Korean Visa Guide for Japanese Citizens

Do Japanese citizens need a visa to visit Korea?

No. Japanese passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is currently suspended through 31 December 2026, so no pre-travel application is needed. Simply arrive at the port of entry with your passport.

Can Japanese nationals work in Korea?

Yes, with the appropriate work visa. E-7 (Skilled Worker) is the most common path — it requires an employer in Korea to sponsor you. Other options include E-2 (note: Japan is not an E-2 treaty country, so E-2 is not available for Japanese nationals), E-3 (researcher), E-4 (technology transfer), and D-8 (investment/startup). H-1 (Working Holiday) lets you work for 1 year.

What is the Working Holiday visa for Japanese citizens?

H-1 Working Holiday allows Japanese citizens aged 18–30 to live and work in Korea for 1 year (sometimes extendable). You can work in most industries — restaurants, retail, hospitality, and many office environments hire Japanese speakers. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Tokyo or one of the consulates in Japan.

How do I get Korean permanent residency as a Japanese national?

The most common path: secure an E-7 work visa → accumulate K-Points (F-2-7 threshold: 80+) → apply for F-2-7 long-term residency → hold F-2 for 5 years → apply for F-5 permanent residency. Strong Japanese language credentials, Korean TOPIK scores, and a high salary all boost K-Points. Total minimum timeline: 3–5 years.

What documents do Japanese citizens need for a long-term Korean visa?

For long-term visas (D-2, E-7, etc.), Japanese applicants typically need: passport (valid 6+ months), visa application form, passport photo, purpose-specific documents (admission letter for D-2, employment contract for E-7), financial proof, and a criminal background check. Japanese documents do not need apostille — Japan is a Hague Convention member, so apostilled documents are accepted, but Japanese immigration officers can also verify through bilateral channels.