Korea E-4 Technology Transfer Visa — Contracts, Documents and Process

Overview

E-4 (Technology Transfer) is for foreign nationals providing specialised natural-science knowledge or technology in special industrial fields to public or private institutions in Korea.

In practice the key documents are the acceptance certificate of the technology-introduction contract report, the contract itself (or a service transaction certificate), or a copy of the defence-industry designation. Without that contractual basis, E-4 is difficult to establish.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• Providing specialised natural-science knowledge to public or private institutions
• Providing technology in special industrial fields

Who Qualifies

• Persons providing technology to Korean nationals or corporations under a technology-introduction contract per the Foreign Investment Promotion Act
• Persons providing advanced industrial technology unavailable in Korea to domestic public or private institutions
• Persons providing technology to defence contractors under the Special Measures Act on the Defence Industry
• Persons providing industrial technology under contract with the government or government-invested institutions

Required Documents

• Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34), passport and ARC, fee
• Dispatch order issued by headquarters, or certificate of employment
• Acceptance certificate of the technology-introduction contract report, the contract (or service transaction certificate), or a copy of the defence-industry designation
• Copy of business registration certificate
• Employment recommendation from the competent minister (where required)
• Proof of residence

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• Holders of D-2 or D-10 staying lawfully who meet the E-1–E-7 requirements and sign an employment contract may change status to E-4.
• The manual states that persons providing technology under such contracts may be granted a change to E-4 regardless of their current status.
• F-3 dependants of professional-status holders (E-1–E-5, E-6 excluding E-6-2, E-7) are eligible for a change to professional status.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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