Employment and Invitation Procedures for Foreign Welders in Shipbuilding
If you’re looking to hire skilled foreign welders for your shipyard or maritime equipment company, the key step is inviting them through the E-7-3 (General Skilled Worker) visa. After a certain period of solid employment, welders can switch to the E-7-4 (Skilled Worker) visa for long-term residency.
1️⃣ What is the E-7-3 (General Skilled Worker) Visa?
The E-7-3 visa allows companies to invite qualified foreign workers in specific technical fields such as shipbuilding, machinery, welding, and plumbing. This visa is primarily utilized by shipyards and equipment suppliers, and it’s important to secure approval from the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration and Foreign Policy Office.
2️⃣ Requirements for Hiring (Inviting) Companies
To qualify to hire foreign workers, companies must meet the following criteria:
- A shipbuilding business ratio of over 50% (verification from the Ministry of Industry is required)
- Minimum revenue of 1 billion KRW in the past year
- Employment of at least 10 regular workers
- No instances of foreign workers absconding in the last two years
- Foreign employment ratio of 30% or less
3️⃣ Requirements for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers must have:
- Expertise in welding related to shipbuilding
- Relevant certifications or over 5 years of experience
- Completion of job-specific and safety training designated by the Ministry of Industry
4️⃣ Invitation and Visa Issuance Procedures
The process includes the following steps:
- The hiring company must apply for the E-7-3 visa issuance confirmation (through the Immigration and Foreign Affairs Office)
- Approval and review by the Ministry of Justice
- The foreign worker applies for the E-7-3 visa at their local diplomatic mission
- Within 90 days of entry, the foreign worker must register and obtain residency status
Initially, the stay period is usually set for up to two years, and it can be extended within the parameters of the employment contract.
Transitioning Skill Levels in Ship Welding — E-7-4 (Skilled Worker)
Foreigners entering as ship welders on the E-7-3 visa can change their status to E-7-4 (Skilled Worker) after fulfilling certain work requirements.
1️⃣ Eligibility for Transition (E-7-3 → E-7-4)
To switch from E-7-3 to E-7-4, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Legally resided and worked under E-7-3 for over two years
- No history of illegal stay or absconding
- Korean Language Proficiency Test (KLPT) level 2 or higher or completion of stage 2 of the Social Integration Program
- Documented records of income, tax contributions, and Korea’s four major social insurance schemes
- Recommendation letters from either the Ministry of Industry and Energy or the Ministry of Employment and Labor
2️⃣ Benefits of Transition
Upon transition, holders will enjoy:
- A three-year residency extension with unlimited extension possibilities
- The ability to bring spouses and children on F-3 visas
- Relaxed restrictions on job changes
- Pathways for long-term residency (transitioning from F-2-7 to F-5 permanent residency)
For skilled welders in shipbuilding, individuals must go through the recommendation process with the Ministry of Industry and Energy’s Marine Structure Division.
In Summary
Foreigners in the shipbuilding welding sector can enter under the E-7-3 visa. By demonstrating their skills and commitment to work, they can transition to the E-7-4 visa, paving the way for long-term residency and potential permanent residency. This information is based on the Ministry of Justice’s guidelines as of September 2025, and individual circumstances may lead to variations in the details. For personalized guidance, please visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.