Special Occupation(E-7)
| Scope of Activities and Eligible Persons | A person who intends to engage in activities specially designated by the Minister of Justice under a contract with public or private organizations in the Republic of Korea. |
| Maximum Period of Stay Granted at One Time | 3 years (for highly skilled personnel recommended by the competent ministry, workers in E-7 occupations within regional innovation zones and advanced medical complex districts, and researchers at medical R&D institutions in free economic zones, 5 years). |
| Applicable Targets and Introduction Criteria | 1. Applicable Targets \[Immigration Control Act Enforcement Decree Appendix 1-2, 20. Specific Activity (E-7)]
Persons who intend to engage in activities specially designated by the Minister of Justice under contracts with public or private organizations in Korea. * “Specific Activity" refers to fields in which the Minister of Justice has designated the introduction of foreign personnel with specialized knowledge, skills, or functions as particularly necessary to enhance national competitiveness (hereafter “designated occupations”). * The national and local governments must make efforts to establish systems and policies to improve the legal status and treatment of foreign personnel with specialized knowledge, skills, or functions. (Basic Act on Treatment of Foreigners in Korea, Article 16) (Types of designated occupations) Classified based on the “Korean Standard Classification of Occupations” and skill levels into professional occupations, semi-professional occupations, general functional occupations, and skilled functional occupations: * Professional Occupations (Management & Professionals) : Major categories 1 (Managers) and 2 (Professionals & Related Workers) with skill levels 3, 4; 67 occupations designated by the Minister of Justice. 15 management occupations including senior executives of economic interest organizations, 52 professional occupations including life science experts and related professionals. * Semi-Professional Occupations : Major categories 3 (Clerical Workers), 4 (Service Workers), 5 (Sales Workers) with skill levels 2, 3; 10 occupations designated by the Minister of Justice. * 5 clerical occupations including airline clerks and 5 service occupations including transportation service workers. * General Functional Occupations : Major categories 6 (Skilled Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Workers), 7 (Craft and Related Workers), 8 (Plant and Machine Operators & Assemblers) with skill level 2; 10 occupations designated by the Minister of Justice. General : animal breeders, aquaculture technicians, halal butchers, and related functional personnel. * Skilled Functional Occupations (Points System) : Major categories 6, 7, 8 with skill level 2; 3 occupations designated by the Minister of Justice using a points system. Points system : skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, fishery, manufacturing, and construction. | New Code | Classification | Reference | | -------- | -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | E-7-1 | Professional Personnel | Managers and Professionals (67 occupations) | | E-7-2 | Semi-Professional Personnel | Clerical & Service Workers (10 occupations) | | E-7-3 | General Functional Personnel | Craft and Related Workers (10 occupations) | | E-7-4 | Skilled Functional Personnel (Points System) | Established 17.8.1 (3 occupations) | | E-7-91 | FTA Independent Experts | T6 (Old Code) | | E-7-S | Negative System Professional Personnel | High-income earners, advanced industry workers (or prospective) | 2. Selection and Management of Designated Occupations * Occupation Selection : Government ministries regularly or ad hoc survey new occupation demands for specialized foreign personnel and select based on necessity, effectiveness, and replaceability by nationals. * Consultation : During surveys, gather opinions on required education, experience, and employer requirements; consult the Subcommittee for Attraction of Professional Personnel under the Foreign Policy Committee when prior review is needed. * Subcommittee Chair : Director of Future Human Policy, Ministry of Science & ICT; Members: Ministries of Economy & Finance, Education, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Culture & Tourism, Trade & Industry, Employment & Labor, National Intelligence Service, SMEs & Startups * As of Nov. 2022, 87 occupations (278 detailed subcategories) selected. * Management : Assign code numbers to occupations for statistics and tracking; based on KSC minor (3 digits), sub-minor (4 digits), and detailed sub-minor (5 digits). Newly separated or added occupations use “S” prefix. * Allowance for Similar Occupations : Employment allowed if qualifications, necessity, and replaceability are sufficiently similar to an existing occupation. * Approval : Professional occupations (major categories 1–2) allowed at discretion; semi-professional and skilled functional occupations (categories 3–8) require Minister of Justice approval. 3. Qualification Requirements and Introduction Methods by Occupation a. Qualifications *(General Requirements) At least one of the following: * Master’s degree or higher in a field related to the occupation. * Bachelor’s degree related to the occupation + 1+ year experience in the field (only post-degree experience recognized; exceptions for advanced tech fields like IT, bio, nano). * 5+ years of work experience in a related field. *(Special Requirements)* Certain top talent or occupation-specific rules may override general requirements, including: * Global top 500 company experience ≥1 year. * Graduates (or expected graduates) from top 500 global universities. * Graduates from domestic specialized colleges in relevant fields may be exempt from 1-year experience. * Domestic university graduates (or expected) may be exempt from experience requirements if employment need is recognized. * Advanced science & technology talent recommended by competent ministry (Gold Card) may have strengthened employment recommendations. * D-10-3 Advanced Tech Interns with ≥1 year internship and salary ≥1x GNI may be exempt from education/experience requirements when converting status. * Certain Japanese IT experts with recognized qualifications may be allowed regardless of standard qualifications. * High-income professional talent with total annual compensation ≥3x GNI may be exempt from all requirements. * Graduates completing domestic training programs (D-4-6, ≥20 months) in relevant fields with recognized certifications may be allowed E-7-4 change. * Occupation-specific criteria apply to chefs, skilled workers in foundational industries, and ship welders. b. Introduction Method * Companies identify and recruit necessary foreign professionals, verify qualifications, then apply for visa issuance or status change; the Ministry of Justice reviews eligibility. * For skilled workers in foundational industries, a talent pool may be established and selected within quota limits. c. Employment Recommendation Letter * Issuance determined per occupation; required if specified in review criteria. * Exemptions: universities, public institutions, or large company managers. * Electronic system operated via Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr). d. Supporting Documents & Application Procedure * Foreign national: passport copy, passport-sized photo, employment contract, proof of qualifications (degree, experience, certificates). * Employer: organization establishment documents, justification for employment, recommendation letter if required, identity guarantee for restricted occupations, tax certificates. e. Qualifications and Review Criteria for Inviting Organizations * Must not fall under visa issuance restrictions (Immigration Control Act Enforcement Rule Art. 17-3(2)1-7). * Must meet occupation-specific employer criteria, foreign employment limits, and minimum wage requirements. * Must have no outstanding national or local taxes. * Small start-ups or early-stage foreign-invested firms may employ professional personnel without revenue proof for up to 5 years (for 67 professional occupations). * Employers of skilled functional personnel are assessed on compliance, operations, and low-wage utilization to determine approval and allowed number of foreign employees. |
| Activities Outside the Scope of Stay | 1. Expansion of Exemption for Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Scope of Stay
Foreigners may engage in education at formal educational institutions (elementary, middle, high school, and universities) within the scope of their original stay purpose without requiring separate permission, provided it does not infringe upon the original purpose of stay. (Effective June 15, 2009) 2. University Lectures by CEOs of Foreign-Invested Companies and Other Top Professionals * Scope of Activity : Short-term employment (C-4-5) for lecture activities at universities for up to 90 days. * Eligible Persons : 1. Holders of investor-type visas (D-7, D-8, D-9) serving as full-time directors or higher in domestic companies (including investment companies). 2. Holders of professional visas (E-1, E-3–E-5, E-7). * Required Documents : 1. Application form (Appendix 34), passport, alien registration card, fee 2. Employment recommendation from the relevant ministry 3. Copy of business registration certificate 4. Employment contract 5. Consent from the current employer 3. Employment for Family Members of Foreign Diplomatic Officials in Korea * Permission for activities outside the scope of stay is granted only to those recommended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Diplomatic Affairs Officer), based on reciprocity. * Eligible Countries : As of June 2018, 27 countries, including Japan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Israel, USA, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Sweden, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Australia, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Portugal, Switzerland, Colombia. * Permitted Employment Scope : * Teaching foreign languages at universities or academies (E-2) * Cultural activities such as film or TV extras (E-6), foreign language-related roles in cultural or media research institutions, translation/editing, foreign school teaching (E-7), and other roles that cannot be replaced by nationals * Applicable for D-1, D-6, E-1, E-3 visas * For E-7: essential professional roles in foreign-invested companies or foreign companies’ domestic branches, management consulting for foreign companies * Note : Expanded scope for Canadian diplomatic families (March 9, 2009) excluding simple labor positions (D-3, E-9, E-10, H-2) 4. Permission for A-1 and A-2 Visa Holders (Delegated to Chief of Immigration Office, Branch Office Chief) * Permitted Activities : * Foreign language instructors (E-2), foreign school teachers (E-7), foreign language editors (E-7) * Cultural/arts (D-1), religion (D-6), professors (E-1), researchers (E-3) * Administrative staff employed by foreign embassies or institutions (E-7) * Specific Activity (E-7) in IT/E-business at venture companies with recommendation from the competent ministry * Required : Employment recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomatic Affairs Officer) and supporting documents for the current visa. 5. Employment for Spouses of High-Value Investors and Professional Foreigners * Eligible : * Spouses of advanced science/technology personnel (SCIENCE card), advanced tech personnel (GOLD card), IT personnel (IT card) * Spouses of investors (≥ USD 500,000 investment, including corporations) * Spouses of professional foreign personnel (E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, excluding E-6-2, E-7) * Permitted Fields : All occupations except simple labor (D-3, E-9) * Permission Period : Up to the spouse’s stay period (renewable) * Required Documents : As per Rule 76 for each stay category (identity guarantee not required) * Note : For E-7 specific activities, follow E-7 visa issuance guidelines. 6. Certain F-1 “Visiting Cohabitation” Chinese Residents with Employment Eligibility * Eligible for short-term academic, general training, or professional work : D-2 (study), D-4 (general training), E-1 (professor), E-7 (specific activity) * Required Documents : 1. Application form (Appendix 34), passport, alien registration card, fee 2. Employment recommendation or justification from competent ministry 3. Employment contract 4. Business registration certificate 5. Degree or certificate 7. F-1 and F-3 Holders for Foreign Language Instructor (E-2) or Foreign School Teacher (E-7) * Required Documents : 1. Application form (Appendix 34), passport, alien registration card, fee 2. Employment contract 3. Business registration certificate 4. Original teacher’s certificate (if unavailable, degree and career certificate) 5. Criminal record certificate (as for E-2) 6. Employment medical exam certificate (as for E-2) 7. Principal’s request letter 8. Foreign teacher status report 8. F-1 and F-3 Holders for Government/Public Organization Work (E-7, Foreign Language Editing) * Required Documents : 1. Application form (Appendix 34), passport, alien registration card, fee 2. Employment contract 3. Business registration certificate copy 4. Recommendation letter from institution head 5. Degree (original and copy) 9. Special Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Stay for Jeju English Education City Workers * International Schools : Assistant teachers, instructors, assistant dormitory managers, administrative staff * Eligibility : Direct family of international school students or staff, or overseas graduates ≥18 years old with bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of relevant experience or TESOL certificate * Commercial Facilities : Sales workers at restaurants or stores * Eligibility : Family of international school students or staff from English-native countries, overseas graduates ≥18 years old; no additional qualification required * Note : For non-English-native nationals, TOEIC ≥800 or TESOL certificate required |
| Change or Addition of Workplace | 1. Reporting Change or Addition of Workplace
* Prior-Permission Required : Mechanical engineers (2351), draftsmen (2395), overseas sales representatives (2742) including overseas online product sales staff, designers (285), sales clerks (31215), head chefs and cooks (441), customer service clerks (3991), hotel receptionists (3922), medical coordinators (S3922), aquaculture technicians (6301), ship welders (7430), skilled workers under the point-based system \[skilled workers in core industries (S740), skilled agricultural/forestry/fisheries workers (S610), skilled workers in general manufacturing and construction (S700)] * Post-Notification Required : Specific Activities (E-7) excluding the above-listed occupations * Revision : From November 15, 2010, changed to a post-notification system (Article 26-2(1), Enforcement Decree of Immigration Control Act) * To enhance the utilization of professional personnel and strengthen national competitiveness, professionals may now change or add workplaces via post-notification instead of prior permission. * Note : For head chefs and cooks, working hours at a secondary workplace cannot exceed one-third of the original workplace hours. a. Eligibility Requirements * Holders of Specific Activity (E-7) visas (excluding the 14 specified occupations such as sales clerks) who are registered and staying in Korea and meet the qualifications required for activities at the new or additional workplace. * Those who have been dismissed or left voluntarily for personal reasons and do not have consent from the original employer are excluded. b. Reporting Procedure * Foreigners must report to the local Immigration Office/Foreigners Office (including branch or satellite offices) within 15 days of the reason for the change. Reporting via a representative is allowed. * In-person reporting is generally required because a sticker or note for workplace change/addition must be affixed to the passport. * If the foreigner was dismissed or left voluntarily without fault of the employer, and there is no consent from the original employer, the person is excluded from this procedure and must apply for workplace change permission or a visa issuance certificate. c. Required Documents 1. Integrated application form \[Appendices 34–34-2], passport, alien registration card, no fee 2. Employment recommendation from the relevant ministry or documents proving employment necessity 3. Employment contract 4. Consent from the original workplace manager\* 5. Employment contract (duplicate for new employer) 6. Business registration certificate *Consent from the original workplace manager may be waived if the individual worked until the contract end date or agreed upon mutual date, or if the original workplace was closed, suspended, or had unpaid wages (substitute documentation or statement may be used). 2. Permission for Workplace Change or Addition a. Eligible Persons * Occupations requiring pre-approval due to limits on the number of employees per company, including: mechanical engineers (2351), draftsmen (2395), overseas sales representatives (2742) including overseas online product sales staff, designers (285), sales clerks (31215), head chefs and cooks (441), customer service clerks (3991), hotel receptionists (3922), medical coordinators (S3922), aquaculture technicians (6301), ship welders (7430), skilled workers under the point-based system \[skilled workers in core industries (S740), skilled agricultural/forestry/fisheries workers (S610), skilled workers in general manufacturing and construction (S700)]. b. Required Documents 1. Proof of business closure/suspension, public documents verifying unpaid wages, or evidence of business decline such as VAT filings (one document required) 2. Consent from the original employer for transfer (not required in cases of closure, suspension, unpaid wages, contract violations, or if the contract period was fully served) 3. Documents verifying that the newly contracted employer meets the qualification requirements (submit as per visa issuance certificate application requirements) |
| Granting of Stay Status | Not applicable |
| Permission for Change of Stay Status | 1. General Standards for Change of Stay Status
Eligible Applicants : * Foreign nationals holding a specific-activity (E-7) visa and meeting the requirements for the permitted occupation under that visa. * Short-term stay visas (B and C series), technical trainees (D-3), seasonal workers (E-8), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), and other (G-1) visa types are restricted from status change. Documents, Verification, and Evaluation Criteria : * Follow the documentation and review standards used for the issuance of the Visa Issuance Certificate. * Employment necessity and applicant appropriateness are reviewed in connection with domestic workforce replacement, national interest, business operation status, and domestic employment. * General rule : Employment of E-7 foreign workers allowed within 20% of domestic employees. * Companies with fewer than five domestic employees or companies where existing E-7 employees exceed 20% of total domestic employees are generally not permitted to hire new or replacement E-7 employees or change/add workplaces. * Exception: For advanced industry fields recommended by the competent authority (KOTRA, Korea Trade Association), up to 50% of domestic employees, and for select language regions for top export companies, up to 70% of domestic employees; other occupation-specific standards apply. * Government-sponsored scholarship holders with "Work/Study Linked D-2-7" status are exempt from domestic employment ratio rules for all occupations. * To prevent misuse of low-wage labor, issuance is restricted if the total annual salary is below the legal minimum. * Professionals: Wage standards set and announced by the Minister of Justice. * Semi-professionals, general skilled, and skilled labor: Must meet minimum wage. * Some occupations follow separately defined wage standards. * Employment contracts must clearly specify total monthly/annual salary and work hours to prevent minimum wage violations. 2. Change from Other Long-Term Visa to Specific Activity (E-7) Eligible Applicants : * Registered foreign nationals and their F-3 dependents currently legally staying under D-1 (culture/arts), D-2 (study), D-4 (general training), D-5 (journalism), D-6 (religion), D-7 (assigned stay), D-8 (investment), D-9 (trade/management), D-10 (job-seeker), E-1 (professor), E-2 (language instructor), E-3 (research), E-4 (technical guidance), E-5 (professional), E-6 (arts/entertainment) visas. * Excludes performers under the Tourism Promotion Act at hotels or entertainment establishments (E-6-2). Qualification Requirements : 1. Employment field must match the relevant visa category (E-1 to E-7) and meet its criteria. 2. Must have an employment contract with the institution or organization where work will be performed. Required Documents : 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, one standard-sized photo, fee. 2. Employment contract. 3. Establishment-related documents of the employing organization (business registration, certificate of registration, etc.). 4. Certificate of work experience. 5. Employment recommendation from the competent authority or proof of employment necessity. 6. Tax payment certificates (national and local). * Domestic professional/academic degree holders are exempt from the requirement of one-year work experience for applicable occupations; submission of employment recommendation is optional except for mandatory recommendation occupations. 3. Change of Status for Germans Entering under Visa Waiver (B-1) Eligible Status : * All long-term visa types except D-3 (technical trainee), E-9 (non-professional employment), and H-1 (tourist work). Validity Period : * Maximum duration allowed per visa type. 4. Change to Foreign School Teacher (E-7) Eligible Applicants : * Any legally staying foreign national applying to be employed as a foreign school teacher, regardless of visa type. Stay Period : * Initial change: up to 1 year based on employment contract. * Extension : up to 2 years based on employment contract. Required Documents : 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, one photo, fee. 2. Employment contract. 3. Relevant teaching certification (or degree and work experience if no certification). 4. Principal’s recommendation letter. 5. Previous employer’s consent (if applicable). 6. Guarantee certificate. 7. School establishment documents. 8. Criminal record certificate. 9. Employment medical examination. 10. Tax payment certificates. Exemptions from Criminal Record Certificate : * Those holding a teaching certification, recruited via job fair, or with at least three years of experience in Korea as E-2 or E-7 instructor within the past five years. Medical Examination Requirements : * Must comply with the Ministry of Justice's designated form, including mandatory tests for methamphetamine, cocaine, opium, and cannabis, issued within the last three months. 5. Change to E-7 for High-Tech Skilled Foreign Personnel Entering Without Visa or with Non-Employment Visa Eligible Applicants : * Individuals seeking work in IT for manufacturing, venture companies, e-business, biotech, nanotechnology, new materials (metal, ceramic, chemical), transportation machinery, digital electronics, environmental/energy sectors. Qualification Criteria : * Over 5 years of experience in IT/e-commerce/e-business related fields. * Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field with at least 2 years of experience (domestic 4-year degree holders are exempt from experience requirement). * Master's degree or higher in a related field. Required Documents : 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, one photo, fee. 2. Employment contract. 3. Work experience certificate (copy of degree for bachelors and higher). 4. Business registration certificate. 5. Employment recommendation from the competent authority. 6. Tax payment certificates (national and local). 6. Change to Skilled Labor (E-7-4) for Foreign Workers with 4+ Years Legal Employment in Manufacturing * Applies to non-professional employment (E-9) holders with 4+ years of lawful work in manufacturing or related industries. * Details on eligibility and procedures are described in the Skilled Labor (E-7-4) guidance manual. |
| Permission for Extension of Stay | 1. Required Documents and Verification Items
a. Required Documents : 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fee. 2. Employment contract. 3. Proof of personal income (mandatory) * Certificate of income (issued by tax office) or withholding tax statement (issued by employer). 4. Copy of business registration certificate or corporate registry. 5. Original guarantee certificate (required only for the following occupations): * Mechanical engineering technicians (2351), draftsmen (2395), overseas sales staff (2742) including overseas online sales staff, designers (285), sales clerks (31215), head chefs and cooks (441), customer service clerks (3991), hotel reception clerks (3922), medical coordinators (S3922), aquaculture technicians (6301), ship welders (7430), skilled labor under points system [skilled workers in core industries (S740), skilled labor in agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fisheries (S610), skilled workers in general manufacturing and construction (S700)]. 6. Proof of residence (lease agreement, accommodation confirmation, notice of lease expiration, utility bills, dormitory receipt, etc.). 7. Employer payment verification, tax payment certificate, local tax certificate (to confirm normal business operation and absence of tax arrears). 2. Special Provisions for Visa and Stay Permission under International Agreements a. Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) : Independent Professionals (IP) Eligible Applicants : * Professionals who have signed a service supply contract with a domestic corporation or individual business and have at least 1 year of experience in the relevant field. * Applies only to independent professionals providing services in the 162 designated sectors under the agreement. Employment contracts for E-7 eligible occupations follow general E-7 guidelines.* Visa Special Provision : * Issuance of a single-entry Visa Issuance Certificate for the duration of the contract, up to a maximum of 1 year (if contract exceeds 1 year, granted only 1 year). Stay Special Provision : * Limitations on extension of stay, change/addition of workplace, change of status, and permission for activities outside status. * Exceptions are made for humanitarian reasons such as accidents or illness, handled under general stay guidelines. b. Korea-Russia Agreement on Temporary Work: Domestically Hired Professionals Eligible Applicants : * Employees of the parent company's domestic branch/office, subsidiary, or affiliated company who are hired domestically and meet the required qualifications. * Employment contracts under E-7 allowed occupations follow general E-7 guidelines (benefits for multiple-entry visa issuance and stay permission). Visa and Stay : * Issuance of a 1-year multiple-entry Visa Issuance Certificate. * Extension of stay allowed once for up to 6 months. * Family accompaniment is **not permitted**. * Maximum stay of 1 year 6 months from the most recent entry date based on alien registration. * After returning to home country, re-dispatch as an expatriate requires issuance of the corresponding visa (D-7 or D-8). 3. Members Dispatched to Foreign Law Firms, Foreign Legal Advisors, and Staff Dispatched to Foreign Law Firms Required Documents : 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fee. 2. Establishment-related documents of domestic law office. 3. Employment contract. 4. Proof of residence (lease agreement, accommodation confirmation, notice of lease expiration, utility bills, dormitory receipt, etc.). |
| Re-entry Permit | 1. Exemption from Re-entry Permit (Implemented Dec. 1, 2010, Revised Enforcement Rules)
* Foreigners who have completed registration are exempt from obtaining a re-entry permit if they plan to re-enter within 1 year from the date of departure. * If the remaining period of stay is less than 1 year, the exemption applies within the remaining stay period. * Note : Those subject to entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions must visit the local immigration office (or branch/office) to obtain a re-entry permit. 2. Multiple Re-entry Permit * Restrictions : Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya are limited for multiple re-entries. * Exceptions: Nationals of these countries holding F-6 (marriage immigration), D-2 (study), or D-4 (general training) visas may apply. * Applicable when re-entering within 2 years, exceeding 1 year after departure, but still within the stay period. * Required Documents : 1. Application form (Form No. 34) 2. Original passport 3. Alien registration card 4. Fee |
| Foreigner Registration | 1. Documents Required for Foreigner Registration Application
1. Application form (Form No. 34), original passport, 1 standard-sized photo, and application fee 2. Business registration certificate in accordance with the Value-Added Tax Act 3. Employment health examination certificate (only for teachers at foreign schools, etc.) 4. Proof of residence 2. Notification of Changes to Foreigner Registration Information a. Items to Report : Name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue date, and validity period b. Reporting Deadline : Within 15 days from the date of change c. Required Documents : 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport and foreigner registration card, no fee 2. Documents supporting the changes |
| Other Reference Matters | 1. Screening Criteria for Protecting Domestic Employment
❍ (Principle of Application) For professional manpower, since it is difficult to substitute with nationals and their contribution to national wealth creation and job creation is high, the criteria are generally not applied except for the wage requirement. ① In the following cases, the screening criteria for protecting domestic employment are exceptionally applied: ⅰ) Among professional manpower, for occupations where there are concerns of excessive invitation issuance—such as mechanical engineers, drafters, travel product developers, overseas salespersons, interpreters, and translators—the screening criteria for protecting domestic employment are exceptionally applied. ⅱ) For professional manpower engaged in occupations subject to employment protection, semi-professional manpower, general skilled manpower, and skilled workers, requirements such as employer qualifications, limits on the number of foreign employees per company, and minimum wage requirements are established to prevent infringement on domestic employment. ② Notwithstanding ① ⅰ) and ⅱ), the following cases are exempt from domestic employment protection regardless of occupation, and general principles such as company size and employment ratio are not applied: ⅰ) When working part-time under permission for activities outside the status of stay or additional workplace authorization. ⅱ) For government-sponsored scholarship students graduating with the “Work-Study Linked Program (D-2-7),” the domestic employment ratio and company size requirements are waived for professional, semi-professional, and general skilled manpower, and employment is permitted broadly in similar occupations. ❍ General Screening Criteria for Protecting Domestic Employment * (Company Size) Companies with fewer than 5 Korean employees and focused on the domestic market are, in principle, restricted from inviting foreign workers. Employees are defined as those listed for more than 3 months on the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s employment insurance registry while meeting the minimum wage. ☞ Since at least 3 months of employment insurance records must be submitted, applications are generally allowed only after at least 3 months from business opening. * (Company Industry) If separate requirements are established considering the nature of the industry, those requirements must be satisfied. * (Foreign Employment Ratio) For occupations subject to employment protection, the employment of foreigners is allowed in principle only within 20% of Korean employees. ※ Skilled manpower (E-7-4), seasonal workers (E-8), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarers (E-10), visiting workers (H-2), residents (F-2), overseas Koreans (F-4), permanent residents (F-5), and marriage migrants (F-6) are excluded from the count of foreign employees. However, employment-eligible statuses such as Professors (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7-1\~3) are included in the foreign employment count for calculating ratios. ※ Proof of Korean employment requires submission of employment insurance documents (continuous full-time employment for at least 3 months). Even for new companies, if the industry is subject to domestic employment ratio requirements, applications are generally allowed only 3 months after the business registration date. ※ Companies already employing E-7 foreigners subject to employment protection criteria in excess of 20% of their total Korean employees are, in principle, not allowed to invite new or replacement workers, nor to process changes in status of stay, workplace, or additional workplaces. * (Wage Requirements) To prevent the use of low-wage disguised labor, wages are evaluated based on the average wage of Korean employees with equivalent experience performing the same tasks, applied differently depending on the manpower category. ⅰ) Professional manpower: Standards set and announced by the Minister of Justice. ⅱ) Semi-professional manpower, general skilled manpower, and skilled workers: At least the statutory minimum wage. ⅲ) However, some occupations\* follow separately established standards. - Professional manpower (E-7-1) in 67 designated occupations and general skilled manpower (E-7-3) such as shipbuilding welders, ship painters, etc. * (Special Provisions for SMEs, Venture Companies, and Mid-sized Companies Outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area) Reduced wage requirements are applied to foreign workers employed in occupations requiring 80% or more of the previous year’s GNI, who either have no experience working in Korea under the Specific Activities (E-7) status or less than 3 years’ experience (80% of GNI → 70% of GNI). ① Small and medium-sized enterprises verified with a “SME (Small Business) Certificate” under the SME Basic Act ② Venture companies verified with a “Venture Company Certificate” under the Venture Business Act ③ Mid-sized companies located outside the Seoul metropolitan area verified with a “Mid-sized Company Certificate” under the Mid-sized Companies Act ※ If the special wage requirement and the publicly announced amount differ, the more favorable amount is applied. [Wage Requirement Screening Standards] ∘ Required documents: Employment contract, tax office-issued income statement of the previous year (mandatory for extensions or workplace changes). ∘ Wage requirement standard: Evaluated according to the standards set and publicly announced by the Minister of Justice for the relevant year. * Based on the announced amount as of the application date. ∘ Previous year’s GNI per capita: Announced annually by the Bank of Korea and posted on its official statistics site. ∘ Current year’s minimum wage: As announced annually around August by the Minister of Employment and Labor under Article 10 of the Minimum Wage Act; unless otherwise specified, the wage applies from January 1 of the relevant year. ∘ Employment contract: Must explicitly state the total monthly salary (annual salary) relative to working hours to prevent violations of minimum wage (daily and monthly working hours must be specified). ∘ Screening application: * Wage requirements are evaluated based on the total salary (annual salary). * Both hourly and monthly wages must meet the minimum wage; if total wages fall short due to fewer working hours, employment is restricted (must be at least the current year’s minimum wage). * If wages fall below screening standards, issuance is generally restricted. ∘ If various special wage provisions differ from the amount confirmed and announced for the relevant year, the more favorable amount is applied. 2. Transitional Provisions to Note ① For foreign chefs residing under the existing Specific Activities (E-7) status, the current regulations apply from January 1, 2018, and permission will be restricted if requirements are not met. ② Those who converted to Skilled Manpower status before September 25, 2023, will be subject to the amended regulations effective November 27, 2024, and permission will be restricted if requirements are not met. Professional Manpower (E-7-1) ※ 67 occupations A. Managers: 15 Occupations 1. Senior Officials of Economic Interest Organizations (S110) 2. Senior Corporate Executives (1120) 3. Management Support Managers (1212, formerly 1202) 4. Education Managers (1312) 5. Insurance and Financial Managers (1320) 6. Managers in Culture, Arts, Design, and Media (1340) 7. ICT Managers (1350) 8. Other Professional Service Managers (1390) 9. Construction and Mining Managers (1411) 10. Production Managers (1413) 11. Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Managers (14901) 12. Sales and Marketing Managers (1511) 13. Transport Managers (1512) 14. Accommodation, Travel, Leisure, and Sports Managers (1521) 15. Food Service Managers (1522) B. Professionals and Associate Professionals: 52 Occupations 1. Life Science Professionals (2111) 2. Natural Science Professionals (2112) 3. Social Science Researchers (2122) 4. Computer Hardware Engineers (2211) 5. Telecommunications Engineers (2212) 6. Computer Systems Designers and Analysts (2221) 7. Systems Software Developers (2222) 8. Application Software Developers (2223) 9. Web Developers (2224, formerly 2228) 10. Data Specialists (2231, formerly 2224) 11. Network Systems Developers (2232, formerly 2225) 12. Information Security Specialists (2233, formerly 2226) 13. Architects (2311) 14. Architectural Engineers (2312) 15. Civil Engineers (2313, formerly 2312) 16. Landscape Architects/Technicians (2314, formerly 2313) 17. Urban and Transportation Specialists (2315, formerly 2314) 18. Chemical Engineers (2321) 19. Metallurgical and Materials Engineers (2331) 20. Electrical Engineers (2341, formerly 2351) 21. Electronics Engineers (2342, formerly 2352) 22. Mechanical Engineers (2351, formerly 2353) 23. Plant Engineers (23512, formerly 23532) 24. Robotics Specialists (2352) 25. Automobile, Shipbuilding, Aircraft, and Railway Vehicle Engineers (S2353) 26. Industrial Safety and Risk Specialists (2364) 27. Environmental Engineers (2371, formerly 2341) 28. Gas and Energy Engineers (2372, formerly 9233) 29. Textile Engineers (2392) 30. Drafters (2395, formerly 2396) 31. Nurses (2430) 32. University Lecturers (2512) 33. Technical Instructors at Overseas Technical Schools (2543) 34. Education Specialists (2591, formerly 25919) 35. Teachers at Foreign Schools, International Schools, Gifted Schools, etc. (2599) 36. Legal Professionals (261) 37. Government and Public Administration Professionals (2620) 38. Administrative Officers in Special Institutions (S2620) 39. Management and Business Consultants (2715) 40. Financial and Insurance Professionals (272) 41. Product Planning Specialists (2731) 42. Travel Product Developers (2732) 43. Advertising and Public Relations Specialists (2733) 44. Market Researchers (2734) 45. Event Planners (2735) 46. Overseas Sales Representatives (2742) 47. Technical Sales Representatives (2743) 48. Technology Management Specialists (S2743) 49. Translators and Interpreters (2814) 50. Announcers (28331) 51. Designers (285) 52. Media-related Designers (S2855) Semi-Professional Manpower (E-7-2) ※ 10 Occupations A. Clerical Workers: 5 Occupations 1. Sales Clerks at Duty-Free Shops or in Jeju English Education City (31215) 2. Airline Transport Clerks (31264) 3. Hotel Reception Clerks (3922) 4. Medical Coordinators (S3922) 5. Customer Service Clerks (3991) B. Service Workers: 5 Occupations 1. Transportation Service Workers (431) 2. Tourist Interpreters/Guides (43213) 3. Casino Dealers (43291) 4. Chefs and Cooks (441) 5. Caregivers (42111) General Skilled Manpower (E-7-3) ※ 10 Occupations 1. Animal Keepers (61395) 2. Aquaculture Technicians (6301) 3. Halal Slaughterers (7103) 4. Musical Instrument Makers and Tuners (7303) 5. Shipbuilding Welders (7430) 6. Ship Electricians (76212) 7. Ship Painters (78369) 8. Aircraft Mechanics (7521) 9. Aircraft (Parts) Manufacturers (S8417) 10. Transmission Line Electricians (76231) Skilled Manpower (E-7-4) (Points-Based) ※ 3 Occupations 1. Skilled Workers in Root Industries (S740) 2. Skilled Workers in Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, and Fisheries (S610) 3. Skilled Workers in General Manufacturing and Construction Industries (S700) Negative List System – Professional Manpower (E-7-S) A. High-Income Individuals → **E-7-S1** B. Those Engaged (or to be Engaged) in Advanced Industries → E-7-S2 << Detailed Management Criteria by Occupation under Specific Activities (E-7) >> A. Managers (15 Occupations) 1. Senior Officials of Economic Interest Organizations (S110) * Job Description : Determine and draft policies, articles of association, and regulations of economic interest groups such as business associations; organize, direct, and control departments implementing these; represent or act on behalf of the organization externally. * Examples of Eligible Jobs : Senior officials of economic-related organizations. * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management : In respect for corporate autonomy, no specific education or career requirements are set; visa issuance and stay are subject to general standards. 2. Senior Corporate Executives (1120) * Job Description : Represent a company or organization (excluding special-interest organizations) within the scope of policies set by the board of directors or governing bodies; decide management policies, plan, direct, and coordinate activities with cooperation from at least two other senior executives. * Examples of Eligible Jobs : Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, CEO, President, Vice-President. * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management : In respect for corporate autonomy, no specific education or career requirements are set; visa issuance and stay are subject to general standards. 3. Management Support Managers (1212) * Job Description : Under the overall direction of management, plan, direct, and coordinate management support duties such as administration and HR, and production-support activities, in consultation with managers of other departments. *Applies to managers engaged in industries other than those under job codes “1312” to “1522.” * Examples of Eligible Jobs : General affairs and HR managers, planning/PR and advertising managers, finance managers, materials and purchasing managers, and other management department managers. * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management : Subject to general standards. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening is conducted considering the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general staff in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the headquarters operations department of the company. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that a recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are found in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 4) Education Managers (1312) ❍ (Job Description) Plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of educational institutions such as kindergartens and primary/secondary schools (including foreign schools, foreign educational institutions, and international schools). ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Principals and vice principals of primary/secondary schools, heads and deputy heads of kindergartens (including foreign schools, foreign educational institutions, and international schools). ❍ (Qualifications) Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, meet the teacher qualification and experience requirements prescribed by relevant laws, and be hired through prescribed procedures. ❍ (Visa Issuance and Stay Management) General criteria apply. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening is conducted considering the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general staff in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the headquarters operations department of the company. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that a recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are found in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 5) Insurance and Financial Managers (1320) ❍ (Job Description) Plan, organize, direct, and manage the operations of departments in insurance and pension companies, banks, securities firms, trust companies, or similar financial institutions. Responsible for managing business areas such as personal and business loans, deposit underwriting, securities and futures trading, investment fund management, trust management, settlement of real estate, and other related activities. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Insurance managers, financial managers. ※ Not Eligible: Businesses related to money lending. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) Financial Services Commission (Banking: Banking Division, Insurance: Insurance Division, Investment Securities: Capital Markets Division). ❍ (Qualifications) Follow general criteria. * However, if an applicant holds a bachelor’s degree and lacks sufficient experience, but is recommended by the Financial Services Commission on the grounds of expertise and necessity for strengthening national competitiveness, approval will be determined after substantive review. ❍ (Visa Issuance and Stay Management) General criteria apply. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening is conducted considering the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general staff in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the headquarters operations department of the company. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that a recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are found in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 6) Cultural, Arts, Design, and Media-related Managers (1340) ❍ (Job Description) Plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of institutions in the fields of newspapers, broadcasting, film, publishing, design, and media-related industries. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Managers in culture and arts, managers in design-related fields, managers in media-related fields, and managers of operating departments in newspapers, broadcasting companies, and film companies (e.g., TV programming directors, radio broadcasting operators, newspaper editorial directors). ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency). ❍ (Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General criteria apply. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening is conducted considering the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general staff in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the headquarters operations department of the company. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that a recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are found in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 7) Information and Communication Managers (1350) ❍ (Job Description) Supervise and direct employees in information and communication or computer departments; review specific information requirements from management or technical staff to define project scope; consult and coordinate matters related to computer operation plans and the purchase of computer equipment in order to validate new programs and introduce operating systems. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Hardware company managers, hardware development department managers, software company managers, software development department managers, information processing company managers, information operations department managers, telecommunications operations department managers, telecommunications sales department managers. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency). ❍ (Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General criteria apply. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening is conducted considering the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general staff in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the headquarters operations department of the company. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that a recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are found in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 8) Other Professional Service Managers (1390) ❍ (Job Description) Plan, organize, direct, and manage the operations of businesses that provide professional services such as market and public opinion surveys, and overseas high-level talent headhunting. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Market and opinion research managers, overseas high-level talent headhunting service managers. ❍ (Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General criteria apply. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening is conducted considering the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general staff in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the headquarters operations department of the company. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that a recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are found in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 9) Construction and Mining Managers (1411) ❍ (Job Description) Plan, direct, and coordinate activities related to earthworks such as ground preparation, blasting, trial excavation, digging, and leveling; and activities related to constructing, expanding, renovating, repairing, maintaining, or demolishing various buildings and structures on construction sites. Also plan, direct, and coordinate activities related to mining and extraction of coal, petroleum, natural gas, metals, and non-metallic minerals. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Construction department managers in construction companies; production department managers in mining companies. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) For construction department managers in construction companies: Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Construction Industry Division). ❍ (Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General criteria apply. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening is conducted considering the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general staff in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the headquarters operations department of the company. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that a recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are found in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 10) Product Manufacturing Managers (1413) ❍ (Job Description) Plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of enterprises or departments related to production management and product repair/technology in industries such as food, textiles and clothing, chemicals, metals, machinery, and electrical/electronic products. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Factory manager (food), production process manager (food), production planning manager (food), factory manager (textiles/clothing), production process manager (textiles/clothing), production planning manager (textiles/clothing), factory manager (chemical products), production process manager (chemical products), production planning manager (chemical products), factory manager (metal products), production process manager (metal products), production planning manager (metal products), factory manager (machinery products), production process manager (machinery products), production planning manager (machinery products), factory manager (electrical products), production process manager (electrical products), production planning manager (electrical products), production manager at reshoring enterprises. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) – Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) – For food sector : Minister of Health and Welfare (Health Industry Policy Division) – For production managers at reshoring enterprises (mandatory) : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) ❍ (Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General criteria apply (however, separate requirements apply for production managers at reshoring enterprises). ❍ (Special Provisions for Reshoring Enterprises) * (Eligibility Criteria) Companies selected by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy as eligible reshoring enterprises under Article 7 of the Act on Support for the Return of Overseas Enterprises. - Such companies must have received a “Certificate of Selection as Eligible Reshoring Enterprise” (Form No. 7 of the Enforcement Rules of the Act on Support for the Return of Overseas Enterprises). * (Qualification Requirements for Production Managers) Among those employed at the overseas subsidiaries of reshoring enterprises : △ Holders of a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field must have at least 6 months’ work experience; △ Those who either ➊ hold an associate’s degree, ➋ possess a technical license in the relevant field, ➌ have relevant awards, media coverage, or ➍ have a certificate of career verification issued by a KOTRA local KBC officer must have at least 2 years of work experience at the overseas subsidiary of the reshoring enterprise. - If no KOTRA local KBC officer is present in the mission abroad, a certificate of employment verified by a consul must be submitted. * (Quota of Foreign Employees per Company) Permissible number of foreign employees is calculated as up to 30% of the number of domestic employees enrolled in employment insurance (based on a 3-month average). ❍ (Visa Issuance and Stay Management) General criteria apply. [General Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupation Code 1212–1522)] ‣ Screening considers the status and independence of the company’s operations department, the number of general employees in that department, and the wage level of the (foreign) manager. ‣ In principle, limited to managers of the company’s headquarters operations department. ‣ For managers employed at large enterprises, submission of an Employment Recommendation Letter is exempt (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministers’ Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). ‣ Where the competent employment recommendation institution is specified for each occupation, note that recommendation may be required only for managers employed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not large enterprises. ※ Criteria for distinguishing large enterprises and SMEs are provided in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the *Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 11) Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, and Fisheries Managers (14901) ❍ (Job Description) Plan, direct, and coordinate production activities of enterprises related to crop production, livestock, landscaping, forestry, logging, and similar fields. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Managers of agricultural and forestry enterprises, managers of fishery enterprises, certification/evaluation managers. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) – Agricultural and forestry enterprise managers: Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Management Workforce Division) – Fishery enterprise managers : Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (Aquaculture Industry Division) ❍ (Qualifications) – For fishery enterprise managers and certification/evaluation managers: general criteria for education and experience apply. – For agricultural/forestry enterprise managers: separate requirements apply * Must hold a master’s degree or higher in a related field, OR hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus at least 3 years of work experience in that field. ❍ (Visa Issuance and Stay Management) General criteria apply. 12) Sales and Marketing Managers (1511) * (Job Description) : Persons who plan and direct the operations of retail/wholesale businesses and general sales departments; technical sales managers responsible for planning and directing activities in technical sales departments in electronics, telecommunications, IT, industrial machinery, and automotive sectors; and those who plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of trade and brokerage companies. * (Eligible Job Examples) : Sales managers, marketing managers, trade managers. ※ Not Eligible : Branch managers, etc. * (Employment Recommendation Issuance) : IT sector – Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (via KOTRA). * (Qualification Requirements, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management, etc.) : General standards apply. [Common Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupational Codes 1212 to 1522)] * Evaluation considers the status and independence of the company’s management department, the number of regular employees in the department, and the wage level of the foreign manager. * In principle, applies only to managers of the head office management department. * Managers employed by large enterprises are exempt from the requirement to obtain an employment recommendation letter (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministerial Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). * Where a specific employment recommendation agency is designated for the occupation, note that recommendation letters may only be required for managers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not in large enterprises. ※ The distinction between large enterprises and SMEs is defined in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 13) Transportation Managers (1512) * (Job Description) : Persons who plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of international passenger/cargo transport businesses and other transportation enterprises. * (Eligible Job Examples) : Shipping company managers, shipping operations department managers, airline managers, airline operations department managers, ship management specialists at ship management companies, ship management specialists at shipping companies. * (Employment Recommendation Issuance) : For ship management specialists at ship management or shipping companies (mandatory) – Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (Seafarers Policy Division). * (Qualification Requirements) : General standards apply; however, separate qualifications, career, and revenue requirements apply for ship management specialists. * (Special Provisions for Ship Management Specialists) : * Manager Qualification Requirements : • Captains, chief engineers, and first mates/first engineers with sailing experience require at least 1 year of ship management experience. • Second or third mates/engineers with sailing experience require at least 5 years of ship management experience. * Company Qualification Requirements : Must be registered with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries + manage at least 10 ships annually on average over the past 3 years + earn annual foreign currency income (excluding seafarers’ wages) of at least USD 1 million, or annual sales revenue (excluding seafarers’ wages) of at least KRW 1 billion. * Employment Quota per Company : 1 person per basic requirement (10 managed ships + USD 1 million foreign income + KRW 1 billion sales), with a maximum of 5 persons per company. * (Visa Issuance and Stay Management, etc.) : General standards apply. 14) Accommodation, Travel, Entertainment, and Sports Managers (1521) * (Job Description) : Persons who plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of businesses or departments related to accommodation, travel, entertainment, and sports. * (Eligible Job Examples) : Hotel managers, general managers of hotels, casino managers, travel agency managers (domestic and international travel), managers of tourism and leisure businesses (comprehensive amusement facilities, resort condominiums), managers of sports facility operations (e.g., golf course managers). ※ Not Eligible : Inn managers. * (Employment Recommendation Issuance) : Travel agency managers (mandatory) and tourism/leisure business managers (mandatory) – Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division). * (Required Documents) : General standards apply (however, travel agency managers must additionally submit a copy of the tourism business registration certificate). * (Qualification Requirements, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management, etc.) : General standards apply. [Common Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupational Codes 1212 to 1522)] * Evaluation considers the status and independence of the company’s management department, the number of regular employees in the department, and the wage level of the foreign manager. * In principle, applies only to managers of the head office management department. * Managers employed by large enterprises are exempt from the requirement to obtain an employment recommendation letter (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministerial Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). * Where a specific employment recommendation agency is designated for the occupation, note that recommendation letters may only be required for managers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not in large enterprises. ※ The distinction between large enterprises and SMEs is defined in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. 15) Food Service Managers (1522) * (Job Description) : Persons who plan, direct, and coordinate the provision of food and beverage services in restaurants and similar establishments. * (Eligible Job Examples) : Food service business managers. * (Qualification Requirements, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management, etc.) : General standards apply. * (Employer Requirements) : Businesses must operate at least 10 branches nationwide or run a franchise. [Common Screening Criteria for Managers (Occupational Codes 1212 to 1522)] * Evaluation considers the status and independence of the company’s management department, the number of regular employees in the department, and the wage level of the foreign manager. * In principle, applies only to managers of the head office management department. * Managers employed by large enterprises are exempt from the requirement to obtain an employment recommendation letter (Decision of the Regulatory Reform Ministerial Meeting, Dec. 5, 2007). * Where a specific employment recommendation agency is designated for the occupation, note that recommendation letters may only be required for managers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not in large enterprises. ※ The distinction between large enterprises and SMEs is defined in Article 3 and Annex 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. B. Professionals and Related Workers (52 Occupations) 1) Life Science Professionals (2111) * (Job Description) : Persons who conduct theoretical and applied research in life sciences such as biology, medicine, food, agriculture, and forestry, working in life science-related enterprises, food manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical companies, cosmetics companies, medical device manufacturers, etc. * (Eligible Job Examples) : Experts in biology (botany, ecology, bacteriology, genetics), medicine (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, biophysics, pathology), pharmacy (toxicology, pharmacology), agriculture (agronomy, crop science, horticulture), forestry (forest engineering, forestry, soil science), fisheries (freshwater biology, marine biology), food science, cosmetology, biomedical engineering, and animal science (zoology). * (Employment Recommendation Issuance) : • Biology – Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (via KOTRA) • Medicine, pharmacy, food science, cosmetology, biomedical engineering – Minister of Health and Welfare (Health Industry Policy Division) • Agriculture, forestry, animal science – Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Management Workforce Division) • Fisheries – Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (Aquaculture Industry Division) • Life science professionals in reshoring companies (mandatory) – KOTRA * (Qualification Requirements) : General standards apply, except for agriculture, forestry, and animal science professionals, where separate requirements apply. * (Visa Issuance and Stay Management, etc.) : General standards apply (however, separate requirements apply for production managers in reshoring companies). * (Special Provisions for Reshoring Companies) : * (Eligibility) : Companies designated as eligible for support by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy under Article 7 of the *Act on Support for the Return of Overseas Enterprises to Korea*. * Must obtain a “Certificate of Designation as an Eligible Reshoring Enterprise” (Form No. 7 of the Enforcement Rules of the Act). * (Qualification Requirements for Life Science Professionals) : • Those employed by overseas subsidiaries of reshoring companies with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field require 6 months of overseas work experience. • Those with an associate degree, a technical license in the relevant occupation, an award or recognition in the field, related media coverage, or a career certificate verified by a KOTRA local KBC officer must have at least 2 years of work experience at the overseas subsidiary of the reshoring company. * Where no KOTRA local KBC officer is stationed, a career certificate verified by the consul must be submitted. * (Employment Quota per Company) : Permitted number of foreign employees is calculated within 30% of the average number of insured Korean employees enrolled in employment insurance (3-month average). * (Visa Issuance and Stay Management, etc.) : General standards apply. 2) Natural Science Professionals (2112) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who conduct research on theories and applications in the field of natural sciences, and work in businesses or institutions related to natural sciences. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Experts in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, geometry, demography, applied statistics, mathematical statistics, survey statistics, analytical statistics, statistics, sampling, oceanography, geodesy, geomagnetism, topography, volcanology, geophysics, and seismology. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 3) Social Science Researchers (2122) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who apply knowledge of economics and other related fields to conduct research in the social sciences, improve and develop concepts, theories, and operational techniques, and prepare academic papers and reports, working in related businesses and research institutions. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Researchers in econometrics, fiscal economics, labor economics, financial economics, agricultural economics, public finance, and industrial sociology. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 4) Computer Hardware Engineers (2211) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who research, design, develop, and test computers and computer-related equipment for household, industrial, military, or scientific use; supervise and inspect the manufacture and installation of computers and related components; and are employed across various sectors, including computer manufacturing companies and related businesses. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Computer hardware design engineers, computer equipment engineers, computer network equipment developers, computer control system developers, storage device developers (magnetic, optical-magnetic, etc.), disk drive developers, hard disk developers, computer motherboard developers, controller developers, and input/output device developers. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA), Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. For “reshoring companies,” employment recommendation for computer hardware engineers is mandatory from KOTRA. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply (however, separate requirements apply to computer hardware engineers of reshoring companies). ❍ (Special Provisions for Reshoring Companies) * (Eligibility Requirements) Companies selected as target support companies under Article 7 of the Act on Support for the Return to the Republic of Korea of Overseas Enterprises by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. - Companies must receive a Certificate of Designation as a Reshoring Company (Form No. 7 of the Enforcement Rules of the Act). * (Requirements for Computer Hardware Engineers) Among those employed by overseas subsidiaries of reshoring companies : △ Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field: at least 6 months of work experience. △ Those with an associate degree, OR ➊ holding a technical qualification in the field, OR ➋ with relevant awards, media coverage, OR ➌ with a career certificate verified by a local KOTRA KBC officer: at least 2 years of work experience at the reshoring company’s overseas subsidiary. * If no KOTRA KBC officer is stationed at the mission, a career certificate verified by a consulate must be submitted. * (Employment Capacity Per Company) The maximum number of foreign hires allowed is calculated within 30% of the average number of domestic employees insured under employment insurance over the past 3 months. 5) Telecommunications Engineer (2212) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who research, design, analyze, test, and operate wired and wireless communication networks, including communication methods, protocols, devices, and equipment related to voice, data, and broadcasting; plan the design, production, installation, maintenance, and management of communication systems; and provide technical consultation and supervision. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Mobile phone circuit developers, wireless phone developers, modem development and design engineers, digital receiver developers, intercom and telephone developers, DMB phone developers, DMB receiver developers, ADSL equipment developers, HFC network operations engineers, VMS equipment operators, SMS equipment operators, wired/wireless network operations engineers, wireless network administrators, Internet network operations engineers, line managers, communication construction supervisors, switch developers, wireless relay device design engineers, optical termination device design engineers, communication application service equipment developers, VMS equipment developers, CDMA technology R&D engineers, RF communication R&D engineers, wireless data network developers, wired network planners, intelligent network R&D engineers, communication line design engineers, network communication device design engineers, satellite TV receiver design engineers, wired/wireless communication device design engineers, optical communication equipment design developers, switch design engineers, message service equipment operators, digital broadcasting equipment developers, transmitter developers, communication network design engineers. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 6) Computer Systems Designer and Analyst (2221) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who determine, design, and analyze the overall elements of computer systems, including input/output data formats, data processing procedures and logic, data access methods, and database characteristics and formats. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Information systems consultant, network consultant, database consultant, information security consultant, computer system auditor, computer system designer, computer system analyst. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 7) System Software Developer (2222) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who research, develop, design, and program system software that executes computer system functions, and perform tasks related to such programs. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Embedded program developer, Linux developer, MICOM control engineer, operating system software developer, firmware developer. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. * (Special Provision for Vietnamese Software Talent) Graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) of top Vietnamese universities who complete a software training program and then obtain employment at an SME or venture company are exempt from the “1-year experience requirement.” - Each year, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups selects and publicly announces operators for the overseas talent employment matching support program. ‣ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of SMEs and Startups (Youth Policy Division) — mandatory. ‣ The program will be piloted for 2 years (2025–2026), after which performance and other factors will determine full implementation. 8) Application Software Developer (2223) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who develop various software, such as word processors, accounting management, database management, statistical processing, and document approval programs for businesses or personal use, and who modify the software environment according to the computer system’s usage conditions. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Data management application programmer, financial management application programmer, information processing application programmer, game programmer, online game programmer, protocol developer, network programmer. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 9) Web Developer (2224, formerly 2228) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals responsible for the technical setup and operation of web servers, who acquire and apply new web technologies, and conduct testing. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Web engineer, web programmer, webmaster. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply, subject to the “20% domestic employment” regulation. 10) Data Specialist (2231) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who design and improve databases to ensure the usefulness and stability of collected data; analyze tasks for database construction, design the physical structure, estimate size, and optimize placement; analyze database and online performance trends, modify software, or control operations. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Database specialist, database designer, database manager, database programmer, database administrator. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 11) Network System Developer (2232) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who use knowledge of software, hardware, and network equipment to develop, plan, design, and test networks. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Network engineer, VAN technician, network system analyst, WAN technician, intranet technician, network server setup and operations technician, LAN technician. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 12) Information Security Specialist (2233) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who develop necessary security programs to maintain online and offline security against hacking, inspect security status, and propose comprehensive solutions for security. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Internet security specialist, information security researcher. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) — limited to SMEs. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 13) Architect (2311) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who study and design residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, plan construction, maintenance, and repair, research and design building interiors, and oversee overall construction supervision. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Building architect, licensed architect. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Construction Industry Division). ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 14) Architectural Engineer (2312) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who conceptualize, plan, and develop designs for construction and repair of commercial, public, and residential buildings. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Building structural engineer, architectural supervision engineer, construction engineer, building facilities engineer, building safety engineer, architectural engineer. ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 15) Civil Engineering Specialist (2313) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who plan, design, and manage construction projects for roads, airports, railways, highways, bridges, dams, buildings, ports, and coastal structures. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Building construction civil engineer, structural civil engineer, road construction civil engineer, airport and port construction civil engineer. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Construction Industry Division). ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 16) Landscape Engineer (2314) ❍ (Job Description) Individuals who plan landscape designs and review landscape construction for commercial projects, office complexes, parks, golf courses, and residential developments. ❍ (Examples of Eligible Occupations) Landscape designer, landscape facilities designer. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Issued By) Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Construction Industry Division). ❍ (Eligibility, Visa Issuance, and Stay Management) General standards apply. 17) Urban and Transportation Planning Specialist (2315) * Job Description : Plans land use, manages physical facilities, develops policies and recommends services for urban, rural, and local areas; applies scientific principles and technology to plan, design, and operate transportation facilities; conducts research on factors affecting traffic volume, speed, signal efficiency, adequacy of traffic light systems, and other traffic conditions. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Urban planner, transportation engineer, traffic safety facility designer, traffic signal design and analysis specialist. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Construction Industry Division) * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply. 18) Chemical Engineering Technician (2321) * Job Description : Researches, designs, and develops chemical processes and equipment; supervises operation and maintenance of industrial chemical plants, plastics, pharmaceuticals, resources, pulp, and food processing plants. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Petrochemical engineer, gasoline engineer, natural gas chemical engineer, natural gas production and distribution engineer, food and beverage engineer, brewing production engineer, rubber chemical engineer, plastics chemical engineer, tire production engineer, pesticide engineer, fertilizer engineer, paint engineer, pharmaceutical engineer, cosmetics engineer. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – for small and medium enterprises only * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply. 19) Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Technician (2331) * Job Description : Studies properties of metals and alloys, develops new alloys; plans and supervises metal extraction, alloy production, and processing; engages in R\&D of ceramics, glass, cement, and supervises manufacturing processes. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Metallurgical engineer, metal physics engineer, metal analysis engineer, metal surface treatment engineer, metal plating engineer, metal inspection engineer, ceramic/ceramic engineering technician. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – for small and medium enterprises only * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply. 20) Electrical Engineering Technician (2341) * Job Description : Designs, develops, tests electrical equipment and components or electrical systems for commercial, industrial, military, and scientific purposes; supervises manufacturing, installation, and facilities. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Electrical product development engineer, power plant design engineer, power transmission and distribution engineer, electrical control and instrumentation engineer. * National Employment Protection Screening Criteria : Not applicable * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – for small and medium enterprises only / Electrical engineers for returning domestic companies (mandatory) – KOTRA * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply (special conditions for electrical engineers of returning domestic companies) * Special Provisions for Returning Domestic Companies : * Qualifications : Companies selected as eligible returning domestic companies under Article 7 of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses\* - Verification issued via “Certificate of Selection for Eligible Returning Domestic Companies” (Form No. 7, Enforcement Rules of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses) * Electrical Engineer Qualifications : Employees of overseas branches of returning domestic companies: * Bachelor’s degree or higher: Minimum 6 months of work at overseas branch * Associate degree with any of the following: 1. Relevant technical certification 2. Awards in the field, relevant press coverage, or 3. Employment verification certified by KOTRA’s local KBC staff → Minimum 2 years of experience at the overseas branch of the returning company - For offices without KOTRA local KBC staff, a consular-verified employment certificate is required * Employment Quota per Company : Up to 30% of the average number of insured domestic employees enrolled in employment insurance over 3 months. 21) Electronics Engineering Technician (2342) * Job Description : Utilizes knowledge of electronic theory and material properties to research, design, develop, and test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use; designs electronic circuits and components for applications such as aerospace guidance, propulsion control, instrumentation, and controllers. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Electronic equipment engineer, electronics engineer, semiconductor process engineer, semiconductor process equipment engineer, semiconductor device engineer, factory automation design engineer, mechatronics development engineer, k-electronics development engineer, production automation process developer, building automation design engineer, electronic control programmer, FA design engineer, electronic control instrumentation engineer, ultrasound medical device developer, EEG device developer, ECG device developer, anesthesia device developer, defibrillator developer, dialysis machine developer, MRI developer, CT scanner developer. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – for small and medium enterprises only / Electronics engineers for returning domestic companies – KOTRA * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply (special conditions for returning domestic company electronics engineers) * Special Provisions for Returning Domestic Companies : * Qualifications : Companies selected as eligible returning domestic companies under Article 7 of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses\* - Verification issued via “Certificate of Selection for Eligible Returning Domestic Companies” (Form No. 7, Enforcement Rules of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses) * Electronics Engineer Qualifications : Employees of overseas branches of returning domestic companies: * Bachelor’s degree or higher: Minimum 6 months of overseas branch experience * Associate degree with any of the following: 1. Relevant technical certification 2. Awards in the field, relevant press coverage, or 3. Employment verification certified by KOTRA’s local KBC staff → Minimum 2 years of experience at the overseas branch of the returning company - For offices without KOTRA local KBC staff, a consular-verified employment certificate is required * Employment Quota per Company : Up to 30% of the average number of insured domestic employees enrolled in employment insurance over 3 months. 22) Mechanical Engineering Technician (2351) * Job Description : Researches, designs, and develops machinery and systems for heating, ventilation, air purification, power generation, transportation, and production; evaluates, installs, operates, and maintains mechanical systems. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Press mold design engineer, plastic mold design engineer, casting mold design engineer, injection mold design engineer, heating device engineer, air conditioning device engineer, ventilation device engineer, fan equipment engineer, refrigeration engineer, heat exchanger designer, cleanroom air-conditioning facility design engineer, GHP developer, heat exchanger developer, air purification design engineer, construction machinery (design) engineer, civil construction machinery design/development engineer, road paving machinery design/development engineer, transport machinery design/development engineer, crusher/driller/pile driver/vibrator design/development engineer, agricultural machinery (design) engineer, mining machinery (design) engineer, textile machinery (design) engineer, food machinery (design) engineer, machine tool (design) engineer, hydraulic machinery (design) engineer, industrial robot design engineer. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Employment recommendation system abolished due to system abuse * Qualifications : General standards apply * Exception : Applicants with E-9 visa status and 5+ years of experience must have a bachelor’s degree or higher * National Employment Protection Screening Criteria : Applicable * Employer requirements : Apply national employment protection standards; employment restricted if the company has 10 or fewer regular employees * Employment quota : Maximum 2 persons per company * Visa Issuance and Residence Management : General standards apply, with additional provisions: * Extension of Stay : Previous year’s salary records reviewed during extension; noncompliance with wage or employer requirements may lead to shorter extension or residence restrictions; companies violating submitted employment contracts may be barred from new sponsorships * Change of Workplace : Allowed only for cases of business closure or poor management, regardless of nationality * Change of Job-Seeking Qualification : E-7 (Mechanical Engineering Technician, Licensed) holders applying for job-seeker status: * Nationals from 21 high-overstay countries: 3 months + 3 months * Other countries: Processed according to D-10 job-seeker rules * If a new workplace is found, re-entry must be through visa issuance confirmation after departure (regardless of nationality) 23) Plant Engineering Technician (23512) * Job Description : Engages in contracting, designing, construction, and supervision for the construction of factories and large-scale facilities. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Industrial plant design engineer, power plant design engineer, environmental facility plant design engineer, automation facility plant design engineer, industrial equipment design engineer, wastewater treatment facility design engineer, chemical plant design engineer, chemical process plant engineering technician, water treatment system plant design engineer, special equipment engineer in the shipbuilding field (e.g., thermal insulation/cooling technology). * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : * Construction: Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Construction Industry Division) * Non-construction: Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) – Special equipment and manufacturing technician (mandatory, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Offshore Plant Division) / Plant engineering technicians for returning domestic companies – KOTRA * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply (special conditions for plant engineering technicians of returning domestic companies) * Special Provisions for Returning Domestic Companies : * Qualifications : Companies selected as eligible returning domestic companies under Article 7 of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses\* - Verification issued via “Certificate of Selection for Eligible Returning Domestic Companies” (Form No. 7, Enforcement Rules of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses) * Plant Engineering Technician Qualifications : Employees of overseas branches of returning domestic companies : * Bachelor’s degree or higher : Minimum 6 months of overseas branch experience * Associate degree with any of the following: 1. Relevant technical certification 2. Awards in the field, relevant press coverage, or 3. Employment verification certified by KOTRA’s local KBC staff → Minimum 2 years of experience at the overseas branch of the returning company - For offices without KOTRA local KBC staff, a consular-verified employment certificate is required * Employment Quota per Company : Up to 30% of the average number of insured domestic employees enrolled in employment insurance over 3 months. 24) Robotics Expert (2352) * Job Description : Researches and develops robotic technology to program, operate, and control industrial robots according to specialized functions. Includes fields that plan, design, manufacture, or maintain nuclear facilities and equipment, precision instruments, cameras and projectors, and mechanically functional medical devices. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Robotics engineering tester (industrial robot operators – 85302 – are excluded) * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : None / Robotics experts for returning domestic companies – KOTRA * Qualifications : Special requirements apply – Master’s degree or higher, domestic or abroad * When established in May 2018, the Ministry of Employment and Labor requested the academic restriction to protect domestic employment; bachelor’s degree holders are excluded. * Visa Issuance and Residence Management : General standards apply (special conditions for returning domestic company robotics engineers) * Special Provisions for Returning Domestic Companies : * Qualifications : Companies selected as eligible returning domestic companies under Article 7 of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses\* - Verification issued via “Certificate of Selection for Eligible Returning Domestic Companies” (Form No. 7, Enforcement Rules of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses) * Robotics Expert Qualifications : Employees of overseas branches of returning domestic companies : * Bachelor’s degree or higher: Minimum 6 months of overseas branch experience * Associate degree with any of the following: 1. Relevant technical certification 2. Awards in the field, relevant press coverage, or 3. Employment verification certified by KOTRA’s local KBC staff → Minimum 2 years of experience at the overseas branch of the returning company - For offices without KOTRA local KBC staff, a consular-verified employment certificate is required * Employment Quota per Company : Up to 30% of the average number of insured domestic employees enrolled in employment insurance over 3 months. 25) Automotive, Ship, Aircraft, and Railway Vehicle Engineering Expert (S2353) * Job Description : * Researches, designs, and advises on internal combustion engines, vehicle bodies, braking systems, control devices, and other components of vehicles. * Researches, designs, and advises on ship hulls, superstructures, and engines; plans and supervises development, construction, maintenance, and repair. * Researches, designs, and advises on the development, production, and operation of aircraft, satellites, launch vehicles (robots), and similar flying vehicles; directs, controls, and provides guidance on manufacturing and operations. * Researches, designs, and advises on locomotives and engines used in railways (including high-speed rail); directs, controls, and provides guidance on manufacturing and operation. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Automotive designer, automotive mechanical engineer, car electronics engineer, automotive engine design engineer, naval engineering technician, ship safety system developer, ship piping design engineer, ship outfitting design engineer, hull design engineer, TRIBON ship design engineer, offshore structure design engineer, ship piping design engineer, ship engine design engineer, aircraft designer, aircraft mechanical engineer, satellite engineer, flight vehicle engineer, diesel engine engineer, gas turbine engineer. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA); Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – for small and medium enterprises only / Automotive, ship, aircraft, and railway vehicle engineering experts for returning domestic companies – KOTRA * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply (special conditions for returning domestic company experts) * Special Provisions for Returning Domestic Companies : * Qualifications : Companies selected as eligible returning domestic companies under Article 7 of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses\* - Verification issued via “Certificate of Selection for Eligible Returning Domestic Companies” (Form No. 7, Enforcement Rules of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses) * Expert Qualifications : Employees of overseas branches of returning domestic companies : * Bachelor’s degree or higher: Minimum 6 months of overseas branch experience * Associate degree with any of the following: 1. Relevant technical certification 2. Awards in the field, relevant press coverage, or 3. Employment verification certified by KOTRA’s local KBC staff → Minimum 2 years of experience at the overseas branch of the returning company - For offices without KOTRA local KBC staff, a consular-verified employment certificate is required * Employment Quota per Company : Up to 30% of the average number of insured domestic employees enrolled in employment insurance over 3 months 26) Industrial Safety and Risk Manager (2364) * Job Description : Diagnoses, investigates, prevents, and educates on risks in high-accident-potential industries such as chemical/petroleum, coal, wood and processing, plastics/metal, machinery and equipment manufacturing, construction, non-metal/mineral manufacturing, and agriculture/fishery/livestock. Responsibilities include investigating causes of industrial accidents, preventing recurrence, establishing countermeasures, and providing safety and health education and guidance to workers. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Industrial safety technician, safety inspector, occupational safety and health manager, electrical facility inspector, building safety manager, electrical safety and health manager, safety management technician, vehicle safety and health manager, industrial safety inspector and educator. * Employer Requirements : Only applicable to national institutions, local governments, government-funded research institutes, or other public institutions equipped with educational/training facilities. * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply 27) Environmental Engineering Technician (2371) * Job Description : Applies various engineering principles to prevent and control threats to environmental health and to design, plan, or carry out engineering work related to environmental improvement. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Air quality engineer, water quality engineer, soil environment engineer, noise and vibration engineer, waste treatment engineer, environmental consultant, environmental pollution sensor/measurement engineer, pollution reduction device designer, ecological industry development specialist, clean production designer. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : * Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) : Environmental consultant, pollution sensor/measurement engineer, pollution reduction device designer, ecological industry specialist, clean production designer * Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) : For small and medium enterprises only * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply 28) Gas and Energy Technician (2372) * Job Description : Researches, designs, develops, and maintains commercial-scale methods for mining, oil or gas extraction, and the development of alloys, ceramics, and other materials; provides technical research and advisory services on specific materials, products, and processes. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Energy engineer, exploration engineer, petroleum engineer, ore processing engineer, drilling engineer * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : * Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) * Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – for small and medium enterprises only / Gas and energy technicians for returning domestic companies – KOTRA * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply (special conditions for returning domestic company technicians) * Special Provisions for Returning Domestic Companies : * Qualifications : Companies selected as eligible returning domestic companies under Article 7 of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses\* - Verification issued via “Certificate of Selection for Eligible Returning Domestic Companies” (Form No. 7, Enforcement Rules of the Act on Support for Domestic Return of Overseas Businesses) * Technician Qualifications : Employees of overseas branches of returning domestic companies : * Bachelor’s degree or higher : Minimum 6 months of overseas branch experience * Associate degree with any of the following: 1. Relevant technical certification 2. Awards in the field, relevant press coverage, or 3. Employment verification certified by KOTRA’s local KBC staff → Minimum 2 years of experience at the overseas branch of the returning company - For offices without KOTRA local KBC staff, a consular-verified employment certificate is required * Employment Quota per Company : Up to 30% of the average number of insured domestic employees enrolled in employment insurance over 3 months 29) Textile Engineering Technician (2392) * Job Description : Develops new fibers using advanced materials and conducts research, development, testing, and analysis for various processes in textile product manufacturing. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Fiber material development engineer, textile process development engineer, dyeing process development engineer * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : * Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) * Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – for small and medium enterprises only * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply 30) Draftsman / CAD Technician (2395) * Job Description : Performs design work for systems or individual components using CAD/CAM based on knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment properties and structures. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Mechanical draftsman, electrical/electronic draftsman * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Employment recommendation system abolished due to misuse * Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management : General standards apply Domestic National Technical Certificates related to CAD Draftsman : * Electronic CAD technician, industrial engineer in electronic circuit design * Industrial engineer : mechanical design, construction machinery, general machinery, jig & tooling design, production automation, agricultural machinery, press/die design, injection mold design, shipbuilding, machining technician * Computer-aided drafting technician: architectural, civil, mechanical, and shipbuilding International CAD-related Certificates : * CADTC (CAD Technology Controller), ACU (Autodesk Certified User), ACP (AutoCAD Professional) * Private certificates like AutoCAD 1,2 (ATC), AutoCAD certified instructor, Inventor 1,2 are not officially recognized National Employment Protection Standards : Applicable * Employer Requirements : * CAD workspace must be separate from general production; not used for general production work * Companies with fewer than 10 regular employees * Employment Quota:** Maximum 2 per company * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : * Extension: Previous year’s salary records verified; noncompliance can shorten or limit residence permit * Change of workplace: Only allowed for business closure or hardship * Change of job-seeking status: E-7 holders can switch according to nationality-based rules; re-entry requires visa issuance confirmation 31) Nurse (2430) * Job Description : Assists physicians in treatment, performs care according to physician’s orders or established nursing procedures, takes emergency measures if the physician is absent, monitors and records patient conditions, and explains care and disease prevention to patients and families. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Registered nurse, general nurse * Qualifications : Must hold a nurse license issued by the Minister of Health and Welfare under Article 7 of the Medical Service Act * Nurse assistants are not eligible * Employer Requirements : Medical institutions as defined under the Medical Service Act * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply * Medical coordinators (S3922) can operate without additional approval 32) University Lecturer (2512) – Effective August 1, 2019 * Job Description : Teaches students at universities, conducts seminars and experiments, and prepares and evaluates exams for major-specific subjects. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Lecturer in humanities, social sciences, and education; lecturer in natural sciences, engineering, or medicine; lecturer in arts and physical education. * Qualifications : Must be employed at a higher education institution (junior college or above) under Article 14(2) & 14-2 of the Higher Education Act, and hold a master’s degree or higher in the relevant field. * Required Documents : Career certificate and copy of degree, employment contract or appointment confirmation, documents related to the inviting school’s establishment (copy of business registration or unique number certificate). * Assessment Criteria : * Possession of master’s degree or higher and relevance of degree to the teaching subject * Compliance with hiring procedures specified in higher education laws * Exception: Bachelor’s degree holders may be considered if they have multiple majors, relevant professional certifications, or evidence of experience demonstrating expertise in the subject. * Salary Requirements : Hourly wage must meet or exceed the Ministry of Education’s announced average lecturer rate for the relevant year. * Reference: Ministry of Education “University Information Disclosure” press release (search on Ministry website, August release). * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 33) Technical Instructor at Overseas Technical School (2543) * Job Description : Teaches technical skills such as design, hair & beauty, software, or cooking at technical and vocational schools designated as foreign investment service areas by city/provincial governors. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Design instructor, hair & beauty instructor, software instructor, culinary instructor * Qualifications : Must meet at least one of the following : 1. Master’s or bachelor’s in design, hair & beauty, software, or culinary + 3+ years relevant experience 2. At least 2 years of training at an overseas technical school + 5+ years relevant experience 3. At least 1 year of training at an overseas technical school + 7+ years relevant experience * Employer Requirements : Technical/vocational school designated as a foreign investment service area under Article 18 of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and its enforcement decree (confirmation via local government notice). * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 34) Education-related Specialist (2591) * Job Description : Researches curricula, teaching methods, and other educational practices, and advises/plans their implementation in educational institutions. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Audio-visual education specialist, educational materials specialist, training and management specialist for teachers * Qualifications : Master’s degree or higher; alternatively, bachelor’s degree + 1+ year relevant experience * Visa Issuance : Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years * Residence Management : General standards apply 35) Teachers at Foreign Schools, International Schools, Gifted Schools, etc. (2599) * Job Description : Educates students at foreign schools (including foreign kindergartens), alternative schools, foreign education institutions, international high schools, gifted schools, etc. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : * Teacher at foreign school (foreign kindergarten) – under Primary & Secondary Education Act, Article 60-2, and Early Childhood Education Act, Article 16 * Teacher at alternative school – Article 60-3 of the Primary & Secondary Education Act * Teacher at foreign education institution – Economic Free Zone Act, Article 22 * Teacher at international high school – Economic Free Zone Act, Article 22 * Teachers at gifted schools – Gifted Education Promotion Act * Teachers at schools under local education office recommendation (international middle schools, foreign language high schools, international high schools, autonomous private high schools) * Assistant teachers, instructors, assistant dorm supervisors, administrative staff at international schools, including those in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : * Teachers at Jeju international schools, etc. : Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province * Teachers at international/magnet/high schools under local recommendation: Local superintendent of education * Qualifications : Vary by type of institution : * Foreign school, alternative school, foreign education institution: Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience (or equivalent foreign teacher certificate) * International/magnet schools (recommended by superintendent) : * Foreign teachers: Domestic teaching license or foreign teaching license + 3 years experience * Foreign instructors: Bachelor’s degree * Gifted school teachers: PhD, or Master’s + 3 years experience * Jeju international schools (assistants, instructors, admin staff): Bachelor’s degree; alternatively, 2+ years experience in relevant field or TESOL/related English teaching certificate for children of international school students, staff families, or graduates of overseas affiliated schools ≥18 years old * Required Documents & Review Criteria : 1. Criminal record certificate: Required for teachers working mainly with minors; exemptions apply for certified foreign teachers, those recruited via job fairs, or with 3+ years experience as E-2 or E-7 teachers in Korea within the last 5 years. 2. Teacher license: Certified foreign teachers may omit degree submission; notarization needed only for copies unless submitting originals. 3. Career certificate: Original submission exempts notarization. * Special Rule for Jeju International School Assistants, etc. : Certain family members or graduates with required experience/certification may obtain work permission via change of residence status. * Visa Issuance : General standards apply; * For international schools under Economic Free Zone Act : single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 5 years for teachers, 3 years for foreign instructors. * Residence Management : General standards apply 35) Legal Experts (261) * Job Description : Experts in foreign law who provide advice, translation, and legal services excluding litigation, prosecution, or court representation. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : * Lawyer under foreign law * Patent attorney under foreign law * Foreign law consultant under the Foreign Legal Consultant Act * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Patent attorney – Korean Intellectual Property Office (Talent Development Team) * Qualifications : Must hold the relevant foreign legal qualification; foreign law consultants must be approved under the Foreign Legal Consultant Act and registered with the Korean Bar Association. * National Employment Protection Criteria : Not applicable * Required Documents : Foreign legal license, KBA-issued registration certificate (for foreign law consultants) * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply; * Note : Foreign law consultants cannot be employed simultaneously at more than one law firm or hold multiple positions (Foreign Legal Consultant Act, Article 25(2)) 37) Government Administration Expert (2620) * Job Description : Civil servants performing research, technical, educational, or other duties in national or local government. * Qualifications : Must meet the requirements under Article 26-3 of the National Civil Service Act (appointment of foreigners and dual nationals) and Article 25-2 of the Local Public Officials Act (appointment of foreigners and dual nationals). * Required Documents : Cooperation letter from the head of the relevant central administrative agency or local government. * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 38) Administrative Staff of Special Organizations (S2620) * Job Description : Handles general administrative and functional duties at foreign missions in Korea, foreign cultural centers, chambers of commerce, international organizations, etc. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : * Administrative/functional staff at foreign embassies in Korea * Administrative/functional staff at foreign cultural centers in Korea * Administrative/functional staff at foreign chambers of commerce in Korea * Administrative staff at international organizations (excluding A-2 visa holders) * Note : Domestic helpers for embassy personnel fall under F-1 visa status. * Qualifications : General standards apply * Required Documents : Cooperation letter from the relevant foreign mission or organization * Visa Issuance : Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years * For administrative/functional staff of the same nationality as the sending country, issuance of a single-entry visa under 1 year may be delegated to the head of the overseas mission. * Residence Management : General standards apply 39) Management and Diagnostic Expert (2715) * Job Description : Provides services and advice to analyze and redesign organizational functions, improve corporate operations, and suggest management improvements. Also includes foreign law-qualified accounting experts advising on corporate or accounting firm matters. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : * Management consultant * Accountant under foreign law * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : * Management consultants : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) / Minister of SMEs and Startups (Small/Medium Enterprises only) * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply (for accountants under foreign law, must hold a relevant accounting license) 40) Finance and Insurance Expert (272) * Job Description : Applies knowledge of financial theory in banks, securities firms, insurance companies, and asset management firms to research and analyze financial data, provide it to investors, and develop related financial products. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Investment and credit analyst, asset manager, insurance/financial product developer, securities and foreign exchange dealer. * Not eligible : Companies involved in lending (loan) businesses. * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Financial Services Commission (banks: Banking Division / insurance: Insurance Division / investment securities: Capital Market Division) * Note : Individuals without a degree but with 5+ years of experience require a recommendation letter. * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 41) Product Planning Expert (2731) * Job Description : Plans marketable products by analyzing overseas consumer buying patterns, demand forecasts, and consumption types. Establishes strategies for production and sales efficiency. Also collects and researches information on specific products/services, consumer evaluations, and preferences to provide advice and plan sales strategies. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Overseas product planner (product development manager), overseas marketing expert (promotion technique specialist) * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : * For non-health/medical fields : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) * For health/medical fields : Minister of Health and Welfare (Overseas Expansion Division for Health Industry) * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 42) Travel Product Developer (2732) * Job Description : Coordinates between domestic and foreign travel agencies, develops travel packages matching customer requirements, organizes group tours, and provides advice on transportation options, costs, and convenience. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Tourism travel planner, travel product developer * Restriction : Tour guides/interpreters (43213) are excluded * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division) – mandatory * Required Documents : Copy of tourism business registration (general travel agency), evidence of foreign tourist attraction performance * Qualifications : General standards apply; degree-free experience applicants are restricted (at least 5 years of relevant experience may be disqualified) * Employment Protection & Limits : * Applicable general standards + specific agency eligibility and hiring limits (max 3 per company) * Agency eligibility : Must be registered under Article 4 of the Tourism Promotion Act, with an average of ≥2,000 foreign tourists attracted per year over the past 2 years (certificate from Korea Association of Travel Agents or equivalent performance). Domestic-only travel agencies are excluded. * Hiring limit : Max 2 per agency; can hire 1 additional staff per specific condition (e.g., 5,000+ foreign tourists, graduates of Korean Studies programs at foreign universities, or foreign graduates from domestic universities) – max 3. * Other factors such as agency size, employment ratio, and minimum wage: general standards apply if no special rule exists. * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 43) Advertising and Public Relations Expert (2733) * Job Description : Analyzes the need for advertising/PR, plans effective advertising/PR strategies, proposes appropriate advertisements/PR materials, establishes and supervises plans for execution, and analyzes the effectiveness of advertising/PR after implementation. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Advertising expert, public relations expert * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 44) Research/Survey Expert (2734) * Job Description : Conducts various surveys and research based on client requests related to overseas business expansion, using expertise in statistics, economics, and sociology. Analyzes results to understand current conditions and predict future trends, and reports findings. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Overseas market research expert * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) * Applicable only to the 8 “Gold Card” sectors: IT, NT, BT, transportation machinery, digital electronics, new materials, environment/energy, and technology management * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 45) Event Planner (2735) * Job Description : Plans, organizes, and coordinates conferences, annual meetings, seminars, exhibitions, screenings, festivals, and other entertainment-related events for tourism associations, industry/professional associations, conventions/conferences, government agencies, and event companies. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Performance planner, exhibition/event planner, international conference planner * Scope of Performance Planner : Scenario design and artist selection, venue preparation, performance production and marketing, event management (including customer safety), and post-event evaluation * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Performance and Traditional Arts Division) – mandatory * Exception : For companies with annual sales ≥5 billion KRW, the office head may waive this requirement. * Employer Requirements : Must have annual sales ≥1 billion KRW and demonstrate plans for domestic/overseas events within 1 year after hiring a foreign event planner. * Required Documents : Performance/international conference plans, financial statements, performance ticket sales certification (for performance planners) * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 46) Overseas Sales Representative (2742) * Job Description : Engages in sales activities to sell products to overseas buyers, imports products from overseas sellers, and contributes to strengthening national competitiveness through other overseas sales activities. * Includes managing online sales : selecting products to sell via online shopping platforms, managing inventory, responding to customer inquiries, and overseeing order fulfillment. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Overseas sales representative, trade sales representative, import/export sales representative * Exclusions : Domestic online store sales staff, people handling only product inventory or packaging, trade clerks (3125) * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA, Korea International Trade Association) * Required for firms or cases subject to special employment quota rules * National Employment Protection Review : Applied * Special rules for foreign-invested firms or exporters to specific language regions: * Foreign-invested or special language region export firms with annual sales ≥\$100,000 and at least one local employee: 1 foreign hire allowed * Special language region exporters with annual sales ≥$500,000: foreign employment allowed up to 70% of local staff * Qualifications : General standards apply, with additional requirements for online sales staff: * Firm must be a registered trade business and have office space for sales staff (remote or dispatched work not accepted) * Previous year overseas export sales ≥5 billion KRW * Education/Experience: Domestic associate degree or higher, or overseas bachelor’s + 1 year relevant experience, or master’s or higher * Korean proficiency: TOPIK Level 3 or higher * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : * Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 1 year * Extension review includes verification of salary compliance; noncompliance may result in shortened extensions or restrictions on future hiring * Job change restrictions: allowed only for unavoidable reasons after exit and re-entry with new visa * Additional documents : export performance proof, office space proof, Korean language certificate * Allowed Number of Hires : * Sales performance 5–10 billion KRW: up to 40 foreign hires * Sales performance >10 billion KRW: no limit, but up to 70% of relevant workforce 47) Technical Sales Representative (2743) * Job Description : Uses technical knowledge to sell industrial equipment, ICT devices, components, and other products, and provides technical guidance to customers regarding usage or maintenance. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Pharmaceutical sales, network/computer hardware, multimedia systems, software, communication devices, IT equipment, semiconductor devices, web development, instrumentation, medical equipment, agricultural machinery, automotive parts, industrial machinery, automation systems, environmental equipment, and other technical sales roles * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA), Minister of SMEs and Startups (for small businesses only) * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 48) Technology Management Expert (S2743) * Job Description : Combines engineering knowledge and management skills to efficiently manage technology and drive technological innovation through management techniques. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : R&D strategy expert, technology infrastructure expert, product & production technology expert, technology commercialization expert, IT consulting expert * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (KOTRA) – mandatory * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 49) Translator / Interpreter (2814) * Job Description : Professionally translates text from one language to another and facilitates smooth communication between speakers of different languages by conveying spoken content in the target language. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Translators and interpreters in professional translation/interpretation companies * Qualifications : Master’s degree or higher, or bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of relevant experience; must be fluent in Korean and at least one foreign language other than their native language. Knowledge related to the field of activity is required. * Employment Conditions : Follows national employment protection review standards * Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 50) Announcer (28331) * Job Description : Reads prepared scripts for news, advertisements, special announcements, or presents other broadcasting programs to deliver important information and updates. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Announcer * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Korea Communications Commission – *mandatory* * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply 51) Designer (285) * Job Description : Applies artistic techniques to design products such as household goods, furniture, toys, fashion items (clothing, shoes), interior design, and automobiles. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Product designer (automotive, furniture, etc.), fashion designer (textile, apparel, accessories, bags, shoes), interior designer (interior, display), visual designer (advertising, packaging, book, illustration, etc.) * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of SMEs and Startups (KOSME) – *small businesses only * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply * Maximum Hires per Firm : Based on number of insured domestic employees : * 5–49 employees: 1 foreign hire * 50–99 employees: 2 foreign hires * 100+ employees: 3 foreign hires 52) Video-related Designer (S2855) * Job Description : Designs and arranges sets and stage decorations for films or TV dramas; creates subtitles, graphics, and illustrations for broadcasting, film, and games using computer graphics. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : Stage & set designer, web designer (multimedia), game graphic designer, character designer, film CG designer * Issuing Authority for Employment Recommendation : Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Film & Video Content Industry Division) – applicable for film and TV production companies * Qualifications, Visa Issuance & Residence Management : General standards apply III. Detailed Standards for Semi-skilled Personnel 1. Applicable Types * Office Workers : Among major group 3 (office workers) in the Korean Standard Classification of Occupations (Statistics Korea Notification No. 2017-191, effective Jan 1, 2018), 5 occupations selected by the Minister of Justice. * Service Workers : Among major group 4 (service workers) in the same classification, 5 occupations selected by the Minister of Justice. 2. Detailed Screening Standards by Occupation A. Office Workers (5 occupations) 1) Duty-Free or Sales Staff in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (31215) * Job Description : 1. Engages in sales planning and direct sales in duty-free shops to increase exports and sales targeting foreigners. 2. Works in commercial facilities such as restaurants or stores in Jeju English Education City to facilitate English usage. 3. Works in Jeju restaurants performing Korean interpretation and sales duties. * Examples of Eligible Occupations : * Duty-free shop sales staff * Duty-free shop sales staff serving foreign tourists * Sales staff in commercial facilities in Jeju English Education City * Korean interpretation & sales staff in Jeju restaurants * National Employment Protection Review Standards : * Applied, with separate standards where specified. * If not specified, general standards apply (company size, employment ratio, minimum wage, etc.). * Qualifications by Type : i) Duty-Free Shops / Duty-Free Shops for Foreign Tourists : 1. Minimum 3 years’ experience as a tour guide (recognized as duty-free sales experience; general sales experience not accepted). 2. Minimum 3 years’ experience as a duty-free sales staff. 3. Combined 3 years of tour guide + duty-free sales experience. 4. Graduate (or expected graduate) of a domestic college (any major, any experience). 5. Graduate of an overseas 4-year university (any major, any experience). ii) Commercial Facilities in Jeju English Education City : * Parents or family of international school students, or graduates over 18 from overseas partner schools. * Citizens of non-English-native countries must have TOEIC ≥ 800 or TESOL certificate. iii) Restaurants in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province : Must satisfy one of the following: 1. TOPIK Level 2 or higher (Korean Language Test by NIIED) 2. Completed KIIP Level 2 or higher 3. Completed ≥2 years of regular curriculum at a domestic college or university 4. Completed ≥6 months of Korean language course at a domestic university (D-4-1) and obtained TOPIK Level 1 5. Completed ≥3 months Korean language course at a local university (applied until Dec 31, 2019) > For (v), a visa interview may be conducted to verify Korean proficiency even if a visa issuance certificate is approved. > Qualified applicants are broadly allowed to change their residence status (short-term visas and D-3, E-9, E-10, G-1 excluded). * Minimum Requirements & Allowable Number of Duty-Free / Foreign Tourist Duty-Free Shops : * Must have foreign tourist duty-free shop designation or bonded shop license * Annual sales ≥ 240 million KRW (20 million KRW/month) * Store area ≥ 200㎡ * At least 2 Korean employees employed continuously * Minimum Requirements & Allowable Number for Jeju Restaurants : * Store area ≥ 100㎡ * Annual sales ≥ 100 million KRW * At least 2 Korean employees employed continuously > For restaurants with annual sales ≥ 300 million KRW (Korean, Western, Chinese, Japanese cuisine only), the area requirement can be reduced to 70% and at least 1 foreign hire is allowed. * Allowable Number Based on Annual Sales : | Allowable Number | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | | | ---------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ------------ | ------- | | Store Area | ≥70㎡ | ≥100㎡ | ≥100㎡ | | | Sales | 300M~500M KRW | 100M~300M KRW | 500M~1B KRW | ≥1B KRW | | Korean Employees | ≥1 | ≥2 | ≥3 | | ☞ However, if the area is between 70\~99㎡, and the sales amount is at least 100 million KRW and designated as an exemplary restaurant by the local government, at least one foreign employee may be employed. * (National employment) Only counted as national employment if registered in the employment insurance list for more than 3 months as of the application date and paid monthly wages above the statutory minimum wage (both hourly and monthly wages verified through payroll statements) * (Deduction for departed employees) In case of employee departure, the number of departed employees will be deducted from the allowed foreign employment for 1 year from the departure date * (Restriction on employers with poor residency management) For employers who changed foreign workers to other (G-1) statuses due to wage arrears as of the application date, to protect foreign workers and prevent abuse, hiring new foreign employees is restricted for 1 year (counted as part of departed employees and deducted from allowed foreign employment for 1 year) ❍ (Visa issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Special cases for employees in commercial facilities in Jeju English Education City) Family members of students or staff of Jeju International School may work with permission for activities outside of their residency status. Foreign nationals over 18 who graduated from overseas schools and entered visa-free may be allowed to work by changing residency status. ❍ (Residency management, etc.) General standards apply * However, restaurant interpreters and sales staff in Jeju are prohibited from changing to D-10 job-seeking status outside Jeju; re-entry is allowed via visa issuance certificate ❍ (Additional documents to submit) Proof of business area, proof of sales amount, employment insurance list, proof of business employment insurance subscription 2. Airline Transportation Clerk (31264) ❍ (Job description) Performs tasks at airline companies such as booking reservations for passengers, issuing tickets, checking the validity of tickets presented by passengers, reviewing reservation status by passenger name, boarding section, flight number, and assigning seats ❍ (Possible employment examples) Airline transportation clerk ❍ (Qualification requirements) Master’s degree or higher, or Bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of experience ❍ (Visa issuance and residency management) General standards apply 3. Hotel Front Desk Clerk (3922) ❍ (Job description) Handles guest check-in and reservations at hotels, verifies reservations upon guest arrival and takes necessary actions, and performs various guest service tasks ❍ (Possible employment examples) Front desk staff ❍ (Employment recommendation issuance) Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division)※ Mandatory ❍ (Qualification requirements) General standards apply. However, limited exceptions for experience-based qualifications without a degree (restricted for applicants with over 5 years of relevant experience) ❍ (Employer criteria) Hotels classified under the Tourism Promotion Act Enforcement Decree Article 2: tourism hotels, water tourism hotels, Korean traditional hotels, and family hotels where the foreign guest ratio exceeded 30% of total annual guests in the previous year (15% in non-capital areas, 10% in depopulated areas) ❍ (Allowed number of employees per hotel) To protect national employment, maximum 5 foreign employees per hotel, total within 400 ❍ (Special case for international students) Foreign students who have earned at least an associate degree in tourism/hotel management at a domestic university and are recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may be employed as hotel front desk staff regardless of foreign guest ratio or allowed number per hotel (E-7 visa eligibility) ❍ (Visa issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency management, etc.) General standards apply 4. Medical Coordinator (S3922) ❍ (Job description) Provides comprehensive services for foreign patients visiting hospitals, including guidance and assistance for admission, support for attracting patients, appointment scheduling and interpretation, and customer management ❍ (Possible employment examples) Medical coordinator ❍ (National employment protection review standard) Applicable (separate standards apply) * (Employer criteria) Medical institutions and medical service providers registered under Article 6 of the Act on Supporting Overseas Expansion of Medical Services and Attracting Foreign Patients * (Allowed number of employees per institution) Up to 2 for medical institutions, up to 1 for service providers (however, if the number of foreign patients attracted in the past year exceeds 1,000, 1 additional employee may be employed per 1,000 patients) ▸ (Special case for ‘designated attraction institutions’ under Article 14 of the Act) Up to 3 for designated medical institutions, up to 2 for designated service providers (1 additional employee per 1,000 patients if the annual number exceeds 1,000) * (Other matters) If there are no separate national employment protection standards regarding employer size, employment ratio, minimum wage, general standards fully apply ❍ (Employment recommendation issuance) Minister of Health and Welfare (Overseas Health Industry Division) ※ Mandatory ❍ (Qualification requirements) Must satisfy at least one of the following: ① Possess a health professional license such as doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, or hold an associate degree or higher in a related field ② Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a domestic university (including expected graduates) and have completed an International Medical Coordinator course or Medical Interpretation course at the Korea Human Resource Development Institute for Health and Welfare ③ Possess a ‘International Medical Tourism Coordinator’ certificate specified in Appendix 2 of the Enforcement Rules of the National Technical Qualifications Act ④ Possess a Medical Interpretation Competency Test certificate under Article 13 of the Act on Supporting Overseas Expansion of Medical Services ❍ (Supporting documents) Copy of ‘International Medical Tourism Coordinator’ certificate (if applicable), certificate of completion of International Medical Coordinator course (if applicable), certificate of completion of Medical Interpretation course (if applicable), Medical Interpretation Competency Test certificate (if applicable), copy of foreign patient attraction registration certificate, guarantor certificate, etc. ❍ (Visa issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency management, etc.) General standards 5. Customer Service Clerk (3991) ❍ (Job description) Engages in international services or overseas sales within a company, providing services such as promotion, telemarketing, and sales to foreign customers. Selects service targets, prepares scripts, and delivers service information on various products via phone, email, and SNS, while handling purchases, usage, consultation, and complaint reception ❍ (Eligible employment field) Online customer service clerks for international services and overseas sales. Must demonstrate that the role cannot be effectively replaced by domestic labor * Excluded: telemarketers, door-to-door or street vendors (work only at designated workplace), promotional assistants, sales promoters, etc. ❍ (National employment protection review standard) Applicable (separate standards apply) * (Employer criteria) Must meet all the following: ⅰ) Provide services to foreign nationals under an international service contract or provide services from Korea to overseas ⅱ) Employ at least 500 regular employees and achieve last year’s revenue from international service contracts or service provision of at least 5 billion KRW (must prove receipt of foreign contracts or overseas business expansion) ⅲ) Direct employment by the company (outsourcing prohibited) and must have a separate office space (remote work prohibited) * (Wage requirement) Average monthly total wage must be equal to or higher than the average wage of domestic employees performing the same job at the same business in the previous year * (Other matters) If there are no separate national employment protection standards regarding employer size, employment ratio, minimum wage, general standards fully apply ❍ (Education and experience requirements) Separate requirements apply; however, if recommended by relevant ministries, education and experience requirements may be waived ⅰ) Hold at least an associate degree from a domestic institution ⅱ) Hold a bachelor’s degree from an overseas university with at least 1 year of relevant experience, or hold a master’s degree or higher ❍ (Qualification requirements) TOPIK level 2 or higher, or KIIP level 2 completion, or TOEIC score of 730 or higher ❍ (Visa issuance and residency management) General standards apply with strengthened post-management * (Visa issuance certificate) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 1 year * (Extension of stay) During extension review, verify previous year’s wage records; if wage requirement is not met, residency permission may be restricted. ․ For foreigners not meeting requirements, shorten extension period or restrict stay ․ Companies failing to pay wages according to employment contract or abusing provisions are restricted from hiring new foreign employees * (Change of workplace) Generally restricted; exceptions allowed only for unavoidable changes due to closure or business deterioration, and a new visa must be issued after leaving the country for re-entry * (Activities outside permitted status) Prohibited * (Additional documents) International service contract, proof of office space, proof of Korean language proficiency, proof of performance ❍ (Allowed number of employees) * For international service revenue of 5 billion to 10 billion KRW, up to 40 employees * For revenue above 10 billion KRW, no limit, but only up to 70% of employees in the relevant field B. Service Workers (5 Job Categories) 1. Transportation Service Worker (431) ❍ (Job description) Ensures passenger comfort and safety on vessels and promotes passenger convenience ❍ (Possible employment examples) Crew member of international passenger ships (e.g., Geumgangsan tourist ship), cabin crew of international airlines, crew members of domestic transport company vessels ※ Not allowed: Ship waiters ❍ (Qualification requirements) Master’s degree or higher, bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of experience, or 3 years of relevant experience ❍ (Visa issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years (single-entry visa of 1 year or less may be issued at the discretion of the embassy/consulate) ❍ (Residency management, etc.) General standards apply • (Professional workforce) Captain under Article 3(2) of the Seafarers Act, and employees under Article 3(4) (e.g., navigators, chief engineers, engineers, communication officers, operators, fishing masters, purser, doctor) ‣ Captains, etc., holding foreign nationally recognized certificates recognized under Korean law and performing duties under Korean law: Professional occupation (E-5) ‣ Crew members of regular passenger ships, Geumgangsan tourist ships, airline crew who provide direct services to passengers and are recognized as professional service workers through degree and resume: Specific Activity (E-7) • (Non-professional workforce) Crew performing simple labor such as cargo transport, loading/unloading, kitchen assistance, cleaning, and fishing vessel crew: Seafarer Employment (E-10) 2. Tourist Interpreter Guide (43213) ❍ (Job description) Provides travel assistance to foreign tourists in Korea by explaining tourist attractions and guiding travel using foreign languages ❍ (Possible employment examples) Tourist interpreter guide ❍ (Employment recommendation issuance) Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division) ※ Mandatory ❍ (Qualification requirements) Master’s degree or higher, foreign university bachelor’s degree in Korean Studies with at least 1 year of experience, graduate or expected graduate from a domestic university in tourism or history-related departments, or graduate from a junior college or higher holding a domestic tourist interpreter guide license ❍ (Supporting documents) Copy of business registration certificate (general travel agency), proof of foreign tourist attraction performance ❍ (Employer criteria) Must be a registered travel business with an average annual foreign tourist attraction performance of at least 2,000 over the past 2 years (proof issued by Korea Association of Travel Agents) or have equivalent performance\* * Examples : Performance in attracting foreign charter flights, awards from local governments for attracting foreign tourists, recognized as excellent travel agencies (designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), or possess recognized excellent travel products (designated by Korea Association of Travel Agents) - (Other matters) If there are no separate national employment protection standards regarding employer size, employment ratio, minimum wage, general standards fully apply ❍ (Allowed number of employees per employer) Up to 2 if employer criteria are met * If foreign tourist attraction performance exceeds 2,000, 1 additional employee may be employed per 2,000 tourists ❍ (Visa issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years * Reciprocity applies to countries that do not allow Korean citizens to work as guides ❍ (Residency management, etc.) General standards apply 3. Casino Dealer (43291) ❍ (Job description) Conducts gambling games in a casino ❍ (Possible employment examples) Casino dealer ❍ (Employment recommendation issuance) Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Tourism Industry Division) ❍ (Qualification requirements) Separate requirements apply; at least 5 years of experience ❍ (Visa issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency management, etc.) General standards apply 4. Head Chef and Cook (441) ❍ (Job description) Plans cooking operations in hotels, restaurants, ships, etc., supervises and coordinates chefs and kitchen assistants within restaurants and other facilities (head chef), and prepares various ingredients and cooks food directly (cook) ❍ (Possible employment examples) Western cuisine head chef and cook, Chinese cuisine head chef and cook, Japanese cuisine head chef and cook, other national cuisine head chef and cook ※ Not allowed: Korean cuisine head chef and cook, snack/coffee/traditional tea cooks [Korean cuisine cook (4411), beverage cook (4415), other cooks (4419)] ❍ (National employment protection screening criteria) Applicable (separate standards apply) * (Other matters) If no separate national employment protection standards exist regarding company size, employment ratio, minimum wage, general standards fully apply ❍ (Qualification requirements and verification method) Differ according to domestic/foreign education period, competition awards, and certificate levels : ① Award winners in internationally recognized domestic/foreign cooking competitions : exemption from certificate and experience requirements - Proof of award must be submitted with apostille verification or consular confirmation; if clearly confirmed through media reports, consular verification may be omitted ② Holders of foreign certificates, education, or experience (after obtaining the relevant certificate) | Certificate + Education | Experience Requirement | Notes | | ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | Intermediate-level certificate | Exempt from experience requirement | China: Level 1–2, Taiwan : Grade A | | Beginner-level certificate | At least 3 years | China: Level 3–4, Taiwan: Grade B–C | | At least 6 months of education | At least 5 years | – | | Other | At least 10 years | Excluding Chinese, Japanese, Western cuisine | ③ Domestic Education + Certificate and Experience Holders * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: Any major + obtain a cooking-related craftsman certificate or higher from the Human Resources Development Service of Korea + 2 years of experience (exempted if domestic education period is 2 years or more) * Associate degree: Relevant field degree + obtain a cooking-related craftsman certificate or higher from the Human Resources Development Service of Korea + 2 years of experience (exempted if domestic education period is 2 years or more) * Private institution training: Relevant field training (D-4-6) + obtain a cooking-related craftsman certificate or higher from the Human Resources Development Service of Korea + 2 years of experience (exempted if completed at least 20 months of related field training in Korea under D-4-6 visa) * (Restricted targets) Not applicable to those trained in Korean cuisine majors or holders of Korean cuisine chef certificates ❍ (General Requirements for Employing Companies) Tourism hotels, tourist restaurants, restaurants specialized for foreign tourists, in-flight catering divisions of airlines, foreign cuisine specialty restaurants that have not obtained designation as tourist convenience facilities but meet minimum business area, VAT\*, and domestic employment standards * VAT refers to the annual total of “tax paid” in the “Value-Added Tax Standard Certificate” issued by the competent tax office ❍ (Minimum Requirements for Business Area, VAT, and Domestic Employment per Company) | Category | Business Area | Annual VAT | Domestic Employees | | ----------------------------------------- | ------------- | --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Chinese Restaurant | ≥ 200㎡ | ≥ 5,000,000 KRW | 3 (Korean nationals, ethnic Chinese with permanent residence, or marriage immigrants registered in employment insurance for 3+ months) | | General Restaurant | ≥ 60㎡ | ≥ 3,000,000 KRW | 2 (same as above) | | Restaurants in Regulatory Special Zones\* | ≥ 30㎡ | ≥ 2,000,000 KRW | 1–2 (same as above; applied only if area ≥ 151㎡ and VAT ≥ 7,500,000 KRW) | * Examples: Restaurants in Ansan Multicultural Village Special Zone, Chinese restaurants in Incheon Jung-gu Chinatown Special Zone - (Tourist Convenience Facility Designated Companies) Recognized if business area meets at least 50% of the minimum standard and annual VAT and domestic employment requirements are satisfied ※ The relaxed standards above do not apply cumulatively with the tourist convenience facility designation; special cases of Ansan Multicultural Village and Incheon Jung-gu Chinatown restaurants are applied as shown in the table - (Domestic Employment Count Calculation) Includes all Korean nationals, ethnic Chinese with permanent residence, and marriage immigrants registered in employment insurance for 3+ months\* * For newly opened companies within 3 months as of application date, or companies that meet minimum domestic employment and apply for additional/replacement personnel, employment insurance period requirement is waived - (Minimum Requirement Screening) Even if formal minimum requirements are met, if foreign tourist usage or recruitment potential is nonexistent, or the foreign chef is intended for low-wage purposes, invitation is generally restricted ❍ (Screening Principles) ① Allowable number of employees calculated based on average of business area, VAT payment\*, and domestic employment per company, not exceeding allowable domestic employee count * (Exception) For newly established companies where VAT payment cannot be verified, or for cases with tax refund/exemption making normal VAT verification difficult, the average VAT payment of similar companies or monthly VAT average converted to annual VAT may be used, or the sum of taxable + exempted amounts from VAT Standard Certificate can be used ② (Employment Restriction for Poor Residency Management) Companies with foreign employees who changed status to G-1 due to unpaid wages or with dropouts have the relevant number deducted from allowable employment for 1 year from date of status change or dropout ③ (Domestic Employment Count) Counted only if registered in employment insurance for 3+ months as of application date and paid at least minimum monthly wage (both hourly and monthly wage verified via payroll statement) ※ For exclusive foreign tourist restaurants, excellent recruitment companies, or tourist convenience facility designated companies, employees paid less than legal minimum monthly wage (but meeting hourly wage minimum) can be counted 2:1 for domestic employment ④ (Employment Restriction for Companies with Difficulty Maintaining Regular Staff or Using Temporary Staff) Wedding halls, catering, event companies, etc. ❍ (Calculation of Allowable Number per Company) When minimum requirements are met and need for foreign chefs is recognized, the allowable number is calculated according to the table below  ❍ (Additional Required Documents) ▸ Proof of Chef Qualification (choose one) * Award documents from internationally recognized culinary competitions (original presented, copy submitted) * Certificates (original presented, copy submitted) and employment certificates (3 or 5 years) * Employment certificate (10 years, limited to local cuisine) ▸ Documents for Employer Requirements: * Employment insurance registration list (common) * Employment insurance acquisition record for the business (common) * Business area verification documents (common) * Value-Added Tax Standard Certificate (issued by tax office, common) * Documents proving designation as a tourist convenience facility (if applicable) * Documents for foreign tourist duty-free shops (designated by tax office) or bonded sales shops (licensed by customs) (if applicable) ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply 5. Care Worker (42111) ❍ (Job Description) Provides services to support physical activities and daily life such as meals, bathing, toileting, changing clothes, mobility assistance, position changes, walking, accompanying to hospital, walking training, and simple rehabilitation exercises; also provides psychological support by engaging in conversation and interaction. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Care Worker ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening Criteria) General criteria apply * Maximum employment per company: up to 20% of domestic employment quota ❍ (Income Requirement) At least the statutory minimum wage for the year ❍ (Qualification Requirements) All of the following must be satisfied: * (Education) Hold an associate degree or higher from a domestic university * (Certification) Hold a care worker certificate ※ Authenticity can be verified through the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute website ([www.kuksiwon.or.kr](http://www.kuksiwon.or.kr)) * (Korean Language Proficiency) Completed level 3 or higher in the Social Integration Program (KIIP), or 61 points or higher in pre-assessment, or TOPIK level 3 or higher ❍ (Required Documents) Degree certificate, care worker certificate, proof of Korean language proficiency, etc. ❍ (Maximum Allowed Personnel) During pilot operation period (2024–2025), up to 400 persons annually may be recruited/invited ※ Visa issuance approval & status change application → Headquarters (Residency Management Division) requests quota allocation → Quota number issued → Permit granted ❍ (Employer Requirements) Facilities for elderly medical welfare under the 「Act on Welfare of the Elderly」 ※ Long-term care facility designation certificate issued by the relevant city/county/district (facility code starting with 1) ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply * (Change of workplace) Allowed in cases where the foreign worker is not at fault, such as closure, business downturn, or expiration of employment contract IV. Detailed Criteria for Skilled Workers 1. Applicable Subjects ❍ (General Skilled Workers) Among the occupations in Major Category 6 (Skilled Workers in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries) and Major Category 7 (Craftsmen and Related Skilled Workers) of the “Korean Standard Classification of Occupations,” nine occupations selected by the Minister of Justice. ❍ (Skilled Workers under Point System) Among the occupations in Major Category 6 (Skilled Workers in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries) and Major Category 7 (Craftsmen and Related Skilled Workers) of the “Korean Standard Classification of Occupations,” three occupations selected by the Minister of Justice for which a change of stay status is allowed from E-9, E-10, or H-2 under point evaluation. ※ Individuals with a criminal record during their stay in Korea for offenses such as drunk driving, assault, or theft are subject to restrictions on issuance of a visa issuance certificate. 2. Detailed Screening Criteria by Occupation A. General Skilled Workers (9 Occupations, E-7-3) 1) Animal Caretaker (61395) ❍ (Job Description) Provides specialized care at facilities such as zoos, racetracks, or farms for race animals, feeding them and monitoring their health in detail, understanding their habits and temperament, and training them based on extensive expertise and experience. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Animal Caretaker ❍ (Qualification Requirements) General requirements apply ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply 2) Aquaculture Technician (6301) ❍ (Job Description) Engaged in the production of sea cucumber seed stock and the development and processing of feed at sea cucumber farms, while transmitting and providing related technical expertise. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Only sea cucumber aquaculture technician or shrimp aquaculture technician allowed ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening Criteria) Applicable (separate criteria apply) * (Employer Requirements) Companies meeting the criteria set by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries\* - The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries issues employment recommendation letters after reviewing the submission of documents such as the aquaculture seed production business license issued under the Fisheries Seed Industry Promotion Act, business plans, copies of Chinese company registration, employment contracts, employment/career certificates, resumes, and graduation certificates. * (Salary Requirement) Monthly salary must be at least 80% of the previous year’s monthly average GNI ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (Aquaculture Industry Division) ※ Mandatory ❍ (Qualification Requirements) Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, Associate degree in fisheries + 2 years of experience in the relevant aquaculture field, or 5 years of experience in the relevant aquaculture field ❍ (Additional Required Documents) Copy of seed production (or aquaculture) fisheries permit, guarantor certificate, copy of Fisheries Seed Production License (if applicable) ❍ (Maximum Allowed Personnel) Up to 3 per company (exceptions allowed if separately agreed upon by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Justice) ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply 3) Halal Slaughterhouse Worker (7103) ❍ (Job Description) A person who possesses the qualifications and experience to slaughter (butcher) in accordance with Islamic law and is engaged in slaughtering or related work at a halal slaughterhouse in Korea. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Slaughterhouse worker, butcher ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening Criteria) Applicable (separate criteria apply) * (Employer Requirements) Companies certified as halal slaughterhouses by the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) or major certification agencies in respective foreign countries - Certification is issued to companies with dedicated halal slaughterhouses or dedicated lines and at least 3 Muslim slaughter personnel. * (Maximum Allowed Personnel per Company) Companies with annual sales of up to KRW 8 billion: up to 3 workers; Companies with annual sales exceeding KRW 8 billion: up to 7 workers * (Other Matters) If there are no separate national employment protection requirements for company size, employment ratio, minimum wage, etc., general standards are fully applied. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Livestock Policy Division) ※ Mandatory ❍ (Qualification Requirements) High school graduate or higher + at least 5 years of halal slaughter experience (if holding relevant certification, at least 3 years of experience required) ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply 4) Musical Instrument Manufacturer & Tuner (7303) ❍ (Job Description) A person who manufactures or tunes various musical instruments such as pianos and violins by processing raw materials such as wood, plastic, or metal at a musical instrument manufacturing company. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Instrument manufacturer, tuner ❍ (Qualification Requirements) At least 10 years of experience ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply 5) Shipbuilding Welder (7430) ❍ (Job Description) A person who possesses skilled abilities in non-ferrous metal shaping and manufacturing in the shipbuilding sector or related fields. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Skilled welder in the shipbuilding field (TIG welding, CO2 welding, Argon welding, tack welding, welded finishing\*) * For welded finishing processes, deployment is allowed if completion of related job and safety training can be verified through a certificate issued by a Ministry of Industry-designated institution. ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening Criteria) Separate criteria apply * (Employer Requirements) Shipyards, ship-related block manufacturers, and ship equipment companies that meet all the following conditions\* - Ship equipment companies must have ≥50% of their business in shipbuilding, verified via a certificate issued by a Ministry of Industry-designated institution (specific institutions and procedures determined by the Minister of Industry). * Average annual sales over the past year ≥ KRW 1 billion ※ Exception : If a company employing foreign workers has closed, a newly established company inheriting the previous company may employ foreign workers exceptionally. * Minimum of 10 regular employees ※ Exception : Small shipbuilding companies under the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises are exempt. * No departures of foreign workers in the past 2 years (exception allowed for newly established companies inheriting closed foreign-employing companies) ※ Even if departures occurred, if the inviting company can prove company stability (tax payment record, maintenance of domestic employment) and ability to manage workers, the number of departed personnel will be deducted from the allowed employment number for 2 years, after which employment is permitted. * (Foreign Employment Ratio) Foreign employment of E-7-3 shipbuilding personnel is allowed up to 30% of domestic employment ‣ (Small Shipbuilding Company Exception) Small shipbuilding companies\* are allowed to employ at least 5 E-7-3 foreign workers regardless of the number of domestic regular employees, plus 1 additional worker per KRW 2 billion in annual sales - Companies with ≥1 year of operation, verified as ‘small enterprises’ under the Framework Act on SMEs. * (Wage Requirements) ≥80% of the previous year’s per capita Gross National Income (GNI) ‣ For the first 3 years of employment, relaxed wage requirement of ≥ KRW 25 million (as of ’24) applies ※ Ensures appropriate wages according to foreign worker skill/experience; existing employees in years 2–3 must maintain prior wages. ❍ (Employment Procedure) * (Skill Verification) Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy-designated institution (e.g., Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Association) forms a skill verification team to conduct on-site welding skill tests; those passing receive a skill verification certificate. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Division) ※ Mandatory * According to Article 7(6) of the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Decree, issuance standards, skill verification procedures, etc., are determined by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy in consultation with the Minister of Justice. ❍ (Qualification Requirements) At least 2 years’ experience after obtaining an intermediate or higher shipbuilding welder certificate + pass on-site skill verification * (Welding Certificate) Limited to intermediate\*\* or higher-level FCAW, GMAW, GTAW certificates issued according to commonly accepted standards in domestic shipyards (e.g., AWS, ASME, ISO, EN, classification societies: KR, ABS, LR, DNVGL, etc.), including ID/employee card, exam results, and employment certificate specifying identity, skill level, and applicable standards. - Welding positions excluding certain positions (typically F, 1G for general; H, 2G for horizontal) ❍ (International Student Exception) Foreign students with a professional associate degree or higher in engineering/technology from a domestic university, whose employment at a shipbuilding company is confirmed and receive employment recommendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, are allowed residence status change. ❍ (Required Documents) Certificates from international classification societies, skill verification certificate from the verification team, degree certificate (if applicable) ※ Certificates and employment records issued by the sending country and apostilled (or consular-verified) are also recognized. ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply with strengthened post-management\* * Korea Shipbuilding Association provides Korean language training and in-house (or commissioned) technical training for under-skilled workers; assists in reemployment at companies requiring additional welders if normal work is disrupted due to closure or wage issues. - (Social Integration Program) Within 1 year of entry, must score ≥21 points on pre-assessment or complete Level 1 of the Social Integration Program (not required for international student exception; applies to arrivals from Jan 1, 2024). - (Workplace Change) Allowed only for unavoidable reasons such as business closure, poor management, or if the foreign worker is not at fault. Review considers visa criteria including qualification, employer requirements, and allowed personnel. ※ Required documentation for workplace changes includes employment recommendation and on-site inspection report issued by the Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Association (for unavoidable changes). 6) Ship Electrician (76212) ❍ (Job Description) A person who installs and repairs shipboard wiring and equipment, such as cable laying, fire alarm systems, and internal communication facilities. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Ship electrician, ship electrical repairer ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening Criteria) Separate criteria apply * (Employer Requirements) Companies that have received employment recommendation in the shipbuilding & offshore plant field from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy * (Foreign Employment Ratio) Foreign employment of E-7-3 shipbuilding personnel is allowed up to 30% of domestic employment ‣ (Small Shipbuilding Company Exception) Small shipbuilding companies\* may employ at least 5 E-7-3 foreign workers regardless of the number of domestic regular employees, plus 1 additional worker per KRW 2 billion in annual sales * Companies with ≥1 year of operation, verified as ‘small enterprises’ under the Framework Act on SMEs. * (Wage Requirements) ≥80% of the previous year’s per capita Gross National Income (GNI) ‣ Relaxed wage requirement of ≥KRW 25 million (as of ’24) for the first 3 years of employment ※ Ensures appropriate wages according to foreign worker skill/experience; existing employees in years 2–3 must maintain prior wages. ❍ (Qualification Requirements) Must meet one of the following: ① Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field + ≥1 year of relevant experience ② Associate degree or higher in a relevant field + ≥5 years of relevant experience ❍ (Skill Verification Exception) For those passing on-site electrical equipment skill verification in the shipbuilding field conducted by a Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy-designated institution (e.g., Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Association), experience requirements are relaxed: ① Bachelor’s degree or higher: experience requirement waived ② Associate degree: ≥2 years of relevant experience ❍ (International Student Exception) Foreign students who earned an associate degree or higher in engineering/technology from a domestic university, whose employment at a shipbuilding company is confirmed, and who receive employment recommendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, are allowed residence status change. ❍ (Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Division) ※ Mandatory * Issuance standards and skill verification procedures are separately determined by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy in consultation with the Minister of Justice, under Article 7(6) of the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Decree. ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply * (Social Integration Program) Within 1 year of entry, must score ≥21 points on pre-assessment or complete Level 1 of the Social Integration Program (not required for international student exception; applies to arrivals from Jan 1, 2024). * (Workplace Change) Allowed only for unavoidable reasons such as business closure or poor management, or if the foreign worker is not at fault. Review considers visa criteria including qualification, employer requirements, and allowed personnel. ※ Required documentation for workplace changes includes employment recommendation and on-site inspection report issued by the Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Association (for unavoidable changes). * (Pre- and Post-Management) The Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy jointly monitor domestic and international skill verification processes and the residency/employment status to prevent system abuse. ❍ (Other Notes) Operational on a regular basis since July 1, 2022 7) Ship Painter (78369) ❍ (Job Description) A person who paints structures, ships, etc., using painting tools such as paint, lacquer, and enamel. This includes preparing surfaces for painting and painting wooden parts or interior fixtures of ships. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Ship painter (covering all painting processes including surface preparation, coating application, tie-coat application, etc.) * In practice, may be referred to as spray gun operator, touch-up crew, roller, or LQC (Line Quality Control). ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening Criteria) Separate criteria apply * (Employer Requirements) Companies recommended by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy as suitable for inviting foreign painting technicians ‣ (Industry) Registered under “Other Shipbuilding,” “Ship Component Manufacturing,” “Ship Painting,” or “Painting” on the business registration certificate ※ Korean Standard Industrial Classification: 31113 (Shipbuilding), 31114 (Ship Component Manufacturing), 42411 (Painting) ‣ (Collaboration with Prime Contractor) Companies must have a system in place with the main contractor to manage the foreign painter after entry * (Foreign Employment Ratio) Foreign employment of E-7-3 shipbuilding personnel is allowed up to 30% of domestic employment ‣ (Small Shipbuilding Company Exception) Small shipbuilding companies may employ at least 5 E-7-3 foreign workers regardless of the number of domestic regular employees, plus 1 additional worker per KRW 2 billion in annual sales * Companies with ≥1 year of operation, verified as ‘small enterprises’ under the Framework Act on SMEs. * (Wage Requirements) ≥80% of the previous year’s per capita GNI ‣ Relaxed wage requirement of ≥KRW 25 million (as of ’24) for the first 3 years of employment ※ Ensures appropriate wages according to foreign worker skill/experience; existing employees in years 2–3 must maintain prior wages. ❍ (Qualification Requirements) Must hold an associate degree or higher in a ship painting-related field and have relevant work experience : * Education : Associate degree or higher in fields such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Naval Architecture, Civil Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ‣ If not in the above fields but relevant, may be accepted if ≥3 painting-related courses completed (e.g., building materials planning, construction practice, automotive tuning, painting practice) * Experience: Minimum work period in painting field ‣ Associate degree : ≥5 years ‣ Bachelor’s degree or higher: ≥1 year ‣ Experience evaluation based on company industry and job duties * (Skill Verification Exception) For those passing ship painting skill verification conducted by a Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy-designated institution (e.g., Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Association) : ‣ Associate degree: ≥2 years experience ‣ Bachelor’s degree: experience requirement waived ‣ Experience evaluation based on company industry and job duties * (International Student Exception) Foreign students with an associate degree or higher in engineering/technology from a domestic university, whose employment at a shipbuilding company is confirmed and receive employment recommendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, are allowed residence status change ‣ Skill verification institution : Ministry-designated (e.g., Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Association) ‣ Skill verification standard : Must pass criteria set by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy ‣ Example – Examination type : directly take skill verification exam ‣ Example – Education type: complete practical training in ship painting, then take skill verification exam ❍ (Additional Required Documents) * Employer recommendation letter from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy * Skill verification confirmation issued by Ministry-designated institution (if applicable) ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 2 years ❍ (Residency Management, etc.) General criteria apply * (Workplace Change) Allowed only for unavoidable reasons such as business closure or poor management, or if the foreign worker is not at fault. Review considers visa criteria including qualification, employer requirements, and allowed personnel ※ Required documentation for workplace changes includes employment recommendation and on-site inspection report issued by the Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Association (for unavoidable changes). * (Social Integration Program) Within 1 year of entry, must score ≥21 points on pre-assessment or complete Level 1 of the Social Integration Program (not required for international student exception; applies to arrivals from Jan 1, 2024). 8) Aircraft Maintenance Technician (7521) ❍ (Job Description) A person responsible for inspecting, assembling, adjusting, and maintaining aircraft (including helicopters) powerplants, landing gear, control systems, airframes, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and related components to ensure safe operation. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Aircraft maintenance technician, helicopter maintenance technician ❍ (Employment Recommendation) Issued by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Aircraft Technology Division) – mandatory ❍ (Qualification Requirements) General requirements apply ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa, maximum stay 2 years ❍ (Residency Management) General criteria apply 9) Aircraft (Parts) Manufacturing Worker (S8417) ❍ (Job Description) A person who manufactures, assembles, paints, or performs sheet metal work on aircraft or components. * Includes airframe structures, powerplants, landing gear, control systems, airframe/hydraulic/pneumatic systems, electronic equipment, and materials ❍ (Possible Occupations) Aircraft structure assembler, aircraft machining worker, aircraft sheet metal worker, aircraft (parts) painter, aircraft composite materials worker, aircraft parts heat treatment worker, aircraft parts chemical treatment worker, etc. ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening) General criteria apply * Maximum employment per company : up to 20% of domestic employment ❍ (Income Requirement) ≥80% of previous year’s per capita GNI ❍ (Qualification Requirements) Must meet one of the following : * Master’s degree or higher in an engineering/technical field * Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering/technical field + ≥1 year relevant work experience * ≥5 years relevant work experience ※ Experience evaluated based on employer’s industry and job duties; only post-degree experience counted ❍ (Required Documents) Degree certificate, experience certificate ※ Foreign-issued documents require Apostille or consular verification by a Korean mission ❍ (International Student Exception) Foreign students with an associate degree or higher in engineering/technology from a Korean university, whose employment at an aircraft (parts) manufacturer is confirmed and receive employment recommendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, are exempt from the experience requirement ❍ (Annual Quota) During pilot operation (’24–’25), up to 300 persons per year can be invited ❍ (Employment Recommendation) Issued by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (Mechanical/Robotics/Aerospace Division) – mandatory ❍ (Employer Requirements) Must be an aircraft (parts) manufacturer with ≥10 billion KRW average annual sales in the past year, ≥10 regular employees, and no violations or personnel departures in the past 2 years * Verified by a designated institution of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (details determined by the Minister) Even if departures occurred, if the employer proves company soundness (tax payment, domestic employment maintenance), compliance with employee management obligations, and capability to utilize workers, departures within 2 years are subtracted from allowable foreign employment ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa, maximum stay 2 years ❍ (Residency Management) General criteria apply * (Workplace Change) Allowed only for unavoidable reasons such as business closure, poor management, or employment contract expiration, where the foreign worker is not at fault. Approval reviewed according to visa criteria, qualifications, employer standards, and allowed personnel * (Pre/Post Monitoring) Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy jointly monitor stay and work status to prevent abuse ❍ (Social Integration Program) Within 1 year of entry, must score ≥21 points on pre-assessment or complete Level 1 of the Social Integration Program (not required for international student exception). 10) Transmission Line Electrician (76231) ❍ (Job Description) A worker responsible for constructing and assembling transmission towers and stringing electrical wires between completed towers for power transmission. ❍ (Possible Occupation) Transmission facility electrician ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening) Separate standards apply * Maximum number of employees per company : up to 30. If a worker absconds, the number of absconded personnel is deducted from the allowable number for one year from the absconding date. ❍ (Income Requirement) ≥ Minimum wage for the year * For high-risk work, must confirm payment of approx. 42 million KRW/year (3.5 million KRW/month, as of ’24). ❍ (Qualification Requirements) Must satisfy at least one : * ≥1 year relevant experience + valid certificate * ≥5 years relevant experience ❍ (Skill Verification) Local skill test conducted by a skill verification team organized by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) designated institutions. Successful candidates receive a skill verification certificate. ❍ (Required Documents) Valid certificate (if applicable), experience certificate, skill verification certificate ※ Foreign-issued documents require Apostille or consular verification ❍ (Annual Quota) Up to 300 persons/year during pilot operation (’24–’25) ❍ (Employment Recommendation) Issued by MOTIE Minister (Power System Innovation Division) – mandatory ❍ (Employer Requirements) Construction companies contracted by Korea Electric Power Corporation for transmission projects * Submit KEPCO contract and Electric Utility Business registration certificate (per Electric Utility Business Act, Article 4) ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa, maximum stay 2 years ❍ (Residency Management) General criteria apply * Workplace change allowed only for unavoidable reasons (business closure, poor management, contract expiration) or when the current transmission work is completed (transfer consent required). Assessment follows visa issuance standards. * Pre/Post Monitoring: Ministry of Justice and MOTIE jointly monitor to prevent system abuse. 11) Automotive Parts Manufacturing Worker (S85411) ❍ (Job Description) A worker performing mold-making, forming, and welding tasks to manufacture automotive parts. ❍ (Possible Occupations) Automotive mold maker, automotive forming worker, automotive welder ❍ (National Employment Protection Screening) Separate standards apply * Employer Requirements : ‣ Non-metropolitan area business with <300 employees ‣ Recommended by local government as suitable for inviting automotive parts manufacturing workers * Maximum foreign employment per company: ≤30% of domestic employees * Wage Requirement: ≥70% of previous year’s per capita GNI ❍ (Qualification Requirements) Must meet one of the following + skill verification: * Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering/technical field * Associate degree in engineering + ≥1 year relevant experience * ≥5 years relevant experience * International students with non-engineering degrees who completed a designated training program - Program aligned with Ministry of Employment and Labor’s sectoral competency framework (SQF), conducted by MOTIE-designated institution (Korea Automotive Technology Institute). Certificate issued upon completion. ❍ (Skill Verification) Conducted by MOTIE-designated institution (e.g., Korea Automotive Technology Institute). Successful candidates receive skill verification certificate. ❍ (Required Documents) Degree certificate, experience certificate, skill verification certificate, training completion certificate (if applicable) ※ Foreign-issued documents require Apostille or consular verification ❍ (Annual Quota) Up to 100 persons/year during pilot operation (’25–’26) * Mold-making : 40, Forming: 30, Welding: 30 ❍ (Employment Recommendation) Issued by MOTIE Minister (Automotive Division) – mandatory ❍ (Visa Issuance) Single-entry visa, maximum stay 2 years ❍ (Residency Management) General criteria apply * Social Integration Program: Within 1 year of entry, must score ≥21 points in pre-assessment or complete Level 1, or TOPIK Level 2 (domestic university graduates exempt) * Workplace Change : Allowed only in cases of unavoidable circumstances (closure, poor management, contract expiration) and only for non-metropolitan companies <300 employees. Review follows visa issuance criteria. * Pre/Post Monitoring : Ministry of Justice and MOTIE jointly monitor to prevent system abuse and analyze training program status for non-engineering international graduates. Skilled Worker Points-Based Occupation (3 Occupations, E-7-4) ❍ Refer to the E-7-4 Skilled Worker Residency Management Standards for stay management rules. V. Negative-Type Professional Visa (E-7-S) 1. Eligible Persons ❍ High-income Professionals : Professionals whose income is ≥3 times the previous year’s per capita GNI. ❍ Advanced Industry Professionals : Professionals working (or expected to work) in advanced technology fields as designated under Article 5 of the Industrial Development Promotion Act. 2. Detailed Criteria by Type a) High-Income Professionals (E-7-S1) * Visa (E-7) issuance applies regardless of education, experience, or field. * Requirements for visa issuance and residency management : 1. Income ≥3× previous year’s per capita GNI 2. Not employed in restricted occupations\* - Restricted occupations include clerical or simple labor sectors, businesses contrary to public morals, and other fields where foreign employment is limited for national security (e.g., CEO of a news/telecommunications company). * National Employment Protection Screening : Not applicable b) Advanced Industry Professionals (E-7-S2) * Allows E-7-S visa even if the occupation is not listed as an E-7 eligible occupation. * Requirements for visa issuance and residency management : 1. Score ≥60 points in the points system 2. Income ≥1× previous year’s per capita GNI 3. Work in advanced industry field\* 4. Not employed in restricted occupations - Advanced Industry Definition: Fields directly matching the 3,043 advanced technologies/products announced under Article 5 of the Industrial Development Promotion Act and MOTIE Notice 2022-36, including semiconductors, biotechnology, displays, renewable energy, etc. * Verification : Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy may issue an Advanced Technology/Product Confirmation Certificate. * National Employment Protection Screening : Not applicable 3. Special Measures for F-2 (Residence) & F-5 (Permanent Residency) Acquisition a) Points-Based Residence (F-2-7) Special Provision * Eligible: E-7-S visa holders who have resided ≥1 year in Korea and are currently employed. * Requirements : 1. For E-7-S2 : Meet points system requirement (≥60 points). E-7-S1 only requires income verification. 2. Completed or assigned Social Integration Program Level 3 or higher. * Effect : Exemption from points system requirements for F-2-7. * Note : Other requirements (good conduct, not employed in restricted fields, etc.) still apply. b) Points-Based Permanent Residency (F-5-16) Special Provision * Eligible : E-7-S visa holders who changed to F-2-7 and have resided ≥3 years in Korea while employed. * Requirements : 1. For E-7-S1 → F-2-7: Income ≥3× GNI 2. For E-7-S2 → F-2-7: Meet points system requirement (≥60 points) * Effect : Relaxed livelihood requirement for E-7-S2 → F-2-7 pathway : * Standard : ≥2× previous year’s per capita GNI → Relaxed : ≥1× GNI Advanced Industry Negative-Type Visa (E-7-S) – Points Table 1. Mandatory Criteria Income (linked to age) – Maximum 45 points | Annual Income (KRW) | 20–29 | 30–35 | 36–39 | 40+ | | ------------------------------------ | ----- | ----- | ----- | --- | | ≥90,000,000 | 45 | 40 | 35 | 30 | | 80,000,000–<90,000,000 | 40 | 35 | 30 | 25 | | 70,000,000–<80,000,000 | 35 | 30 | 25 | 20 | | 60,000,000–<70,000,000 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 15 | | 50,000,000–<60,000,000 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 | | ≥ previous year GNI 1× – <50,000,000 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 0 | Notes : * At initial visa issuance : based on employment contract salary. * At extension of stay : based on previous year’s income certificate. 2. Future Contribution Potential 2-1. Age – Maximum 20 points | Age | 20–29 | 30–35 | 36–39 | 40+ | | ------ | ----- | ----- | ----- | --- | | Points | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | Notes : Score is based on age only. 2-2. Education – Maximum 30 points | Degree | Advanced Field / ≥2 Degrees | Advanced Field / 2 Degrees | General | Notes | | --------- | --------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Doctorate | 30 | 25 | 25 | ○ Multiple degrees in different fields : points can be combined; if multiple degrees (e.g., Master + Bachelor), only the highest applicable points are counted | | Master | 25 | 20 | 20 | — | | Bachelor | 20 | 15 | 15 | — | | Associate | 15 | 10 | 10 | — | Notes : * Recognizes multiple degrees; only highest score counts if multiple degrees held. 2-3. Work Experience – Maximum 25 points | Experience in Advanced Industry | ≥9 yrs | 7–<9 yrs | 5–<7 yrs | 3–<5 yrs | 1–<3 yrs | | ------------------------------- | ------ | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | | Points | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | Notes : * Only advanced industry experience is recognized. * Experience prior to degree completion is recognized. * Only full-time experience counts. 2-4. Korean Language Proficiency: Maximum 20 Points Item 1 | TOPIK Level 5 | TOPIK Level 4 | TOPIK Level 3 | TOPIK Level 2 Points | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 Item 2 | Social Integration Program Level 5 | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 Points | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 Standard : Only the higher score between Item 1 and Item 2 is recognized. 2-5. Domestic Study Experience: Maximum 20 Points Category | Doctoral Degree | Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s Degree | Associate Degree Points | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 Standard : * If multiple degrees are obtained, only the highest point is counted. * Degrees obtained through remote/online universities are not recognized as domestic study experience. 3. Additional Points: Maximum 40 Points Category | Graduate of Prestigious University | KOTRA Employment Recommendation | Employment in SME/Venture Company | Research Achievement Points | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 Standard : * Prestigious University : Times Higher Education top 200 universities or QS top 500 universities (domestic universities also recognized). * KOTRA Recommendation : Individuals recommended for employment by KOTRA. * SME/Venture Employment : Persons planning to work at companies recognized as SMEs under the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act or venture companies under the Venture Business Act. *Verification possible via SME certificate or Venture Company certificate.* * Research Achievement : Individuals with at least one publication in SCI, SCIE, SSCI, or A\&HCI within the last 5 years (only first author or corresponding author recognized). Skilled Worker (E-7-4) Residency Management Manual 1. Selection Quota : 35,000 persons < Selection Plan by Skilled Worker (E-7-4) Type >  Quota Type Explanation * Company Recommendation Individual Track : Persons recommended by a company where they have worked for over 1 year; may apply without central ministry or local government recommendation if they meet the required score. * Recommendation Quota : Persons recommended by a company where they have worked for over 1 year; can apply if recommended by central ministries or metropolitan/local governments. * Central Ministry Recommendation : Recommendations by Ministry of Employment and Labor, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. * Metropolitan/Local Government Recommendation : For those who have worked over 1 year in a company located in the relevant local government, and are recommended by the respective local government (must maintain residence in the local government for at least 2 years after E-7-4 transition). * Note : For cases transitioned under non-metropolitan special provisions, regardless of the 4-year residency requirement, the individual must work at the company and fulfill a mandatory residence period of 3 years. * Flexible Quota Allocation : A quota prepared for flexible operation, allowing additional allocation for fields requiring extra placement in the future. 2. Application Schedule and Method * Schedule : Applications accepted year-round. * Method : Primarily through online submission via HiKorea electronic civil service portal. ↳ Refer to the HiKorea website ([www.hikorea.go.kr](http://www.hikorea.go.kr)) notice for “Application Method.” * Application 5-Day System : Applicants must submit on the day assigned according to the last digit of their birth year. *(Example: Born in 1990 → Friday, Born in 1993 → Wednesday, Born in 1987 → Tuesday …) | Application Day | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | | ------------------------ | ---- | ---- | ---- | ---- | ---- | | Last digit of birth year | 1, 6 | 2, 7 | 3, 8 | 4, 9 | 5, 0 | Exceptions for in-person submission are allowed only if deemed unavoidable by the competent authority, such as for elderly applicants, those in remote areas, or applicants with excessive supporting documents. 3. Eligibility Requirements for Applicants and Employing Businesses □ Requirements for Applicant Foreigners A. Basic Requirements (Mandatory) : All the following (①–④) must be satisfied: 1. Must be a currently registered foreigner who has legally stayed for at least 4 years in the past 10 years under E-9, E-10, or H-2 status, and currently working at the present workplace. * Must be legally registered and employed at the current workplace at the time of application. * Applicants who have resided for 3 years or more in non-metropolitan areas\* and have received a recommendation from the metropolitan/local government also qualify. - Non-metropolitan areas: All regions excluding Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. 2. Must have a current annual salary of at least KRW 26,000,000 and an E-7-4 employment contract for at least 2 more years. * Upon change to E-7-4 status, the employment contract must guarantee continued work at the current workplace for at least 2 years. * Upon change to E-7-4 status, the employment contract must stipulate a planned annual salary of at least KRW 26,000,000. (For workers in agriculture, livestock, fishery, or coastal shipping, this requirement is relaxed to KRW 25,000,000.) 3. Must have received a recommendation from the company where they have been employed for at least 1 year. Employer Recommendation System * Overview : A recommendation is provided by the representative of the company where the foreigner has been employed for more than 1 year (Attachment 5: Recommendation Form). → “Employer Recommendation” is a mandatory requirement for K-point E-7-4 conversion and also a bonus point item. * Recommendation Criteria : Recommendations can be made for up to 20% of regular employees. *Regular employees: those listed in the 4 major social insurance registration for 3 months or longer, and foreign workers legally eligible to work in Korea. *Fractions in the allowed calculation are rounded up. Companies currently employing E-9 or E-10 foreign workers can recommend at least one person. - Example of Recommendation Scope : A company with 100 regular employees can exercise recommendation rights for up to 20 employees. * Recommendation Restrictions : If wage arrears, assault, human rights violations, or illegal employment of foreigners occur after implementation, the company immediately loses recommendation rights and is prohibited from recommending for the next 5 years. ④ Applicants eligible for minimum 200 points (including bonus points) out of a total of 300 points *(Only for those whose average income and Korean language skills in basic items are each at least the minimum required 50 points; refer to Attachment 1 score table) * The recent 2-year average annual income must be at least KRW 25,000,000, and Korean language proficiency must be TOPIK level 2 or completion of Social Integration Program Level 2, or Social Integration Program pre-assessment Level 3 (41 points) or higher. * If income for the last 2 years cannot be verified due to re-entry gaps, the 2 highest income years from 2019–2023 can be used instead. * For workers in agriculture, livestock, or fisheries/coastal shipping, this requirement is relaxed to KRW 24,000,000. * If other requirements are met but Korean proficiency is insufficient, a temporary exemption is allowed until the first extension (2 years), provided that the Korean language proficiency is supplemented by then (\~Dec. 31, 2026). * Failure to meet Korean language requirements within 2 years will prevent family invitation and result in a 6-month stay period; failure to meet requirements within 6 months will prevent further extension and result in cancellation of stay permit. b. Bonus and Penalty Points ㉠ Bonus Items :Includes recommendation, long-term service at current workplace, work in population-declining areas, etc., and bonus points can be accumulated. * Recommendation : Divided into central government, metropolitan/local government, and employer recommendation. Employer recommendation is mandatory; central government and metropolitan/local government recommendations are optional, and if overlapping, only one is counted. * Applies to 17 metropolitan/local governments; recommendations from basic municipalities go through the metropolitan government. * Long-term service at current workplace : Only applicable if employed continuously for 3 years or more at the current workplace at the time of E-7-4 application. * Work experience in population-declining areas, etc. : Refers to 3 years or more of legal work within the past 10 years under any of the 3 stay types (E-9, E-10, H-2) in population-declining or town/rural areas. Experience in population-declining areas and town/rural areas can be combined. * Possession of domestic certificate : Possession of one or more national certificates (engineer, industrial engineer, or craftsman) in the relevant field at the time of application. * Domestic university degree : Completion of study at a Korean university with an associate degree or higher. * Domestic driver’s license : Only Type 2 or higher regular licenses issued by the Korean National Police Agency. ㉡ Penalty Items : Applied within a maximum of 50 points (only violations within the last 10 years apply; refer to Attachment 1 score table) * Fines under KRW 1,000,000 : Up to 20 points deducted depending on the number of times fined. * Tax delinquencies restricting stay : Up to 15 points deducted depending on the number of occurrences. * Violations under the Immigration Control Act (≤3 times) : Up to 15 points deducted depending on the number of administrative actions. c. Exclusion Criteria Applicants are ineligible if any of the following apply (items ①, ③, ④ refer to the last 10 years only) : 1. Fined KRW 1,000,000 or more. 2. Tax delinquents (can apply after full payment). 3. Violated the Immigration Control Act 4 times or more. 4. Illegal stay for 3 months or longer. 5. Considered likely to harm the interests of the Republic of Korea or public safety. 6. Considered likely to disrupt economic or social order or public morals. □ Employer (Workplace) Requirements a. Basic Requirements : * The workplace must currently legally employ at least one foreign worker under E-9, E-10, or H-2 and be a workplace already subject to the Skilled Workers Points System. * In other words, the business must currently employ a foreign worker under any one of the three stay types (E-9, E-10, H-2). b. Allowed Number of Foreign Workers : * Up to 30% of the Korean employees in the workplace. * Korean employees refer to those listed in the employment insurance registry for 3 months or longer with at least minimum wage. Since the employment insurance registry must be submitted for at least 3 months, applications are generally possible only after 3 months of operation. * Special Cases : For population-declining areas or foundry/primary industry, up to 50% of Korean employees. * Inclusion of foreign workers with other visas : E-7, E-9, E-10, H-2, F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6 are excluded from counting toward the foreign worker limit. * Fractions in the allowed calculation are rounded up. For companies currently employing E-9 or E-10 foreign workers : minimum 1 person (or 2 persons for population-declining areas and primary industry). * Construction Industry Exception : “Choose either the construction capability evaluation amount or the average annual construction amount” × 0.4 (i.e., 0.4 persons per 100 million KRW; fractions rounded up). c. Exclusion Criteria : Companies with **unpaid taxes** (national or local) are excluded. 4. Administrative Matters * Permit Content : Only change of stay type is allowed (not for issuing a new visa). * Permit Period : Up to 2 years per issuance (within the scope of the employment contract). * Fees : Standard visa change fees apply (including electronic application discounts). 5. Implementation Date, etc. * Implementation Date : Nov. 27, 2024 (Wednesday). * Transitional Measures : * For those who applied for change before the K-point E-7-4 implementation (Sept. 25, 2023), and those who acquired E-7-4 skilled worker status after implementation, the revised stay management guidelines apply to change of stay type and extension of stay period. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers [Basic Requirements] 1. Standard for staying 4 years or more within the last 10 years * Example : If a person stayed under E-9 from 2017 to 2019, then re-entered in 2022 under E-9 and has been working for 2 years, it is considered as 4 years or more of stay, and they are eligible. [Work Conditions] 2. Is there a specific format for the employment contract? * You can refer to Attachment 9 (Sample Employment Contract) when drafting the contract. * Important : For K-point E-7-4 conversion, the contract must specify : 1. Planned employment for the next 2 years. 2. Annual salary of **26 million KRW or more**. 2-1. What does “annual salary of 26 million KRW or more” mean? * [2024 Minimum Wage Standard: 2,060,740 KRW × 12 months = 24,728,880 KRW] * It means that the total payment to the worker, including basic salary and allowances, must be at least 26 million KRW per year. Ordinary wages alone are not considered. 2-2. How should the contract period be written? * For K-point E-7-4, the contract must cover at least 2 years from the date of signing. * The start date can be the application date, and the contract must be signed between the employer and the foreign worker for at least 2 years to meet the basic requirement. * Refer to Attachment 9 (Sample Employment Contract) for guidance. [Average Income] 3. What does “average income for the past 2 years” mean? * It is calculated as the sum of income for the most recent 2 years divided by 2. * Exceptions : For workers in agriculture, livestock, fishing, or domestic shipping, the threshold is 24 million KRW or more. * If it is impossible to prove income for the most recent 2 years due to unavoidable reasons (e.g., re-entry gaps), you can submit the two highest annual incomes from 2019–2023. 3-1. Can proof of average income be submitted by documents other than the National Tax Service (NTS) issued income certificate? * In principle, only **NTS-issued income certificates** are accepted. * Exception : Before May (when comprehensive income tax filing is completed), the certificate for the previous year cannot be issued. * Until May 2024, certificates for 2021–2022 are accepted. * After May 2024, certificates for 2022–2023 must be submitted. 4. If the preliminary assessment score is 41 points or higher, but the oral score is below 3 points and assigned Level 0? * The score is not recognized. * The minimum Korean language requirement for K-point E74 (50 points) is based on assignment to Level 3 or higher in the Social Integration Program preliminary assessment. * Therefore, in the above case, the applicant does not meet the Korean language requirement, and the score is not credited. 4-1. Validity period of the Social Integration Program preliminary assessment score? * The preliminary assessment results are valid for 2 years from the date of the assessment. * If 2 years have passed since the assessment date, no matter how high the score, it cannot be recognized for K-point E74 Korean language ability. 4-2. If the preliminary assessment score is low, can I retake the test? * Yes, it is possible. * Please check the Social Integration Program preliminary assessment schedule in Attachment 8 before applying. * Especially at the Gwangmyeong and Daejeon CBT centers, assessments are held four times per week : * Gwangmyeong : Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday * Daejeon : Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday * Candidates should take this into consideration. Gwangmyeong CBT Center Location * Address : 3rd Floor, Ace Gwangmyeong Tower, 1365 Soha-dong, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do (Room 304) * Directions : * Subway ① : Line 1 Geumcheon-gu Office Station, Exit 1 → Behind Storyway convenience store stairs, cross the bridge, go straight left → cross over the footbridge → arrive within 100m at “Soha Gwangmyeong Church” * Subway ② : Line 1 Seoksu Station, Exit 1 → cross the footbridge → take Bus 101 → get off at Sinchon Village 2nd Complex → go straight 100m * Bus stop names : Sinchon Village Apartments (toward assessment center) / Soha Detached Land Plot (opposite) Daejeon CBT Center Location * Address : 3rd Floor, 154 Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon (Hana Securities Daejeon Office) * Directions : * Subway : Line 1, Jungang-ro Station, Exit 1, right in front of the building * Bus stops : Exit 1 (toward assessment center) / Exit 9 (opposite) * KTX : From Daejeon Station KTX, walk 900m (\~15 minutes) toward Jungang-ro Station [Company Recommendation] 5. For industries like agriculture or fisheries, where the employment insurance subscriber list cannot be issued, can other documents be submitted to prove regular employees and make a recommendation? * In principle, the 4 major social insurance subscriber list must be submitted. 5-1. In “employees who have received a recommendation from a company they have been working at for over 1 year,” what does “over 1 year” mean? * Even if there was a gap due to working at another company in between, if the past and current employment are at the same company, the actual working period (past + current) can be combined. * If this combined period is over 1 year, it qualifies. 5-2. What is meant by “regular employees” and “domestic employment number” when calculating the allowed number of recommendations per company and allowed employees per company? * Regular employees : Domestic and foreign workers listed in the employment insurance subscriber list for 3 months or more and receiving at least the statutory minimum wage. * Domestic employment number : Domestic workers listed in the employment insurance subscriber list for 3 months or more and receiving at least the statutory minimum wage. [Domestic University Degree] 6. Are degrees from distance universities (such as National Open University, cyber universities) accepted? * According to Article 2, Paragraph 5 of the Higher Education Act, degrees from broadcasting universities, correspondence universities, and cyber universities (hereafter “distance universities”) are also recognized. 6-1. Are degrees obtained through Independent Study or Academic Credit Bank System recognized? * According to Article 6, Paragraph 1 of the Independent Study Act and Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the Academic Credit Recognition Act, degrees obtained through Independent Study or the Academic Credit Bank System are also recognized. [Current Workplace Tenure] 7. What does tenure mean? * Even if there was a gap due to working at another company in between, if the past and current employment are at the same company, the actual working period (past + current) can be combined. * If this combined period is 3 years or more, it qualifies. [Eup/Myeon Areas & Population-Decreasing Areas] 8. If the previous workplace was in an Eup/Myeon area (population-decreasing area), does it count for additional points? * Example : Person A worked 1 year at a non-Eup/Myeon workplace, 2 years at a previous workplace in an Eup/Myeon area, and is currently working 1 year at a workplace in an Eup/Myeon area. * Answer : The 2 years at the previous workplace + 1 year at the current workplace = 3 years can be combined to qualify for the Eup/Myeon area bonus points. 8-1. What does “combining work experience in population-decreasing areas and Eup/Myeon areas” mean? * If a person worked 3 years in a population-decreasing area and 3 years in an Eup/Myeon area, the work periods can be combined to total 6 years. * For bonus points, it counts as “3 years or more in population-decreasing and Eup/Myeon areas”, and 20 points are granted only once. * It does not mean that 20 points are granted separately for each area (i.e., 20 + 20 = 40 points). 8-2. If the work location is both a population-decreasing area and an Eup/Myeon area, and the person worked 2 years there, can it be counted separately as 2 years for each category to total 4 years? * If the work location is both an Eup/Myeon area and a population-decreasing area, the work period cannot be counted twice. * In this case, the 2 years are recognized as 2 years, not 4. [General Stay Requirements] 9. What if the remaining passport validity is short? * If the remaining passport validity is less than 6 months, the validity can be considered as 6 months once, upon submission of the confirmation form in Attachment 10, and the stay period will be granted accordingly. * Note: The employment contract must still be at least 2 years. * The confirmation form should be attached under item 21 “Other” in the required documents for electronic application. 9-1. Are ministry recommendation letters issued before the K-point E74 effective date valid? * Ministry recommendation letters issued before the effective date are not valid. * Applicants should check the contact information in Attachment 7 and request reissuance from the relevant ministry. 9-2. Points to note when preparing the personal guarantee letter * When preparing the personal guarantee letter in Attachment 12, pay attention to the guarantee period. * Under K-point E74 regulations, the stay period can be granted up to 2 years per time (within the employment contract period). * If the guarantee period is less than 2 years, the stay period cannot be granted for 2 years, even if the employment contract is 2 years. [HiKorea Electronic Application] 10. What are the available hours for HiKorea electronic application? * HiKorea electronic application is available weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. * For system-related inquiries, call 1345 (no area code). 10-1. What file formats can be uploaded in electronic applications? * Only files 2MB (2,048KB) or less in jpg, bmp, png, tif, pdf formats can be attached. * For ID photos, only jpg files under 95KB are accepted. |
