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South Korea job seeker visa (D-10)

D-10 job seeker visa (D-10-1 job seeking, D-10-2 start-up preparation)

In short

The D-10-1 visa allows qualified foreigners to stay in Korea to look for work or do training, including short paid internships, in fields covered by the professional statuses E-1 to E-7. D-10-2 is for preparing a technology start-up under the D-8-4 route, for example by joining OASIS programmes.

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

Key facts

Fee
US$60Basic Korean visa fee for a single entry of 91 days or more (USD 40 up to 90 days, USD 70 double entry, USD 90 multiple entry). Some passports pay adjusted fees or are exempt, and missions may set the payment method.
Processing time
Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
Work
Job seeking and on-the-job training, including short-term paid internships
Where to apply
Korean embassy or consulate for your place of residence, or change of status inside Korea (common for graduates of Korean universities)

D-10-2 start-up preparation

D-10-2 is for people preparing to found a technology company that would qualify for the D-8-4 status. During the stay you can take part in OASIS (Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System) programmes, apply for intellectual property rights or prepare company establishment, and then change to D-8-4.

Who can use D-10

D-10-1 is for people who plan to train or find a job in a field qualifying for Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Research (E-3), Technical Instructor (E-4), Professional (E-5), Artist/Athlete (E-6, pure art or sports only) or Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7), as recognised by the Minister of Justice. Eligibility is assessed under the Ministry of Justice criteria published in its guidelines, which include a points evaluation.

Documents

Applicants abroad submit the standard documents, diplomas and proof of experience, an activity plan, proof of funds and the points self-assessment required by the guidelines. Graduates of Korean universities commonly change status to D-10 inside Korea before their D-2 expires.

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)

Study

  • Apostilled diplomas and proof of professional experience

Other

  • Completed visa application form and one recent colour photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm
  • Job-seeking or start-up activity plan and points evaluation sheet

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

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

Alien registration after arrival

Anyone staying longer than 90 days must register at the immigration office for their place of stay within 90 days of entry and receive a residence card (fee KRW 35,000). If you do not register, the visa is treated as invalid. A change of address must be reported within 15 days to the local district office or the immigration office. Single-entry long-stay visa holders need a re-entry permit before travelling abroad unless they hold a multiple-entry status.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check the current D-10 points criteria on HiKorea or with the 1345 contact centre and prepare your diplomas and experience certificates.
  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 work on a D-10 visa?

Only job seeking and on-the-job training, including short-term paid internships, are allowed; regular employment requires changing to an E status.

What is OASIS?

A Ministry of Justice support system for start-up immigrants offering training and points that count towards the D-8-4 technology start-up visa.

Can D-2 graduates switch to D-10 in Korea?

Yes, graduates usually apply for a change of status at the immigration office before their student status expires.

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

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days
  • 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
  • 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