South Korea highly skilled worker visa
1 current source-backed highly skilled worker pathway. Verify the responsible authority before applying.
This page contains 1 current route for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.
Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-07-22
Current route records
| Route | Conditions | Effective or checked | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled worker route | The Korea Immigration Service describes the E-7-4 Skilled Worker Points System and allows eligible foreign employees to change status to E-7-4 for extended stay when the requirements are met. | 2026-07-13 | Official source |
Fees, processing times and requirements
Each value as the authority publishes it, in the currency it charges.
| Route | Fact | Value | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled worker route | Application fee (residence card, skilled) | 35,000 KRW | Official source |
| Highly skilled worker route | First permit valid for | 24 months | Official source |
| Highly skilled worker route | Can be renewed | yes | Official source |
| Highly skilled worker route | Qualification required | years of experience (4 years) | Official source |
| Highly skilled worker route | Family can come along | yes | Official source |
| Highly skilled worker route | Permanent residence after | 5 years | Official source |
| Highly skilled worker route | Where to apply | in the country | Official source |
Can you work on this route?
Route-specific work rights and conditions stay separate from shortage-list status and individual eligibility.
| Route | Published work answer | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled worker route | The exact Korean source requires at least five years of legal work during the recent ten-year period on E-9, E-10 or H-2 status and excludes criminals, tax delinquents and people who violated the Immigration Act more than four times, subject to the source's tax-clearance exception. | Official source |
| Highly skilled worker route | The Korea Immigration Service states that foreign employees who have worked legally in Korea for at least five years on E-9, E-10 or H-2 status may change status to E-7-4 for extended stay when meeting the skill-related requirements. | Official source |