Specially Designated Activities (E-7) is a work visa for foreign nationals who want to work in an occupation designated by the Minister of Justice. It is not a visa you can get for any kind of work at any company.
What is reviewed
- Occupation: whether the actual work is an occupation allowed under E-7
- Foreign national: whether their education, work experience and certificates meet the requirements for that occupation
- Company: whether the company meets the requirements for hiring foreign nationals (company size, number of foreign workers compared with the number of Korean employees, etc.)
- Wage: whether the wage is at or above the wage standard the Ministry of Justice announces every December
The wage standard is different for professionals (E-7-1), semi-professionals (E-7-2), general skilled workers (E-7-3) and skilled workers (E-7-4), and some occupations have their own separate standards.
The list of occupations keeps growing
The Ministry of Justice reviews proposals from industry at the Visa and Stay Policy Council and then decides on occupations. In September 2025, six proposals were accepted, including new occupations for construction machinery (parts) manufacturing workers and slaughterers and a special rule on professional (E-7-1) status for international students who have completed specialized export training.
The information above is as of the date of the Ministry of Justice press release. Actual requirements must be checked against the laws and guidelines in effect when you apply. If you have any questions, please leave them via Ask a question.