Working in Korea as a Foreigner: Which Visa? (Overview)

"Which visa lets me work in Korea?" is one of the most common questions foreigners ask. The short answer: mostly the E-series, plus some F residence visas. Here's the map.

Not sure which fits you? Ask a consultant.

Employment visas (E-series)

Tied to a job/employer:

E-7 — skilled/specialized roles (most common professional route).
E-9 — non-professional employment (EPS).
E-1–E-5 — professors, instructors, researchers, technical, licensed professionals.
E-2 — foreign-language teaching.

Residence visas that allow work

Broader rights, no single employer:

F-4 — overseas Koreans.
F-2 / F-5 — long-term residence / permanent residency.
F-6 — marriage to a Korean national.

What about students?

Student visas allow part-time work only, with a permit and hour limits. For full-time work you need an E- or F-visa.

How to pick

Have a job offer + qualifications? → E-7.
Non-professional role via EPS? → E-9.
Korean heritage / married / long-term resident? → an F visa.
Job hunting? → D-10, then E-7.

How Langle can help

Langle's consultants match your situation to the right work visa and plan the steps. Start free on our visa consulting page.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change; verify on HiKorea or with a consultant before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Which visa lets me work in Korea?

Mainly the E-series (E-1 to E-9) for employment, plus several F visas (F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6) that allow work. Student and short-stay visas don't permit full-time work.

Do I need a job offer to get a work visa?

For E-series visas, yes — they're employer-sponsored. F residence visas allow work without a specific sponsor.

What's the most common work visa?

The E-7 for skilled professionals and the E-9 for non-professional roles under EPS are the most common employment visas.

Can students work in Korea?

Only part-time, and only after getting a work permit within set hour limits. Full-time work requires a work or residence visa.