Korea D-7 Intra-Company Transfer Visa Guide (2026)
The D-7 is the intra-company transfer visa — the status a foreign company uses to move executives, senior managers, or technical specialists into its registered Korean branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. The thing that catches people out is the prior-employment rule: you generally need to have worked at the foreign headquarters or office for around a year before the transfer, and — unlike the D-8 investor visa — you don't have to make a personal investment. This page explains who qualifies, the one-year rule, how the D-7 differs from the D-8, and how long you can stay — honestly, with the official sources that decide each case.
Who the D-7 visa is for
The D-7 (intra-company transferee) is for staff dispatched by a foreign company to its Korean entity in an essential role. The core gates below are widely reported, but immigration sets the exact rules, so treat this as orientation.
1. An essential role (executive / manager / specialist)
2. ~1 year prior employment abroad
3. A registered Korean entity to receive you
4. Standard personal & corporate documents
The one-year rule & the D-8 difference
Two things catch applicants out: the prior-employment period, and confusing the D-7 with the D-8. The table summarizes them — all set officially and subject to change.
| Item | What to know (verify officially) |
|---|---|
| Prior employment | Generally about 1 year of continuous prior service at the foreign HQ/branch/office before dispatch (D-7-1). Confirm the current minimum and how it is counted. |
| No investment (vs D-8) | Unlike the D-8, the D-7 does not require the individual to make a direct investment. The D-7 suits relocating existing personnel into an operating Korean entity. |
| Corporate documents | Documents showing the relationship between the foreign company and the Korean entity, plus proof of your role. Gathering these can take time. |
The eligibility, prior-employment rule, required documents, and validity windows are set officially and change. Confirm the current list on HiKorea, via 1345, and with your Korean embassy before you start gathering documents.
Duration, registration & extensions
The D-7 period of stay reporting varies — it is widely cited as issued for up to about 3 years initially, though commonly granted for around 1 year, and it can be extended for the duration of the assignment. The actual length depends on your documents and the officer's decision. After arrival, D-7 holders staying over 90 days generally must register and obtain a Residence Card (ARC) through HiKorea. To stay longer, you apply through the extension process. Confirm the current duration and steps officially.
How the D-7 differs from the D-8 investor visa
The D-7 moves existing personnel into an operating Korean entity without a personal investment, while the D-8 business investor visa is built around a corporate investment. If your situation fits the D-8 better, or your role changes, you may need a change of visa status. Confirm the right category with immigration.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the D-7?
Executives, senior managers, or technical specialists dispatched by a foreign company to its registered Korean branch, subsidiary, or affiliate to perform management, technical, or executive functions. Verify officially.
What is the one-year rule?
For the D-7-1, you generally must have worked at least about 1 year at the foreign HQ/branch/office before being dispatched. Confirm the current minimum and how it is counted on HiKorea.
How is the D-7 different from the D-8?
Unlike the D-8, the D-7 does not require a personal investment. The D-7 suits relocating existing personnel into an operating Korean entity; the D-8 is built around a corporate investment. Confirm the right category officially.
How long is the D-7 valid?
Reporting varies — widely cited as up to about 3 years initially, often granted for around 1 year, extendable for the assignment. The actual length depends on your documents and the officer's decision. Confirm on HiKorea.
Do D-7 holders need to register?
Yes — staying over 90 days generally requires registering and obtaining a Residence Card (ARC) through HiKorea within the deadline. Confirm the steps officially after you arrive.