Summary of Restricted Employment Areas for F4 Visa (Overseas Korean F-4 Residence Permit) as of May 1, 2023.

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Employment Restrictions for F-4 Visa Holders

For overseas Koreans holding an F-4 visa, the opportunity to work in South Korea is available, but there are certain restrictions to keep in mind. Specifically, positions involving simple labor tasks or those deemed to conflict with public interests are off-limits. Thus, F-4 visa holders should carefully consider these limitations when seeking employment and look for roles that align with their qualifications and experiences.

Understanding Employment Limitations

These employment restrictions are implemented to safeguard the job market and maintain social order, and they are officially published by the Ministry of Justice. On May 1, 2023, the Ministry released a notice detailing these limitations, which reflects current regulations aimed at both protecting public welfare and ensuring a fair employment landscape.

Here’s the official notice from the Ministry of Justice:

Notice No. 2023-187
In accordance with Article 18, Section 1, of the Immigration Control Act and related enforcement regulations, we hereby specify the concrete ranges of employment restrictions for overseas Koreans (F-4 visa holders) as follows:

Scope of Employment Restrictions for F-4 Visa Holders (Effective May 1, 2023)

  1. General Criteria
  • Engaging in simple labor tasks (as detailed in Appendix 1).
  • Engaging in activities that go against public morals or social order.
  • Taking up employment in businesses associated with gambling or similar activities, as outlined in the Special Act on the Regulation and Punishment of Gambling Activities.
  • Working in establishments such as bars or nightclubs that are restricted under the Food Sanitation Act.
  • Taking up employment in businesses that contradict good public morals as outlined under various laws regulating the matter.
  • Any other jobs that the Ministry of Justice deems necessary to restrict for public interest or to maintain the domestic employment order (as referenced in Appendix 2).

  1. Exceptions
    As outlined in Article 23, Section 3, Subsection 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, F-4 visa holders residing in specific areas designated by the Minister of Justice under the Special Act on Balanced National Development can work in restricted fields within their designated regions, pending certain conditions.

  2. Review Period
    The Minister of Justice is required to review the validity of this notice every three years, starting from January 1, 2023, to initiate any necessary improvements or adjustments based on findings.

  3. Cancellation of Previous Regulations
    The previous notice detailing employment restrictions for overseas Koreans (Notice No. 2018-70, dated March 26, 2018) is hereby revoked and replaced with this notice.

Implementation Date: Effective from May 1, 2023.

For a detailed view of specific job categories with restrictions for F-4 visa holders, you can check the following files:

In conclusion, while the F-4 visa provides valuable opportunities for employment in South Korea, it’s crucial for holders to navigate the landscape mindful of these restrictions. Those looking to build a career should focus on areas that align with their skills and are free from limitations.