South Korea Employment Visa Process 2025

South Korea has many jobs, especially in IT, engineering, and teaching. Companies in Seoul and other cities want skilled people from other countries, including Pakistan. The most common work visa for skilled people is called E-7 visa. It is not easy, but if you follow the rules, you can get it. Your Korean boss (employer) must help you a lot. They have big responsibility. In 2025, there are new rules about minimum salary. This guide uses very simple English to explain everything step by step.

Choosing the Right Visa Type

Korea has different work visas. You must pick the correct one.

Visa NameWho can use itExample Jobs
E-7Skilled professional workersIT, engineer, manager, office jobs
E-2Only English teachersTeach English in schools or academies
D-8People sent by big foreign companiesFactory manager, high-tech company staff
C-4Short work (maximum 90 days)Fix machines, give training, short visit

Most people from Pakistan and other countries use E-7 visa for normal good jobs.

Minimum Salary in 2025 (Very Important!)

Korea made new salary rules in 2025. If your salary is lower, visa will be rejected.

Visa TypeMinimum Salary per Year (2025)
E-7-1 (office/professional jobs)28,670,000 KRW or more
E-7-4 (technical/skilled jobs)26,000,000 KRW or more

Your boss must write this salary (or higher) in the contract.

First Steps Before You Come to Korea

Your Korean employer starts the visa process.

Get the Visa Confirmation Number (CVI)

  • Your boss goes to Korea Immigration Office.
  • They give your contract, company papers, and explain why they need a foreigner.
  • If everything is okay, the office gives a special number (CVI number).
  • Your boss sends this number to you by email.

Without this number, you cannot apply for visa.

Prepare Your Papers

Now you go to Korean Embassy in Pakistan (Islamabad) or nearest country.

You need these papers:

  • Passport (still valid more than 6 months)
  • Visa application form (fill online or paper)
  • Two passport-size photos
  • The CVI number from your boss
  • University degree – must have Apostille stamp from your country
  • Police character certificate – must have Apostille
  • Signed job contract
  • Company papers (your boss will send)
  • Health check (sometimes needed)

Important: Start Apostille early. It takes time (1–2 months). After embassy checks everything, they put visa sticker in your passport.

After You Arrive in Korea

You have only 90 days to finish these things.

Get Your ARC Card (Alien Registration Card)

ARC card is your ID card in Korea.

What to do:

  • Book appointment online at www.hikorea.go.kr
  • Go to immigration office near your home
  • Bring passport, 1 photo, address proof, and 30,000 KRW fee
  • They take fingerprint and photo
  • You get ARC card (same day or 2 weeks)

With ARC card you can:

  • Open bank account
  • Buy SIM card/phone
  • Rent house easily

Join Insurance (Your Boss Does This)

Korean law says every worker must have insurance.

  1. Health Insurance – You pay small money every month, doctor visits become very cheap.
  2. Pension – You and boss pay every month. When you leave Korea forever, you can take this money back.
  3. Severance Pay – After every year of work, boss saves one month salary for you. When you finish job, they give it to you.

Final Words & Good Luck!

If you want to work in Korea in 2025, make sure your company knows all new rules and is ready to help you 100%. Share this easy guide with your friends from Pakistan or other countries who also want to work in Korea.

Good luck! Fighting! You can do it!

Disclaimer:

This article is only for information. Rules can change. Always check the newest information on the official websites like HiKorea.go.kr, MOJ.go.kr, or ask a licensed immigration lawyer before you apply. Good luck with your Korea job journey!

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