Guide to Health Checkups for Foreigners: Eligibility Criteria, Examination Items, and Designated Medical Institutions by the Ministry of Justice in Korea.

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Understanding Health Check Requirements for Foreigners in Korea

When foreigners stay in South Korea, certain visa categories necessitate a health examination for registration. Not every visa requires a health check, but those with specific types, as detailed below, must undergo a health evaluation. Foreigners holding these visa types need to visit healthcare institutions designated by the Ministry of Justice. If they go to an unapproved hospital, their health check results won’t be recognized.

1. Visa Categories Requiring Health Exams for Registration

The following visa categories require a health examination for foreign registration:

  • Training (D-3)
  • Conversation instructor (E-2)
  • Artistic performance (E-6)
  • Seafarer employment (E-10)
  • Employment visit (H-2)

Individuals in these visa categories must prepare the required examination items and forms corresponding to their visa type and undergo the health check at designated facilities. Additionally, during the process of extending their stay or changing their visa status, a health certificate (employment medical check-up certificate) may be requested, especially for long-term visas like Marriage Migrant (F-6), Study (D-2), and General Training (D-4), where a health check is typically mandatory.

2. Examination Items by Visa Type

The required examination items vary by visa category. Below is a guide outlining what is needed for each visa type. You can download the necessary forms as supporting documents as per your circumstances.

  • Training (D-3): Employment medical check-up certificate
  • Conversation instructor (E-2): Employment medical check-up certificate
  • Artistic performance (E-6): Employment medical check-up certificate
  • Seasonal worker (E-8): Drug test certificate
  • Non-professional employment (E-9): Drug test certificate
  • Seafarer employment (E-10): Drug test certificate, health diagnosis
  • Employment visit (H-2): Health diagnosis certificate

It’s crucial that you carry out the health check in accordance with your specific visa category, as each has distinct requirements.

Drug Test Requirements

Particularly for those holding the Conversation Instructor (E-2) visa, an additional drug test is necessary. According to Article 76, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Control Act enforcement regulations, tests for methamphetamine (MA), cocaine (COC), opiates (OPI), and cannabis (THC) are mandatory. Be sure to prepare for these drug tests to receive your visa approval.

3. Importance of Submitting a Tuberculosis Diagnosis Certificate

A tuberculosis (TB) test is mandatory for foreign registration. Particularly for foreigners who come from high TB-risk countries and are planning to switch from a short-term (under 90 days) visa to a long-term stay, a TB diagnosis certificate must be submitted along with the visa change application.

[Countries at High Risk for TB]: Nepal, East Timor, Russia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, India, Indonesia, China, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Philippines, Laos, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, Peru, Papua New Guinea.

This TB diagnosis certificate must be obtained from an institution designated by the Ministry of Justice or a public health center; certificates from non-designated hospitals are not acknowledged.

Key Groups Required to Submit a TB Diagnosis Certificate:

  • Foreigners with Training (D-3), Conversation Instructor (E-2), Artistic Performance (E-6), Seafarer Employment (E-10), and Employment Visit (H-2) visas.
  • Foreigners from high TB-risk countries applying to change from short-term to long-term visa status.

4. Designated Medical Institutions

The Ministry of Justice has authorized healthcare institutions throughout South Korea for these health examinations. Especially in major locations like Seoul, there are numerous designated hospitals, providing excellent accessibility. However, it’s critical to confirm your selected hospital is officially designated; if not, your results may not be valid.

Find a Ministry of Justice Designated Medical Institution

5. Conclusion

Completing a health examination and submitting a TB diagnosis certificate is a vital part of foreign registration. The necessary examination items and documentation will vary based on your visa category. Failing to undergo the health check at a designated institution means your results will not be valid, so be sure to visit the approved hospital.

Necessary documents can be downloaded from the attached files, and I encourage you to prepare ahead to avoid any issues during the process.

Note: This information reflects the regulations at the time of writing and is subject to change by government policies. It is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal advice. For further consultation, feel free to visit the 1:1 Consultation Board.