What is a Top-Tier Visa?
The Top-Tier Visa is a program designed to grant residency (F-2) status to top-tier engineering talent and their families, enabling them to lead project planning and technological development in advanced industries. Through this initiative, South Korea aims to attract the world’s finest individuals who can spearhead global technological innovation. “Advanced fields” refer to industries engaged in cutting-edge technology development or innovative research, particularly in sectors such as startups and academic research, as designated by the Minister of Justice in consultation with relevant central administrative heads. As of April 2025, priority sectors include semiconductors, biotechnology, secondary batteries, and the display industry, with plans to add robotics and defense in the first half of the year.
Who is Eligible for the Top-Tier Visa?
The Top-Tier Visa is aimed at foreign nationals who meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a master’s degree or higher from a university ranked within the top 100 of any of the following global university rankings in the last five years:
- QS World University Rankings
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- US News Global University Rankings
- QS World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject – Engineering
- US News Global University Rankings by subject – Engineering
Employment Experience:
- Corporate Employment: At least 3 years of experience working for a global company*, contributing to a total of 8 years of work experience.
- *Global Companies: ① Forbes Global 2000 (within the top 500), ② Fortune Global 500 (within the top 500), ③ Time 100 World’s Most Influential Companies (within the top 100).
- Research Institution Employment: At least 3 years of experience in a prestigious research institution*, along with over 5 years of research experience related to advanced fields obtained after earning a PhD.
- *Prestigious Research Institutions: ① Research centers affiliated with universities ranked in the top 100 of global rankings within the last five years, ② Research institutes of global corporations, ③ Government-led research centers.
Income Criteria:
Salary Requirement: Applicants must earn at least three times the per capita Gross National Income (GNI)—which amounts to approximately 149.86 million KRW for 2024 (with the per capita GNI being 49.95 million KRW according to the Bank of Korea).
- If an applicant earns four times the per capita GNI (approximately 199.82 million KRW), they can still qualify even if they do not fully meet either the education or experience criteria.
Do Graduates from Domestic Universities and Companies Qualify?
Yes, those with degrees from domestic universities or experience in local companies can qualify for the Top-Tier Visa as long as they meet the requirements. For instance, graduates from top 100 ranked domestic institutions (such as Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei University, Korea University, POSTECH) or personnel from domestic manufacturing firms listed on the Forbes Global 2000 (such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motors, Kia Motors) can also be eligible.
What Are the Benefits of the Top-Tier Visa?
Those who are granted the Top-Tier Visa along with their families can enjoy the following benefits:
- F-2 Residency Visa: A residency visa that allows unrestricted work and the ability to stay long-term.
- Permanent Residency Eligibility: After three years of residence, the holder becomes eligible for permanent residency.
- Quick Visa Issuance and Residency Convenience: Fast electronic visa issuance and residency support through the Seoul Immigration Office’s ‘Talent and Investment Support Center.’
- Family Sponsorship: Options to invite parents and household helpers.
- Settlement Support: Comprehensive settling-in assistance provided in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy’s ‘K-Tech Pass’ program, covering tax, education, and housing.
How is the Visa Application Process Conducted?
The application process for the Top-Tier Visa includes the following steps:
- Application Submission: Applications are submitted online through an electronic visa application system.
- Document Verification: Submitted documents are reviewed to determine qualification.
- Visa Issuance: If the applicant meets the criteria, an electronic visa will be issued, which must be printed and presented upon entry.
For further details, please refer to the official announcement from the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters. Visit the official site.
Please note that this information reflects the situation at the time of writing and that government policies may change over time. This article serves solely as information and does not offer legal interpretation or advice. For additional inquiries, you can use our 1:1 consultation board.