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The (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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026
