South KoreaStudy and training

South Korea research visa (E-3)

E-3 research visa

In short

The E-3 visa is for researchers invited by a Korean public or private institute to carry out research and development in advanced industrial technology or the natural sciences. University professors use E-1 instead.

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
Research at the inviting institute
Family
Spouse and minor children via F-3
Path to permanent residence
After 5 years on E-1 to E-7 or F-2 statuses, F-5 may be possible
Where to apply
At the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, following its appointment rules

Eligibility

You need an invitation from a Korean public or private research institute for R&D in advanced industrial technology or natural sciences. People who fall under the Professor (E-1) status are excluded. The host can also obtain a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance in Korea, which you then present at the Korean mission with a reduced document set.

Documents

Standard documents plus an official letter (invitation) from the Korean institute with its details, its business registration certificate and an employment notice or contract. Financial proof is not needed if the contract states your salary and period. With a visa issuance confirmation, bring the form, photo, passport and copy, the printed confirmation number and the fee, plus anything else the mission lists.

Required documents

Identity

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

Work

  • Invitation letter, business registration certificate and contract from the Korean institute

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

  • Printed Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance number, if obtained by the host

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.

Extensions and changes in Korea

Extensions and changes of status are applied for at the immigration office, usually with an online reservation on HiKorea, before your period of stay expires. Official fees are KRW 60,000 for an extension and KRW 100,000 for a change of status; a permission for activities outside your status costs KRW 120,000, and changing or adding a workplace also KRW 120,000.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Agree the research position with the Korean institute and ask whether it will obtain a visa issuance confirmation in Korea.
  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

I will teach and research at a Korean university. Is E-3 right?

No. Teaching or research at a university is the E-1 Professor status.

Do I need a bank statement?

Not if your contract states salary and period; otherwise the mission's proof-of-funds rule applies.

Can my family join?

Yes, your spouse and unmarried minor children can apply for F-3 dependent family visas.

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

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