Jobs in South Korea With Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners

If they meet all the conditions, foreign nationals can work in South Korea with ease. The eligibility requirements for South Korean work permits, the application process, and the most recent list of jobs in South Korea that sponsor foreign workers’ visas are all available.

Foreigners seeking employment in South Korea that will sponsor their visa or sponsorship options available in South Korea as of right now should keep an eye on this excellent article.

I think that a lack of knowledge is one of the reasons why a number of people have had trouble finding respectable employment. Finding jobs that would meet their needs and handle the processes for acquiring a visa and remaining overseas is incredibly comforting for job seekers.

This page will tell you about the sorts of work visas in South Korea, where to discover jobs in South Korea that sponsor visas for foreigners, and much more.

List of the Latest Visa sponsorship jobs in South Korea for foreigners

Check out the available visa sponsorship job for foreigners in South Korea:

1.Assistant Sales Manager – Chinese or Korean / English bilingual

• Job type: Full time
• Location: Carlstadt, NJ
• Payment: $79K – $93K / yr
• Job type/Function: Vision, medical, life, dental

2.Audit Manager – Duluth (Korean Bilingual)

• Job type: Full time
• Location: Duluth, GA
• Payment: $110K – $150K / yr
• Function: Audit Manager

3.Transportation Manager – Trucking Operations and Compliance Oversight

• Job type: Full time
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Payment: $80K – $95K / yr
• Function: Transportation

4.Korean Bilingual Freight Broker Agent

• Job type: Full time
• Location: Duluth, GA
• Payment: not stated
• Function: Broker Agent

5. Facility Management Administrator (Bilingual ENG/KOR)

• Job type: Full time
• Location: Lincolnshire, IL
• Payment: $20 / hr
• Function: Provide daily help desk oversight, Monitor ticket progress, etc.

6. LVN II – Public Health*

• Job type: Full time
• Location: Throughout San Bernardino County, CA
• Payment: $46K – $64K / yr
• Function: Public Health

7. Logistics Manager

• Job type: Full time
• Location: San Rafael, CA
• Payment: $110K – $125K / yr
• Function: Logistics

others are:

• AI Tutor – Bilingual (Full-Time)
• MES Engineer – BSA2 (Bilingual – Korean)
• Infrastructure Network Engineer (Korean Bilingual preferred)
• Samsung Operations Support Specialist – Korean Bilingual

Requirements

1. Educational and Professional Qualifications

The most critical requirement for most work visas is a strong educational background and relevant professional experience.

• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: For most professional visa categories, such as the E-7 (Specially Designed Activities) visa, you must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the job you are applying for.
• Professional Experience: You usually require at least a year of professional experience in that same sector in addition to a degree. A person without a degree who has five years of work experience may occasionally be eligible.
• Specific Qualifications: There are highly special needs for some roles. For instance, you need a bachelor’s degree from a university in a nation where English is the primary language in order to be eligible for an E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor) visa.

2. Korean Language Proficiency

The requirement for Korean language skills varies significantly based on the job and the company.

• No Explicit Requirement: Strong English proficiency is adequate for many specialized professional tasks in tech businesses or international corporations, and there is no formal Korean language requirement. Language instruction may even be offered by employers as a benefit of employment.
• Advantage in the Job Market: TOPIK Level 4 can give you a substantial edge in the job market, especially for professions that demand engagement with local teams or clients, while it is not necessarily required.
• Mandatory for Some Visas: Completing the EPS-TOPIK test is a prerequisite for a number of non-professional visas, including the E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) visa under the Employment Permit System (EPS). Basic proficiency in the Korean language as well as knowledge of Korean society and culture are evaluated in this test.

3. Sponsorship from a South Korean Employer

A foreign national cannot apply for a work visa on their own. The job and the visa are inextricably linked through sponsorship.

• Employer’s Role: The South Korean business must first prove that it needs to hire a foreign worker. This is done by conducting a labor market test to show that they are unable to find a Korean citizen to fill the post.
• Visa Application Process: The employer is in charge of submitting an application for a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) on your behalf. You can apply for your visa at a diplomatic mission once this certificate attests that the business has fulfilled all the conditions to hire you.
• Company Documents: A signed employment contract, a certificate of business registration, and evidence of the employer’s financial soundness are among the documents required as part of the sponsorship.

Benefits

1. Robust Social Security and Healthcare

You are usually entitled to the same social security benefits as Korean nationals after you have an Alien Registration Card and a valid work visa.

• National Health Insurance (NHI): The healthcare system in South Korea is regarded as one of the best globally. You and your dependents will be registered in the NHI program as legal residents, which pays for a sizable amount of prescription, medical, and surgical expenses.
• National Pension (NP): You will make contributions to the National Pension scheme, as will your employer. You can be eligible for a lump-sum reimbursement of your contributions when you depart South Korea.
• Other Benefits: Employment insurance and workers’ accident compensation insurance, which offer assistance in the event of unemployment or a work-related injury, may also be covered by your contract.

2. Significant Career and Professional Growth

In a number of important industries, South Korea leads the world and provides great prospects for professional growth.

• Innovative Industries: The nation is a center for electronics, technology, shipbuilding, and automobile manufacture. South Korea is home to major international corporations with headquarters like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, which offer chances for qualified individuals in R&D, IT, and engineering.
• Robust Economy: South Korea’s rapidly expanding economy provides a vibrant and competitive workplace. There is still a significant need for qualified foreign workers, especially in the fields of finance, IT, and specialized manufacturing.
• Educational Opportunities: Jobs at universities and private language schools (Hagwons) are regularly available for people in academia or education, offering a steady career path.

3. High Quality of Life

South Korea offers a modern and safe living environment with a rich cultural experience.

• Safety and Security: South Korea is among the safest nations in the world due to its extremely low crime rate.
• Efficient Public Transportation: The public transportation system is quite effective, clean, and reasonably priced, especially in large cities like Seoul. Traveling within cities and throughout the nation is made simple by the extensive and dependable metro system.
• Technologically Advanced: With high-speed internet available practically everywhere, South Korea is a technological leader. This greatly facilitates distant work and day-to-day living.
• Vibrant Culture: South Korea has a wonderful culture to discover, ranging from its stunning palaces and rich history to the contemporary pop culture of K-pop and K-dramas. With many national parks and hiking paths, the nation also boasts a stunning natural landscape.

4. Work-Life Balance and Statutory Benefits

• Annual Leave: In addition to around 13 national holidays, foreign workers are entitled to a minimum of 15 days of paid yearly vacation.
• Fair Labor Laws: Ensuring fair salaries, acceptable working hours (a 40-hour workweek), and mandated leave entitlements, including maternity leave, South Korea’s labor laws are intended to safeguard both domestic and foreign workers.

Work Visa In South Korea

South Korea’s Work Visa Categories

South Korea offers numerous visa categories for foreign workers, primarily under the E-series, each designated for a specific type of professional activity.

• E-1 Professor Visa: For foreign nationals invited to lecture or conduct research at a university or college.
• E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa: One of the most common visas, it is for those who teach foreign languages at private language schools (Hagwons), public schools, or universities.
• E-3 Research Visa: For professionals invited to conduct research at public or private institutions in the fields of natural science or advanced industrial technology.
• E-4 Technical Instructor/Technician Visa: For individuals with specialized knowledge in natural science or technology who are invited to provide guidance.
• E-5 Professional Visa: For internationally licensed professionals such as lawyers, architects, engineers, and doctors who have permission to practice in Korea.
• E-6 Culture and Art Visa: For those working in the entertainment, art, and sports industries. This is further divided into subcategories for different professional activities.
• E-7 Specially Designed Activities Visa: This is a broad category for professionals with specific skills or expertise needed to enhance national competitiveness. It is the most common visa for skilled workers in fields like IT, finance, and engineering.
• E-9 Non-Professional Employment Visa: This visa is part of the Employment Permit System (EPS) and is for less-skilled workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and fishing.

Requirements to Obtain South Korea Work Visas

The requirements for each South Korean work visa are unique. However, the majority demand a filled-out application, a colored passport-style photo, and the actual passport and copies. Additional requirements could be:

• A duplicate of the employment contract
• Certificates of education and professional experience
• Criminal history
• Letter of recommendation

Application Process

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the most common application process for a work visa in South Korea.

Step 1: Employer Sponsorship (In South Korea)

The process almost always starts with your sponsoring employer in Korea. They must first prove to the Ministry of Justice that they have a legitimate reason to hire a foreign worker.

• Application for Visa Issuance Certificate (CCVI): The employer gathers all the required documents (such as your signed contract, educational certificates, and their business registration) and applies for a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) at the local immigration office.
• Online Portal: In some cases, the employer can initiate this process online through the Korea Visa Portal at visa.go.kr.

Step 2: Visa Application (Outside of South Korea)

You can submit your application at a South Korean diplomatic office after your employer issues and sends you the CCVI. There are two primary methods for doing this:

• In-Person at a Diplomatic Mission: The most conventional and often used approach is in-person at a diplomatic mission. Your application will be submitted in person at the South Korean embassy or consulate in your nation of residence. You must bring:
  • The completed visa application form.
  • Your passport and a passport-style photo.
  • The CCVI number or a physical copy of the certificate.
  • Any other required documents specific to your visa type (e.g., criminal background check, medical reports).
• E-visa Application (Online): For certain visa categories, you may be able to apply for an e-visa directly through the Korea Visa Portal. This is available for specific visa types such as the E-1 (Professor), E-3 (Research), and some E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) visas. The process is as follows:
  • You fill out the online application after logging in to the portal.
  • All of the necessary documents are uploaded in digital format.
  • The visa fee is paid online.
  • Following approval, you can utilize the portal to print a “Visa Grant Notice” that you will need to enter Korea.

Step 3: Arrival and Final Registration (In South Korea)

Your visa journey doesn’t end with approval. Once you arrive in Korea, you have one final mandatory step.

• Alien Registration Card (ARC): Within ninety days after your arrival, you must apply at the local immigration office for an Alien Registration Card. In South Korea, the ARC is your official ID card and is necessary for many facets of life, including banking and obtaining a permanent residence.

Website To Find Jobs in South Korea

• Saramin (www.saramin.co.kr): One of the top job portals in Korea, Saramin features a large database of jobs across all industries.
• Job Korea (www.jobkorea.co.kr): Similar to Saramin, this site is widely used and offers detailed company information, including average salaries and employee reviews.
• Worknet (www.work24.go.kr): This is a government-run job portal. It is particularly helpful for foreigners seeking opportunities in the public sector or to find jobs with companies that have a good history of hiring foreign workers.
• PeoplenJob (www.peoplenjob.com): This is a well-known platform for foreigners in Korea, listing jobs in various fields from IT to marketing. It is often the first stop for expats.
• Seoul Global Center (global.seoul.go.kr): The Seoul Global Center provides support to foreign residents in the city, including a dedicated job board on its website with a wide range of opportunities.
• Dave’s ESL Cafe (www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea): This site is the go-to resource for those looking for English teaching jobs in Korea, including positions at private academies (Hagwons), public schools (EPIK), and universities.
• LinkedIn: An essential tool for professional networking and job searching in Korea. Many international companies use LinkedIn to post job openings and find candidates with specialized skills.
• JAC Recruitment Korea (www.jac-recruitment.kr/en): This is a global recruitment consultancy with a strong presence in Korea, specializing in connecting skilled professionals with multinational and local companies, particularly in the engineering, manufacturing, and IT sectors.
• Airswift (www.airswift.com/about/locations/south-korea): A recruitment agency that specializes in workforce solutions for the technology and engineering sectors, often helping with the visa and relocation process.

Conclusion

Despite its seeming complexity, the South Korean work visa application procedure is a well-organized system that is very easy to navigate once you understand it. A detailed description of the various visa categories, the necessary conditions for both you and your sponsoring employer, and a step-by-step application procedure guide have all been included in this article.

Foreign nationals can obtain respectable jobs in South Korea by fulfilling the necessary professional and educational requirements, collaborating with a sponsoring employer, and making use of the appropriate internet tools. For individuals looking to progress their careers and experience a dynamic new culture, the advantages—from a top-notch healthcare system and a robust economy to a safe and technologically advanced society—make the effort well worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions