E-7 visa basics: working in a professional job in Korea
E-7 is the status for foreigners in professional and skilled jobs designated by the Ministry of Justice. Learn the types, usual requirements, how to apply and what to know before changing jobs.
E-7 (특정활동, specific activities) is a work status for professional and skilled jobs. It is not for any job. The occupation must be on the list designated by the Ministry of Justice, and you must work for an employer that meets the conditions.
Four types of E-7
- E-7-1 Professional: managers and professionals, for example engineers, IT specialists and interpreters.
- E-7-2 Semi-professional: some office and service jobs, for example certain hotel jobs.
- E-7-3 General skilled: certain skilled technical jobs and trades.
- E-7-4 Skilled worker (points-based): for people who have worked in Korea for several years in non-professional statuses, such as E-9, E-10 or H-2, and meet the points requirement.
Usual requirements
| Item | What is usually required |
|---|---|
| Education and experience | Usually a related master’s degree, or a related bachelor’s degree plus work experience, or long work experience in the field. Graduates of Korean universities often have easier conditions. |
| Salary | At least a minimum standard, often linked to the previous year’s per-capita GNI. The level differs by type and changes every year. |
| Job match | Your duties must match your major or your work experience. |
| Company | A real, operating business with enough Korean employees. Immigration may review the company’s situation. |
Who applies and how
- Your employer sponsors you and prepares the company documents.
- If you are outside Korea: the employer applies for a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서). You then get your visa at a Korean embassy or consulate.
- If you are already in Korea (for example on D-2 or D-10): you apply for a change of status at your immigration office.
- 1
Find a matching job
Check that the job is an E-7 occupation and fits your major or experience.
- 2
Employer checks conditions
The employer checks the salary standard and the company conditions.
- 3
Sign the contract
The job title, duties and salary in the contract must match the real job.
- 4
Apply
Apply for a visa issuance certificate from abroad, or for a change of status in Korea.
- 5
Start after approval
Start work only after you get the approval or the visa.
Changing employers
Your E-7 is tied to your approved employer. If you want to move to a new company, you usually need permission in advance. In some cases a report is enough, but it must be made within a set period. Check which rule applies to you before you leave your current job.
Before you act
Official sources
Written by KOVIA 편집팀
