Essential Guide for Inviting Foreign Partners to Korea
It can be quite overwhelming when you’re tasked with inviting overseas partners or key buyers to Korea, especially when it comes to understanding which visa to apply for. A recent consultation highlighted the complexities of preparing an invitation letter for the C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa. After all, securing a business meeting is no small feat, and the last thing you want is to face visa rejection due to inadequate paperwork. This could leave you in a difficult spot, potentially jeopardizing important contracts or wasting valuable time on misleading information.
In this guide, I’ll break down the specifics of the C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa along with a sample invitation letter, making the process clearer and more manageable.
Overview of the C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa
What is the C-3-4 Visa?
The C-3-4 visa, commonly referred to as the Short-Term Business Visa, allows foreign nationals to engage in commercial activities in Korea for a limited period. Here’s what you need to know:
What Activities Can You Undertake?
- Market Research
- Business Meetings and Consultations
- Contract Negotiations
- Small-Scale Trading Activities
Who Can Apply?
- Foreign nationals invited by Korean companies or institutions
- Visitors with a clear commercial purpose, such as attending meetings or signing contracts
How Long is the Stay?
You can stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Important Note: The C-3-4 visa is strictly for business activities. Employment or receiving wages while in Korea is not permitted. Noncompliance could result in significant penalties, affecting both the invited foreigner and the inviting Korean company. Keep this in mind!
How to Write an Invitation Letter
One of the key documents for the C-3-4 visa evaluation is the invitation letter. This document must clearly outline “why and for what purpose we are inviting this foreign national.” Be sure to include the following essential details:
Mandatory Information to Include in the Invitation Letter
- Inviting Party Information (Korean Side)
- Company Name
- Representative’s Name
- Business Registration Number
- Address
- Contact Information
- Invitee Information (Foreign National)
- Full Name
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Date of Birth
- Company and Position
- Purpose and Schedule of Visit
- Avoid vague phrases like “business meeting.” Instead, be specific: “Negotiation of export contract conditions for OO products and on-site factory inspection.”
- Present a detailed itinerary from entry to departure, ideally in table form.
- Commitment to Return
- Guarantee that the invitee will return to their home country after their stay.
- It’s crucial to include a statement like, “The inviter assumes all responsibility should the invitee overstay their visa.”
- Company Seal
- Official stamps must be used to validate the authenticity of the letter.
Sample Invitation Letter Template
I, [Your Name], the representative of [Your Company Name] located in [City, South Korea] (Business Registration Number: 123-45-67890), hereby invite the following foreign national:
[Invitee Information]
Name: John Smith
Nationality: India
Passport Number: X12345678
[Purpose and Duration of Visit]
Purpose: Final discussions on the import contract for OO semiconductor equipment and attendance at the technology demonstration.
Duration: November 10, 2025 – November 15, 2025 (6 days)
[Guarantee of Return]
The invitee guarantees to return to their home country upon the end of the above-mentioned period, and in the event of illegal stay in Korea, our company will bear all associated responsibilities.
Date: October 1, 2025
Signature: [Your Name]
Company Seal: [Stamp]
Important Considerations
Proof of Purpose for Entry
Submitting just the invitation letter is not enough; include additional documents such as:
- Draft Contracts
- Business Transaction Records
- Relevant Email Correspondence
History of Illegal Stay
If the invitee has a previous record of overstaying or illegal employment, the chances of visa approval decrease significantly. Therefore, pre-checking their status is crucial.
Reliability of the Inviting Company
Proof that your company is operating normally is necessary. Be prepared to provide documents like business registration certificates and tax payment confirmations.
The most critical element is convincing the examiner why this visit is essential. Remember, all documents are tools to support this argument.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways
Don’t stress about the C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa! Keep these three key points in mind:
- Clearly define the business purpose.
- Use a detailed invitation letter alongside supporting documents.
- Ensure that both the inviter and invitee meet all eligibility criteria.
By adhering to these principles, you can successfully obtain the necessary visa and seize valuable business opportunities.
Professional Consultation Guidance
If you still find the process of writing the invitation letter daunting or need expert assistance navigating the complex visa application process, don’t hesitate to reach out. One incorrect document could jeopardize your entire business strategy.
👉 Apply for a private expert consultation here
This information is based on materials reviewed as of May and September 2025 and is intended to offer general guidance. Specific advice tailored to individual circumstances is available through our one-on-one consultation forum.