South KoreaBusiness and self-employment

South Korea business visa (C-3-4 and C-4)

C-3-4 short-term business visit and C-4 short-term employment

In short

Business visitors who only hold meetings, do market research, negotiate or sign contracts enter visa-free with a K-ETA or, if needed, on a C-3-4 visa. Anyone paid for short work in Korea, such as technical instruction, modelling or commercial performances of less than 90 days, needs the C-4 short-term employment visa.

Apply on Korea Visa Portal (Ministry of Justice) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
Fee
US$40Basic Korean visa fee for a single entry of up to 90 days (multiple entry USD 90). Some passports pay adjusted fees or are exempt.
Processing time
Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
Work
C-3-4: no paid work; C-4: paid short-term work for the named employer
Where to apply
At the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, following its appointment rules

C-3-4 or C-4

C-3-4 covers commercial activities such as market research, business meetings, consultations, contract signing or small-scale trade, without income from Korea. C-4 is for people who will earn income for a short period of less than 90 days, for example commercial activities, modelling or instructing on new technology. Nationals of visa-waiver countries on business trips without paid work can usually travel with a K-ETA.

Documents for C-4

Besides the standard documents and proof of funds, the Korean employer provides an official letter with its details (invitation), its business registration certificate and a contract stating personal data, period, salary and sector, plus documents proving your qualifications such as diplomas or certificates. For exchanges between a foreign company and a Korean company, add the foreign company's registration, the contract and the travel order. Models need the employer's model-use summary, activity plan, proof of professionalism and per-project contracts.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond travel, plus a copy

Money

  • Proof of sufficient funds for the stay, in the form the mission asks for (not needed if a work contract states the salary)

Work

  • Korean-notarised invitation from the Korean company, its business registration certificate and a guarantee letter

Other

  • Completed visa application form and one recent colour photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • If you are not a national of the country where you apply: proof of legal residence there

Work

  • C-4: contract with salary, period and sector, and proof of qualifications

Funds

Missions ask business visitors to show that they can pay for the stay, usually with recent bank statements, unless an employment contract states the salary; in that case no further financial proof is normally required. Check the amount and form with the mission where you apply.

Fees and timing

The basic fee is USD 40 for a single entry of up to 90 days; frequent business travellers may receive a multiple-entry visa at USD 90. Some passports pay adjusted fees or are exempt. Processing times differ between missions.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Decide whether your trip is unpaid business (K-ETA or C-3-4) or paid short work (C-4) and ask your Korean partner for the notarised documents.
  2. Check the application rules of the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence and book an appointment if it requires one.
  3. Fill in the visa application form and prepare original documents; papers issued in Korea should be originals.
  4. Submit the application as the mission requires and pay the visa fee.
  5. Wait for the decision; processing times differ between missions, so apply well before travel.
  6. Enter Korea within three months of issue and register as a foreign resident within 90 days of entry.

Frequently asked questions

Can I attend a trade fair in Korea visa-free?

Yes, if your nationality is visa-exempt: with an approved K-ETA you can attend fairs, meetings and negotiations for the stay allowed, without paid work.

I will install machinery for a Korean client. Which visa?

Paid technical work in Korea of less than 90 days generally requires the C-4 visa; longer assignments fall under other work statuses.

Do Korean documents need notarisation?

Yes. Invitations and guarantee letters from Korea must be Korean-notarised originals; scans or copies are refused.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for South Korea

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Investor visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Period of stay granted according to the study programme; register within 90 days
  • Language course visa Maximum stay: Granted per course term; register within 90 days if staying longer
  • Researcher visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Job seeker visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Intra-company transfer visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Family

  • Spouse and partner visa Processing time: Usually a month or more; longer if documents are checked, an interview or field investigation is needed
  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

South Korea visa guide