Pakistan
Korea Visa Guide
Korean Visa Guide for Pakistani Citizens
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.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Nationality-specific issuance-manual sections covering Pakistan-linked consular handling and visa-required entry review.
Visa-type issuance sections supporting the main Pakistan-facing pathways, especially E-9, D-2, E-7, and F-6 routes.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
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.
Key Facts for Pakistan Citizens
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
Important manual-based filing notes
These points are drawn from Korea immigration manuals and recurring filing rules that often affect higher-risk nationality pages.
Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부): Nationality-specific issuance tables on visa-required entry handling, consular routing, and country-level document rules.
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau: Stay-manual sections supporting document-validity, passport-validity, and pending-travel cautions.
- Pakistani passport holders should plan for full pre-travel visa review, with close attention to purpose, sponsor records, and supporting finances.
- Short-term and long-term applications are easier to defend when bank records, employment records, and civil documents show consistency over time rather than last-minute preparation.
- For study, work, or family filings, recently issued supporting documents are safer than older archive copies unless a specific document naturally has a long shelf life.
- If you later file a Korean extension or status change, do not assume international travel is harmless while the case is pending.
Best next steps
Based on common visa paths for citizens of Pakistan, here are the most useful next steps.
E-9 Visa — Document Checklist
Complete printable document checklist for the South Korea E-9 visa. Check off items as you prepare your application.
Korean Visa Fee Guide 2026
Official fees charged by the Korea Immigration Service for visa issuance, extension, and status change. All amounts are in Korean Won (KRW).
Korea Visa Processing Times 2025 — How Long Does Each Visa Type Take?
Real-world Korean visa processing times by visa type — D-4, E-7, F-5, E-9 and more. Compare official estimates vs. practical wait times, understand document bottlenecks, and learn how to avoid delays.
Korean Visa Options for Pakistan Citizens
EPS Worker
PopularCountry guidePakistan 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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