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E-3 — Research Visa (E-3)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

14-30 days

Application Fee

120,000 USD

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Overview

For foreign nationals conducting research at public or private research institutes, universities, or R&D centers in Korea.

The E-3 Research Visa is designed for foreign nationals invited to conduct specialized research at Korean universities, R&D centers, or public and private research institutes. Applicants must secure an official invitation or employment contract from a qualifying host institution to be eligible for this visa.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

South Korea

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)

Validity3 years

Processing1-2 months

View Visa Details

South Korea

F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing2-3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be invited by a recognized Korean public or private research institution.

Must hold a Master's degree with at least 1 year of relevant professional experience, or a PhD in a relevant field.

Holders of a Master's degree from a South Korean university are exempt from the 1-year work experience requirement.

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.

No history of visa denials or entry bans in the recent past.

The research field must align with the applicant's academic background and the institution's research focus.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

master or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Visa application form

Photograph

Employment contract

Degree certificate (Master's or PhD)

Documents related to the inviting organization (e.g., Business Registration)

Proof of qualification/career certificate

Fee payment

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal employment in specialized research fields.
Family accompaniment is permitted.
Access to Korea's public healthcare system.
Streamlined process for changing workplaces via post-facto reporting.
Path to permanent residency after 5+ years.

Worth Knowing

Strictly limited to research and development activities.
Cannot engage in general profit-making labor outside the research scope.
Visa duration is tied to the employment contract.
Requires active sponsorship from a Korean institution.

Application Process

Research appointment: From Korean research institution

Institution petition: Research facility applies for approval

Visa application: At Korean embassy

Visa processing: 2-4 weeks

Visa issuance: Researcher visa granted

Application Forms

E-3 Researcher Visa Application

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Overview

For foreign nationals conducting research at public or private research institutes, universities, or R&D centers in Korea.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be invited by a recognized Korean public or private research institution.

Must hold a Master's degree with at least 1 year of relevant professional experience, or a PhD in a relevant field.

Holders of a Master's degree from a South Korean university are exempt from the 1-year work experience requirement.

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.

No history of visa denials or entry bans in the recent past.

The research field must align with the applicant's academic background and the institution's research focus.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

master or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Visa application form

Photograph

Employment contract

Degree certificate (Master's or PhD)

Documents related to the inviting organization (e.g., Business Registration)

Proof of qualification/career certificate

Fee payment

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal employment in specialized research fields.
Family accompaniment is permitted.
Access to Korea's public healthcare system.
Streamlined process for changing workplaces via post-facto reporting.
Path to permanent residency after 5+ years.

Worth Knowing

Strictly limited to research and development activities.
Cannot engage in general profit-making labor outside the research scope.
Visa duration is tied to the employment contract.
Requires active sponsorship from a Korean institution.