Korean Visa Types for Foreigners

The D-2 visa is for students enrolled in a degree or language program at a Korean university. It is the most common visa for exchange students and full-degree international students.

Duration: Issued for the length of your program — typically 1 semester to 4 years. You can extend it as long as you remain enrolled.

Can you rent? Yes. Universities often offer dormitories, but you can absolutely rent off-campus with a D-2. Many landlords near universities are familiar with foreign students. You will need your passport and ARC for any rental contract.

ARC requirements: You must apply for an ARC within 90 days of arrival if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. Apply at the nearest immigration office (출입국관리사무소) — bring your passport, enrollment certificate (재학증명서), two passport photos, and the application fee (30,000 KRW).

Restrictions: D-2 holders can work part-time up to 20 hours per week (or unlimited during vacation periods) with permission from the university and immigration office. Working without permission is a violation and can result in deportation.

The D-10 visa is for foreigners who have graduated from a Korean university or completed a certain qualification abroad and are actively seeking employment in Korea.

Duration: 6 months, extendable once for an additional 6 months (maximum 1 year total).

Can you rent? Yes, with your passport and ARC. Since D-10 is a relatively short-term visa, many prefer furnished short-term rentals (주단기 임대) or goshiwons while job hunting. Standard 1-year lease contracts are also possible.

ARC requirements: Apply within 90 days of arrival. You will need your diploma or transcript, a portfolio or proof of qualifications, and a letter of intent explaining your job search plan.

Restrictions: D-10 holders cannot work while on this visa. Once you receive a job offer, your employer sponsors a change to a working visa (typically E-series). If you take unauthorized paid work, your visa can be revoked.

Tip: Many D-10 holders use this time to build their network through LinkedIn, expat communities, and job fairs at places like the Seoul Global Center. The Korea Immigration Service also offers job-seeking support programs specifically for D-10 holders.

The E-2 visa is specifically for native English speakers employed as English language instructors at a licensed educational institution — public schools (through programs like EPIK or TaLK), private academies (학원, hagwon), or universities.

Duration: Typically 1 year, tied to your employment contract. Renewable annually as long as you remain employed.

Can you rent? Yes, and many employers provide housing or a housing allowance as part of the contract. If your school provides housing, read the contract carefully — you may be in a company-owned property rather than your own lease.

ARC requirements: Apply within 90 days of arrival. Your employer typically assists with this process. You will need your employment contract, criminal background check (apostilled from your home country), degree certificate (apostilled), and health certificate.

Restrictions: E-2 holders may only teach English at their sponsor institution. Private tutoring for pay outside of your contract is illegal. You cannot switch employers freely — a new E-2 must be sponsored by the new employer, and you may need to exit and re-enter Korea.

Tip: The background check process can take several weeks, so start it before you leave your home country. Many countries require it to be processed through specific government channels.

The F-4 visa is for ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship — those with at least one parent or grandparent who was a Korean national. It offers the most freedom of any non-permanent resident visa.

Duration: 3 years, renewable indefinitely. Many F-4 holders eventually transition to F-5 (permanent residency).

Can you rent? Yes, freely. F-4 holders face no restrictions on renting. You can sign any type of lease — wolse, jeonse, or longer contracts — the same as a Korean national.

ARC requirements: Standard ARC application within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of Korean heritage — typically a family registry (가족관계증명서) or your grandparent's Korean records.

Restrictions: F-4 holders can work in most fields without additional permits. Some exceptions apply to unskilled labor in specific industries (construction, manufacturing). There are no limitations on the number of hours worked. Note: you cannot hold F-4 while simultaneously holding South Korean citizenship — you must renounce one.

Tip: If you qualify for F-4, it is one of the most valuable visas available. The freedom to work, change jobs, and rent without sponsorship is a significant advantage over most other visa categories.

The H-1 visa (Working Holiday) allows young adults (typically 18–30, or 18–35 depending on the country) from participating countries to live and work in Korea for up to one year. It is designed for cultural exchange and travel, with work permitted to fund the experience.

Duration: 1 year, not renewable. You may only receive one H-1 visa per lifetime (one per country).

Can you rent? Yes. With your passport and ARC, you can sign a standard rental contract. Given the one-year limit, month-to-month rentals (단기 월세) or goshiwons are popular choices. Some landlords may hesitate at a one-year lease if your visa ends before the lease does — be upfront about your visa expiry date.

ARC requirements: Apply within 90 days of arrival. Standard ARC process applies.

Restrictions: You can work in most industries but are limited to 6 months with any single employer. Agricultural and hospitality work is common. You cannot change your status to most other visa types from within Korea — if you receive a job offer, you typically need to exit and re-apply from your home country.

Participating countries include: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, UK, and others. Check the Korean embassy in your country for the current list and the annual quota, as spots fill quickly in popular countries.