Enhancing Industrial Competitiveness: The Introduction of the Top-Tier Visa

The Ministry of Justice is implementing a range of policies to secure top talent in high-tech industries like semiconductors and biotechnology, responding to the onset of fierce competition for skilled professionals. As part of these efforts, a new Top-Tier Visa has been introduced.

Overview of the Top-Tier Visa System

Definition of Terms

• High-Tech Fields: These are sectors where state-of-the-art technology development or innovative research occurs, as acknowledged by the Minister of Justice to bolster national competitiveness.

• Exceptional Talent: This refers to senior engineers or mid-level researchers leading project planning, research, and R&D in high-tech companies.

Criteria and Eligibility for the Top-Tier Visa

Eligibility Standards for Exceptional Talent

1. Income: Individuals must earn an annual income that is at least three times the previous year’s per capita national income.

2. Education: A master’s degree or higher from a university that ranks within the top 100 of any globally recognized university ranking published within the last five years.

   References for Global University Rankings:

• QS World University Rankings
• QS World University Rankings by Subject: Engineering and Technology
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings
• US News & World Report Global University Rankings

1. Work Experience: Candidates must meet one of the following work experience criteria:

• Corporate Experience: At least three years of employment at a global company, with a total of at least eight years of relevant work experience.
• Research Institution Experience: At least three years at a leading research institution and at least five years of relevant research experience post-Ph.D.

1. Korean Language Proficiency: Completion of the first stage of the Social Integration Program or a TOPIK Level 1 certificate.

2. Recommendation from Relevant Authorities: Candidates must be verified and recommended by heads of relevant central administrative agencies.

Top-Tier Residency Qualifications

To qualify for the Top-Tier residency status (F-2), candidates must meet all eligibility standards for exceptional talent:

• If candidates meet all criteria except for the income requirement (which must be at least double the per capita GNI), they can be awarded a specific activity visa (E-7) upon recommendation from relevant authorities.

• After maintaining the F-2 status for three years, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (F-5) if they continue to meet income requirements and complete the third stage of the Social Integration Program.

• If education criteria are met but employment is not confirmed, applicants can receive a job-seeking visa (D-10).

Swift Electronic Visa Issuance Without Embassy Visits

Electronic Visa Issuance Through Designated Agencies

• Purpose: A dedicated agency has been established to handle quick visa processing issues.

• Designated Agency: The ‘Outstanding Talent and Investment Support Center’ at the Seoul Immigration Office is responsible for electronic visa issuance and other related tasks.

Electronic Visa Application Process

• The review will be conducted remotely, considering qualifications, recommendations, and submitted documents.

• The visa application can be submitted by the individual or on behalf of the prospective employee by the employer.

• All required documents must be uploaded electronically, with checks for completeness to avoid any omissions or unnecessary submissions.

Overseas Criminal Record Examination Standards

• Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate issued by their government, verified through apostille or consular confirmation in Korea.

Application Procedures Based on Qualification

Visa Issuance and Status Management

1. Job-Seeking Visa (D-10-T)

• For graduates from universities ranked within the top 100 globally looking to pursue employment in Korea (no recommendation needed).
• Application procedures include submitting common documents and a job-seeking activity plan.

1. Specific Activity Visa (E-7-T)

• Applicants must have an employment contract with a domestic company and earn over twice the per capita GNI.
• Required documents will include an employment contract and a recommendation from central authorities.

1. Residency Visa (F-2-T)

• Applicants must hold an employment contract with domestic companies and meet all other conditions set by the Minister of Justice.
• Submission of relevant documents, including proof of income and Korean language proficiency, is required.

Family Accompanying Provisions and Application Process

Exceptional Talent Family Members

• Spouses and minor children are eligible for accompanying familial visas, with specific residency qualifications applicable based on the main applicant’s status.

• Required documents include passports, family relationship certificates, and possibly criminal records for spouses.

Parent and Helper Provisions

• Parents, including in-laws, are eligible based on certain conditions, with proof of the main applicant’s income to be provided.

Application Procedures for Immigration Privilege Cards

Issuance of Immigration Privilege Cards

• For those recommended as exceptional talents who have completed their foreign registration.

• Cards facilitate faster immigration procedures at airports and may be used by up to three accompanying persons.

• The cards are valid for three years, with potential for renewal upon expiry.

Effective Date

• The implementation date for the new Top-Tier Visa is set for April 2, 2025.

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