[May 2025 Latest] Everything About South Korea's Special Activity (E-7) Visa! [For Foreigners Residing in Korea]

1. Eligible Applicants and Scope of Activities

Scope of Activities and Eligible Applicants

Persons intending to engage in activities specially designated by the Minister of Justice under contracts with public or private institutions within the Republic of Korea.

Application Scope and Introduction Criteria, etc.

• Application Scope (Attached Table 1-2, Item 20 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act: Specific Activities (E-7))

  Persons intending to engage in activities specially designated by the Minister of Justice under contracts with public or private institutions within the Republic of Korea.

  'Specific Activities' refer to activities in fields designated by the Minister of Justice as requiring the introduction of foreign manpower with specialized knowledge, skills, or abilities to enhance national competitiveness (hereinafter referred to as 'introduced occupations').

  The State and local governments shall strive to establish necessary systems and policies to improve the legal status and treatment of foreign manpower with specialized knowledge, skills, or abilities to promote their attraction. (Article 16 of the Act on the Treatment of Foreigners Residing in the Republic of Korea)

• (Types of Introduced Occupations) Classified into professional, semi-professional, general skilled, and skilled occupations, considering the major categories and skill levels of the 'Korean Standard Occupational Classification'.
  • (Managerial and Professional Occupations) 67 occupations selected by the Minister of Justice among occupations in major categories 1 (Managers) and 2 (Professionals and Related Workers) of the 'Korean Standard Occupational Classification' (skill levels 3 and 4).

    15 occupations for managers such as high-ranking executives of economic interest groups, and 52 occupations for professionals and related workers such as life science specialists.

  • (Semi-Professional Occupations) 10 occupations selected by the Minister of Justice among occupations in major categories 3 (Clerical Support Workers), 4 (Service Workers), and 5 (Sales Workers) of the 'Korean Standard Occupational Classification' (skill levels 2 and 3).

    5 occupations for clerical support workers such as air transport clerks, and 5 occupations for service workers such as transportation service workers.

  • (General Skilled Occupations) 10 occupations selected by the Minister of Justice among occupations in major categories 6 (Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers), 7 (Craft and Related Trades Workers), and 8 (Plant and Machine Operators, and Assemblers) of the 'Korean Standard Occupational Classification' (skill level 2).

    General: Animal breeders, aquaculture technicians, halal slaughterers, etc., and related skilled workers.

  • (Skilled Occupations) Major categories 6 (Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers) and 7 (Craft and Related Trades Workers).

2. Maximum Period of Stay Granted at One Time

3 years (5 years for individuals recommended as outstanding talents by the competent ministry, those engaged in E-7 occupations within specialized development zones and advanced medical complex zones, and researchers in medical research and development institutions within free economic zones).

3. Activities Outside the Scope of the Residence Permit

• 1. Expansion of Exemption from Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Residence Permit

  No separate permission procedure is required within the permitted period of stay for those wishing to receive education at regular educational institutions (elementary, middle, high school, and university) within the scope that does not infringe upon the original purpose of stay (implemented on June 15, 2009).

• 2. University Lecture Activities by Outstanding Professionals such as CEOs of Foreign Invested Companies

  Scope of Activities	Temporary Employment (C-4-5) status for those wishing to lecture at universities for up to 90 days.
  Target	① Holders of Investor, etc. (D-7, D-8, D-9) status who are working in executive positions or higher at domestic companies (including invested companies). ② Holders of Professional Personnel (E-1, E-3 to E-5, E-7) status.
  Required Documents	① Application form (Form attached as Appendix 34), passport and alien registration card, and fee. ② Employment recommendation letter from the head of the competent ministry. ③ Copy of business registration certificate. ④ Employment contract. ⑤ Consent letter from the head of the previous workplace.

• 3. Domestic Employment for 'Families of Foreign Diplomatic Mission Staff' requires permission for activities outside the scope of residence, based on reciprocity and only for those recommended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (official in charge of diplomatic missions).

  • Countries Permitting Employment: 27 countries as of June 2018.

    Japan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Israel, United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Australia, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Portugal, Switzerland, Colombia (June 2018).

  • Scope of Permitted Employment
    • Foreign language instructor (E-2) at universities, academies, etc.
    • Cultural activities-related occupations such as minor roles in movies and TV dramas (E-6), proofreading and translation at cultural research and media organizations, teachers at foreign schools, administrative staff employed by foreign diplomatic missions or foreign organizations, professionals in foreign-invested companies, information technology (IT) and E-Business personnel in venture companies, etc.
    • Activities for events, foreign language lectures, consulting, and foreign language schools/classes that are tax-exempt are not permitted.

4. Change or Addition of Place of Work

1. Notification of Change or Addition of Place of Work

• Amended to a post-notification system on November 15, 2010 (Article 26-2, Paragraph 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act).

  In order to enhance national competitiveness by improving the utilization of professional personnel, the system has been improved to allow professionals to change or add their place of work through post-notification only, instead of prior approval.

• Ministry of Justice Notice No. 11-510.

  For chefs and cooks, the working hours at other workplaces shall not exceed one-third of the working hours at the original workplace.

a. Eligibility Requirements for Post-Notification

• Holders of Specific Activities (E-7) status, excluding 14 occupations such as sales clerks, who are registered aliens and residing in Korea, and who meet the eligibility requirements to work at the changed or added place of work.

  Even if the eligibility requirements are met, individuals who have been dismissed or have voluntarily resigned due to their own fault and have not obtained the consent of the original employer for a change of workplace are excluded.

b. Notification Procedures, etc.

• The person obligated to notify (the alien) shall report to the head of the competent Immigration Office (Branch Office or Liaison Office) within 15 days from the date the reason for notification arises (notification by an agent is permitted).
• Since a sticker for notification of change or addition of place of work must be affixed or stamped on the passport, in-person reporting is the principle.
• For the protection of bona fide employers and the maintenance of public order, please note that individuals dismissed or voluntarily resigned due to their own fault are excluded from the scope of application if they do not have the consent of the original employer (they are subjects for permission for change of workplace or application for a visa issuance confirmation).

c. Required Documents

• ① Combined Application Form (Forms attached as Appendix 34 to 34-2), Passport and Alien Registration Card (no fee).
• ② Employment recommendation letter from the head of the competent ministry or documents proving the necessity of employment.
• ③ Employment contract.
• ④ Consent letter from the head of the original workplace*.
• ⑤ Copy of business registration certificate.

  * The submission of a statement of reasons and a letter of guarantee is generally waived.

  * The consent letter from the head of the original workplace is exempted if the employment contract has expired or if the parties have worked until the agreed-upon date. In cases of closure, suspension of business, or unpaid wages by the original workplace, it can be substituted with supporting documents or a statement of reasons.

2. Permission for Change or Addition of Place of Work

a. Eligible Applicants

• Mechanical engineering technicians (2351), Drafters (2395), Overseas sales representatives (2742) including overseas online product sales representatives, Designers (285), Sales clerks (31215), Chefs and cooks (441), Customer service representatives (3991), Hotel receptionists (3922), Medical coordinators (S3922), Aquaculture technicians (6301), Ship welders (7430), Skilled occupation score-based workers [Skilled workers in root industry companies (S740), Skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fisheries (S610), Skilled workers in general manufacturing and construction companies (S700)], for whom prior management is necessary due to limitations on the number of permitted employees per employer.

b. Required Documents

• ① Certificate of business closure/suspension, official documents proving unpaid wages, and supplementary documents proving worsening business conditions such as decreased sales (e.g., VAT return forms) (one of the relevant documents).
• ② Consent letter for change of workplace from the original employer (exempted in cases of business closure/suspension, unfair practices such as unpaid wages, violation of employment contract terms, or completion of employment contract period).
• ③ Documents for assessing eligibility for the newly hired company (to be submitted in accordance with the supporting documents for visa issuance confirmation application).

5. Granting of Residence Status

Not applicable.

6. Permission for Change of Residence Status

1. General Criteria for Permission to Change Residence Status

• ① Eligible Applicants

  Foreigners residing in Korea who meet the requirements for each occupation allowed under the Specific Activities (E-7) status.

  * However, short-term stay (B-series, C-series), technical training (D-3), seasonal worker (E-8), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), and other (G-1) statuses are restricted from changing status.

• ② Supporting Documents, Verification Items, and Review Criteria, etc.

  Refer to the supporting documents and review criteria for visa issuance confirmation applications.

• ③ Review of the necessity of employment and appropriateness of the number of applicants, considering the replacement of nationals, national interests, actual operating conditions of businesses, and national employment.

  In principle, foreign employment is permitted within the scope of 20% of the number of national employees.

  For domestic-oriented companies employing fewer than 5 nationals, or companies where the number of current E-7 foreign nationals exceeds 20% of the total national employees, new and replacement personnel adjustments, changes in residence status, and changes or additions to the place of work are generally not permitted.

  However, if recommended by a competent ministry (KOTRA, Korea International Trade Association, etc.), additional employment may be permitted within 50% of the total national workforce in high-tech industries, and within 70% of the total national workforce for excellent export companies targeting specific language regions. For occupations with separate criteria, those criteria shall apply.

  Graduates of 'Study/Work Integrated Programs (D-2-7)' as government scholarship students are exempt from the national employment ratio application for all occupations (professional/semi-professional/skilled occupations).

  To prevent the use of informal labor at low wages, issuance may be restricted if the total salary (annual salary) is below the minimum wage for the relevant year.

  • i) Professionals: Apply the wage requirements confirmed and announced by the Minister of Justice.
  • ii) Semi-professionals, general skilled workers, and skilled workers: Apply the minimum wage or higher.
  • iii) However, for some occupations, the separately established criteria for those occupations shall apply.

2. Special Provisions for Persons Eligible for Special Treatment under Agreements Regarding Visas and Residence Permits

a. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Korea and India: Independent Professionals (IP)

• Eligible Applicants

  Professionals who have concluded a service supply contract with a domestic corporation or sole proprietorship, meet the qualification requirements, and have at least 1 year of experience in the relevant field*.

  * Applicable only to independent professionals who have concluded a 'service supply contract' to provide services in occupations covered by the agreement (162 occupations). Professionals employed in E-7 permitted occupations under employment contracts are subject to general E-7 guidelines.

• Visa Special Treatment

  Issuance of a single-entry visa confirmation with a validity period up to a maximum of 1 year, based on the contract period (if the contract period exceeds 1 year, a period of 1 year is granted).

• Residence Special Treatment

  Restrictions on extension of period of stay, permission for change or addition of place of work, change of residence status, and permission for activities outside the scope of residence (cases recognized as requiring residence permission due to humanitarian reasons such as accidents or illnesses will be processed according to general residence guidelines).

b. Agreement on Temporary Labor Activities between Korea and Russia: Professionals Hired Domestically

• Eligible Applicants

  Employees of the parent company's domestic branch, liaison office, subsidiary, or affiliated company who are hired domestically and meet the qualification requirements for the relevant occupation*.

  * Professionals employed in E-7 permitted occupations under employment contracts with domestic companies are subject to general E-7 guidelines (preferential treatment for multiple-entry visas and residence permits, etc.).

• Visas and Residence

  Issuance of a multiple-entry visa confirmation valid for 1 year, and extension of the period of stay for up to 6 months upon one occasion*. Family accompaniment is not permitted.

  * The period of stay is limited to a maximum of 1 year and 6 months from the date of the previous entry prior to the alien registration date. If dispatched as a resident representative again by the head office after returning home, a visa for the corresponding residence status (D-7 or D-8) will be issued.

3. Members Dispatched to Foreign Law Firms, Foreign Legal Advisors, and Administrative Staff Dispatched to Foreign Law Firms

a. Required Documents

• ① Application form (Form attached as Appendix 34), passport and alien registration card, and fee.
• ② Documents related to the establishment of a domestic law office.
• ③ Employment contract.
• ④ Documents proving place of residence (lease agreement, certificate of accommodation provision, postal notification of expiration of residence period, public utility payment receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.).

7. Permission for Extension of Period of Stay

1. Required Documents and Verification Items

a. Required Documents

• ① Application form (Form attached as Appendix 34), passport and alien registration card, and fee.
• ② Employment contract.
• ③ Certificate of Income Amount (Mandatory)

  Certificate of Income Amount (issued by the tax office) or Withholding Tax Receipt (issued by the employing company).

• ④ Copy of business registration certificate or copy of the commercial registry.
• ⑤ Original Letter of Guarantee (collected only for the following occupations)

  Mechanical engineering technicians (2351), Drafters (2395), Overseas sales representatives (2742) including overseas online product sales representatives, Designers (285), Sales clerks (31215), Chefs and cooks (441), Customer service representatives (3991), Hotel receptionists (3922), Medical coordinators (S3922), Aquaculture technicians (6301), Ship welders (7430), Skilled occupation score-based workers [Skilled workers in root industry companies (S740), Skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fisheries (S610), Skilled workers in general manufacturing and construction companies (S700)]

• ⑥ Documents proving place of residence (lease agreement, certificate of accommodation provision, postal notification of expiration of residence period, public utility payment receipts, dormitory fee receipts, etc.).
• ⑦ Employer's payment history certificate, tax payment certificate, local tax payment certificate (to verify normal operation and tax arrears).

8. Re-entry Permit

1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption System (Amended Enforcement Rule effective December 1, 2010)

• Foreign nationals who have completed registration are exempt from re-entry permits if they intend to re-enter within one year from the date of departure.
• Re-entry permit exemption is granted within the remaining period of stay if the period of stay is less than one year.

  * However, individuals subject to entry or visa issuance restrictions must visit the competent immigration office (branch office or liaison office) to obtain a re-entry permit.

2. Multiple Re-entry Permit (Multiple re-entry is restricted for Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya. However, it is possible for nationals of these countries with F-6 (marriage immigrant), D-2 (student), or D-4 (general training) status)

• For those who wish to re-enter within two years, exceeding one year after departure, within the remaining period of stay.
• Required application documents: Application form (Form attached as Appendix 34), original passport, alien registration card, and fee.

9. Alien Registration

1. Alien Registration Application Documents

• ① Application form (Form attached as Appendix 34), original passport, one standard passport-sized photograph, and fee.
• ② Business registration certificate pursuant to the 'Value Added Tax Act'.
• ③ Health Certificate for Foreigners (applicable only to teachers at foreign schools, etc.).
• ④ Documents proving place of residence.

2. Notification of Change of Alien Registration Information

a. Information to be Notified

Name, gender, date of birth and nationality, passport number, issue date, and expiry date.

b. Notification Period

Report within 15 days from the date of change.

c. Required Documents

• ① Application form (Form attached as Appendix 34), passport and alien registration card, no fee.
• ② Documents related to the change.

10. Additional Information

Review Criteria for Protection of National Employment

• (Principle of Application) Considering that national replacement is difficult for professionals and that they contribute to national wealth creation and job creation, the criteria are generally not applied, except for the wage requirement.
• ① Application of National Employment Protection Review Criteria as an Exception

  i) For professions such as mechanical engineering technicians, drafters, tour product developers, overseas sales representatives, and interpreters/translators among professionals, where there is a risk of excessive invitation, the national employment protection review criteria are applied exceptionally.

  ii) For professionals in semi-professional, general skilled, and skilled occupations, as well as the national employment protection occupations, eligibility requirements for employers, upper limits on the number of foreign nationals employed per company, and minimum wage requirements are set and applied to prevent encroachment on national employment.

• ② Notwithstanding the provisions of (i) and (ii) above, the national employment protection shall not be applied in accordance with the general principles for cases falling under each of the following categories.

  i) Not applicable to part-time work performed with permission for activities outside the scope of residence or change of workplace.

  ii) Graduates of 'Study/Work Integrated Programs (D-2-7)' as government scholarship students are exempt from the application of national employment ratios and company size criteria for professional, semi-professional, and general skilled occupations, and a wider range of similar occupations are allowed.

General Review Criteria for Protection of National Employment

• (Company Size) Companies employing fewer than 5 nationals and primarily domestic-oriented are generally restricted from invitations. The number of employees refers to those listed on the Employment Insurance subscriber list for at least 3 months, meeting the minimum wage requirement.

  * Submission of an Employment Insurance subscriber list for at least 3 months is required, so applications are generally accepted at least 3 months after business registration.

• (Company Industry) Where separate employer requirements are set considering industry characteristics, those requirements must be met.
• (Foreign Employment Ratio) For occupations subject to national employment protection, foreign employment is generally permitted within the scope of 20% of the number of national employees.

  * Skilled workers (E-7-4), seasonal workers (E-8), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), visiting employment (H-2), residence (F-2), overseas Koreans (F-4), permanent residents (F-5), and marriage immigrants (F-6) are excluded from the foreign employee count. However, employable residence statuses such as Professors (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7-1 to 3) are included in the foreign employee count for ratio calculation.

  * Proof of employment of nationals requires submission of employment insurance-related documents (continuously employed as full-time employees for at least 3 months. For newly established companies, applications are generally accepted 3 months after the business registration date if the industry is subject to the national employment ratio).

  * Companies currently employing E-7 foreigners exceeding 20% of the total national employees are generally prohibited from inviting new and replacement personnel, changing residence status, or changing/adding workplaces.

• (Wage Requirements) To prevent the use of informal labor at low wages, the review is conducted by differentiating based on the professional level, linking it to the average wage of national employees with similar experience performing the same job.

  i) Professionals: Apply the wage requirements confirmed and announced by the Minister of Justice.

  ii) Semi-professionals, general skilled workers, and skilled workers: Apply the minimum wage or higher.

  iii) However, for some occupations*, the separately established criteria for those occupations shall apply.

  * 67 occupations for professionals (E-7-1) and ship welders, ship painters, etc., among general skilled workers (E-7-3).

• (Special Provisions for SMEs, Venture Companies, and Mid-sized Companies in Non-Metropolitan Areas) Relaxed wage requirements are applied to individuals intending to work in occupations where the wage requirement of 80% or more of the previous year's GNI applies among employed foreigners, and who have no or less than 3 years of work experience in Korea under the Specific Activities (E-7) status. (80% or more of previous year's GNI → 70% or more of previous year's GNI)

  * ① Companies confirmed as 'Small and Medium Enterprises (Sole Proprietors)' under the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act. ② Venture companies confirmed with a 'Venture Company Certificate' under the Venture Business Act. ③ Mid-sized companies located in non-metropolitan areas confirmed with a 'Mid-sized Company Certificate' under the Mid-sized Enterprise Act.

  * If the special wage requirements differ from the amounts announced for the current year, the more favorable amount shall apply.

【 Wage Requirement Review Criteria 】

• Required Documents: Employment contract, Certificate of Income Amount for the previous year issued by the tax office (mandatory for extension of period or change of workplace).
• Wage Requirement Criteria: Review based on the wage requirements confirmed and announced by the Minister of Justice for the current year.

  The announced amount as of the application date will be used as the basis.

• Per Capita GNI of Korea for the Previous Year: Announced annually by the Bank of Korea and publicly disclosed on the Bank of Korea website's statistics site each year.
• Minimum Wage for the Current Year: Determined by the Minister of Employment and Labor every August, as per Article 10 of the Minimum Wage Act. If there are no separate provisions, the minimum wage for January 1st of that year will apply.
• Employment Contract: The employment contract must clearly state the monthly total salary (annual salary) and working hours to ensure compliance with the minimum wage (specify daily and monthly working hours).
• Application of Review Criteria

  The annual salary is used as the basis for reviewing the 'wage' requirement.

  Both hourly and monthly wages must meet the minimum wage requirements. If the total amount does not meet the requirement due to fewer working hours, employment will be restricted (must be at least the minimum wage for the current year).

  Issuance will generally be restricted if the salary is below the review criteria.

• If the criteria for various special provisions differ from the amounts confirmed and announced for the current year, the more favorable amount shall apply.

Transitional Provisions to Note

• ① For foreign nationals currently residing with the Specific Activities (E-7) status as foreign cooks, the current regulations will apply from January 1, 2018. However, if the requirements are not met, permission may be restricted.
• ② For those who have transitioned to Skilled Worker (E-7-4) status and are currently residing, the amended regulations effective September 25, 2023, will apply. However, if the requirements are not met, permission may be restricted.

＜Current Status of Permitted Occupations for Specific Activities (E-7): 90 Occupations＞

＜＜Detailed Management Standards by Specific Activities (E-7) Occupation＞＞

a. Managers (15 Occupations)

1. High-ranking executives of economic interest groups (S110)

• (Occupation Description) Individuals who determine and draft policies, articles of association, and regulations of economic interest groups such as management associations, organize, direct, and control departments for their implementation and application, and represent and act on behalf of their organizations externally.
• (Examples of Admissible Occupations) High-ranking executives of economic-related organizations.
• (Qualification Requirements, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management, etc.) In consideration of corporate autonomy, academic and career requirements are not specified, and visa issuance, etc., follows general standards.

2. Corporate executives (1120)

• (Occupation Description) Individuals who represent a company or organization (excluding special interest groups) within the scope of guidelines set by the board of directors or management bodies, and who plan, direct, and coordinate business activities with the cooperation of two or more other senior executives.
• (Examples of Admissible Occupations) Chairman, Vice-Chairman, CEO, President, Vice-President of companies.
• (Qualification Requirements, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management, etc.) In consideration of corporate autonomy, academic and career requirements are not specified, and visa issuance, etc., follows general standards.

3. Management support managers (1212)

• (Occupation Description) Individuals who plan, direct, and coordinate management support activities, including human resources, and related activities through consultation with other department managers under the general direction of management.

Management Guidance for Skilled Workers (E-7-4)

Quota Status (Annual)

Explanation of Quota Types

• Individual Track Recommended by Companies: For individuals recommended by the company where they have been employed for over 1 year, applications are possible if they meet the conversion score requirements without needing recommendation from central ministries or local governments.
• Recommended Quota: For individuals recommended by the company where they have been employed for over 1 year, applications are possible if they receive a recommendation from a central ministry or a metropolitan government.
  • (Recommendation by Central Ministries) Recommendations from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
  • (Recommendation by Metropolitan Governments) For individuals employed for over 1 year at companies located within the respective metropolitan government, recommendations are made by each metropolitan government. (After converting to E-7-4 status, the applicant must maintain their registered address within the same metropolitan government for over 2 years.)

    * However, for those converted under the non-metropolitan area special provision, regardless of the 4-year residency requirement, the employment and mandatory residency period at the company is 3 years.

  • (Flexible Allocation Quota) This is a separately established quota for flexible quota management and is planned for flexible operation in areas requiring additional allocation in the future.
• (Schedule) Applications accepted year-round.
• (Method) Online application through HiKorea electronic services is the principle.

  ↓ Refer to the 'Application Method' in the HiKorea website (www.hikorea.go.kr) for announcements.

• (5-Day Application System) Application days are assigned based on the last digit of the applicant's birth year.

  (e.g., Born in 1990 → Friday, Born in 1993 → Wednesday, Born in 1987 → Tuesday, ...)

* In-person applications are allowed only in exceptional cases where the head of the competent authority deems it unavoidable due to factors such as age, remote location, or excessive supporting documents.

❑ Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

a. Basic Requirements (Mandatory): All of the following conditions must be met (① to ④).

• ① Registered alien who has resided in Korea for 4 years or more within the last 10 years under E-9, E-10, or H-2 status, and who is currently working normally at their current place of employment.

  Must be legally employed and registered as an alien at the current place of employment at the time of application.

  Individuals residing in non-metropolitan areas* for 3 years or more and recommended by a metropolitan government are also eligible.

  * All areas except Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon.

• ② Employment contract with the current employer for at least 2 years as E-7-4, with an annual salary of at least 26 million KRW.

  Upon conversion to E-7-4 status, the employment contract must stipulate continued employment at the current workplace for at least 2 years.

  Upon conversion to E-7-4 status, the planned annual salary must be at least 26 million KRW (however, the annual salary requirement is relaxed to 25 million KRW or more for those engaged in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and coastal shipping).

• ③ Recommended by the company where the applicant has been employed for at least 1 year.

  The recommendation rights of companies found to have provided fraudulent recommendations will be revoked immediately, and they will be prohibited from making recommendations for the next 5 years.

• ④ Score of at least 200 points out of a total of 300 points (including bonus points), provided that the average income and Korean language proficiency in the basic items each score at least 50 points: Refer to the "K-point E74" Score Table.

  The average annual income for the last 2 years* must be 26 million KRW** or more, and Korean language proficiency must be at TOPIK level 2, completion of Social Integration Program Level 2, or a preliminary assessment score of Level 3 (41 points) or higher in the Social Integration Program.

  * If proving income for the last 2 years is impossible due to an interruption in re-entry, the income for the two highest-earning years between 2019 and 2023 can be used as a substitute.

  ** Refers to the average of the total income for the last 2 years, and for those engaged in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, or coastal shipping, the requirement is relaxed to 25 million KRW or more.

  Korean language proficiency requirements can be temporarily waived for up to the first extension (2 years) provided that other requirements are met, with the condition of improving Korean language proficiency by December 31, 2026.

  * If Korean language proficiency is not met within 2 years, family invitation will not be possible, and the subsequent period of stay will be granted for only 6 months. If the requirements are not met within 6 months, further extension will be denied, and the residence permit will be revoked.

b. Bonus and Deduction Points

• (Bonus Points Items) Consist of recommendations, long-term service at the current workplace, and long-term work in depopulated areas. Bonus points can be combined.
  • (Recommendations) Recommendations are categorized as recommendations from central ministries, metropolitan governments, and employing companies. Recommendation from employing companies is a basic requirement. Recommendations from central ministries and metropolitan governments are optional and only one will be recognized if overlapping.

    * Limited to the 17 metropolitan governments; basic local governments recommend through metropolitan governments.

  • (Long-term Service at Current Workplace) Applicable only if continuously employed at the current workplace for 3 years or more as of the E-7-4 application date.
  • (Work Experience in Depopulated Areas or Rural Areas) Refers to legal and normal work experience for 3 years or more in depopulated areas or rural areas within the last 10 years, combining any of the three residence statuses (E-9, E-10, H-2) in Korea. Work experience in depopulated areas and rural areas can be combined.
  • (Possession of Certifications) Applicable if holding at least one domestic certification among Engineer, Industrial Engineer, and Skilled Technician.

    * Domestic certification related to the field of current employment.

  • (Domestic University Degree) Applicable if holding an associate's degree or higher from a domestic university.
  • (Domestic Driver's License) Recognized only for Class 2 Ordinary Driver's License or higher issued by the Korean National Police Agency.
• ☞ (Deduction Points Items) Deductions applied within a maximum of 50 points (only for matters within the last 10 years from the application date): Refer to the "K-point E74" Score Table.
  • (Fines of less than 1 million KRW) Deductions of up to 20 points are applied based on the number of times fines of less than 1 million KRW were imposed.
  • (Individuals who have had their residence permit restricted due to tax arrears) Deductions of up to 15 points are applied based on the number of times the residence permit was restricted due to tax arrears.
  • (Individuals who have received administrative disposition for violating the Immigration Act 3 times or less) Deductions of up to 15 points are applied based on the number of times of administrative disposition for violating the Immigration Act.

c. Excluded Applicants: If any of the following items apply, the application is not permitted (items ①, ③, ④ apply only within the last 10 years).

• ① Individuals who have received a fine of 1 million KRW or more.
• ② Tax debtors (Application is possible after full payment).
• ③ Violators of the Immigration Act 4 times or more.
• ④ Individuals with an illegal stay of 3 months or more.
• ⑤ Persons deemed likely to engage in activities that harm the interests of the Republic of Korea or public safety, etc.
• ⑥ Persons deemed likely to engage in activities that harm the economic or social order, or public morals, etc.

Employer (Business) Requirements

a. Basic Requirements: Business sites that currently employ at least one person under E-9, E-10, or H-2 status and are eligible for the skilled occupation points system → Must be a business site currently employing foreigners under any of the three statuses (E-9, E-10, H-2).

b. Permitted Number of Employees: Within 30% of the current national employees* at the respective business site. * Refers to national employees listed on the Employment Insurance subscriber list for at least 3 months and receiving monthly wages meeting the statutory minimum wage. Submission of an Employment Insurance subscriber list for at least 3 months is required, so applications are generally accepted at least 3 months after business registration.

• (Special Provision) Within 50% of national employees in depopulated areas and root industries.
• (Inclusion of Foreign Employees with Other Statuses) Foreign employees with statuses other than E-7-4, such as E-7, E-9, E-10, H-2, and F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6, are excluded from the foreign employee count.

  * The calculated permitted number shall be rounded up. Companies currently employing E-9 and E-10 foreign workers are allowed to employ at least one person (two people in depopulated areas and root industries).

• △△△ Construction companies can employ up to 0.4 persons per 100 million KRW of 'construction capability assessment value or average annual construction cost (whichever is chosen)' (rounded up, fractions discarded).

c. Excluded Applicants: Businesses with tax arrears (national or local) are excluded.

Permission Details

• Permission Details: Only change of residence status is permitted (not eligible for new visa issuance).

  (Period of Permission) Up to 2 years at one time (within the scope of the employment contract).

• Fee: Standard fee for change of status applies (including electronic service discounts).
• Effective Date: November 27, 2024 (Wednesday).
• Transitional Measures, etc.

  For applicants who submitted change applications before the effective date of 'K-point E-7-4' (September 25, 2023), and for those who have obtained Skilled Worker (E-7-4) status and are residing after the effective date, changes to residence status, extensions of period of stay, etc., will be processed according to the amended regulations.

List of Required Documents

• □ Mandatory Documents: To be submitted by all applicants

  1. (Applicant) Combined Application Form (Appendix 34), Passport Copy (Personal Information Page)

  2. (Applicant) Self-Assessment Score Sheet

  3. (Applicant) Personal Statement

  4. (Applicant) Standard Employment Contract: Submit E-7-4 Employment Contract

  5. (Applicant) Certificate of Income Amount issued by the tax office (for confirming average income for the last 2 years)

  6. (Applicant) Proof of Korean Language Proficiency (Submit the score table only if using TOPIK. If using the Social Integration Program completion or preliminary assessment score, submission of the completion certificate or preliminary assessment score report is omitted)

  7. (Applicant) Letter of Guarantee (Appendix 129) → Employer acts as guarantor

  8. (Current Employer) Copy of Business Registration Certificate or Agricultural Business Entity Registration (National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service)

  9. (Current Employer) Tax Payment Certificate, Local Tax Payment Certificate (to verify company's tax arrears)

  10. (Current Employer) 4 Major Social Insurance Enrollment List (Employment Insurance Subscriber List) or Agricultural Business Entity Registration (National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service), Construction Project Amount Proof Documents (for construction industry only)

  11. (Current Employer) Company Recommendation Letter and Copy of Recommender's ID Card

• □ Additional Documents: To be submitted by eligible applicants only

  1. (Applicant) Copy of Domestic Certification (submit only if eligible for bonus points)

  2. (Applicant) Copy of Domestic Degree Certificate (submit only if eligible for bonus points)

  3. (Applicant) Copy of Domestic Driver's License (submit only if eligible for bonus points)

  4. (Current Employer) Root Industry Certificate (applicable only to root industry companies)

  5. (Current Employer) Prime Contractor Certificate or Equipment Supplier Certificate (applicable only to shipbuilding industry)

  6. (Current Employer) Domestic Passenger Transport Business License or Domestic Cargo Transport Business Registration Certificate (applicable only to regular coastal shipping business)

(Caution) Applicants or employers who submit fraudulent documents or falsify information when applying for the Skilled Worker (E-7-4) points system conversion may face disadvantages such as restrictions on visa applications and may be subject to criminal prosecution under relevant laws.

"K-point E74" Score Table

• Conversion Requirement Score: Minimum 200 points (including bonus points) out of a total of 300 points (excluding bonus points).

Score Table

* The applicant requirements and score table items (scores) above may be subject to change during operation.*

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (Q&A)

[Basic Requirements]

• Q1. What is the criterion for residing in Korea for 4 years or more within the last 10 years?

  A. For example, if you resided as E-9 from '17 to '19, then re-entered as E-9 in '22 and have been working for 2 years, your past and current residency periods are combined to meet the requirement of 4 years or more, making you eligible.

[Employment Conditions]

• Q2. Are there any specific standards for the employment contract form?

  A. You can use the provided sample employment contract as a reference. However, the conditions for K-point E74 conversion, namely 'expected to work for at least 2 years in the future' and 'receive an annual salary of at least 26 million KRW', must be clearly stated.

• Q2-1. What is the meaning of 'annual salary of at least 26 million KRW' among the wage requirements?

  A. It means that the total amount paid to the employee, including base salary and allowances, must be at least 26 million KRW per year. (Based on the 2024 minimum wage, the annual salary is approximately 24,728,880 KRW).

• Q2-2. How should the contract period be written?

  A. The basic requirement for K-point E74 is an employment contract for at least 2 years as E-7-4. The contract period is a matter of discretion between the employer and the foreign national, but it must be signed for at least 2 years from the contract date. The contract start date should be as of the application date.

[Average Income]

• Q3. What is the meaning of 'average income for the last 2 years'?

  A. It refers to the sum of income for the two most recent years prior to the application date, divided by two. For those engaged in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, or coastal shipping, the requirement is relaxed to 25 million KRW or more. However, if it is impossible to prove income for the last 2 years due to unavoidable reasons such as re-entry gaps, income from the two highest-earning years between 2019 and 2023 can be submitted.

• Q3-1. Is only the Certificate of Income Amount issued by the National Tax Service accepted as proof of average income?

  A. In principle, only the Certificate of Income Amount issued by the National Tax Service is accepted. Since the Certificate of Income Amount for the previous year cannot be issued until the finalization of global income tax filing in May, the Certificates of Income Amount for '21-'22 are accepted until May '24. After May '24, the Certificates of Income Amount for '22-'23 must be submitted.

[Korean Language]

• Q4. If the preliminary assessment score is 41 points or higher, but the oral score is less than 3 points, resulting in a Level 0 assignment, is the score recognized?

  A. The score is not recognized. The minimum Korean language proficiency score for K-point E74 is based on being assigned to Level 3 or higher in the Social Integration Program preliminary assessment, so Level 0 assignment does not meet the criteria.

• Q4-1. What is the validity period of the Social Integration Program preliminary assessment score?

  A. The preliminary assessment score becomes invalid 2 years after the date of announcement. Therefore, scores older than 2 years cannot be recognized for K-point E74 Korean language proficiency.

• Q4-2. Is it possible to retake the Social Integration Program preliminary assessment if my score is low?

  A. Yes, it is possible. Please check the schedule for the Social Integration Program preliminary assessment and apply. In particular, the Gwangmyeong and Daejeon CBT centers conduct assessments weekly, so please take note.

[Company Recommendations]

• Q5. For agriculture and fisheries where Employment Insurance subscriber lists are not issued, can recommendations be obtained by proving regular employees with other documents?

  A. In principle, the 4 major social insurance business subscriber list must be submitted.

• Q5-1. How is the 'employed for at least 1 year at the current company' calculated for recommendations?

  A. Even if there was a gap due to employment at another company in between, the actual working period (past + current) can be combined if the previous and current employers are the same. If the combined period is 1 year or more, it is applicable.

• Q5-2. What are the criteria for calculating the number of company recommendations allowed and the number of employees permitted per company in terms of regular employees and national employees?

  A. Regular employees refer to national and foreign employees listed on the Employment Insurance subscriber list for at least 3 months and receiving monthly wages of the statutory minimum wage or more. National employees refer to national employees under the same conditions.

[Domestic University Degree]

• Q6. Are degrees from distance universities (e.g., Korea National Open University, Cyber University) also recognized?

  A. Yes, degrees from distance universities under the 'Higher Education Act' are recognized.

• Q6-1. Are degrees obtained through self-study or the credit-bank system recognized?

  A. Yes, degrees obtained under the 'Act on Acquisition of Degrees by Self-Study' and the 'Act on Recognition of Credits, etc.' are recognized.

[Long-term Service at Current Workplace]

• Q7. How is the length of service at the current workplace calculated?

  A. Even if there was a gap due to employment at another company in between, the actual working period (past + current) can be combined if the previous and current employers are the same. If the combined period is 3 years or more, it qualifies for bonus points.

[Rural Areas and Depopulated Areas]

• Q8. If the previous workplace was not a rural area (depopulated area), but the one before that was, can bonus points be applied?

  A. Yes, it is possible. All relevant work experience within the last 10 years can be combined. For example, if you worked for 2 years at the workplace before the previous one and 1 year at the current workplace, the total of 3 years can be combined to receive bonus points.

• Q8-1. How are work experiences in depopulated areas and rural areas combined?

  A. If you worked for 3 years in a depopulated area and 3 years in a rural area, the total of 6 years of work experience is recognized, but bonus points are awarded only once (20 points) for the '3 years or more of service' category. You do not receive 20 points for each.

• Q8-2. If I worked for 2 years in an area that is both a depopulated area and a rural area, can it be recognized as 4 years?

  A. Even if the working area meets both criteria, the working period cannot be counted twice. In this case, it is recognized as 2 years of work experience.

[General Residence]

• Q9. What if the remaining validity period of my passport is short?

  A. If the remaining passport validity period is less than 6 months, the period of stay will be granted by considering the passport validity period as 6 months upon submission of a confirmation letter (however, the employment contract period must be 2 years or more).

• Q9-1. Are ministry recommendation letters issued before the implementation of K-point E74 still valid?

  A. Recommendation letters issued before the effective date are not valid. You must contact the respective ministry to request a re-issue.

• Q9-2. What are the points to note when filling out the Letter of Guarantee?

  A. You must pay attention to the 'Period of Guarantee'. According to K-point E74 regulations, the period of stay can be granted for up to 2 years. However, if the period of guarantee is less than 2 years, the granted period of stay will be shortened accordingly.

• Q10. What are the available hours for applying through HiKorea electronic services?

  A. They are available from 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays. For system-related inquiries, please dial 1345 (without an area code).

• Q10-1. What file formats can be uploaded when applying through electronic services?

  A. Only files less than 2MB in jpg, bmp, png, tif, or pdf format are allowed. Passport photos must be in jpg format, less than 95KB.