Korean visa guide for IT engineers and professionals (2025)

South Korea has emerged as a global technology hub, home to tech giants like Samsung, LG, and Kakao, making it an attractive destination for international IT professionals. If you're considering a career in Korea's vibrant tech industry, understanding the visa landscape is essential for your career journey

Why choose South Korea for your IT career?

South Korea offers IT professionals:

Cutting-edge technology environment with world-leading companies in semiconductors, telecommunications, and consumer electronics
Strong startup ecosystem particularly in gaming, and e-commerce
Strategic location as a gateway to the Asian market
High quality of life with excellent infrastructure and healthcare

Essential Korean visas for IT professionals

1. E-7-1: Professional workers visa ⭐ Most popular choice

Who it's for: Software developers, system engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and other IT professionals

Key benefits:

Direct employment with Korean companies
Up to 3 years initial stay (renewable)
Path to permanent residency
Family members can accompany you (F-3 dependent visa)

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree + 1 year relevant work experience, OR
Master's degree in the related field, OR
Graduation from the world's top 500 companies or top-tier universities

Why it's ideal: This is the go-to visa for most international IT professionals joining Korean tech companies. It offers the most straightforward path to long-term employment in Korea's tech sector.

2. D-7: Intra-company transferee visa

Who it's for: IT professionals being transferred to Korea by their current employer's Korean branch or subsidiary

Key benefits:

Smooth transition for existing employees
Company sponsorship throughout the process
Typically, an easier approval process
Good for multinational tech companies

Best suited for: Engineers at global tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, or Amazon who are being transferred to their Korean operations.

3. D-8-4: Technology startup visa

Who it's for: IT entrepreneurs and investors starting tech businesses in Korea

Key benefits:

Allows you to establish and run your own tech startup
Contributes to Korea's innovation ecosystem
Potential for significant business growth in the Korean market
Renewable as long as the business is performing well
Possible to apply for Permanent permanent residency (F-5) with a D-8-4 visa, if you meet 3 conditions below
- Need to have resided in Korea for three years on the D-8-4 visa
- Attracted a certain level of investment (300 million won or more)
- Employed at least two Korean citizens for six months or more.

Requirements:

Must be living in Korea
Bachelor's degree or higher (Associate degree for those who studied in Korea) OR Global Start-up Immigration Center letter
Must establish a corporation (including those in the process of establishment)
Score 60 points or more out of total 368 points from the OASIS program (must meet at least one mandatory requirement)
Perfect for: Tech entrepreneurs looking to tap into Korea's startup scene.

4. D-10: Job seeking visa

Who it's for: Recent graduates or professionals actively looking for IT positions in Korea

Key Benefits:

Up to 6 months to find employment (extendable)
Can be converted to E-7-1 once you secure a job
Allows you to attend interviews and network

Requirements:

Recent graduation from a Korean university, OR
Specific qualifications and proof of job-seeking activities

Strategy tip: This visa is excellent for building connections in Korea's tech industry before committing to a specific employer. You can get a D-10-2 (Startup Prep Visa) by attending 1 class of the OASIS program.

5. F-1-D: Workation (Digital nomad) visa

Who it's for: Remote IT workers who want to experience Korea while working for overseas companies

Key benefits:

Work remotely from Korea for up to 1 year (renewable for 1 more year)
Bring family members (spouse and children)
Experience Korean tech culture while maintaining your current job

Requirements:

Work for a company outside Korea
Annual income of at least 85 million won (approximately $66,000)
Minimum 1 year of work experience in your field
Must be 18 or older

Perfect for: Senior developers, tech consultants, or IT professionals with remote-friendly employers who want to experience Korea's tech ecosystem firsthand.

6. H-1: Working holiday visa

Who it's for: Young IT professionals (typically 18-30) from countries with working holiday agreements with Korea

Key benefits:

Cultural exchange opportunity
Can work part-time or freelance in tech
Up to 1 year stay
Great for gaining Korean work experience

Ideal for: Junior developers or recent CS graduates who want to experience Korean tech culture while earning some income.

Salary requirements and considerations (2025)

Recent updates to Korean visa regulations include minimum salary thresholds:

E-7 visa holders must meet specific income requirements based on their category
Digital nomad visa requires demonstration of stable overseas income
Salaries must be competitive with Korean market rates to ensure visa approval

Special considerations for IT professionals

Tech-specific advantages:

Language considerations - While language barriers exist (especially in larger corporations where English proficiency may be limited), Korean language skills will significantly expand opportunities. Startups with younger workforces tend to be more comfortable with English communication
High demand for international talent in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity
Strong expat communities in areas like Gangnam, Bundang, and Pangyo (Korea's Silicon Valley)

Industry hotspots:

Pangyo Techno Valley - Korea's premier tech hub
Seoul Digital Media City - Focus on digital content and media tech
Busan - Emerging blockchain and fintech center

Step-by-step application strategy

Research and network: Connect with Korean tech companies through platforms like Dev Korea, LinkedIn, or tech meetups
Secure job offer: Most visas require a confirmed employment contract
Prepare documentation: Gather educational certificates, work experience letters, and other documents needed
Apply through Korean consulate: Submit your application at the Korean consulate in your home country
Plan your transition: Arrange housing, banking, and other logistics before arrival

Pro tips for success

Understand Korean work culture: Familiarize yourself with concepts like "nunchi" (social awareness) and hierarchical workplace structures
Build your network early: Join expat tech communities and attend industry events
Consider location carefully: Seoul offers the most opportunities, but cities like Busan and Daegu have growing tech scenes with lower living costs

Final thoughts

South Korea's tech industry presents great opportunities for international professionals, ranging from collaborating with industry leaders to joining innovative startups. The key to success is choosing the right visa path for your specific situation and career goals. Whether you're a seasoned developer looking for your next big opportunity, an entrepreneur ready to launch your startup, or a digital nomad wanting to experience one of Asia's most connected societies, Korea's diverse visa options can accommodate your professional journey.

Note: Visa requirements and regulations can change. Always verify the latest information with official Korean immigration authorities or consult with a qualified immigration expert before making final decisions.

Ready to explore your next move? Visit Dev Korea to check the latest job openings, or if you’re an employer, post a job and connect with our vibrant community of tech talent eager to contribute to Korea’s innovation ecosystem.