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For professionals in designated skilled occupations; requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Minimum salary requirements apply by occupation category.
Score-based system evaluating income, age, education, Korean language ability, and Korean cultural knowledge. Minimum 80 points out of 120 required; scored applicants can live and work freely.
For foreign nationals investing at least KRW 100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean company. Investor must be involved in management of the invested enterprise.
Requires 5 years of continuous legal residence (shorter for high-earners or investors). Basic Korean language proficiency and knowledge of Korean society required for standard applicants.
South Korea offers a well-structured visa system with the F-2 Points-Based Residency Visa for skilled expats, the D-8 Corporate Investment Visa, and the popular D-10 Job-Seeker Visa. The K-ETA electronic travel authorization replaced visa-on-arrival for many nationalities. South Korea introduced a Digital Nomad Visa (C-4-D) in 2024 for remote workers. F-5 permanent residency can be obtained after 5 years of lawful stay under most visa categories.
Foreign workers require employer-sponsored visas for most employment categories (E-1 through E-7). The E-7 Specially Designated Activities visa covers a wide range of professional occupations and requires employer sponsorship with a labor market test for most roles. The F-series visas (F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6) provide open work authorization without employer restriction. Intra-company transferees use the D-7 visa.
Spouses and children of work visa holders (E and D category visas) can obtain F-3 dependent visas, which do not grant automatic work authorization. To work, dependents must separately apply for an appropriate work visa. F-6 spouse visas are available for partners of Korean citizens and provide open work authorization.
South Korea taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates from 6% to 45% (plus a 10% surtax). A flat 19% rate option is available for qualified foreign workers for up to 20 years (originally 5 years, extended in 2023). Non-residents are taxed only on Korean-sourced income. South Korea has tax treaties with over 95 countries.
South Korea has universal health insurance (NHIS) which all registered residents, including expats with a valid ARC (Alien Registration Card), are required to join. Premiums are income-based. The public system is excellent with minimal wait times, advanced technology, and low costs. Private rooms and premium clinics are also available for those who prefer them.
Opening a bank account requires an Alien Registration Card (ARC), passport, and proof of address. Major banks include Kookmin Bank (KB), Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, and KEB Hana Bank. Most banks have English-language services in major cities. The mobile banking ecosystem (KakaoBank, Toss) is extremely advanced. Foreign bank transfers are straightforward.
South Korea offers the D-8 Corporate Investment Visa for foreign investors investing at least KRW 100 million (approximately $75,000 USD) in a Korean company they establish or own. Investors can apply for F-5 permanent residency after 5 years. The Public Benefit Investment Immigrant scheme allows F-2 visas for investors of KRW 500 million in public interest funds, with a path to F-5 permanent residency.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-8 Corporate Investment Visa | $75k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Public Benefit Investment (F-2) | $375k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |