Korea Visa Hub › Visa checker

Free tool · Updated for 2026 · Runs in your browser

Korea Visa Checker — which visa do you need?

Answer three quick questions — your nationality group, why you're coming, and how long you'll stay — and this tool points you to the most likely 2026 Korea visa type and its key requirements, with links to the full guide and the official source.

Quick answer: The Korea visa you need depends on three things — your nationality, your purpose, and how long you'll stay. Short visits by nationals of visa-waiver countries are visa-free for up to 90 days (K-ETA is optional through Dec 31 2026 and required again from Jan 1 2027); nationals of non-exempt countries need a C-3 short-term visit visa. Longer stays use a category that matches the activity: study = D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language); work = E-2 (teaching), E-7 (skilled), E-9 (non-professional/EPS), D-7 (transfer) or D-10 (job-seeking); business = D-8 (investor) or D-9 (trade); remote work = F-1-D digital nomad; family = F-6 (spouse of a Korean), F-3 (dependent) or F-1 (visiting); settling = F-2-7, F-5 permanent residency, or naturalization. Source: General information based on Korea Immigration Service guidance. Requirements differ by nationality and change without notice — always verify on hikorea.go.kr and with your nearest Korean embassy before applying. This tool is not legal or immigration advice and does not decide eligibility.
1

What best describes your nationality?

This mainly affects short visits. Not sure? Pick "I'm not sure" and check your passport on the official site.

2

Why are you coming to Korea?

Pick the closest match to what you'll actually be doing.

3

How long do you plan to stay?

A rough estimate is fine.

Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere — the result is calculated entirely in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

Does this tool decide whether I'm eligible for a Korea visa?

No. It's an informational starting point that matches your answers to the most likely visa category. It is not legal or immigration advice, and it does not decide eligibility. Only Korean Immigration and your embassy make that decision. Always confirm the current rules for your nationality on hikorea.go.kr.

Do I need a K-ETA to visit Korea in 2026?

For 2026, nationals of designated visa-waiver countries are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA — reported through December 31, 2026 — with the K-ETA required again from January 1, 2027. The list can change, so confirm your passport on k-eta.go.kr. Separately, the e-Arrival Card is required before entry.

Which visa do I need to work in Korea?

It depends on the job: E-2 for English teaching, E-7 for skilled/professional roles, D-7 for an intra-company transfer, D-10 for job-hunting after graduating, and E-9 (EPS) for non-professional employment. Most work visas require an employer to sponsor you. See the E-7 guide and the sponsorship guide.

How do I get permanent residency (F-5) or citizenship?

The F-5 permanent residency status generally requires around five years of qualifying residence plus income (GNI) and Korean-language (KIIP) standards. Naturalization is a separate citizenship process with its own residence rules, test and interview. See the F-5 guide and the naturalization guide.

Is the information here official?

No — Korea Visa Hub is an independent, plain-English explainer and is not affiliated with the Korean government. Figures such as salary thresholds and fees change year to year; where something is uncertain we say so and send you to the official source. Verify everything on hikorea.go.kr before acting.

Note: This tool provides general information only, not legal or immigration advice. Visa rules change often and depend on your nationality and specific situation. A suggested visa type here is a starting point, not a guarantee of eligibility. Always verify the current requirements on the official Korea Immigration Service site hikorea.go.kr and with your nearest Korean embassy or consulate before applying.