Immigration & Visas
Getting into Korea is one thing. Getting your visa, your ARC, and keeping your stay legal is another. Start with the basics here.
Guides
Start with the ARC. Everything else needs it.Getting your ARC (Residence Card)
The 90-day deadline, documents, HiKorea booking, fees and the mistakes to avoid.
Visa types explained
D, E, F, H. A simple overview of Korea's visa types and which one fits you.
Extensions & status changes
HiKorea deadlines, the 14-day reporting rules, switching to D-10, and avoiding overstay.
Path to permanent residence
The E-7 → F-2-7 → F-5 ladder, income and TOPIK rules, and the year-one moves that decide approval.
Working Holiday (H-1)
A year living in Korea with no sponsor. Who qualifies, what work is allowed, and how to apply.
The E-7 skilled work visa
Korea's main professional work visa. Subcategories, 2026 minimum salaries, and how sponsorship works.
The F-6 marriage visa
For spouses of Korean nationals. Income, language, proving the marriage is real, and staying long term.
The D-2 student visa
The student visa: studying, working part-time legally, and finding a job after.
The F-3 family visa
Bringing your spouse and kids. Who qualifies, the 2025 changes, and whether they can work.
The F-4 overseas Korean visa
For people of Korean descent. Close to citizen-level rights, and the 2026 H-2 merger.
The D-10 job-seeker visa
Staying in Korea legally while you look for a job after graduation.
F-2 residence visa
Korea's points-based visa: score 80+ and break free from employer sponsorship.
Naturalization & citizenship
F-5 for life, or a Korean passport? The routes, the KIIP test, and the dual-nationality catch.
Re-entry & travel
Leaving Korea and coming back without losing your status. The 1-year rule and common mistakes.
Overstay & visa fixes
Overstayed or about to? Why acting early and honestly is almost always the best move.
Reporting changes
Moved, changed jobs, or renewed your passport? What to report to immigration, and when.
Nationality & military
Korean heritage, dual nationality and military service. The rules, deadlines, and who to ask.
Refugee & humanitarian
Applying for asylum in Korea. The process, your rights, and where to get free legal help.
All the immigration guides
From your first ARC to naturalization, plus admin and niche cases. The D-8 startup visa is covered under Jobs.