Research(E-3)
| Scope of Activity | ◦ Engaging in research in the field of natural sciences or research and development of advanced industrial technology
◦ High-level scientific and technical personnel ◦ Research personnel in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and arts & physical education |
| Eligible Persons | 1. Persons engaged in research in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts and physical education, or in research and development of advanced industrial technologies at research institutions established, operated, and fostered under the Act on Fostering Specific Research Institutions, the Act on Establishment, Operation, and Fostering of Government-Funded Research Institutions, or the Act on Establishment, Operation, and Fostering of Government-Funded Research Institutions in the Field of Science and Technology.
2. Scientists and engineers engaged in research activities at research institutions under the Defense Acquisition Program Act. 3. Scientists and engineers conducting research at the following institutions or organizations under contracts concluded pursuant to the Industrial Technology Innovation Promotion Act and related laws, for the development of natural sciences or advanced industrial technologies: * Corporate-affiliated research institutes * Industrial technology research associations under the Industrial Technology Research Association Promotion Act * Universities or junior colleges under the Education Act * Industry-academic cooperation foundations under the Industry-Academic Cooperation Act * National and public research institutions * Technology support public institutions under the Industrial Technology Innovation Promotion Act * Non-profit research institutions in the field of science and technology established under the Civil Act or other laws * Other research institutions or organizations in the field of science and technology or corporations established for profit 4. Persons wishing to engage in research in the field of natural sciences or advanced industrial technologies at science and engineering research institutions such as government-funded research institutes, national and public research institutes, or corporate-affiliated research institutes, who have been recommended for employment by the Minister of Science and ICT. 5. Persons wishing to conduct research in the fields of social sciences, humanities, or arts and physical education at educational institutions of college level or higher, or other academic research institutions. |
| Qualification Requirements | ◦ Holders of a doctoral degree (including those expected to obtain it)
◦ Holders of a master’s degree with at least 3 years of experience (However, holders of a domestic master’s degree are exempt from the experience requirement) |
| Management Criteria | Here is the English translation:
--- (1) Title Management Criteria (2) Content ◦ ① Holders of a doctoral degree (including those expected to obtain it) ◦ ② Holders of a master’s degree with at least 3 years of experience 【Exemptions from Experience Requirements】 | Category | Details | | ---------------------------------------| ------------------------------------------------------- | | Holders of a domestic master’s degree | Holders of a master’s degree from a domestic university| | Holders of a master’s degree from prestigious foreign universities | ① Graduates holding a master’s degree from a top 200 university selected by TIMES magazine or ② Graduates from universities ranked within the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings | | Authors of excellent academic papers | Authors of papers indexed in SCIE, A\&HCI, SCI, SSCI, etc.| * Recognized if confirmed as lead author, co-author (second author or later), or corresponding author |
| Maximum Length of Stay Granted at One Time | 5 years |
| Activities Outside the Scope of Stay | 1. Expansion of Exemption for Permission of Activities Outside the Scope of Stay
When a foreigner wishes to receive education at a regular educational institution (elementary, middle, high school, or university) within the period of stay and without infringing on the original purpose of stay, no separate permission procedure is required within the stay period. 2. University Lecture Activities of Foreign Investment Company CEOs and Other Excellent Professionals * Scope of Activity : Permission to engage in short-term employment (C-4-5) for foreigners intending to lecture at universities for up to 90 days. * Eligible Persons : ① Holders of D-7, D-8, D-9 visas (investors, etc.) working as full-time directors or higher in domestic companies (including investment companies). ② Holders of professional visa types E-1, E-3 to E-5, and E-7. * Required Documents : ① Application form (Annex Form 34), passport, alien registration card, fee ② Recommendation letter from the university president or dean ③ Copy of business registration certificate (unique number certificate) ④ Employment contract ⑤ Consent letter from the current employer * Note : Those wishing to lecture regularly beyond 90 days must apply for headquarters approval. 3. Inter-visa Activities Between Professor (E-1) and Researcher (E-3) for Foreign Advanced Science and Technology Personnel * Eligible Persons : Those intending to work at educational institutions above the junior college level, government-funded research institutes, national/public research institutes, or corporate-affiliated research institutes in science and engineering. * Qualification Criteria : ① Doctoral degree holders (or expected recipients) ② Master’s degree holders with at least 3 years of experience * Exemptions from Experience Requirements : | Category | Details | | --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Domestic Master’s Degree | Master’s degree holders who graduated from domestic universities | | Master’s Degree from Top Foreign Universities | Graduates from foreign universities ranked within top 200 by TIMES or top 500 by QS rankings | | Author of Outstanding Academic Papers | Authors of papers published in SCIE, A&HCI, SCI, SSCI journals (Includes first author, co-authors (from second author onward), or corresponding author) | * Required Documents : ① Application form (Annex Form 34), passport, alien registration card, one standard-sized photo, fee ② Employment contract or appointment confirmation ③ Consent letter from the current employer ④ Documents proving the establishment of the employing institution (business registration certificate, full certificate of corporate registration, or research institution proof) ⑤ Degree certificate of master’s or higher, proof of experience (if applicable) ⑥ Graduation confirmation or certificate issued by the university representative confirming the graduation date (if applicable) ⑦ Proof of authorship of outstanding academic papers (if applicable) 4. Activities of Foreign Advanced Technology Personnel Holding Short-Term Employment (C-4-5) or Specific Activity (E-7) Visas in Professor (E-1), Research (E-3), or Technical Guidance (E-4) Fields * Eligible Persons : Those engaged in information technology (IT) fields of venture companies, e-business, bio-industry (BT), nanotechnology (NT), new materials (metal, ceramic, chemical), transportation machinery, digital electronics, environment, and energy fields. * Qualification Criteria : Doctoral degree holders (or expected recipients) Master’s degree holders with at least 3 years of experience (experience requirements waived for holders of domestic master’s degrees) * Required Documents : Same as in section 3. 5. Permission for Activities Outside the Scope of Stay for Holders of A-1 and A-2 Visas * Permitted Activities : Activities as foreign language conversation instructors (E-2), foreign school teachers (E-7), foreign language proofreaders (E-7), cultural arts (D-1), religious activities (D-6), professors (E-1), researchers (E-3), administrative staff employed by foreign embassies or foreign organizations in Korea (E-7), and specific activity (E-7) visa holders working in IT or e-business in venture companies. * Required Documents : Same as above, including diplomatic identification instead of alien registration card, and a recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 6. Research (E-3) Visa Holders with Agreement (A-3) Visa * Qualification : Those who meet the research (E-3) visa requirements. * Required Documents : Same as in section 3, with the addition of SOFA ID. 7. Employment of Spouses of High-Investment Foreigners and Professional Personnel * Eligible Persons : Spouses of high-level science and technology personnel (SCIENCE card), advanced technology personnel (GOLD card), information technology personnel (IT card), investors with investment exceeding USD 500,000 (including corporations), and spouses of professional foreign workers (except E-6-2). * Permitted Areas : Permission to engage in any occupation except simple labor (D-3, E-9). * Permission Period : Up to the spouse’s duration of stay, with continuous extension possible. * Required Documents : As specified under Article 76 of the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Rules. 8. Permission for Teaching Activities Within the Same Institution by Research (E-3) Visa Holders * Content : Research (E-3) visa holders can engage in teaching activities at the same university or research institute without requiring permission for activities outside the scope of stay (professor E-1). * Notes : If the activities outside the scope of stay exceed the original working hours or salary, the visa holder should be advised to change their visa status. For activities at other universities or research institutes, permission must be obtained with the consent of the current employer. |
| Change or Addition of Workplace | 1. Revised to a Post-Notification System from November 15, 2010 (Article 26-2, Paragraph 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act)
To enhance the utilization of professional personnel and strengthen national competitiveness, the system has been improved so that professional personnel can change or add workplaces by simply notifying afterward instead of prior approval. 《Ministry of Justice Notice No. 2020-212》 a. Qualification Requirements * Persons registered and residing under the Research (E-3) visa who meet the qualification requirements necessary to engage in activities at the changed or added workplace. ※ Even if qualification requirements are met, those dismissed or who resigned voluntarily without the original employer's consent to transfer are excluded. b. Notification Procedures * The notifier (foreigner) must notify the head of the competent immigration office (branch office or sub-office) within 15 days from the date of the reason for notification (notification by a proxy allowed). * To protect good-faith employers and maintain order of stay, those dismissed or voluntarily resigned without the original employer’s consent are excluded from this system (they must apply for a workplace change permit or visa issuance confirmation). * If the notifier misses the notification deadline, a fine will be imposed, and the notification will be accepted after case closure. * If a person excluded from the system works at the changed or added workplace without permission, a comprehensive review of the violation circumstances and severity will be conducted. - For first-time offenders, a warning will be issued before allowing workplace change. If violations occur twice or more within 2 years, or if an employer under foreigner invitation restrictions is involved, deportation will be ordered after a warning, and heavier penalties and additional invitation restrictions will apply to the violating employer. c. Required Documents ① Integrated application form \[Annex Form 34], passport, alien registration card, no fee required ② (Business registration certificate or full certificate of corporate registration or documents proving research institute, etc.) ③ Consent letter from the original workplace head ④ Employment contract or appointment confirmation ※ The consent letter from the original workplace head is waived if the foreigner worked until the contract expiration date or a mutually agreed date. If the original workplace is closed, suspended, or has wage arrears, proof or a written explanation can substitute. d. Stay Permission Procedures * Notification of workplace change/addition is a notification act, not a stay permission application, so if the person wishes to stay beyond the originally granted period, a separate application for extension of stay must be made. * If the remaining stay period is less than [changed employment contract period + 1 month], the stay will be extended up to [changed employment contract period + 1 month]. * If the remaining stay period exceeds [changed employment contract period + 1 month], the stay period will be shortened to [changed employment contract period + 1 month]. e. Handling of Status Changes (Dismissal or Voluntary Resignation) * For foreigners reported as dismissed or voluntarily resigned by employers, facts will be verified, and stay status, workplace change, stay period adjustment, and departure deadlines will be designated. * Considering that these foreigners are talented professionals with specialized knowledge, if they wish to continue working in the same occupation, change to job-seeking (D-10) visa status will be allowed. * If the foreigner intends to engage in activities under a different stay status, they will be guided to obtain permission for status change immediately from the date of status change. * If the application for status change is submitted after the legal deadline, all factors will be reviewed to decide on the stay permission. |
| Granting of Stay Qualification | ◦ Not applicable |
| Permission for Change of Stay Status | 1. (1) Permission to change stay status to Professor (E-1) or Researcher (E-3) for foreign highly skilled personnel who entered visa-free or hold a non-employment visa due to unavoidable reasons, and (2) mutual change of stay status between Professor (E-1) and Researcher (E-3).
a. Eligible Persons * Those intending to work at educational institutions of college level or higher, government-funded research institutes, national/public research institutes, or corporate-affiliated research institutes. b. Qualification Criteria * Holders (or prospective holders) of a doctoral degree. * Holders of a master’s degree with 3 or more years of experience (except domestic master’s degree holders, for whom experience requirements are waived). c. Required Documents 1. Application form (Form No. 34), passport, one standard-sized photo, and fee. 2. Employment contract or appointment confirmation letter. 3. Master’s degree or higher certificate, proof of experience (if applicable). 4. Documents proving establishment of employing institution (business registration certificate, corporate registration, or research institution certification). 5. Consent letter from original employer (if applicable). 6. Certificate of expected graduation or confirmation and proof of degree conferment date issued by university representative (if applicable). 7. Proof of authorship of excellent academic papers (if applicable). 2. Change of stay status to Researcher (E-3) regardless of current status for researchers engaged in natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, or high-level industrial technology R\&D, working at the following institutions: a. Eligible Persons * Researchers at institutions subject to the Special Act for Fostering Specific Institutions or other special laws. * Scientists engaged in research at research institutions under the Special Measures Act on Defense Industry. * Researchers working at national/public research institutions. b. Required Documents 1. Application (Form No. 34), passport and alien registration card, one standard photo, and fee. 2. Documents proving establishment of employing institution (business registration, corporate registration, or research institution certification). 3. Master’s degree or higher certificate, proof of experience (if applicable). 4. Employment contract or appointment confirmation letter. 5. Consent letter from original employer (if applicable). 6. Certificate of expected graduation or confirmation and degree conferment proof from university representative (if applicable). 7. Proof of authorship of excellent academic papers (if applicable). c. Qualification Criteria * Doctoral degree holders (or prospective holders). * Master’s degree holders with 3+ years of experience. [Exemptions from Experience Requirements] | Category | Details | | --------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Domestic Master’s Degree | Holders of master’s degrees from domestic universities. | | Overseas Top University Master’s Degree | Holders of master’s degrees from universities ranked in top 200 (Times) or top 500 (QS). | | Authors of Excellent Academic Papers | Authors of papers listed in SCIE, A\&HCI, SCI, SSCI (\*includes first, co-authors, corresponding authors). | 3. Permission to change stay status to a professional qualification for spouses of professional foreign workers. a. Eligible Persons * Spouses of professional foreign workers holding E-1 to E-5, E-6 (excluding E-6-2), and E-7 status. b. Permitted Fields * Permission to change stay status to all professional job categories corresponding to E-1 to E-5, E-6 (excluding E-6-2), and E-7. c. Required Documents 1. Application (Form No. 34), passport and alien registration card, one standard photo, fee. 2. Documents proving establishment of employing institution. 3. Master’s degree or higher certificate, proof of experience (if applicable). 4. Employment contract or appointment confirmation letter. 5. Consent letter from original employer (if applicable). 6. Certificate of expected graduation or confirmation and proof of degree conferment (if applicable). 7. Proof of authorship of excellent academic papers (if applicable). 4. Change of status to long-term stay for German nationals entering with visa exemption (B-1). a. Eligible Stay Statuses : * All long-term stay statuses except technical training (D-3), non-professional employment (E-9), and tourism employment (H-1). b. Permitted Duration : * Maximum stay duration allowed per stay status. 5. Change from Study (D-2), Job Seeking (D-10) to Researcher (E-3). a. Qualification Requirements (All of the following must be met) : 1. Currently holding legal Study (D-2) or Job Seeking (D-10) status. 2. Intended employment field corresponds to one of the following stay statuses : Professor (E-1), Language Instructor (E-2), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor (E-4), Professional (E-5), Entertainment (E-6), or Specific Activity (E-7), and meets the requirements. 3. Must have signed an employment contract with the representative of the intended institution or organization. *Note : Study (D-2) holders who meet the criteria can change to Job Seeking (D-10) status if graduating (including those currently enrolled but having already obtained a bachelor’s or higher degree abroad or in a third country). b. Required Documents 1. Application (Form No. 34), passport, alien registration card, fee. 2. Employment contract or appointment confirmation letter. 3. Master’s degree or higher certificate, proof of experience (if applicable). 4. Documents proving establishment of employing institution. 5. Certificate of expected graduation or confirmation and proof of degree conferment (if applicable). 6. Proof of authorship of excellent academic papers (if applicable). 6. Special provisions for visiting researchers. a. Eligible Persons * Those affiliated with institutions abroad invited by domestic research institutions, staying in Korea for research activities without receiving compensation in Korea. *Note : Receiving reimbursement for round-trip airfare, accommodation, or reasonable living expenses is allowed. b. Required Documents 1. Application (Form No. 34), passport, one standard photo, fee. 2. Documents proving establishment of employing institution. 3. Master’s degree or higher certificate, proof of experience (if applicable). 4. Invitation letter from the inviting research institution (salary not required, must specify research period and field). 5. Proof of original employer’s contract (employment certificate, contract, etc.). 6. Certificate of expected graduation or confirmation and proof of degree conferment (if applicable). 7. Proof of authorship of excellent academic papers (if applicable). 8. Bank balance statement (if applicable). |
| Permission to Extend Stay Period | 1. Required Documents
① Application form (Form No. 34), passport and alien registration card, fee ② Employment contract or appointment confirmation letter ③ Documents proving establishment of employing institution (business registration certificate, corporate registration certificate, or research institution certification) ④ Proof of residence (lease contract, accommodation confirmation) ⑤ Invitation letter issued by the inviting research institution (if applicable) ⑥ Proof of original employer’s contract (if applicable) ⑦ Bank balance statement from domestic or overseas bank (if applicable) |
| Re-entry Permit | 1. Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption System (Revised Enforcement Rules effective from December 1, 2010)
* Foreigners who have completed registration and wish to re-enter within one year from the date of departure are exempt from re-entry permits. * If the remaining stay period is less than one year, the re-entry permit exemption applies within the remaining stay period. ※ However, those subject to entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions must visit the immigration office (branch or sub-office) with jurisdiction over their place of stay to obtain a re-entry permit. 2. Multiple Re-entry Permit (Restrictions apply to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya. However, nationals of these countries with marriage immigration (F-6), study (D-2), or general training (D-4) visas are allowed.) * For those who wish to re-enter within two years exceeding one year after departure, within the scope of the stay period. * Required documents: application form (Form No. 34), original passport, alien registration card, fee. |
| Foreigner Registration | 1. Documents Required for Foreigner Registration Application
① Application form (Form No. 34), original passport, one standard-sized photo, fee ② Business registration certificate according to the Value Added Tax Act ③ Proof of place of stay 2. Notification of Changes in Foreigner Registration Information a. Items to Report : Name, gender, date of birth and 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 Supporting documents related to the changes |
