South Korea•Asia2–4 weeks
$130–$150 USD
Varies by filing options
5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
5-year renewable work visa for foreign specialists providing technology transfer services to Korean companies.
The E-4 Technology Transfer Visa is for foreign specialists with proprietary technical or specialized industrial expertise required by Korean companies. Applicants must be contracted to provide technology transfer or technical guidance. Core qualification requires formal credentials or 5+ years of experience in high-technology or proprietary industrial fields.
Each grant permits up to five years of stay and is renewable. Application fees are USD 60–90 depending on entry type. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Spouses may not work independently. Dependents are allowed, and conversion to permanent residency (F-2) is available.
This visa is ideal for multinational technical experts and engineers providing licensed manufacturing, patented technology operation, or system integration services to Korean corporations.
| Initial grant | 5 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
South KoreaMust be a foreign specialist possessing expertise in natural sciences, high-technology fields, or specialized industrial knowledge not readily available in Korea.
Must be invited by a Korean company or institution to provide technology transfer, technical guidance, or specialized training.
Must have a formal technology transfer or service contract with the Korean entity.
Must possess relevant academic degrees, professional licenses, or significant employment history (typically 5+ years) demonstrating specialized expertise.
The technology being transferred must be proprietary to the foreign specialist or their company.
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
Valid passport and visa application form with photo.
Technology transfer or service contract between the foreign and Korean entities.
Technology Import Contract Notification Approval (if applicable).
Dispatch order or employment certificate from the overseas company.
Evidence of specialized expertise (degree certificates, professional licenses, employment history).
Korean company's business registration documents.
Criminal background check (apostilled/legalized).
Appointment letter from the foreign technology-holding company.
| Visa Application Form (Form No. 17 / 사증발급신청서) | — |
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