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Question

What are the qualifications for an E-7 specialist visa?

As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities

E‑7 specialists must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (or an associate degree if the job matches their major), receive a monthly salary of at least 1.5 million KRW and at least 60 % of the average Korean wage for the same role, and work in one of the designated “specific activities” occupations; full details below.

The rule this rests on

[9]출입국관리법 시행령Article 3

Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Status of Sojourn) | (1) | A status of sojourn specified in a visa, a certificate of visa issuance, or a written notice of permission for foreigner’s entry issued as provided in the previous provisions at the time of enforcement of this Decree shall be deemed as having been provided in this Decree until corrected, but the status of sojourn provided in the previous provisions shall be corrected by the head of the office or branch office when various per

[10]Act on Employment of Foreign Workers (current edition)Article 1

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation: Provided , That Articles 4, 5 and 7 (1) and Article 2 of the Addenda shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation, and Article 7 (2) and (3) shall enter into force two years after the date of its promulgation.

  • Education requirement

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher from any university qualifies without career‑experience limits if the job is related to the major.

  • Associate‑degree holders may also qualify when the field matches their major.

  • Wage requirement

  • Monthly salary must be ≥ 1.5 million KRW.

  • Salary must be at least 60 % of the average wage of Korean nationals in the same position and experience level.

  • Occupation list

  • Employment must fall under the E‑7 “Specific Activities” occupations (e.g., managers, professionals, engineers, nurses, university lecturers, etc.) as defined in the official occupation table.

  • Key documents to submit

  1. Application form (Annex 34), passport, alien registration card, fee.
  2. Signed employment contract.
  3. Employer documents (business registration, corporate registration, or academy license).
  4. Career certificate or qualification certificates.
  5. Employment recommendation letter or proof of necessity for the position.

  • Additional hiring restrictions

  • Companies with fewer than five Korean nationals or where E‑7 holders exceed 20 % of the workforce may face hiring limits.

  • Advanced industrial sectors can hire up to 50 % of foreigners with government recommendation.

  • Application steps

  • Prepare all required documents.

  • Submit the application to your local immigration office.

  • Obtain a Certificate of Visa Issuance before changing status.

  • Helpful hotlines (for visa questions or assistance): immigration (1345), legal aid (132), labor office (1350).

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Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.

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