the Korean government
→ Main applicants include KOICA scholarship recipients, government officials dispatched by developing countries, or participants in international cooperation programs
→ Training conducted at official institutions such as KOICA or KDI
📌 Individual application is impossible without a formal government invitation
●✅ D-4-6 Sister City/Institution Training Visa
→ Visa for participants of training programs operated through partnerships between Korean local governments and overseas educational institutions
→ Targeted primarily at students from overseas schools affiliated with Korean local governments, who enter Korea via official city educational programs
📌 Formal agreement between your school and a Korean local government is required; not possible for individual applicants
●✅ D-4-7 Miscellaneous Designated Training Visa
→ Visa for foreigners participating in special programs designated by the Korean government or Ministry of Justice
→ Examples include foreign government officials’ training or invited foreign teachers’ programs
📌 Individual applications not allowed; formal invitation from government or related institutions required
📌 Multiple types of D-4 visas exist, each with different application procedures and designated institutions. Always verify clearly which type fits your purpose before applying
📌📌📌 Recommended Pathway for International Students Seeking Stable Long-term Stay in Korea:
→ D-4-1 (Language Training Visa, typically 6 months–1 year)
→ D-2 (University Enrollment Visa for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. programs)
→ F-2-7 (Long-term Residence Visa after employment)
→ F-5 (Permanent Residency Visa)
→ Korean language study → University admission → Employment → Permanent residency
→ The above 4-step process is the most reliable and recommended route for building a stable life in Korea
●●🟧 Common Issues &
Precautions When Applying for a Visa
●✅ Applying for a visa that doesn't match your actual purpose of stay or submitting false invitation letters can result in visa rejection or future entry restrictions
→ For example, working on a tourist visa or focusing solely on employment with a student visa constitutes a violation of stay conditions
●✅ For long-term visas, applicants’ financial capacity (bank balance, tuition-paying ability, etc.) is strictly checked. Visas may be denied if these criteria aren’t met
●✅ If you remain in Korea after your visa expires without extending your stay,
you may face fines, deportation, and future entry bans
→ Overstaying more than 90 days can result in a 1–5-year entry ban
●✅ Always check the latest visa information from official sources such as HiKorea, Korean embassies, or the Immigration & Foreigners Policy website
●■●●High-Risk Countries for D-4 Visa Applications & Practical Screening Standards (2025)
→ The list below is based on practical experience, not official announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Korean embassies
●●🟧 Highest-Risk Countries
– Low Visa Approval Rate & Strict Document Screening
●✅ Vietnam – Frequent cases of disguised training purposes turning into illegal employment after entry
●✅ Mongolia – Numerous cases of illegal employment attempts and poor attendance, raising doubts about genuine intentions
●✅ Cambodia – Frequent submission of forged documents and unauthorized employment as massage therapists
●✅ Myanmar – High visa misuse risks due to political instability and unclear purposes of stay
●✅ Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka – All uniformly classified as high-risk, requiring strict scrutiny
●✅ Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan – Strong tendency to enter Korea for job-seeking purposes; applications closely reviewed
📌 Applicants from these countries generally receive a short-term D-4 visa (up to 6 months initially). Extensions up to 1 year are possible after arrival, contingent on meeting attendance and other requirements
●●🟧 Medium-Risk Countries – Possible to Obtain, but Screening Standards are High and Variable
●✅ China – Screening intensity varies by consulate; academic and financial documents are crucial due to frequent document forgery cases
●✅ Russia – Attention required due to illegal employment cases involving women (e.g., massage industry)
●✅ Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova – Increased sensitivity due to ongoing war and refugee issues
●✅ Philippines, Indonesia – Many reported cases of disguised middle-class training purposes
●✅ Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan – Generally restricted due to security concerns
📌 Thorough document preparation significantly increases approval chances; some countries may require interviews
📌 The clarity of academic purpose and proof of intention to return home are critical factors in visa screening
●●🟧 Low-Risk Countries – High Approval Rate and Simplified Documentation
●✅ Asia: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia
●✅ Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, etc.
●✅ English-speaking countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia,
New Zealand
📌 Usually eligible for a 1-year language training visa with smooth extension possibilities
📌 Visa requirements, documents, and screening standards can vary by country and year, so always check the latest information
●●🟧 Practical Tips
– Pay Special Attention to These Points
●✅ If you apply for a visa with a purpose other than studying,
always consult an expert or BP KOREA beforehand
●✅ Missing visa extension or status change deadlines may lead to fines or
forced departure
●✅ If you need to change visa conditions or status,
always consult with the immigration office in advance
📌 Required documents, eligibility, and screening standards vary by country and
year; always confirm up-to-date information
📌 Cultural misunderstandings or stereotypes about certain professions can cause confusion during visa screening,
but the authenticity of your documents and clarity of purpose remain the most crucial factors
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-포항죽도시장 /김지호]
●■●●Required Documents for D-4-1 Language Training Visa (2025)
●■●●Required Documents for D-4-1 Language Training Visa (2025)
●●🟧 Common Mandatory Documents
●✅ Passport copy (must have at least 6 months validity remaining)
●✅ Visa application form (Embassy’s form or online)
●✅ One passport-sized photo (taken within the last 6 months)
●✅ Original Standard Admission Letter (with official school stamp)
●✅ Tuition fee payment receipt or proof of payment
●✅ Final academic diploma/certificate (high school or higher): Original + Translated version + Notarized or Apostilled
●✅ Final academic transcript (if applicable)
●✅ Proof of Financial Capacity
→ High-risk countries – Minimum USD 10,000 (approx. 14.3 million KRW)
→ General countries – Minimum USD 5,000 (approx. 7.15 million KRW)
→ Bank account under student's name mandatory (high-risk countries); parents' accounts accepted for general countries (must submit family relationship certificate)
→ Balance must be maintained for at least 1 month; detailed transaction history may be requested
●✅ Flight reservation confirmation (if required)
●✅ K-ETA exemption confirmation (if applicable)
●●🟧 Additional Mandatory Documents
●✅ Family Relationship Certificate (issued in home country + translated + notarized or Apostilled)
●✅ Record of previous entries/exits to Korea
(submit Immigration Entry/Exit Record if applicable)
●✅ Study plan (in Korean, handwritten or typed)
●✅ Statement of intention to return home or Statement of stay purpose
(in Korean)
●✅ If using parents' bank accounts: Proof of parents' income and employment certificates required
●■●●Required Documents for D-2 Visa (Degree Programs – Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.)
📌 Eligibility: Students admitted to regular Korean universities (undergraduate & graduate)
●✅ Passport copy
●✅ Visa application form
●✅ One passport-sized photo (taken within the last 6 months)
●✅ Official University Admission Letter
●✅ Tuition payment confirmation
●✅ High school graduation certificate & transcript
(for undergraduate applicants)
●✅ Bachelor/Master graduation certificate & transcript
(for graduate applicants)
●✅ Academic Credential Verification Certificate
→ China – Credential Verification from Chinese Ministry of Education
→ Other countries – Apostille or notarization
●✅ Proof of Financial Capacity
(USD 10,000 or more – can be under student’s or parents' names)
●✅ Family relationship certificate (if submitting parents' financial documents)
●✅ Flight reservation confirmation (if required)
📌 TOPIK (Korean language test) or English proficiency results may be required for certain countries
📌 Submit records of previous entries/exits to Korea if applicable
●●🟧 Practical Tips for Visa Screening
(Especially for High-Risk Countries)
●✅ Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc., may require interviews or video calls to verify sincerity
●✅ Bank statements held for over 6 months or fixed deposits (CD) are favorably assessed by some embassies
●✅ Parents' bank accounts may not be accepted for some high-risk countries; often, accounts under the student's own name are required
●✅ Realistic and sincere content matters more than format in study plans and return home plans
●✅ All documents require Original + Notarized/Apostilled + Translated versions (translation standards are particularly strict for Mongolia, Bangladesh, etc.)
●■●●Visa Application Process and Fees (2025)
●●🟧 Visa Application Process
●✅ 1. Document Preparation
→ Prepare the required documents depending on your visa type (admission letter, financial proof, transcripts, etc.)
→ Translate, notarize, and apostille if necessary
●✅ 2. Submission
→ Submit the documents to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country
→ Some visas can also be applied for online
●✅ 3. Fee Payment
→ Pay the application fee at the embassy or consulate (cash, card, or bank transfer depending on the country)
●✅ 4. Processing and Waiting
→ The process usually takes 1–4 weeks
→ The period depends on the country and visa type
→ Applicants from high-risk countries may have interviews or extra screening
●✅ 5. Result
→ If approved, the visa will be attached to your passport
→ If denied, you must correct the reason and reapply
📌 During university intake seasons, many applications are submitted. It is recommended to apply 2–3 months before departure
●●🟧 Visa Fees (Approximate, 2025)
●✅ Short-Term Visas (C-3, C-4, etc.)
→ About 40,000–60,000 KRW (USD)
●●🟧 This content was prepared by BP Korea,
your trusted partner for studying in Korea
●✅ With BP Korea, handling visa applications and study preparation in Korea becomes simple and secure
📧 Email: visa@bridgeplankorea.com
📝 This article has been translated into several languages with the help of an automatic tool.
For precise guidance and personal consultation,
please feel free to reach out to BP Korea anytime.
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