South Korea
South Korea
June 2010
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in South Korea. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article or may have been inaccurately characterized in it. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.
Overview
BUSINESS VISITOR
Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:
- Meetings , market research; liaison work; consultations
- Site visits
- Contract-related work;
- The installation, repair, inspection, or acquisition of know-how of operation of machinery
Type of Business Visas – The Visa type will depend on the nationality of the traveler. The following are examples of the types of business visa that are available to the business traveler.
1. C2 Business Visa
Basic Requirements –
1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
2. Good health and character;
3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to South Korea
4. No intention to permanently reside in South Korea
5. A ticket for onward travel from South Korea
Estimated Processing Times – This varies by diplomatic post and country.
Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to South Korea for up to three months. Visas cannot / CAN be extended in country.
Typical Documents Required –
All travelers other need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid passport or other acceptable travel document
- a valid visa or authority to enter South Korea
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Basic Requirements - The principal visa category for temporary employment in South Korea is the intra –company transfer D7 work permit. This is a Visa Category for employers to sponsor approved skilled or managerial workers to work in South Korea on a temporary basis.
Who is this visa for? - This visa is for employers who would like to employ overseas workers to fill skilled temporary positions in South Korea.
Process Overview - The process for obtaining a intra-company transfer D7 work authorization involves a four step process summarized below.
1. D-7 Visa Issuance Confirmation Number (VICN) application
2. Visa application
3. Alien Registration Card
4. Multiple Re-Entry Permit application
Estimated Processing Time – six to eight weeks
Validity periods - With this visa you can employ overseas workers for a period of between up to twelve months.
Family Members –Secondary/ family dependants are not granted work permission as dependants; they would need to obtain a work permit for themselves.
