Applying·5 min read
D-4-2K K-Trainee Visa Korea — Corporate Internship for Overseas Subsidiary Employees (2025)
The -2K (K-Trainee) visa was established in October 2025 as a new sub-category of the D-4 training visa framework. It is specifically for employees of Korean companies' overseas subsidiaries in 9 designated countries who come to Korea to intern at the Korean headquarters or branch. D-4-2K is different from (industrial trainee) in that it targets white-collar and management-track employees, not factory-floor technical trainees.
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
April 22, 2026
Source references
HiKorea — Korean visa & residency manual
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau
Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부)
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.
What is D-4-2K and who is it for?
-2K is the 'K-Trainee' (케이-트레이니) corporate internship visa for foreign employees of Korean company overseas subsidiaries.
Target population: Employees of Korean conglomerates' overseas operations who:
• Are currently employed at an overseas subsidiary, affiliate, or joint venture of a Korean company
• Have been selected by their employer for an internship at the Korean headquarters or Korean branch
• Are coming to Korea specifically to develop skills, build corporate culture alignment, or receive management training
9 designated eligible countries (as of October 2025):
- Vietnam
- China
- Thailand
- Japan
- India
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Philippines
Nationals of countries not on this list are not eligible for -2K. If the Korean company's subsidiary is in a country not on this list, the (industrial trainee) or C-3-4 (short-term training) route may be alternative options.
Key requirements and how it works
For the applicant:
• Must be an active employee of the qualifying overseas subsidiary (employment contract + salary proof required)
• The internship must be sponsored formally by the Korean headquarters — not a personal arrangement
• The internship must have a defined program and duration
Tips from 행정사s
The CVI application is submitted by the Korean headquarters — as the intern, you should work with your company's HR team in Korea (or Korea headquarters) to initiate the process.
Check whether your country is on the 9-country list. If your country was recently added or the list has been updated, confirm with the Korean embassy in your country.
-2K does not count toward work visa eligibility criteria. If you want to work in Korea after the internship, you will need to apply for or another qualifying work visa separately.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I convert from D-4-2K to a work visa after my internship?
-2K does not automatically convert to an employment visa. After the internship, if you want to work in Korea, you must qualify for and apply for an (or other work visa) based on your own credentials and a job offer from a Korean company. The internship experience may help strengthen an E-7 application but does not guarantee it.
My company has a subsidiary in Australia, which is not on the 9-country list. What are the alternatives?
If your country is not on the -2K eligible list, options include: (industrial trainee) for technical/manufacturing training under the corporate group framework, C-3-4 (short-term training up to 90 days), or (intracompany transfer) if you qualify as a manager/specialist being transferred to the Korean entity.
