This page is a translation. The Korean page is the reference text; if they differ, the Korean version prevails. Korean reference
E-7 Specific activities (professional work)professional jobs, workplace change reports, extension
Professionals and semi-professionals working under contract with a Korean company or institution in occupations designated by the Minister of Justice.
At a glance
| Who it is for | Professionals and semi-professionals working under contract with a Korean company or institution in occupations designated by the Minister of Justice. |
|---|---|
| Can you work? | Within set limitsOnly in the approved occupation and workplace; changing or adding a workplace requires a report or permission.Most professionals such as E-7 holders report a workplace change/addition within 15 days, but some occupations need prior permission (Art. 21). Confirmed by official source |
| Length of stay | There is a maximum period per grant.E-7 is reported to have a maximum of 3 years per grant (5 years for some talent/regional cases). Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Extension | Reviewed on whether the contract continues and the employer still meets the requirements; the employer prepares many documents.Apply for an extension from 4 months before your expiry date until the day before it expires. Applying after expiry leads to penalties. Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Change of status | If you meet the requirements you may later change to F-2 or F-5; check the requirements on HiKorea.F-2 has many sub-types (e.g. points-based F-2-7, family of permanent residents) with different requirements; F-2-7 is reported to need at least 80 of 170 points. Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Alien registration | If you will stay longer than 90 days, you must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry (Immigration Control Act Art. 31). Confirmed by official source |
| Re-entry | Registered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date. Confirmed by official source |
Document checklist
- Integrated application form (from HiKorea or the office)
- Passport
- Residence (alien registration) card
- Fee (payment method per office instructions)
- Employment contract
- Copy of the employer's business registration
- Documents prepared by the employer (reason for hiring, etc.)
- Proof of education and work experience
- Proof of address (lease, accommodation confirmation, etc.)
Typical documents only. They vary by sub-type and office — check HiKorea's status manuals and the office (needs checking).
Fees
- The fee for issuing or reissuing a residence card is KRW 35,000 (Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Art. 72). Confirmed by official source
- The extension fee is given as KRW 60,000 (one guide lists KRW 30,000 for F-6). Confirmed by official source
- The change-of-status fee is given as KRW 100,000; one guide notes a separate card fee if a new card is issued. Confirmed by official source
- The fee for permission to change or add a workplace is given as KRW 120,000 (per a report on the 1 Jan 2014 fee increase). Confirmed by official source
Where to apply
For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application. Needs checking (확인 필요)
Common mistakes
- Reporting a workplace change after the 15-day deadline
- Working at a new company before permission when your occupation needs prior permission
- Taking side jobs outside your permitted activity
Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure. Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ
FAQ
What do I do if I change companies?
Most people report within 15 days of moving, but some occupations need permission in advance. First check which applies to your occupation with HiKorea or 1345.
Facts and sources on this page
Anything we could not compare directly with an official page is marked "Needs checking". Always verify on the government websites below before applying.
Most professionals such as E-7 holders report a workplace change/addition within 15 days, but some occupations need prior permission (Art. 21).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 10. 2. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17 — 제21조) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: K-labor 「특정활동(E-7)」, SeoulStart 「Changing Jobs on a Korean Work Visa (2026)」 (2026-07-17)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)E-7 is reported to have a maximum of 3 years per grant (5 years for some talent/regional cases).
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: K-labor 「특정활동(E-7)」
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)F-2 has many sub-types (e.g. points-based F-2-7, family of permanent residents) with different requirements; F-2-7 is reported to need at least 80 of 170 points.
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 비자정보 「한국 비자 종류 완벽 가이드 2026」 (2026-09-14 수정)
Verify at: 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)If you will stay longer than 90 days, you must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry (Immigration Control Act Art. 31).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 10. 2. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17 — 제31조) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 시세.com 「외국인 등록·체류지 변경 신고」 (2026-10 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)Registered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date.
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제44조의2 원문 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The fee for issuing or reissuing a residence card is KRW 35,000 (Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Art. 72).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정), 시세.com 「외국인 등록·체류지 변경 신고」 (2026-10 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The extension fee is given as KRW 60,000 (one guide lists KRW 30,000 for F-6).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정), 미주중앙일보 「한국 비자·체류허가 수수료 오른다」(2014. 1. 1. 시행분) (2013-12-26)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The change-of-status fee is given as KRW 100,000; one guide notes a separate card fee if a new card is issued.
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 미주중앙일보 「한국 비자·체류허가 수수료 오른다」(2014. 1. 1. 시행분) (2013-12-26), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The fee for permission to change or add a workplace is given as KRW 120,000 (per a report on the 1 Jan 2014 fee increase).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 미주중앙일보 「한국 비자·체류허가 수수료 오른다」(2014. 1. 1. 시행분) (2013-12-26)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application.
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure.
Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 대륜 이민센터 「불법체류처벌 절차와 출입국관리법 위반 대응」 (2026-05-14), 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터)