Foreign workers who have worked for a long time on E-9 or similar visas can change to the skilled worker (E-7-4) visa through a points system and stay long-term with their families.
Basic requirements
- At least 4 years of stay as E-9, E-10 or H-2 in the last 10 years (3 years or more outside the Seoul metropolitan area is accepted with a recommendation from the head of the local government) ※ In population decline areas such as Jecheon, 2 years of stay is enough
- A contract of 2 years or more with your current workplace at an annual salary of KRW 26 million or more (KRW 25.89 million in agriculture, livestock and fishing)
- A recommendation from the company you currently work for, where you have worked for 1 year or more
- At least 200 out of 300 points, including bonus points (at least 50 points each for income and Korean language)
If your Korean language score falls short but your other points total 150 or more, the Korean language requirement can be postponed on the condition that you meet it by your first extension of stay. This special rule is available until December 31, 2026.
What changed in June 2026
- Higher hiring limit: in agriculture, livestock and fishing, the limit is now also 50% of the number of Korean employees (2 people for small workplaces). However, Jecheon, as a population decline area, was already covered by the special 50% rule.
- Combined work experience after a job change: if you changed jobs through no fault of your own, such as business closure, unpaid wages or assault, your time at the previous workplace is added to your time at the current one. Example: 9 months + 4 months = counted as 1 year and 1 month
If you have worked in Jecheon for 3 years or more, you can also get 20 bonus points for working in a population decline area.
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.