The Korean D10 visa is a program implemented to attract highly skilled workers. You don’t need to make any flight and accommodation arrangements to get a D10 visa. However, you will need to apply for a registration card at a local Korean immigration office within 90 days of arriving in the country. This is difficult to do as a foreigner, so it’s best to work with a local Korean administrator.
If you decide to leave South Korea, you must return the registration card to the immigration office or immigration officer at the airport of departure, or you will be fined. The embassy does not issue or extend registration cards.
Your visa is valid for 3 months after issuance. You must enter South Korea within three months of receiving your visa. We recommend that you work with a professional to plan your employment details. Please contact us via the Contact link and we’ll be happy to help.
D10 visa activities in South Korea
(General job search, D-10-1) Includes job search activities at domestic companies and organizations, as well as short-term internships paid for training prior to formal employment.
(Technology start-up preparation, D-10-2) Participation in start-up immigrant training programs, preparation and filing of patent applications including intellectual property rights, and establishment of start-up corporations. Preparation and filing of patent applications including intellectual property rights, preparation for establishing a start-up corporation, etc.
(High-tech interns, D-10-3) Interns with companies (institutions) that meet the requirements set by the Minister of Justice
Intern activities in the field of high technology under a labor contract
D10 visa Applicable persons
Those who meet the requirements set forth in this guideline for training or job hunting for employment in the fields of teaching (E-1), painting (E-2), research (E-3), technology (E-4), professional occupation (E-5), artistic entertainment (E-6), and specific activities (E-7) * However, only fine arts and sports are permitted, except for entertainment activities such as entertainment venues (E-6-2) in the field of artistic entertainment (E-6), and semi-professional and skilled workers in the field of E-7 are not eligible for overseas application.
- A person with a bachelor’s degree or higher who has intellectual property rights or equivalent technical skills and is a founder of a corporation recognized by the Minister of Justice (technology start-up immigrant)
Excellent overseas universities* Bachelor’s degree or above in high-tech fields or graduates who are under 30 years old (Master’s degree or above: 35 years old) and who are planning to intern in high-tech fields at companies (organizations) that meet the requirements set by the Minister of Justice.
- Overseas universities ranked in the top 200 of Time magazine and 500 of QS World University Rankings(link)
Job Seeker Visa (D10-1 Visa) Scoring Sheet
| Scoring Items | Scoring Criteria | Scoring | Remarks |
| Age | 20 to 24 years old 25 to 29 years old 30 to 34 years old 35 to 39 years old 40 to 49 years old | 10 15 20 15 5 | |
| Education | Bachelor of Science Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor Master’s Degree, Master Doctor’s Degree, Doctorate | 15 15 20 30 | |
| Work history | Domestic / International 1 to 2 years / 3 to 4 years 3 to 4 years / 5 to 6 years 5+ years / 7+ years | 5 10 15 | |
| Study in South Korea | Bachelor of Science (within 3 years of graduation) Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor (within 3 years of graduation) Master’s Degree, Master (within 3 years of graduation) Doctor’s Degree, Doctorate (within 3 years of graduation) | 5(30) 10(30) 15(30) 20(30) | |
| Korean language proficiency (TOPIK/ KIIP) | Level 5 or higher Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 | 20 15 10 5 | |
Extra points | ① Recommendation from the head of the relevant central administrative agency and the head of the overseas diplomatic mission to issue a job search visa ② Graduates of world-class universities (Time 200, QS 500) ③ Work experience in a global company (Fortune 500) ④ Bachelor’s degree in science and technology (including domestic bachelor’s degree) ⑤ High-income ($50,000) professional work experience | 20 20 20 5 5 |