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A-1 (Diplomacy)

Applicants: Members of foreign diplomatic or consular missions and their families

Stay period: Term of assignment

A-1 Diplomatic - Diplomatic Missions

Quick Overview

  • Best for: Members of foreign diplomatic or consular missions and their families
  • Typical stay: Term of assignment
  • What to prepare: Passport, application form, and photo are basic. Check additional documents by visa type.

Detailed Description

Members of diplomatic missions or consular organizations of foreign governments recognized by the Government of the Republic of Korea, and persons who are granted privileges and immunities equivalent to those of diplomatic missions under treaties or international practice, and their families.

Maximum period of stay that can be granted once: Tenure of office

Who can apply?

Members of diplomatic missions or consular organizations of foreign governments recognized by the Republic of Korea.

Diplomatic personnel such as ambassadors, attachés, counsellors, and clerks registered in the Republic of Korea.

Consular officers, such as consuls general and consuls, recognized by the government of the Republic of Korea.

Persons entitled to privileges and immunities equivalent to those of a diplomatic mission under a treaty or international practice

The Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Executive Directors of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, etc.

Heads of state, ministers, heads of both houses of parliament, members of delegations of foreign governments attending government-sponsored meetings, etc.

Family members of the above

Family members include spouses, children, parents, etc. who share the same household as the diplomat stationed in Korea.

Required Documents

Application form, passport, one standard-sized photograph, and fee.

A letter of assignment or employment or a letter of cooperation from the foreign minister of the foreign country.

In the case of accompanying family members of members of diplomatic missions or consular organizations of foreign governments, proof of family relationship such as a family relationship certificate or birth certificate issued by the home country.

For activities outside the status of residence

Passport, unification application

Fee ($120 for unauthorized activities): Accompanying family members of U.S. diplomatic missions in Korea are exempt from fees based on reciprocity.

Employment recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomatic Attaché) (required)

Documents required for activities outside the status of residence for each status of residence (qualifications, etc.)

What to watch out for

  • Even with the same visa code, outcomes can differ by nationality, education, career, and stay history.
  • Please re-check document issue dates, translation, and notarization requirements right before submission.
  • Stay period and work scope are finalized by the actual permit details.