🇰🇷 South Korea visas: requirements, costs, and processing times
Last verified: August 31, 2026
We track 2 South Korea visa routes: D-2 Student Visa and E-7 Skilled Worker Visa. Each is verified against the official government source for Indians.
Compare South Korea visa costs and processing times
| Visa | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Job offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-2 Student Visastudy | $60 | 4–8 weeks | — | Not required |
| E-7 Skilled Worker Visawork | $60 | 4–12 weeks | $24,500/year | Required |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents. A range means the figure differs by nationality.
South Korea visa types
D-2 Student Visa
studyFor degree programs at Korean universities. Requires admission, proof of funds of ₩20 million (about $15,000) held for at least 28 days, and — for Indian applicants — a TB certificate from a designated clinic. Most universities obtain a Confirmation of Visa Issuance that speeds up the embassy step.
E-7 Skilled Worker Visa
workEmployer-sponsored visa for designated skilled occupations. Requires a degree plus relevant experience (or higher experience in lieu) and salary meeting the standards updated in Feb 2026 — for the general E-7-1 track roughly 80% of per-capita GNI, about ₩33–35 million/year. The employer obtains a Confirmation of Visa Issuance before you apply.
South Korea visa guides by nationality
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How much does a South Korea work visa cost?
- Government fees are about $60 for the E-7 Skilled Worker Visa (USD equivalents; fees can differ by nationality). Translations, medicals, and courier costs come on top.
- How long does a South Korea visa take to process?
- Typical processing is 4–8 weeks for the D-2 Student Visa and 4–12 weeks for the E-7 Skilled Worker Visa, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Can I move to South Korea without a job offer?
- Yes. The D-2 Student Visa does not require a job offer from an employer in South Korea.
- What income do I need for a South Korea visa?
- Minimum income is about $24,500 a year for the E-7 Skilled Worker Visa (USD equivalents of thresholds set in local currency).
- Which South Korea visas lead to permanent residency?
- The E-7 Skilled Worker Visa offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
Always confirm requirements with the official government source linked on each visa page. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Browse visas for other countries.