To remain in Korea, a foreign national must have the appropriate status of stay that matches their intended purpose and duration of stay.
Types of status of stay
- Foreign nationals may stay in Korea under the following categories and permitted durations (Article 10‑2(1), Article 10‑3(1), and Article 17(1) of 「Immigration Control Act」).
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Category
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Purpose and Duration of Stay
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Short‑term stay
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For tourism, visiting, etc., allowing a stay in Korea of up to 90 days (or longer if permitted under visa-waiver agreements or reciprocity)
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Long-term stay
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For study, training, investment, work assignments, marriage, etc., permitting residence beyond 90 days, up to the maximum duration stipulated by status of stay (attached Table 1 of 「Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Control Act」)
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Permanent residency
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Grants unrestricted scope of activities and unlimited duration of stay in Korea
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Employment-permitted status of stay
- Foreign nationals may work in Korea under the following statuses of stay (Article 23 and attached Tables 1 and 1-2 of 「Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act」).
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Category
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Eligibility (Code)
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Short‑term stay
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C‑4 (short‑term employment)
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Long-term stay
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E‑1 (professor), E‑2 (language instructor), E‑3 (research), E‑4 (technical guidance), E‑5 (professional employment), E‑6 (arts and performance), E‑7 (specific activities), E‑8 (seasonal labor), E‑9 (non‑professional employment), E‑10 (seafarer), F‑2 (residence), F‑4 (overseas Koreans), F‑6 (marriage‑immigration), H‑1 (tourism‑employment), H‑2 (visiting employment)
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Permanent residency
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F‑5 (permanent resident)
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If a foreign national wishes to continue their stay beyond the permitted duration, they must obtain permission to extend their stay.
Permission for extended stay
- A foreign national must apply for extension before the expiration of their current stay period if they intend to remain longer than initially permitted (Article 25(1) of 「Immigration Control Act」).
※ Failure to obtain stay extension permission and overstaying may result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine up to KRW 30 million (Subparagraph 17 of Article 94 of 「Immigration Control Act」).
If a foreign national wishes to engage in activities that differ from those permitted by their current status of stay, they must obtain permission to change their status of stay.
Permission for change of status of stay
- Foreign nationals who wish to switch to a status of stay that permits activities different from their current status of stay must obtain permission for change of status of stay in advance (Article 24(1) of 「Immigration Control Act」).
※ Examples that require permission for change of status of stay
▪ A foreign national on a short‑term visit (C‑3) wishing to make investments in Korea (D-8)
▪ A foreign national completing international study (D‑2) planning to pursue employment in Korea (E-7)
▪ A foreign national marrying a Korean wishing to change to his or her status as a marriage migrant (F-6)
※ Unauthorized engagement under a different status of stay without permission may result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine up to KRW 30 million (Subparagraph 16 of Article 94 of 「Immigration Control Act」).
To apply for an extension of stay or change of status of stay, applicants must submit the required documents within the specified timeframe.
Application process
- A foreign national must follow the process below to apply for an extension of stay or change of status of stay.
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Category
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Extension of Stay
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Change of Status of Stay
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Application deadline
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By the expiry date of current stay
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Before undertaking activities under new status of stay
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Application method
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• Visit: book an appointment online (http://www.hikorea.go.kr) before visiting the local immigration office (branch/office) • Online: visit the HiKorea website (http://www.hikorea.go.kr)
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Required documents (Article 76(2) and Table 5-2 of 「Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Control Act」)
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• Application form for extension of stay • Proof of place of stay
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• Application form for change of status of stay • Public health center-issued TB clearance certificate (if required)
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• Passport • Alien registration card (if applicable) • Additional stay status-specific documents
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Fee (Subparagraphs 5 and 6 of Article 72 of 「Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Control Act」)
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KRW 60,000 ※ However, if holding a marriage migrant (F-6) status of stay, the fee will be KRW 30,000
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KRW 100,000 ※ However, in cases where the status of stay is changed to permanent resident (F-5), the fee will be KRW 200,000
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Permission obtained through fraudulent or improper means may be revoked or modified.
Cancellation or modification of permission
- Permission for extension of stay or change of status of stay may be canceled or modified under the following conditions (Article 89(1) of 「Immigration Control Act」).
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Grounds for Cancellation or Modification of Permission
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▪ When the guarantor withdraws their guarantee or no guarantor remains ▪ When it is revealed that the permission was obtained through false or other fraudulent means ▪ When the conditions of the permission are violated ▪ When significant changes in circumstances make it impossible to maintain the permitted status ▪ When the violation of 「Immigration Control Act」 or other applicable laws is deemed serious, or when the legitimate orders of an immigration officer are disobeyed
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※ Inquiries related to permission for stay of foreign nationals
▪ Contact: ☎ 1345