Requirements for Inviting Foreign Pastors to South Korea
To invite a foreign pastor to South Korea, a Religious (D-6) visa is required. This visa has specific requirements that both the inviting entity in Korea and the foreign pastor need to fulfill. In this post, we’ll provide detailed guidelines on the requirements for inviting foreign pastors and the criteria for the inviting institutions.
1. Requirements for Inviting Foreign Pastors (D-6 Visa Applicants)
1) Who Can Apply for the D-6 Visa
The D-6 visa is designated for foreign religious leaders assigned to Korea for religious activities. The applicants must meet the following criteria:
- They must be dispatched by a foreign religious organization or denomination.
- They need to be officially invited by a registered religious entity in Korea.
- They are allowed if engaged in religious social welfare activities (including those related to healthcare, education, and humanitarian relief).
- They are required to perform religious activities, such as monastic life, research, or spiritual training.
2) Situations Where D-6 Visa Applications Are Not Allowed
There are certain scenarios that may restrict the issuance of a D-6 visa:
- If the applicant seeks to work for an entity not affiliated with their religious organization and receive compensation.
- If the role is merely administrative support without religious activities (e.g., providing administrative assistance without engaging in religious duties).
- If the individual plans to establish an independent church in Korea.
- If there are intentions to engage in religious activities that may violate public morality or disrupt national order.
2. Requirements for Korean Churches (Conditions for Inviting Institutions)
For a Korean church to invite a foreign pastor, it must be registered as an official religious entity and meet specific criteria.
1) Criteria for the Inviting Institution (Korean Church)
- It must be a registered religious corporation or a recognized branch of a denomination.
- The inviting institution must have financial stability and capability to support the foreign pastor’s living expenses.
- Invitations must be extended by representatives of a denomination (e.g., the Presbyterian Church of Korea, Methodist Church, etc.) rather than individual churches.
2) Required Documents from the Inviting Institution
- Application for Visa Issuance
- A copy of the foreign pastor’s passport and photo
- A letter stating the reason for the invitation (prepared by the inviting institution)
- The dispatch order from the foreign religious organization
- A copy of the religious organization’s establishment permit or social welfare organization’s establishment permit
- A copy of the unique identification number certificate (proof of the institution’s registration)
- Documents proving financial support for the pastor’s living expenses (financial statements)
Click here to view the Religious (D-6 visa) Manual
3. Duration of Stay and Visa Renewal
- Generally, the initial stay is granted for two years and may be extended if necessary.
- When applying for an extension, the pastor must continue religious activities with the same inviting institution, and a separate permit is required if changing operational locations.
- For short-term missionary work (less than 90 days), a C-3 short-term visit visa should be applied for.
4. Important Points to Note When Applying for the Visa
The inviter must be a representative of a legally recognized religious entity. The application can only be submitted if the foreign religious organization has officially dispatched the pastor. Additionally, the inviting Korean church must maintain a stable financial status. Simple religious support roles are not permitted; the individual must perform as a religious leader.
In summary, inviting a foreign pastor to South Korea requires the Religious (D-6) visa, and both the inviting institution and the pastor must meet strict criteria. The inviting institution needs to be an officially registered religious entity, and the foreign pastor must fulfill their duties as an official religious leader. By complying with these conditions and submitting the necessary documentation, the process for inviting a foreign pastor can proceed more smoothly.
This information is current as of February 2025, and South Korean visa policies may change. For additional consultation, feel free to reach out via our 1:1 Consultation Board to get further assistance.