Invitation Letters for C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visas: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re planning to invite international partners or key buyers to South Korea, navigating the visa application process can be daunting. A recent conversation with a client highlighted the confusion surrounding the C-3-4 short-term business visa invitation letters. Securing a business meeting is a significant accomplishment, but if your paperwork isn’t in order, you risk visa rejection, which can feel like a heavy blow to any business endeavor. Wasting time with incorrect information could even jeopardize crucial contracts. This article aims to demystify the C-3-4 short-term business visa and provide a clear example of how to write an invitation letter successfully.
Understanding C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa
The C-3-4 visa, formally known as the short-term business visa, allows foreign visitors to stay in South Korea for a limited time while engaging in commercial activities.
What activities can be undertaken?
- Market research
- Business consultations
- Contract negotiations
- Small-scale trade activities
Who can apply for this visa?
- Foreign individuals invited by South Korean companies or organizations
- Visitors with a clear commercial purpose for their visit, such as contract discussions or meeting attendance
Duration of Stay
- Visitors can stay for up to 90 days.
Important Note!
The C-3-4 visa is strictly for business activities. Engaging in paid employment or labor is strictly prohibited. Violating this rule can lead to severe consequences for both the invited foreigner and the inviting South Korean company.
Crafting the Invitation Letter
One of the most critical documents reviewed for the C-3-4 visa application is the invitation letter. This letter serves as a formal explanation of why you are inviting the foreign individual, and its details should be crystal clear. Be sure to include the following essential information in your letter:
Required Components of the Invitation Letter:
- Inviter’s Information (South Korea side)
- Company name
- Name of the representative
- Business registration number
- Address
- Contact number
- Invitee’s Information (Foreign side)
- Full name
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Company affiliation and position
- Purpose and Schedule of the Visit
- Avoid vague phrases like “business negotiations.” Instead, specify, for example, “discussing the export contract terms for OO products and conducting a factory site visit.”
- Present a detailed schedule from arrival to departure in a table format for added clarity.
- Return Guarantee Commitment
- Ensure that the invitee guarantees to return to their home country after their visit.
- It’s crucial to include a statement such as, “In the case of illegal stay, the inviter will assume full responsibility.”
- Company Seal
- The official company seal must be affixed to validate the authenticity of the document.
Sample Invitation Letter
I, [Your Name], the representative of [Your Company Name] located in [City, South Korea] (Business Registration No: 123-45-67890), hereby invite the foreign national as detailed below:
Invitee Details:
- Name: John Smith
- Nationality: India
- Passport No: X12345678
Purpose and Duration of Visit:
- Purpose: Final negotiations for the import contract of OO semiconductor equipment and attendance at a technical demonstration.
- Duration: From November 10, 2025, to November 15, 2025 (Total: 6 days).
Return Guarantee:
The invitee guarantees to return to their home country following the outlined schedule, and should there be any illegal stay in South Korea, our company will take full responsibility.
Date: October 1, 2025
[Company Seal]
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
Important Considerations
-
Supporting Documents for Entry Purpose:
Simply providing an invitation letter isn’t enough. Include supplementary materials such as draft contracts, proof of previous business interactions, and relevant email exchanges to build credibility. -
History of Illegal Stay:
If the invitee has a record of illegal stay or employment, securing a visa can be nearly impossible. It’s imperative to verify their status in advance. -
Credibility of the Inviting Company:
Documentation proving the normal operation of your business may be requested. Be prepared to present your business registration, tax certifications, and transaction records.
Above all, remember that persuading the visa officer about the necessity of the visit is paramount. All documentation should serve to support this goal.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways
Stop stressing over the C-3-4 short-term business visa! Keep your approach simple with these three core principles:
- Clearly define the business purpose
- Present a detailed invitation letter and supporting documents
- Ensure both the inviter and invitee meet all eligibility criteria
By adhering to these fundamentals, you can secure a successful visa application and invaluable business opportunity.
Expert Consultation Available
If you still find the process of drafting an invitation letter overwhelming or need assistance navigating the complex visa application, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert help. One poorly completed document shouldn’t jeopardize your business.
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This information is based on guidelines as of May and September 2025 and is intended for general reference. For personalized inquiries, please visit our 1:1 Consulting Bulletin.