Germany
Korea Visa Guide
German citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free entry to South Korea and K-ETA suspension through 2026. Germany has a strong bilateral relationship with Korea, with thousands of German engineers, researchers, and business professionals working in Korean conglomerates (Samsung, Hyundai, LG) and an active startup community. This guide covers all visa options for Germans.
No K-ETA required (suspended until 31 Dec 2026)
German passport holders can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days without applying for K-ETA. The suspension runs through 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA may be required again unless the exemption is extended.
Visa-free stay
90 days (tourism/business)
K-ETA required?
No — suspended until 31 Dec 2026
E-2 treaty country?
No
Working Holiday eligible?
Yes (age 18–30)
Germans in Korea
~3,000 registered residents
Korean Embassy in Germany
Berlin + Consulate in Frankfurt
Skilled Worker
PopularGerman engineers, scientists, finance professionals, and IT specialists are actively recruited by Korean multinationals. E-7 requires employer sponsorship and Korean companies increasingly seek German expertise in automotive, chemicals, and precision manufacturing.
Researcher
PopularGerman researchers at Korean universities, government research institutes (KAIST, POSTECH, KIST), and R&D departments of Korean corporations. One of the most common visas for German academics.
Working Holiday
PopularGerman citizens aged 18–30 can apply for Korea's Working Holiday visa. Germany has a generous quota. Gain Korean work experience for up to 1 year.
Digital Nomad
German remote workers earning $84,000+/year can live in Korea for up to 2 years while working for German employers. Strong interest from Berlin's tech/startup community.
Student
Study in Korea on exchange or full degree programs. Korean universities have strong exchange links with German universities through DAAD partnerships.
Corporate Investment / Startup
German investors and entrepreneurs can obtain D-8-1 (₩100M+ investment) or D-8-4 (startup points). Many German-Korean joint ventures exist in automotive and chemical sectors.
Do German citizens need a visa to visit Korea?
No. German passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is suspended through 31 December 2026. No pre-travel application is needed — arrive with your German passport and proof of onward travel.
What visas do German engineers have for working in Korea?
E-7 (Specific Activities / Skilled Worker) is the primary option. German engineering credentials are well-recognised in Korea, especially in automotive, mechanical, chemical, and electronics sectors. Korean employers sponsor the E-7 application. E-3 (Researcher) is available for those working at Korean research institutes or university labs.
How do I apostille German documents for a Korean visa application?
Germany is a Hague Convention member. German documents (degree certificates, criminal record extract from the Bundeszentralregister, marriage certificates) can be apostilled by the relevant German authority — state documents by the Regierungspräsidium or equivalent, federal documents by the competent federal authority. The apostille is sufficient for Korean immigration; no additional Korean embassy notarisation is needed.
Can Germans teach English in Korea?
Germany is not one of the 7 E-2 treaty countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa). German nationals cannot apply for an E-2 visa. However, Germans who are native-level English speakers and have a degree may be able to work in some education roles under E-7 (language instructor category) — this is more complex and requires employer documentation. E-1 (Professor) is available for those teaching at Korean universities.
Is there a direct flight from Germany to Korea?
Yes. Lufthansa operates direct Frankfurt–Seoul Incheon flights. Korean Air and Asiana also connect Frankfurt and Munich to Incheon. The flight time is approximately 11 hours.
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