E-5 (Professional)
Applicants: Persons working in law, accounting, medicine, and other professions
Stay period: 5 years (extendable)
E-5 Specialty Occupation - Foreigners with Nationally Recognized Certification
Quick Overview
- Best for: Persons working in law, accounting, medicine, and other professions
- Typical stay: 5 years (extendable)
- What to prepare: Passport, application form, and photo are basic. Check additional documents by visa type.
Detailed Description
Holders of a foreign national certification recognized by the laws of the Republic of Korea and engaged in professional activities authorized by the laws of the Republic of Korea.
Maximum period of stay that can be granted once: 5 years
Who can apply?
A person who holds a nationally recognized certificate of a foreign country that is recognized under the laws of the Republic of Korea and is authorized to operate under the laws of the Republic of Korea.
Aircraft pilots recommended by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Maritime Affairs
Doctors who possess the latest medical and technological skills and are recommended for employment by the Minister of Health and Welfare to work in the following medical institutions: national or local government medical institutions, medical corporations, non-profit corporations, and medical institutions opened by government-funded organizations.
Those who have graduated from a medical or dental school in Korea and are training for internship or residency at a university-affiliated hospital or a hospital designated by the Minister of Health and Welfare.
Necessary specialized personnel such as ships required for the operation of tourist vessels invited by an organization that has been approved for inter-Korean cooperation under the provisions of the Act on Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation for the purpose of Kumgangsan Tourism Development Project, etc.
Those who are employed by a domestic transportation company and intend to work as a captain or other essential professional personnel for ship operation.
Required Documents
Visa application form, passport, one standardized photo, and fee
Letter of invitation
Copies of diplomas and certificates (licenses)
Employment recommendation letter from the head of the competent central administrative agency (however, for those who intend to work in the free economic zone, an employment recommendation letter from the competent special mayor, metropolitan mayor, or prefectural governor is required) or documents that demonstrate the need for employment.
Employment contract
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.