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E-10 — Crew Member Visa (E-10)
VisasSouth KoreaE-10 — Crew Member Visa (E-10)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
Open

E-10 — Crew Member Visa (E-10)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 weeks

Estimated Cost

$130 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Up to 3 years (extendable)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Employment authorization for foreign crew members aboard vessels or aircraft operating in South Korean waters and airspace.

The E-10 Crew Member Visa is South Korea's work visa for foreign crew members on vessels or aircraft in Korean waters or airspace. Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it requires a signed employment contract for at least 6 months. Cruise ships must be 2,000 tons or larger. Core qualification demands no criminal record and no prior visa denials to Korea within 3 years.

Duration extends to 3 years with renewal available, matching your vessel or aircraft assignment. Fees are USD 50 for single-entry or USD 80 for multiple-entry visas. Processing takes 1–2 weeks via the Korean embassy. Work authorization is included; spouses may not work independently under this visa category.

This visa is ideal for professional maritime and aviation crew members from all nationalities seeking seasonal or long-term employment on vessels or aircraft operating in South Korean jurisdictions.

Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa$50 USD
Multiple-entry visa$80 USD
Total$130 USD

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a signed labor contract for 6 months or more with an employer operating a vessel or aircraft.

For cruise ship crew, the vessel must be 2,000 tons or more.

Must not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health, or international relations.

No criminal record for offenses such as overstaying a visa.

Must not have been denied a Korean visa within 1 year prior to the date of entry.

No entry denials to Korea within the last 3 years prior to the date of entry.

No fines exceeding 5 million Korean won, and no history of departure orders or deportation for legal violations.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Visa application form

Photograph

Employment contract

Identity guarantee

Certificate of employment of foreign seafarers

Inland passenger transportation business license

Employment recommendation letter for foreign seafarers

Fee payment

Current immigration or residence status (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work authorization included—no separate permit needed
  • Fast processing in just 1-2 weeks from application
  • Competitive fees: USD 40-90 depending on entry type
  • Up to 3 years stay per contract with renewable status
  • Can renew indefinitely as long as employment contract remains valid

Worth Knowing

  • Requires 6+ month labor contract with authorized Korean shipping or aviation employer
  • Vessel size minimum 2,000 tons for cruise ships—excludes smaller commercial boats
  • No pathway to permanent residency or citizenship
  • Dual intent not allowed—must genuinely intend employment, not immigration
  • Criminal record, overstaying history, or visa denial within 3 years disqualifies applicant

Application Process

1

Seafarer labor contract: From Korean shipping company

2

Maritime employment: 6+ months contract

3

Company petition: Employer applies for approval

4

Visa application: At Korean embassy

5

Visa processing: 1-2 weeks

6

Visa issuance: Maritime crew visa

Application Forms

E-10 Maritime Crew Visa Application—

Verified Claims (3)

Last verified Jun 30, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Single-entry visa: 50 USD; Multiple-entry visa: 80 USD
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Fees
USD 50 (single-entry), USD 80 (multiple-entry)
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Info
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ch-en/brd/m_7996/view.do?seq=700059
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Information

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