How do Korean visa codes work?

Each visa has a letter and number, e.g. D-2 or E-7. The letter marks the broad purpose (D = study/training, E = employment, F = residence/family), and the number is the specific category within it.

Which Korea visa is easiest to get?

There's no single 'easy' visa — the right one depends on your purpose. Students usually start with a D-2 or D-4; workers need an employer and an E-series visa; people with Korean heritage may qualify for an F-4.

Can I change my visa type inside Korea?

Often yes. Many people change status without leaving — for example D-10 to E-7, or D-2 to E-7 after graduation — by applying at an immigration office. Requirements apply and timing matters.

What visa lets me work in Korea?

Mainly the E-series (E-1 to E-9) for employment, plus some F visas (like F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6) that allow work. Student and short-stay visas do not permit full-time work.

What is the difference between a D and an F visa?

D visas are purpose-limited (study, training, business) and tied to that activity. F visas are residence-based (family, overseas Korean, permanent residency) and generally give broader rights, including work.

Korea Visa Types Explained: The Complete List (2026)

Korea's visa system looks intimidating at first — dozens of codes like D-2, E-7, and F-4. But once you know how the codes work, choosing the right Korea visa type is straightforward. This guide breaks down the main categories, what each is for, and how to pick the one that fits your plans.

Not sure which applies to you? You can ask a visa consultant about your specific situation.

How Korean visa codes work

Every visa has a letter + number. The letter is the broad purpose; the number is the specific category:

D — study, training, and business/investment
E — employment (working for pay)
F — residence and family (the most flexible)
H — working holiday and work-and-visit
A / C — diplomatic and short-term visits

So "D-2" is a study visa (degree program), while "E-7" is an employment visa (skilled worker). Below are the ones most people ask about.

Study visas (D-2, D-4)

D-2 — full degree programs at accredited universities (associate to PhD).
D-4 — non-degree study, mainly university language institutes.

If you're enrolling in a degree, you need the D-2. Many learners start on a D-4 for Korean study and switch to a D-2 later.

Work visas (E-1 to E-9)

The E-series covers employment, always tied to a job/employer:

Visa	For
E-1	Professors
E-2	Foreign-language instructors
E-3	Researchers
E-4	Technical guidance
E-5	Professionals (licensed)
E-7	Skilled workers in designated occupations
E-9	Non-professional employment (EPS)

The E-7 is the most common skilled-worker route; the E-9 covers non-professional roles under the Employment Permit System.

Job-seeking visa (D-10)

The D-10 lets graduates and qualified professionals stay in Korea to look for work or prepare a startup. It's a common bridge from a student visa to an E-7.

Residence & family visas (F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6)

The F-series is residence-based and usually gives the broadest rights:

F-2 — long-term residence (including the points-based F-2-7).
F-4 — overseas Koreans (people with Korean heritage).
F-5 — permanent residency.
F-6 — marriage to a Korean national.

Most F visas allow work and study, which is why they're the goal for people settling long-term.

Business & investment visas (D-8, D-9)

The D-8 and D-9 are for people investing in or running a business in Korea — corporate investment (D-8) and trade/management (D-9).

Which Korea visa is right for you?

A quick way to narrow it down:

Studying a degree? → D-2 · Learning Korean? → D-4
Have a job offer? → E-7 (or E-9 for non-professional roles)
Job hunting after graduation? → D-10
Korean heritage? → F-4 · Married to a Korean? → F-6
Investing/starting a business? → D-8 or D-9
Been here a while and want to settle? → F-2 → F-5

How Langle can help

Picking the wrong category — or missing a requirement — is the most common reason applications stall. Langle's visa consultants can match your situation to the right visa, check the current requirements, and map your path (including future changes of status).

Start with a free consultation on our visa consulting page.

This is general information, not legal advice. Korean immigration rules change; verify current requirements on HiKorea or with a qualified consultant before applying.