The E-10 (선원취업) visa allows foreign nationals to serve as crew members on Korean-flagged commercial vessels. Korea has a significant maritime industry — including the world's largest shipbuilders and a major commercial shipping fleet. E-10 is the dedicated visa category for foreign seafarers on Korean vessels.
E-10 applies specifically to Korean-flagged vessels — ships registered under the Korean flag.
Eligible types: Commercial cargo vessels, passenger/ferry vessels, fishing vessels (large ocean-going), offshore support and special purpose vessels.
Not covered: Non-Korean-flagged vessels, shipyard construction/repair work (E-9 or E-7), port-based maritime work on shore.
STCW certification: All foreign seafarers must hold valid STCW certifications appropriate for their rank:
• Deck officer: STCW officer certifications including GMDSS, Radar
• Engineer officer: STCW engineering certificates
• Ratings (AB, OS, Oiler, Wiper): relevant STCW ratings certificates
Korea recognizes STCW certificates from major seafarer-supplying countries (Philippines, Indonesia, India, Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, Myanmar, etc.) accepted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
E-10 applications are typically handled by the shipping or ship management company, not by the individual seafarer.
Key documents: Passport + Seafarer's book/STCW certificates, employment contract from the Korean shipping company, vessel's Korean registration certificate, crewing agency registration in Korea.
Entry with vessel: Foreign crew arrive under the vessel's crew manifest filed with Korean Customs and Immigration.
ARC: Required if staying ashore continuously for more than 90 days.
If a crew member is left behind (medical, contract termination), they must report to immigration immediately — remaining ashore after vessel departure without valid status is an overstay.
STCW certificates must be original and valid — expired certificates will block the E-10 application.
Filipino seafarers: POEA-approved manning agencies handle most documentation for Filipino crew.
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Our specialists handle e-10 seafarers visa korea — foreign crew on korean-flagged vessels cases regularly and know exactly what Korean immigration officers look for.
Can a foreign seafarer on E-10 work at a Korean shipyard during a vessel layup?
No. E-10 authorizes work as crew on a Korean-flagged vessel only, not shore-based shipyard work. During a vessel layup, E-10 holders are expected to remain aboard or depart Korea.