E-10 Seafarers Visa Korea — Foreign Crew on Korean-Flagged Vessels
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.
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
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.
Eligible vessels and STCW requirements
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.
Application and compliance
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.
Vessel departure: 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.
Tips from 행정사s
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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Key Immigration Terms
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Visa Process
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
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HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
Visa Process
Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Frequently asked questions
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.