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

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.

Details

• Education requirement

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from any university qualifies without career‑experience limits if the job is related to the major【1†L1-L3】.

• Associate‑degree holders may also qualify when the field matches their major【1†L4-L5】.

• Wage requirement

• Monthly salary must be ≥ 1.5 million KRW【1†L1-L3】.

• Salary must be at least 60 % of the average wage of Korean nationals in the same position and experience level【1†L6-L8】.

• 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【1†L9-L12】.

• Key documents to submit

1. Application form (Annex 34), passport, alien registration card, fee【1†L13-L15】.
2. Signed employment contract【1†L13-L15】.
3. Employer documents (business registration, corporate registration, or academy license)【1†L13-L15】.
4. Career certificate or qualification certificates【1†L13-L15】.
5. Employment recommendation letter or proof of necessity for the position【1†L13-L15】.

• Additional hiring restrictions

• Companies with fewer than five Korean nationals or where E‑7 holders exceed 20 % of the workforce may face hiring limits【1†L17-L18】.

• Advanced industrial sectors can hire up to 50 % of foreigners with government recommendation【1†L19-L20】.

• 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).