Korea D-10 Job Seeker Visa Guide (2026)
The D-10 is Korea's job seeker visa — the bridge that lets graduates and skilled people stay in the country while they look for a job or prepare a business. It uses a points system, but recent graduates of Korean universities often get an exemption. This page explains the points, the exemptions, the money you need to show, and how long you can stay — honestly, with the official sources that decide each case.
Who the D-10 visa is for
The D-10 is for people seeking employment or preparing to start a business in Korea. There are two common sub-types: D-10-1 (job-seeking) and D-10-2 (startup preparation / technology entrepreneurship). To qualify, you generally need to meet one of the paths below — treat this as orientation, not a guaranteed list.
1. University graduate
2. Government / international training completer
3. Specialized skills
The points system (2026)
The D-10-1 generally uses a points evaluation. Widely reported 2026 thresholds are below, but the figures that matter are the ones immigration applies — these change, so verify before applying.
| Requirement | Reported 2026 threshold |
|---|---|
| Total score | At least 60 points |
| Basic items (age + education) | At least 20 points (of a 50-point cap) |
Points categories and weights are set officially and adjusted periodically. Confirm the current scoring on HiKorea or by calling 1345.
The graduate points exemption
This is the part that helps many international students most. According to widely reported guidance, the points test is generally not applied when a D-2 student graduates from an accredited Korean university (associate degree or higher) and applies for the D-10-1 for the first time. A separate exemption is reported for recent Korean-university graduates who hold a valid TOPIK Level 4 or passed KIIP Level 4. These exemptions change year to year — do not assume; confirm your eligibility officially.
Funds, duration & extensions
You generally need to show enough money to support yourself, via a bank balance certificate. Reported 2026 figures are roughly KRW 600,000–700,000 per month of requested stay. The D-10 is typically valid for 6 months and can usually be extended up to around 2 years total. To extend, you normally must document genuine job-seeking activity — applications sent, portal submissions, and responses or rejections. The exact figures and rules are set officially and change, so verify on HiKorea.
After you're approved: the Residence Card
If you stay longer than 90 days, you must separately register and obtain a Residence Card at your district immigration office through HiKorea. See our Residence Card (ARC) registration guide. When you find a job, you typically switch from D-10 to a work visa such as the E-7.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the D-10?
People seeking work or preparing a business in Korea who meet one path: an associate degree or higher, a Korean-government/international training program, or specialized skills. Confirm your case with immigration.
How does the points system work?
The D-10-1 generally needs at least 60 total points, including at least 20 from basic items (age + education). Scoring is set officially and changes — verify on HiKorea or via 1345.
Are recent graduates exempt from the points test?
Reportedly yes in some cases — for first-time D-10-1 applicants graduating from accredited Korean universities, and for recent graduates with TOPIK 4 or KIIP 4. Confirm your eligibility officially.
How long does it last and can I extend?
Usually 6 months, extendable up to around 2 years total if you document genuine job-seeking. Confirm current rules on HiKorea.
How much money must I show?
Reported 2026 figures are roughly KRW 600,000-700,000 per month of stay, via a bank certificate. The exact amount is set officially and changes — verify before applying.