Comprehensive Guide to the Region-Specific Skilled Workforce (E7-4R) Visa

by

Regional Specialized Visa System Overview

The Regional Specialized Visa System has introduced various types of visas, including F-2-R, E-7-4R, and F-4-R. These changes aim to attract residents to areas facing population decline and to revitalize local economies. Below, we summarize the specifics of the E-7-4-R Regional Specialized Skilled Worker Visa.

Eligibility for Change of Residency Status

  1. Target Group
  • (Residency Status) You must have resided in the relevant status (E-9, E-10, H-2) for over two years within the past decade and currently be legally employed as a registered foreign resident in South Korea.
  • You are exempt from this requirement if you have held residency under E-7-4R (Regional Specialized Skilled Worker) or F-3-3R (Dependent Family) in the last five years.
  • (Population Decline Area Exceptions) If your anticipated workplace is in a region facing population decline, you may apply if you have held a relevant status (E-9, E-10, H-2) while seeking employment or possess a previous status as a Skilled Worker (E-7-4) or Job Seeker (D-10).

2. Exclusions

  • You will be disqualified if you fall under any of the following criteria:
    1. Have been convicted of a crime resulting in a fine exceeding 1,000,000 Won.
    2. Are a delinquent taxpayer (you may apply once all taxes are settled).
    3. Have violated immigration laws more than three times.
    4. Have illegally resided for more than three months.
    5. Have been deemed to pose a threat to the interests or public safety of Korea.
    6. Have acted in a manner that threatens the economic or social order or undermines public morals.

Note: Items 1, 3, and 4 apply only to offenses that occurred within the last decade.

Scoring Criteria for Evaluation

  • Applicants must score at least 200 points out of a total of 300, including bonus points, with both average income and Korean language ability each scoring a minimum of 50 points.

Core Evaluation Items:

  1. Income

  • Must demonstrate an average annual income of at least 25 million Won over the past two years (for those in agriculture, fisheries, and coastal shipping, the requirement is at least 24 million Won).

  • This assessment is based on income certificates issued by the tax office. If you cannot provide verification of income for the last two years due to re-entry absences, you may substitute it with the highest annual incomes from any two years between 2020 and 2024.

  • If approved for the E-7-4R, you must have an employment contract that guarantees an annual salary of at least 26 million Won (for agriculture, fisheries, and coastal shipping, at least 25 million Won).

  1. Korean Language Proficiency
  • Must have completed level 2 or higher of the Social Integration Program or achieved at least level 3 on the pre-evaluation.
  • A TOPIK level 2 certificate (valid within the expiration period) is required.

Special Considerations for Korean Language: An interim exemption for the language requirement is in place until December 31, 2026, contingent upon satisfying other qualifications during initial two-year extensions. Failure to meet the language requirement within two years may result in restrictions for family invitations and a six-month residency period.

  1. Age
  • Your age will be calculated according to your birth date, following the “age at the time of calculation” method implemented on June 28, 2023.
  • If your birthday has already occurred within the current year, use that age; otherwise, subtract one year.

Bonus Items:

  1. Endorsements from Employers and Local Governments
  • Recommendations from regional governments and employers are critical.
  • If currently employed for over a year, you will need recommendations from both your employer and the local government.
  • No time limit applies if your job is in a population decline area, and those currently seeking employment may submit recommendations from potential employers.

Evaluation of the Current Workplace

  • Applicants must have worked for their current employer for three years or more based on the application date.
  • Past employment in designated occupational categories (E-9, E-10, H-2) may count towards fulfilling the three-year requirement if within the past decade.

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents: All applicants must submit:

  • A unified application form.
  • A copy of your passport (identity page).
  • A photograph.
  • Your Foreign Registration Certificate.
  • A self-assessment score sheet.
  • A personal history document.
  • A standard employment contract specific to the Regional Specialized Skilled Worker (E-7-4R).
  • Income certification from the tax office.
  • Documentation proving your Korean language ability.
  • A guarantee of personal conduct (to be guaranteed by the employer).
  • Proof of residence (e.g., housing lease agreement).
  • A copy of the business registration certificate or agricultural management registration.
  • Tax compliance certificates.
  • A roster of employees covered under the four major social insurances or equivalent.
  • Employer letter of recommendation.
  • A recommendation from the local government (issued within the last three months).

Additional Documentation: Required as applicable:

  • Copies of domestic certifications or degrees.
  • Proof of job-seeking registration (for those in E-9, E-10, H-2 statuses).
  • Verification documents specific to certain industries (e.g., shipbuilding).

Important Notes

  • Application Scheduling: Applicants are assigned application days based on the last digit of their birth year.
  • On receiving your Foreign Registration Certificate, you will also be given a notice detailing your scope of activities. This must be acknowledged in writing, as per immigration laws.

Residency Extension

  1. Target Group
  • Those holding the E-7-4R residency status.
  1. Requirements (All must be met)
  • General conditions will be reassessed according to the qualifications for transition (income, residential area, etc.). Failure to meet criteria can restrict residency extension permissions.
  • For applicants who did not submit their Korean language proficiency documentation during their bid for residency change:
    • Must take level 2 or higher of the Social Integration Program.
    • Topik level 2 minimum certificate must be obtained.
  1. Required Documents for Extension:
  • Unified application form.
  • Passport copies and photographs.
  • Foreign registration certificate.
  • Markdown of the current job position with a standard employment contract.
  • Documentation verifying average income.
  • Newly applicable Korean language capability.
  • Guarantee of personal conduct documentation.

Family Accompaniment

Change of Status for Family Members

  1. Target Group
  • Spouses and minor children of E-7-4R status holders (spouses must not have other partners).
  1. Requirements
  • The applicants must reside with the primary applicant at the same address.
  • The primary applicant’s eligibility does not require separate evaluation (however, if there are more than five family members, income verification is necessary).
  • Evidence of independent living arrangements (i.e., not in dormitory-style housing).
  1. Required Documentation for Family Accompaniment
  • Unified application form.
  • Passport and photographs.
  • Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates).
  • Proof of residence in the same area.
  • Spouse completion documents for the Social Integration Program (if applied).
  • School attendance verification for school-aged children.
  1. Residency Permission
  • Granted under F-3-3R status.
  • Duration parallels the expiry date of the primary resident’s visa.

Granting Residency to Dependents

  1. Target Group
  • Children born in South Korea to E-7-4R status holders.
  1. Requirements
  • Must apply within 90 days of birth. If the family is exiting the country within 90 days, applying for status is not necessary.
  1. Required Documentation for Dependents
  • Unified application form, passport, and photos.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Documentation to prove relationship to primary applicant.
  • Residence verification in the same area as the primary applicant.
  1. Residency Permission for Dependents
  • Status under F-3-3R (family of a regional talent).
  • Duration aligns with the expiry date of the status held by the primary applicant.

Extension of Residence for Dependents

  1. Target Group
  • Spouses and minor children of E-7-4R holders.
  1. Requirements
  • Must align with criteria set for family accompaniment.
  • Should the primary resident relocate within two years to another population decline area within the same local government, the same conditions apply for family members.
  1. Required Documents
  • Unified application form.
  • Passport and registration credentials.
  • Proof of relationship to the primary applicant.
  • Residence verification in the same area.
  • Social Integration Program completion documents (not necessary if previously submitted).
  • School attendance verification for school-aged children.
  1. Residency Details
  • Duration matches that of the primary applicant’s visa expiration.

Activities Beyond Residency Qualifications

  1. Target Group
  • Spouses of E-7-4R holders (F-3-3R).
  1. Requirements
  • Must reside at the same address as the principal applicant.
  • Employment must be within a recommended area.
  • Employment is restricted to sectors excluding gambling and activities against public morals.
  1. Required Documentation
  • Unified application form.
  • Passport and Foreign Registration Certificate.
  • Standard employment contract specifying wage and work schedule.
  • Business registration and employer ID copies.
  • Additional documentation deemed necessary for evaluation.

Residency Allowance

  • Stay permitted for a maximum of one year within the individual’s visa duration (renewable).