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E-6 — Arts and Entertainment Visa (E-6)
VisasSouth KoreaE-6 — Arts and Entertainment Visa (E-6)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
Open

E-6 — Arts and Entertainment Visa (E-6)

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

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

$220 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Work visa for international entertainers, musicians, and athletes with a sponsoring Korean employer and 2+ years professional experience.

The E-6 Arts and Entertainment Visa authorizes foreign performers, musicians, athletes, and broadcasters to work in South Korea. It covers three categories: E-6-1 (Arts & Performance), E-6-2 (Hotel & Entertainment), and E-6-3 (Athletes). Applicants need 2+ years professional experience, a valid employment contract, and be age 20+.

Valid for up to 2 years and fully renewable with a pathway to permanent residence, the E-6 carries fees of USD 60 (single-entry >90 days), USD 70 (double-entry), or USD 90 (multiple-entry). Processing takes 3-4 weeks. Work is strictly limited to the contracted employer and venue; spouses cannot work independently and dependents are not permitted.

This visa is ideal for international entertainers, musicians, athletes, and broadcast professionals with valid Korean entertainment contracts seeking to work in South Korea.

Cost Breakdown

Single-entry (>90 days)$60 USD
Double-entry$70 USD
Multiple-entry$90 USD
Total$220 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

F-2 — Resident Visa (F-2)
South Korea flagSouth Korea
Closed

F-2 — Resident Visa (F-2)

ValidityVaries (Renewable, can lead to permanent residency after 5+ years)
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be engaged in profit-making activities in the fields of arts, entertainment, sports, or broadcasting.

Must have a valid employment contract with a Korean entertainment company or venue.

Must demonstrate professional experience or qualifications in the relevant field (often 2+ years for E-6-1).

Must be at least 20 years old for most entertainment-related positions.

Must have a clean criminal record and meet health requirements.

Must have a performance recommendation letter from the relevant authority (e.g., Video Rating Board) if applicable.

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Visa application form

Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI)

Employment contract

Performance plan

Employment recommendation letter

Professional certifications or evidence of experience

Criminal background check

Medical certificate

Business registration of the inviting organization

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Long-term work authorization up to 2 years with unlimited renewal potential
  • Clear pathway to permanent residency through F-2 resident conversion option
  • Multiple entry options available - single, double, or multiple-entry visas
  • Professional work protection under Korean labor laws (minimum wage, working hours)
  • Visa processing completed within 3-4 weeks timeframe
  • Renewable visa enables multi-year career development in entertainment sector
  • Legal employment authorization provides stable work status and contract protection
  • Professional recognition and integration into Korea's vibrant cultural industry

Worth Knowing

  • Work strictly limited to employer or venue specified in employment contract
  • Requires 2+ years professional experience in arts, entertainment, sports, or related field
  • Spouse cannot work independently - requires separate visa sponsorship
  • Dual intent not permitted - focused solely on employment purposes
  • Remote work prohibited - must perform work on-site within Korea
  • Spouse cannot work without independent visa sponsorship
  • Mandatory 2+ years professional experience in relevant field required
  • Remote work strictly prohibited - in-country employment required

Application Process

1

Entertainment company contract: Employment offer

2

Company petition: Entertainment company applies

3

Visa application: At Korean embassy

4

Visa processing: 3-4 weeks

5

Visa issuance: Entertainer work visa

Application Forms

E-6 Entertainer Visa Application—

Verified Claims (4)

Last verified Jun 30, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Single-entry (>90 days): 60 USD; Double-entry: 70 USD; Multiple-entry: 90 USD
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":21,"maxDays":28}
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Processing Time
3-4 weeks
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Spouse Can Work
no
overseas.mofa.go.kr
Official Information

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