Can diplomats (A-1) work for Korean companies?

No. A-1 status only covers official diplomatic duties. However, their family members may be eligible for work authorization through reciprocal agreements with certain countries. As of 2026, Korea has reciprocal employment agreements with approximately 29 countries, allowing diplomatic family members to work in Korea.

Do A-1 visa holders need an Alien Registration Card?

Diplomats are exempt from the standard ARC requirement and instead register through MOFA's diplomatic channel. They receive a diplomatic identification card.

Are diplomats subject to Korean immigration inspections?

Diplomats with full diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention are generally exempt from most immigration controls. However, the sending state is expected to notify Korea before a diplomat's arrival.

What happens when the diplomatic assignment ends?

The A-1 status is tied to the official posting. When the assignment ends, the diplomat and family must depart Korea or apply for a different visa status if they wish to remain.

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Diplomatic & Government Visa

Korea A-1 VisaDiplomatic Visa

For foreign diplomats, consular officers, and their accompanying family members posted to Korea.

Reviewed March 2026 — sourced from official Korean government portals

Stay Duration

Duration of posting (no fixed limit — tied to official assignment)

Processing

Expedited through Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) diplomatic channel

Overview

The A-1 visa is issued to diplomats, consular officials, and foreign government representatives assigned to South Korea under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. It covers heads of diplomatic missions, diplomats, and their immediate family members. A-1 holders are generally exempt from standard immigration controls and enjoy diplomatic privileges under international law.

Who is the A-1 visa for?

Foreign diplomats, ambassadors, chargés d'affaires, consular officers, and their spouses and dependent children officially accredited to South Korea by their home government.

Eligibility requirements

Officially accredited as a diplomat, consular officer, or head of mission to the Republic of Korea
Formal notification from the sending state to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) traveling with or joining the diplomat
Must hold a diplomatic passport issued by the sending state

Required documents

1.
Diplomatic passport
2.
Diplomatic note from sending state's foreign ministry to Korean MOFA
3.
Official appointment letter or accreditation documents
4.
Family members: copies of diplomatic passport + family relationship documents

How to apply — step by step

1
Sending state notifies Korean MOFA
The diplomat's home government sends an official diplomatic note to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs notifying them of the assignment.
2
Accreditation processed through MOFA
Korea's MOFA processes the accreditation and issues the visa through official diplomatic channels — not the standard consular process.
3
Arrive and receive ARC (or diplomatic ID)
Diplomats register with MOFA upon arrival. Diplomatic ID cards (외교관증) may be issued instead of standard Alien Registration Cards.

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