Looking to move to Korea? Whether you are a skilled person, a remote worker, or planning to enter the country as a student or caregiver, the latest 2025 policy gives you more entrances. This article explains in detail in four steps - reading the policy, then choosing a path, then preparing documents, and finally landing in Korea - to help you figure out the process in one stop.

I. Inventory of core new policies for 2025

• Digital Nomad / Workcation Visa
  Starting in 2024, South Korea introduced the F-1-D visa for remote workers, which allows applicants to obtain an initial 12-month residency status, renewable once for a total of up to three years. Requirements include an annual salary approximately equal to twice the GNI per capita in Korea (approximately $64,000-$66,000), at least one year of experience in the current industry, and international medical insurance.The

• Optimization of study abroad and post-graduation employment policies
  South Korea, in an effort to attract international students, lowered the deposit threshold for D-2 visas to $15,000 and relaxed the conditions for transferring to E-7or E-7-4 visas after graduation (the number of years of employment dropped from five to four)The

• Points-based Merit Settlement (F-2 Visa)
  Starting from 2025, fast-track approval will be more efficient for those with high education, high salary and language TOPIK scores, and the bonus points for language and education are expected to help applicants to obtain the right of abode earlier.The

• Local Talent Attraction Visa Expansion
  Local governments have introduced special visa programs, such as the "Youth Dream Visa", which relaxes visa requirements for people in agriculture, nursing and rural industries to actively address labor shortages.The

II. Choosing the right path: depending on which type you are

Depending on your personal background, it is recommended that you take the E-7 route if you already have an offer, the F-1-D route is a relaxing entrance if you are not yet mature enough to work in Korea or if you are a remote worker, and the Study Abroad route is the safest route for graduates or those who are experiencing the culture.

Visa Application Requirements & Documents Preparation Guide

🎯 Skilled/Work Visa (E-7/E-7-4)

• request: Employed by a Korean company that meets the criteria; Bachelor's degree or higher; TOPIK recommendation ≥ Level 3; annual salary up to the industry average.

• makingsEmployer's Offer, Certificate of Educational Qualification, TOPIK Certificate, Passport Photo, Fill in Visa Application Form (Official Website Declaration)The

📚 Student Visa (D-2)

• request: Acceptance to a university, proof of language or academic background; proof of financial resources of approximately $15,000; TOPIK recommendation ≥ level 3

• makings: Letter of acceptance, proof of property (bank), visa form, photographs.

  

🌍 Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D)

• request: One year of industry experience, remote work contracts or clients; annual income ≥ $64,000; international medical insurance (covering medical care in Korea and the mainland); no criminal record.

• makings: Remote work certificates, pay stubs, insurance policies, industry-related qualifications, passport with photo. Some embassies accept visa exchange within Korea on arrivalThe

🗺 Local talent attraction visas

• The local government issues program requirements, which generally include basic Korean language and industry skills, and submits an application for local talent attraction.

IV. Processing procedures + recommendations for landing

1. Online Appointment Submission

   • For all visas make an appointment to apply from the visa portal Visa.go.kr, fill in the form and pay the fee.The

2. Submission Review

   

   • Wait 2 weeks to 1 month, E-7 may require employer back-office review; F-1-D and D-2 look at completeness of materials.

3. Pick up visa after approval

   • Pick up your visa at your appointment time, passport and paper notification required.

4. Registration upon arrival in Korea

   • existKorea ImmigrationReport to the Bureau, receive your alien registration card, and enroll in the National Health Insurance and pension.

5. Subsequent visa renewals and change of status

   • D-2 to E-7 upon graduation; F-1-D renewable upon expiration; F-2 or permanent residence after several years of holding a skilled visa.

✅ Warm Advice & Landing Reminder

• language first: TOPIK is at least level 3, and it is better to prepare for level 4 or even 5, the higher the better;

• Focus on cultural integration: Korean culture is heavily relational, and you will learn about workplace etiquette, holiday customs and public life in advance;

• financial planning: Prepare a visa deposit and budget 3-4 million won per month for living expenses in Korea, Seoul is on the high side;

• Policies are closely monitored: The policy is still being adjusted for 2025, so it is recommended to keep a regular eye on the Immigration Bureau, the Korean Embassy or consult a professional agent.

summarize

2025Korea Immigration PolicyUndoubtedly more flexible and more options than before - whether you are a skilled person, a student, a remote worker or a practical person in the industry, you can find the corresponding landing path. The key is to analyze your own conditions, choose the right type of visa, implement the preparation of documents, and then match the language and cultural integration. By taking one step at a time and planning ahead, your "second home" in Korea is not that far away.