E-7 Visa Korea 2026: Specialized Occupation Guide
The E-7 visa (Specialized Occupation) allows foreign professionals in over 80 designated job categories to work in Korea. It is one of the most common work visas for skilled foreign workers in Korea.
Who Needs an E-7 Visa?
If you are a foreign national employed in a specialized field in Korea, you likely need an E-7 visa. Examples include:
- Engineering: mechanical, electrical, civil, software engineers
- Business: management consultants, financial analysts
- Healthcare: medical professionals, pharmacists
- Education: university professors, researchers
- Culture/Arts: designers, video game developers
- Interpreters/Translators: certified language professionals
Key Requirements
Salary Minimum
- Must earn at least ₩28 million KRW per year (2026 standard)
- Some categories require higher minimum salaries
Education + Experience Combination
| Education | Years of Experience Required | |-----------|------------------------------| | Master's degree or higher | 0 years | | Bachelor's degree | 1 year in related field | | Associate degree | 5 years in related field | | No degree | 10 years in related field |
Employer Requirements
- Must be a legally registered Korean company
- Company must submit a standard of employment (고용추천서) for many categories
- Some categories require approval from the relevant ministry
Required Documents
From Employee:
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Degree certificates (authenticated with apostille)
- Career certificates from previous employers
- Korean employment contract
From Korean Employer:
- Business registration certificate
- Employment contract (signed)
- Standard of employment recommendation letter
- Company financial statements
E-7 Visa Duration
- Initial issuance: 1–3 years
- Renewable annually
- After 3–5 years, may qualify for E-7-4 or F-2-7
How VISAS KOREA Helps
We check your eligibility, identify the correct job category code, prepare all documents, and submit your application. Success rate: over 95%.