# E-7 Visa Extension and Salary Requirements Korea 2026
The E-7 (Specific Activities) visa is South Korea's primary work visa for skilled foreign professionals in designated occupations. Every year, a significant number of E-7 holders have their extensions denied — often due to misunderstanding the salary threshold or missing documentation. This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully extend your E-7 visa in 2026.
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1. Basic Extension Requirements
To extend an E-7 visa, all of the following conditions must be met:
- Continuous employment: Your employment contract with the sponsoring employer must remain valid.
- Salary requirement: Must meet the wage requirement for your E-7 category (E-7-1 KRW 31.12M/yr, E-7-2/3 KRW 25.89M/yr, E-7-4 KRW 26.00M/yr — MOJ Notice No. 2025-406) .
- Tax compliance: You must have a clean record of income tax payments.
- Application timing: Applications open 4 months before the expiry date. Do not wait until the last minute.
- No immigration violations: No criminal record or violations of the Immigration Control Act.
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2. 2026 Salary Threshold in Detail
2026 Wage Requirement by Occupation
The Ministry of Justice publishes fixed annual wage requirements by E-7 occupation category under MOJ Notice No. 2025-406 , effective February 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 (the previous standard applies through January 31, 2026).
Key points:
- The requirement is based on gross base salary (pre-tax).
- Irregular allowances such as performance bonuses, meal allowances, and transportation subsidies are generally excluded.
- Occupations for which the Minister of Justice sets a separate standard (e.g. for domestic job protection) follow that specific standard instead.
- The wage requirement is revised annually. Always verify the current figure with the Ministry of Justice before applying.
> Note: The 2026 minimum wage (KRW 10,030/hour) is a separate standard. E-7 holders must meet the published wage requirement for their category (MOJ Notice No. 2025-406), which is typically higher.
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3. Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before submitting your extension application:
Additional documents may be required depending on company size, occupation category, or individual circumstances.
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4. How to Apply and Processing Times
Online via HiKorea
The Korea Immigration Service operates an online portal at www.hikorea.go.kr.
- Log in to HiKorea and navigate to "Extension of Stay."
- Complete the application form and upload documents as PDF files.
- Pay the application fee (KRW 60,000 — card payment accepted).
- Track the result online.
In-Person Application
Visit the immigration office or branch that has jurisdiction over your place of residence, bringing all original documents.
Processing Time and Fee
- Processing time: Approximately 2–4 weeks (longer during peak seasons)
- Application fee: KRW 60,000
- Note: Your stay is not automatically extended upon submission. Monitor the outcome before your current permit expires.
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5. Changing Workplaces — Mandatory Reporting
If you change employers while holding an E-7 visa, you must report the change within 15 days of the effective date.
- How to report: Visit the competent immigration office or use HiKorea online.
- Penalty for non-reporting: Violation of the Immigration Control Act, potential fines, and risk of forced deportation.
- When switching jobs, the new employer may need to submit a sponsorship letter or confirmation documents.
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6. Common Reasons for Denial and How to Respond
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7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How early can I apply to extend my E-7 visa?
You may apply up to 4 months before your current stay permit expires. Never let it lapse — overstaying triggers illegal-stay status immediately.
Q. What happens if my salary falls below the required wage threshold (MOJ Notice No. 2025-406)?
Falling below the threshold is one of the most common grounds for extension denial. You should negotiate a salary increase with your employer or explore switching to another visa category.
Q. Do I need to report if I change employers while on an E-7 visa?
Yes. You must report any workplace change within 15 days of the change to the competent immigration office or via HiKorea. Failure to report can result in deportation.
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Free Consultation
Vision Administrative Scrivener Office — E-7 Visa Specialists
Our licensed administrative scriveners assist with E-7 extensions, salary threshold reviews, workplace change reporting, and all immigration matters.
- Tel. 02-363-2251
- E. [email protected]
- Hours: Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30 KST / Closed on Saturdays and public holidays
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