Visa Comparison — South Korea
E-7 vs F-2-7 Visa — Which One Is Right for You?
The E-7 and F-2-7 are both routes for skilled foreigners to live and work in Korea long-term — but they work very differently. The E-7 is an employer-sponsored work visa tied to a specific job. The F-2-7 is a points-based residency status you earn independently, giving you near-permanent freedom to live and work anywhere in Korea.
Specific Activities (Skilled Worker)
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Points-Based Long-Term Resident
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E-7 vs F-2-7 — side-by-side comparison
Visa category
E-7
Work visa (E-series)
F-2-7
Residency status (F-series)
Employer required?
E-7
Yes — tied to one sponsoring employer
F-2-7
No — work anywhere, change jobs freely
Eligibility basis
E-7
Job offer in an eligible occupation
F-2-7
K-Point score ≥ 80 (out of 120)
Initial stay granted
E-7
Up to 3 years (extendable)
F-2-7
Up to 3 years (extendable to 5)
Minimum score required
E-7
None — job offer is the key
F-2-7
80+ K-Point score mandatory
Work restrictions
E-7
Only in approved occupation & employer
F-2-7
Any occupation, any employer, freelance OK
Brings family?
E-7
F-3 dependent visa for spouse/children
F-2-7
F-3 dependent visa for spouse/children
Path to PR (F-5)
E-7
After 5 years on E-7 + requirements
F-2-7
Direct — F-2-7 holders qualify after 3 years
Korean language needed?
E-7
Not strictly required (varies by occupation)
F-2-7
TOPIK score adds up to 20 K-Points
Annual salary floor
E-7
Occupation-specific minimum (set by MOJ)
F-2-7
Salary contributes to K-Point score
Self-employment
E-7
Not allowed
F-2-7
Allowed
Difficulty to obtain
E-7
Moderate — needs employer + job match
F-2-7
High — competitive point threshold
Which should you choose?
E-7is right for you if…
You have a confirmed job offer from a Korean employer in an E-7-eligible occupation
You don't yet meet the 80-point K-Point threshold for F-2-7
You want a pathway to F-2-7 or F-5 later (E-7 holders can convert)
You're applying from outside Korea and need visa sponsorship
F-2-7is right for you if…
You already have substantial Korean work experience and a high K-Point score
You want job freedom — ability to change employers or work freelance
You're planning to stay in Korea long-term and want the fastest path to F-5 PR
You score 80+ K-Points based on age, education, Korean language, and salary
Typical path:
Many foreigners start on E-7, accumulate Korean work experience and TOPIK scores, then transition to F-2-7 when their K-Point score hits 80+. F-2-7 holders can then apply for F-5 permanent residency after 3 years.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from E-7 to F-2-7 while in Korea?
Yes — this is the most common route. After building Korean work experience (which adds to your K-Point score), you apply for a status change (체류자격변경) at your local immigration office. No need to leave Korea.
What is the K-Point score for F-2-7?
You need 80 points or more out of 120. Points come from age (max 25), education (max 35), Korean language / TOPIK (max 20), Korean work experience (max 15), annual salary, and bonus categories like graduating from a Korean university or working in a priority industry.
Does E-7 lead to permanent residency?
Yes — after 5 years on E-7 status (with a clean immigration record and meeting income/language requirements), you can apply directly for F-5 PR. Alternatively, you can convert to F-2-7 first and reach F-5 faster via that route.
Which visa is harder to get?
Neither is objectively harder — they require different things. E-7 requires an employer and an approved occupation. F-2-7 requires a high enough K-Point score, which many applicants fall short of without Korean work experience or advanced Korean language ability.
Related Guides
Other visa comparisons
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