Hiring and Inviting Foreign Welders in Shipbuilding
When shipyards or maritime equipment companies seek to hire skilled foreign welders, the most crucial step is inviting them through the E-7-3 (General Skilled Worker) visa. After a certain period of dedicated work, they may transition to the E-7-4 (Skilled Worker) visa, allowing for long-term residency.
What is the E-7-3 (General Skilled Worker) Visa?
The E-7-3 visa grants residency status for the purpose of inviting skilled foreign workers in specific technical fields such as shipbuilding, machinery, welding, and plumbing. It is predominantly utilized by shipyards and equipment manufacturers and requires approval from the Ministry of Justice’s Korea Immigration Service.
Requirements for Employing (Inviting) Foreign Workers
- Shipbuilding Industry Employment Rate: Must be over 50% (Certification from the Ministry of Industry required)
- Annual Revenue: Must exceed 1 billion KRW in the past year
- Permanent Employees: At least 10 full-time workers
- No Recent Violations: No history of undocumented foreign workers over the past two years
- Foreign Employment Ratio: Must not exceed 30%
Requirements for Foreign Workers
- Welding Skill Level: Must be proficient in welding within the shipbuilding sector
- Credentials: Holding relevant certification or possessing a minimum of 5 years of experience
- Training: Completion of industry-specific duty and safety training
Invitation and Visa Issuance Process
- The employing company applies for the E-7-3 visa issuance confirmation (Korea Immigration Service)
- Review and approval by the Ministry of Justice
- The foreign applicant submits their E-7-3 visa application at a Korean embassy or consulate
- Within 90 days of entry, the foreign worker registers and secures a residence permit
The initial stay is usually valid for up to two years and can be extended within the scope of the employment contract.
Transitioning Skilled Workers — E-7-4 (Skilled Worker)
Foreign welders who arrive on an E-7-3 visa can switch to E-7-4 (Skilled Worker) status after fulfilling the required conditions following a period of employment.
Transition Requirements (E-7-3 → E-7-4)
- Legal Stay: Must have resided and worked legally for over two years
- No History of Violations: No records of illegal residency or absence
- Korean Language Proficiency: At least level 2 on the Korean Language Proficiency Test (KLPT) or completion of level 2 in the Social Integration Program
- Income and Tax Records: Evidence of work income and tax contributions
- Recommendation: Must have a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy or the Ministry of Employment and Labor
Benefits Upon Transition
- Extended Stay: Valid for 3 years, with unlimited extensions possible
- Family Accompaniment: Spouses and children can obtain F-3 visas
- Relaxed Work Change Limitations: Greater flexibility in changing job locations
- Path to Long-term Residency: Potential to transition from F-2-7 to F-5 permanent residency
For skilled welders in shipbuilding, the transition requires navigating the recommendation process through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.
In Summary
Foreign workers in the shipbuilding sector can enter Korea on an E-7-3 (General Skilled Worker) visa and, by demonstrating their skilled experience and commitment, can transition to the E-7-4 (Skilled Worker) visa, leading to long-term residency and potential permanent residency. This article is based on the Ministry of Justice’s guidelines as of September 2025, and specific applicability may vary. For personalized consultations, visit our 1:1 Consultation Board.