Applications must be submitted in person at a local immigration office in Korea. If residing abroad, you must first enter Korea on a B-1 or C-3 visa before applying.
※ Applications cannot be submitted online or through overseas embassies.
For domestic associate degree holders or higher: Academic certificate (exempt if verifiable through the International Student Information System).
For graduates of top global universities: One of the following—graduation certificate, degree certificate, or proof of degree acquisition.
Bank balance certificate showing an amount equal to the annual housing cost for a single-person household multiplied by the number of months of stay.
First-time applicants changing from D-2 status are exempt from proving 6 months of living expenses.
Proof of Employment Experience (if applicable)
Employment certificate (or certificate of incumbency) specifying the employment period, location, and job type.
Proof of Domestic Training Activities (if applicable)
Certificate issued by the head of the research/training institution indicating the program, duration, and completion status.
- For Research Activities: Certificate of completion.
- For Training Activities: Training completion certificate.
- For Exchange Students: Certificate verifying exchange program participation, issued by the school principal.
Proof of Korean Language Proficiency
Certificate of TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) or KIIP (Korean Immigration and Integration Program) completion.
Employment Recommendation Letter (if applicable)
- Recommendation from the head of the relevant central administrative agency: Employment recommendation letter issued by the ministry (or delegated agency).
- Recommendation from the head of a diplomatic mission: Internal recommendation document issued by the mission.
Proof of High-Income Expertise (if applicable)
Previous year’s income certification issued by a public institution in the applicant’s home country.
Other Documents for Point-Based Evaluation
- Exempt for those recognized for outstanding technical capabilities by the Global Startup Immigration Center (e.g., Korean Invention Promotion Association, Korea Productivity Center, Seoul Business Agency, National IT Industry Promotion Agency) or participants in the K-Startup Grand Challenge sponsored by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
- Bank balance certificate showing an amount equal to the annual housing cost for a single-person household multiplied by the number of months of stay.
Copies of patent, utility model registration, or design registration certificates, or proof of application.
Completion certificate or participation confirmation from the OASIS program.
Recommendation letter for status change issued by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency for K-Startup Grand Challenge participants.
Official documents confirming possession of intellectual property rights in OECD countries.
- Bank balance certificate showing an amount equal to the annual housing cost for a single-person household multiplied by the number of months of stay.
Proof of being a listed company with advanced technology research facilities.
Certificate of recognition for a company-affiliated research institute or R&D department.
Certificate of designation as an advanced technology company.
Venture company confirmation.
Official documents confirming designation as an excellent company research institute by central administrative agencies.
