Pakistan
Korea Visa Guide
Pakistan is an official EPS (Employment Permit System) partner country, and Pakistani workers make up a significant part of Korea's manufacturing workforce. Unlike many other nationalities, Pakistani citizens do not have a visa-free agreement with Korea — a C-3 short-stay visa is required even for tourism. EPS workers, students, and those marrying Korean nationals have clear pathways, but the process requires thorough documentation. This guide covers every visa option available to Pakistani nationals.
Visa required — no visa-free entry for Pakistani citizens
Pakistani passport holders do not have a visa-free arrangement with South Korea. A C-3 short-term visa is required for all short visits (tourism, business, medical). Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi. Processing time is typically 3–7 business days. For stays longer than 90 days or for work/study purposes, the appropriate long-term visa must be obtained.
Visa-free stay
None — C-3 visa required
K-ETA required?
No — full visa required instead
EPS partner country?
Yes
E-2 treaty country?
No
Working Holiday eligible?
No
Korean Embassy
Islamabad + Consulate in Karachi
EPS Worker
PopularPakistan is an EPS partner. Apply through HRD Korea and the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC Pakistan). Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test. Sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries.
Student
PopularStudy at a Korean university with D-2 status. Korean government scholarships (GKS/NIIED) are open to Pakistani students. Language programs (D-4) are popular as an entry route.
Marriage Migrant
If married to a Korean national, F-6 grants unrestricted work rights and a path to F-5 permanent residency. Applications require meeting income, housing, and language requirements.
Skilled Worker
IT professionals, engineers, and specialists with a Korean job offer can apply for E-7. Requires degree + work experience and employer sponsorship. Not restricted by nationality.
Skilled Worker (Point System)
E-9 workers in Korea can transition to E-7-4 via the K-Point scoring system (need 200+ out of 300). Allows broader work rights and is a step toward long-term residency.
Short-Term Visit
Pakistani citizens must obtain a C-3 tourist/business visa before travelling to Korea. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad or Consulate in Karachi. Required documents include bank statements, hotel bookings, and a round-trip ticket.
How do I apply for a C-3 tourist visa to Korea from Pakistan?
Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi. Required documents typically include: valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, passport-size photo, bank statements (last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds), proof of accommodation in Korea, confirmed return/onward ticket, and employment/enrollment certificate. There is no visa-free arrangement, so all Pakistani visitors must apply in advance. Processing takes 3–7 business days. Fees apply.
How does the EPS process work for Pakistani nationals?
Pakistan's EPS partner agency is the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC). Steps: ① Register with OEC and prepare documents ② Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test ③ Complete skills test if applicable ④ Be matched with a Korean employer through HRD Korea ⑤ Receive Standard Labour Contract ⑥ Apply for E-9 visa at Korean Embassy Islamabad. The full process can take 1–2 years. Only workers in EPS-eligible sectors (manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries) qualify.
Can Pakistani nationals study in Korea and work part-time?
Yes. D-2 students at accredited Korean universities can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during official vacation periods, provided they obtain a part-time work permit from immigration. Language school students (D-4) have more restrictive work rules — generally limited to 10 hours per week. GKS (Government of Korea Scholarship) recipients receive living stipends and tuition coverage.
What documents need apostille for a Korean visa application from Pakistan?
Pakistan is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Pakistani documents must go through full consular legalisation: ① Notarize the document locally ② Get attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan ③ Get attestation from the Korean Embassy in Islamabad. This process applies to birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates, and criminal record checks. Allow 2–4 weeks for the full legalisation chain.
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