Applying·5 min read
E-3 Research Visa Korea — Researchers at KAIST, KIST, ETRI & National Labs
The visa is Korea's research visa — issued to foreign nationals employed as researchers, scientists, or engineers at Korean research institutions. Korea has invested heavily in research infrastructure, and E-3 is the primary visa category for foreign talent at institutions like KAIST, KIST, POSTECH, ETRI, Samsung R&D centers, and major university research labs.
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.
Eligible institutions and qualifying roles
Government-funded national research institutions:
• KAIST, KIST, ETRI, KERI, KRISS, KIGAM, KIER, and other GFRIs
University research labs:
Post-doctoral researchers, senior research fellows, and project-based researchers employed (not enrolled) at university research centers.
Private R&D centers:
R&D departments of major Korean corporations (Samsung Research, LG Electronics CTO division, Hyundai Motor Research, etc.)
Qualifying roles: Post-doctoral researcher (박사후연구원), Senior researcher (선임/책임연구원), Research engineer in advanced technology, Principal investigator on government-funded projects.
Not qualifying: Lab technicians or research assistants doing primarily technical support work.
Eligibility requirements and documents
Degree: PhD or doctoral degree is standard. Master's may qualify for designated advanced technology sectors with significant research experience.
Salary: Must exceed the MOJ-designated minimum for (updated periodically — confirm with the institution).
Key documents:
• Employment/research contract
• Institution's establishment certificate
• PhD certificate — apostilled
• PhD transcript + CV with publications
• Criminal background check (apostilled)
Tips from 행정사s
Government research institutes (KAIST, ETRI, KIST, etc.) have established international researcher recruitment offices — work closely with their HR team.
Post-doctoral positions at universities sometimes pay below the salary minimum. Verify the salary threshold before accepting the offer.
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Frequently asked questions
I'm a post-doc at a Korean university lab — do I need E-3 or D-1?
If you are employed and paid a salary/stipend by the university lab, you need . If you are on an unpaid visiting researcher fellowship funded entirely by your home country's grant, may apply. The distinction is whether there is an employment relationship with the Korean institution.
Can a private company like Samsung or LG sponsor E-3?
Yes. Private companies with registered R&D centers qualify. Samsung Research, Hyundai Motor R&D Division, and similar departments routinely sponsor for foreign researchers.
