e7 visa korea
e7 visa korea


Introduction

The E-7 Specific Activity Visa stands as Korea's premier work visa category for foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities in South Korea. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for international talents planning their career in Korea and for Korean companies looking to diversify their workforce with global expertise.

As Korea continues to strengthen its position in the global market, the demand for specialized foreign professionals has increased significantly across various industries. The E-7 visa serves as the gateway for qualified foreign nationals to contribute their expertise to Korea's dynamic economy.



Understanding E-7 Visa Categories

The E-7 visa is categorized into four distinct classifications based on skill level and profession type:

E-7-1: Professional Personnel (67 Occupations)

  • Corporate executives and senior managers
  • Software developers
  • International sales representatives
  • Engineering technicians
  • Product planning specialists
  • Event planners
  • And many other professional occupations


E-7-2: Semi-Professional Personnel (9 Occupations)

  • Duty-free shop staff
  • Hotel receptionists and administrative personnel
  • Professional chefs and culinary specialists
  • Tourism interpreters and guides
  • Various service industry professionals


E-7-3: General Skilled Personnel (10 Occupations)

  • Shipbuilding welders
  • Painters
  • Electricians
  • Aircraft maintenance technicians
  • Other specialized technical workers


E-7-4: Skilled Personnel (3 Occupations)

Most commonly obtained through the K-POINT E-74 point system, allowing E-9 visa holders to transition based on acquired skills


E-7-S: Special Field Personnel

High-income professionals

Advanced technology industry workers



Income Requirements for E-7 Visa (2025)

Standard Salary Requirements

As of April 2025, the minimum annual salary requirement is ₩49,955,000

For E-7-1 Professional Personnel: Generally 80% of the previous year's GNI per capita

Reduced to 70% for small businesses with official certification or provincial medium-sized enterprises


Special Provisions

E-7-2 through E-7-4 categories typically require minimum wage or higher

Some occupations have specific salary standards based on industry requirements

Requirements may change after July following the official announcement of the previous year's final GNI per capita figures



Qualification Requirements

General Qualifications

  • Master's degree or higher in a field relevant to the intended occupation
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus minimum 1 year relevant work experience
  • 5+ years of work experience in the relevant field


Special Qualifications

  • Experience at Fortune 500 companies (1+ year in professional position)
  • Bachelor's degree from world-renowned universities
  • Graduates from Korean colleges (exemption from certain experience requirements)
  • High-income professionals (annual compensation exceeding 3 times the previous year's GNI per capita)
  • Graduates from specialized training programs with professional certifications



Required Documents for E-7 Visa Application

Personal Documents

  1. Visa application form
  2. Passport and photos
  3. Academic credentials (degrees/diplomas)
  4. Work experience certificates
  5. Employment contract
  6. Residence documentation


Company Documents

  1. Business registration certificate
  2. Social insurance subscription documentation
  3. Employment reason statement
  4. Tax payment certificates (national and local)
  5. Standard financial statements
  6. Company profile
  7. Employment recommendation letter (if applicable)


Employer Eligibility Requirements

General restriction for domestic-focused companies with fewer than 5 Korean employees

Foreign employee ratio limitation: Maximum 20% of Korean employees (excluding Chinese overseas nationals, F-6 marriage migrants, and F-5 permanent residents)

No tax delinquency (national or local taxes)

Company must demonstrate financial stability



Success Stories of E-7 Visa Approvals

The following represents successful cases across various professional categories:



Family Accompaniment Options

E-7 visa holders may invite their spouse and children under the F-3 visa category. The dependents' visa duration aligns with the primary visa holder's period of stay. Applications can be submitted simultaneously with the E-7 application or at a later date.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The E-7 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Korea through:

  • First transition to F-2 residency status
  • Subsequent application for F-5 permanent residency status


Why Seek Professional Assistance for E-7 Visa Applications

Complex Documentation Requirements

Each occupation category has specific requirements, income thresholds, and documentation needs that can be overwhelming for first-time applicants. Professional guidance ensures comprehensive preparation for a successful application.

Experience with Success Cases

Immigration specialists possess extensive experience with diverse cases across various industries and nationalities, providing valuable insights into application strategies.

Significant Consequences of Rejection

A visa rejection can have substantial impact:

  • Time and financial losses for hiring companies
  • Career setbacks for foreign professionals
  • Potential complications for future applications

Efficient Processing

Professional guidance streamlines the application process, reducing processing time and minimizing errors that could delay approval.



Contact Information

For personalized consultation and assistance with E-7 visa applications:

  • Phone: 010-2653-1345
  • Email: hanvisanet@naver.com
  • Address: Seoul, Jung-gu, Seosomun-ro 130, #1402 (Daeyang Building)

For direct communication with our immigration specialists, please connect via our KakaoTalk channel.


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