Uzbekistan
Korea Visa Guide
Uzbekistan is home to a large 고려인 (Koryo-saram) — ethnic Korean diaspora — community descended from Koreans deported to Central Asia under Stalin. This makes Uzbekistan unique: Uzbek citizens of Korean descent can access the F-4 Overseas Korean visa and H-2 Working Visit programme in addition to standard EPS E-9 and skilled E-7 visas. Over 70,000 Uzbek nationals live in Korea.
Visa required — C-3 needed for short-term visits
Uzbek passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry to Korea. A C-3 tourist visa is required. Ethnic Korean-Uzbeks with Korean ancestry proof may apply for C-3-8 (short-term overseas Korean visit) for simplified processing.
Visa-free entry?
No — C-3 visa required for tourism
K-ETA eligible?
No
F-4 eligible?
Yes, if Korean descent (고려인)
H-2 eligible?
Yes, for ethnic Korean-Uzbeks
EPS partner country?
Yes
Uzbeks in Korea
70,000+ residents (largest CIS group)
Korean Embassy in Uzbekistan
Tashkent
Overseas Korean (고려인 / F-4)
PopularUzbek citizens of Korean descent (고려인, Koryo-saram) can apply for F-4 with proof of Korean ancestry (household registration documents, birth certificate tracing Korean lineage). F-4 grants near-unrestricted work rights. University graduates, KIIP Stage 4+ completers, and those aged 60+ qualify even without heritage.
Working Visit (방문취업)
PopularEthnic Korean-Uzbeks (고려인) from Uzbekistan are eligible for the H-2 Working Visit visa, allowing work in approved industries for 3–5 years. Entry via points-based selection, family connection, or special allocation.
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
PopularUzbekistan is an EPS partner country. Apply through the Foreign Labour Agency of Uzbekistan in cooperation with HRD Korea. Must pass EPS-TOPIK. Eligible sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture.
Skilled Worker
Uzbek IT professionals, engineers, construction specialists, and healthcare workers can apply for E-7 with employer sponsorship.
Short-Term Visit
Uzbek citizens require a C-3 visa for tourism. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Tashkent.
What is the 고려인 (Koryo-saram) and how does it affect my Korean visa?
고려인 (Koryo-saram) are ethnic Koreans who were deported to Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.) under Stalin in 1937 and their descendants. Korean law recognizes them as overseas Koreans (재외동포), making them eligible for the F-4 visa and H-2 Working Visit programme — both of which provide significantly better work rights than standard E-9. Proof of Korean ancestry requires documents tracing your lineage to the original Korean deportees (household registration documents, birth certificates showing Korean surnames).
How do Uzbek EPS workers apply?
Through the Foreign Labour Agency of Uzbekistan (Ўзбекистон Хорижий Меҳнат Агентлиги) in coordination with HRD Korea. Steps: (1) Pass EPS-TOPIK Korean test in Tashkent; (2) Register on the Uzbekistan EPS roster; (3) Employer matching; (4) Receive employment contract; (5) E-9 visa at Korean Embassy in Tashkent.
Can Uzbek nationals get Korean citizenship?
Korean naturalisation is possible after holding F-5 permanent residency for a qualifying period. The F-4 → F-5 pathway is the most common for 고려인: F-4 → 5 years continuous stay → F-5. Korea generally does not permit dual citizenship for adults (with limited exceptions), so most applicants renounce Uzbek citizenship upon naturalisation.
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