How to Get a D-7 Intracompany Transfer Visa for Korea
The D-7 visa (주재 — intracompany transfer) allows employees of multinational companies to be seconded to the company's Korean branch, subsidiary, or joint-venture partner for a defined period. If your employer has a presence in Korea and wants to send you there as a transferee or representative, the D-7 is the standard route. This guide covers eligibility, the role of both the sending and receiving companies, and the step-by-step application.
Who qualifies for D-7?
D-7 is for managerial staff and specialists being transferred from an overseas entity to a related Korean entity. The 'related entity' can be: a branch (지점) of the overseas company in Korea, a Korean subsidiary in which the overseas company holds a stake (typically 20% or more), or a joint-venture partner. The transferee must have been employed by the overseas company for at least 1 year (12 months) immediately prior to the transfer. Newly hired employees sent directly to Korea do not qualify — the 1-year tenure with the sending company is mandatory.
D-7-1 vs D-7-2
D-7-1 is for transferees from an overseas parent/subsidiary to the Korean branch or subsidiary of the same corporate group. D-7-2 is for representatives of foreign companies that have a trading or business relationship with a Korean company but are not the same corporate group — for example, a regional representative office of a foreign company. The document requirements and the required corporate relationship differ between the two.
What the Korean entity must provide
The Korean receiving entity (branch, subsidiary, JV) must be formally registered in Korea and must issue an invitation letter and supporting corporate documents. Both the overseas company and the Korean entity must demonstrate the corporate relationship (ownership certificates, investment registration, etc.). The Korean entity is effectively the visa sponsor for D-7 purposes.
Stay duration and path forward
D-7 is initially issued for 1–2 years, renewable for the duration of the assignment. While on D-7, you accumulate residence time in Korea, which can contribute toward F-2 (long-term residency) qualification. D-7 holders who spend 5+ years in Korea in professional status, meet income thresholds, and hold TOPIK Level 4 or higher may be eligible to apply for F-2 or explore pathways toward F-5.
Step-by-step process
Confirm the corporate relationship and your tenure
Verify that your overseas employer and the Korean entity have the required ownership or business relationship, and that you have been employed by the overseas company for at least 12 months continuously.
Korean entity prepares sponsorship documents
The Korean receiving company must prepare: business registration certificate (사업자등록증), corporate registration extract (법인등기사항전부증명서), documents proving the corporate relationship with the overseas company (shareholder register, investment registration, etc.), and an invitation letter confirming your transfer, role, and expected stay.
Overseas company prepares sending documents
Your overseas employer must provide: employment certificate confirming 12+ months tenure, dispatch/transfer order (파견명령서) specifying your role in Korea, and recent pay stubs or salary certificate. All documents should be translated into Korean if not already in Korean.
Apply at the Korean consulate or immigration office
If applying from abroad: submit at the Korean embassy or consulate. If already in Korea on another status: apply for a status change at the local immigration office. Required personal documents: passport, application form, passport photo, criminal background check (where required), and your personal employment documents.
Arrive, register, and obtain ARC
Enter Korea on your D-7 visa. Register at the immigration office within 90 days and obtain your ARC. Your employer's Korean HR team should guide you through onboarding processes.
Tips from immigration specialists
- The 12-month tenure requirement is strictly enforced — internal company transfers or promotions within the 12-month window before the Korea assignment do not reset the clock.
- Salary must typically meet or exceed the average for the role in Korea — immigration may scrutinise very low salary D-7 applications.
- Keep your overseas employment records organised — Korean immigration may request them at extension time to verify your ongoing corporate relationship.
- If your Korean assignment extends significantly (3+ years), assess F-2 eligibility proactively — do not wait until you have left Korea to act on residency planning.
- D-7 holders can bring immediate family on F-3 companion visas — file for family visas at the same time if applicable.
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Find a SpecialistFrequently asked questions
Can I work for the Korean entity's clients or on external projects on a D-7?
D-7 authorises work activities for the specific Korean entity you are transferred to. Working on third-party projects or for clients of the Korean entity is generally considered within scope if it is part of your assigned role. Working for an entirely separate Korean company is not permitted on D-7.
What if my assignment is extended beyond the initial period?
Extend your D-7 at the immigration office before it expires, with updated corporate and personal documents confirming the continuation of the assignment.
I was hired directly from outside the company — can I still get D-7?
No. The D-7 requires 12 months of continuous employment with the overseas sending company prior to the transfer. If you were hired specifically to be sent to Korea, D-7 is not available. The E-7 visa may be the appropriate alternative.