Hiring Foreign Welders in the Shipbuilding Industry: A Guide

For shipyards or marine equipment manufacturers looking to hire skilled foreign welders, the most crucial step is inviting them to come under the E-7-3 visa for General Skilled Workers. After fulfilling a certain period of work and demonstrating dedication, it is possible to transition to the E-7-4 visa for Skilled Workers, allowing for long-term residency.

Table of Contents

1️⃣ What is the E-7-3 Visa?

The E-7-3 visa is a residency permit that enables the invitation of skilled foreign workers in specific technical fields like shipbuilding, machinery, welding, and piping. This visa is predominantly utilized by shipyards and equipment manufacturers and requires approval from the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters.

2️⃣ Requirements for Employing (Inviting) Companies

To be eligible, companies need to meet the following criteria:

A shipbuilding industry focus of at least 50% (confirmation from the Ministry of Industry is required)
At least 1 billion KRW in revenue over the past year
A workforce of 10 or more regular employees
No record of undocumented foreign workers leaving in the past two years
A foreign employment ratio of no more than 30%

3️⃣ Requirements for Foreign Workers

Foreign workers must meet these criteria:

Expertise in welding within the shipbuilding sector
Possession of relevant certifications or at least five years of experience
Completion of job-specific safety training as designated by the Ministry of Industry

4️⃣ Steps for Invitation and Visa Issuance

The process includes:

The employing company applies for an E-7-3 visa issuance certificate through the Immigration and Foreign Office
Approval from the Ministry of Justice
Foreign workers applying for the E-7-3 visa at a foreign consulate
Within 90 days of arrival, foreign workers must register and obtain residency permission

The initial stay typically lasts up to two years, with possibilities for extension within the terms of the employment contract.

Transitioning Skilled Foreign Welders to E-7-4 Status

Foreign welders entering South Korea on the E-7-3 visa can apply to change their status to E-7-4 (Skilled Workers) after fulfilling specific conditions.

1️⃣ Conversion Requirements (E-7-3 → E-7-4)

To qualify for conversion, foreign workers must:

Legally reside and work under the E-7-3 status for at least two years
Have no history of illegal residency or unauthorized departure
Pass the Korean Language Proficiency Test (KLPT) at level 2 or higher, or complete at least level 2 of the social integration program
Provide proof of employment income, tax payment, and participation in the four major insurance schemes
Obtain a recommendation letter from either the Ministry of Industry or the Ministry of Employment and Labor

2️⃣ Benefits of Conversion

Successfully transitioning to E-7-4 confers several advantages:

An extended residency period of three years, with unlimited renewals
Eligibility for dependents (spouse and children) to enter on F-3 visas
Less restrictive rules regarding job changes
Potential pathways for long-term residency (from F-2-7 to F-5 for permanent residence)

For skilled welders in shipbuilding, navigating the recommendation process through the Ministry of Industry’s Maritime Plant Division is essential.

In Summary

Foreign workers in the shipbuilding welding sector can enter South Korea on an E-7-3 visa and, by demonstrating skilled experience and commitment to their work, can transition to the E-7-4 visa. This pathway offers the possibility for long-term residency and eventual permanent residence. This information is based on the Ministry of Justice’s manual as of September 2025, and individual circumstances may vary. For personalized consultations, feel free to reach out through our 1:1 Consultation Board.