Contents
1. D-7 Extension Overview
The D-7 visa (주재 체류자격) is initially granted for up to 2 years. If your corporate dispatch assignment continues beyond that, you must apply to extend your sojourn period before it expires.
Extensions are granted in increments of up to 2 years and require proof that your dispatch assignment is still active and your employer relationship remains the same.
D-7 Extension Key Facts
- Extension period: Up to 2 years per application
- Maximum total stay: 5 years per dispatch assignment
- Apply: At least 1 month before current sojourn expiry
- Where: Local immigration office or Hi Korea portal
2. Extension Conditions
To be eligible for a D-7 extension, the following conditions must all be met:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Active dispatch assignment | The overseas company must confirm that the dispatch assignment is continuing; a new or updated dispatch letter is required |
| Korean entity is operational | The Korean branch, subsidiary, or affiliate must still be legally operating; updated business registration and financial statements needed |
| No status violations | Must not have violated the conditions of the current D-7 status (e.g., unauthorized work, overstay) |
| Maximum not reached | Total D-7 stay under the current dispatch must not exceed 5 years |
| Continued employment | Must remain an employee of the overseas company |
3. Required Documents
Documents from the Applicant
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Original + copy |
| Alien Registration Card (ARC) | Current ARC |
| Extension application form | Standard immigration 통합신청서 |
| Passport-size photo | Recent, white background |
| Application fee | KRW 60,000 (single-entry extended) / KRW 90,000 (multiple) |
Documents from the Overseas (Dispatching) Company
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Updated dispatch letter | Confirming extension of the assignment, new dates, position, and salary. Apostille + Korean translation required |
| Recent financial statements | Proving the overseas company is still in operation |
| Employment proof | Recent pay stubs or employment certificate |
Documents from the Korean Receiving Entity
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Business registration certificate | Current and valid |
| Corporate tax return or financial statements | Most recent year |
| Updated acceptance letter | Korean entity confirms continued dispatch arrangement |
| Staffing plan (if requested) | Justification for continued dispatch need |
4. Application Process
- Confirm dispatch continuation with overseas company — Get an updated dispatch letter covering the new period.
- Gather all documents — Updated documents from both the overseas company and the Korean entity. Ensure apostilles and translations are current.
- Submit at the local immigration office — Apply in person at the Hana Center or immigration office in your jurisdiction, or via Hi Korea online portal if eligible.
- Wait for processing — Typically 2–4 weeks. Complex cases may take longer.
- Receive updated ARC — Your ARC will be updated with the new sojourn period once approved.
Apply Before Your Current Period Expires
Do NOT let your D-7 sojourn period expire before applying for extension. Overstaying — even by one day — is an immigration violation that can result in fines, forced departure, and future entry bans. Apply at least 1 month before expiry.
5. After the 5-Year Maximum
If you have reached the 5-year total D-7 maximum for your current dispatch assignment, your options are:
- New dispatch assignment: If your company issues a fresh, separate dispatch for a new purpose, you may be able to restart the D-7 clock
- Convert to E-7: If your Korean company wants to hire you directly (rather than as a dispatch), apply for E-7 specialist worker status
- F-2-7 points: If you have been in Korea long enough and score 80+ points, consider the F-2-7 long-term residency route
- F-5 permanent residency: Check whether you qualify for any F-5 route after your years in Korea
6. What If Your Dispatch Ends Early?
If your overseas company ends your dispatch assignment before your D-7 sojourn period expires, you must take action:
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Dispatch ended; want to keep working in Korea | Apply for E-7 with a Korean employer, or D-10 job seeker visa to find a new position |
| Dispatch ended; don't need to work in Korea | Depart Korea or apply for appropriate non-work status (tourist, etc.) |
| Dispatched to a different Korean entity | Report change of workplace to immigration; new dispatch letter required |
| Company dissolved or restructured | Report immediately to immigration; seek new visa status promptly |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many times can I extend a D-7 visa in Korea?
The D-7 visa can be extended in increments of up to 2 years. However, the total maximum stay under a single dispatch assignment is typically 5 years. After that, continued stay requires a new dispatch assignment or a different visa status.
Q. What documents are needed for D-7 visa extension?
Key documents include a valid passport, extension application form, updated employment/dispatch letter from the overseas company, updated Korean entity documents (business registration, financial statements), and proof of continued dispatch assignment.
Q. When should I apply for D-7 extension?
Apply at least 1 month before your current D-7 sojourn period expires. Immigration recommends applying 1–2 months before expiry to allow processing time. Late applications risk overstay violations.
Q. Can I continue working while my D-7 extension is being processed?
Yes. If you applied before your current visa expired, you may continue working during the review period under the automatic grace period (기간 경과 허용). Carry proof of your pending application.
Q. What happens if my dispatch assignment ends before my D-7 expires?
If your dispatch ends, you should report the change to immigration. Staying on a D-7 without an active dispatch assignment may violate your visa conditions. Consider changing to another status (D-10 job seeker, E-7 direct hire, etc.) if planning to continue working in Korea.
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