Korea A-2 VisaGovernment Official Visa
For foreign government officials and international organization staff on official missions to Korea.
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.
Stay Duration
Duration of official assignment (no fixed limit)
Processing
Processed through Ministry of Foreign Affairs or designated government channel
Visa Fee
Exempt (official government status)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
Readiness check
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Next focus
Eligibility fit
I meet the core A-2 requirements and understand any sponsor, degree, income, family, or experience conditions that apply.
Overview
The A-2 visa is issued to foreign government officials (non-diplomatic rank) and staff of international organizations approved by the Korean government who are stationed in or visiting Korea on official business. This includes officials sent under bilateral government agreements, staff of UN agencies, OECD, and other recognized international bodies. Unlike A-1, A-2 holders do not have full diplomatic immunity.
Who is the A-2 visa for?
Foreign government staff below diplomatic rank sent to Korea on official assignment, and employees of international organizations (UN, OECD, WHO, World Bank, etc.) stationed in Korea. Also includes staff of foreign trade and government promotion offices with official recognition from Korea.
Eligibility requirements
Appointment to an official government position by a foreign government and formally recognized by the Korean government
OR employment by an international organization officially recognized by the Republic of Korea
Official documentation from the sending government or international organization
Clean record — no previous immigration violations
Dependent family (shared scope with A-1, itemized in a May 2026 manual update): legal spouse (1 recognized even where multiple legal spouses are permitted at home); minor unmarried cohabiting children; unmarried cohabiting children 20 or under enrolled as regular K-12 students; unmarried cohabiting children 26 or under in regular university-level education or research; parents (of the official or spouse) aged 60+ entering on condition of not working; and adult unmarried cohabiting children with a disability who cannot independently support themselves
Required documents
- 1.
Official passport or service passport
- 2.
Official assignment letter from sending government or international organization
- 3.
Diplomatic note or formal communication to Korean MOFA or relevant ministry
- 4.
Employment contract with international organization (if applicable)
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Official notification to Korean government
The sending government or international organization formally notifies the relevant Korean authority (MOFA or sector ministry) of the official's assignment.
- 2
Visa processed through official channel
The visa is issued through the diplomatic or official channel, not through a standard consular application.
- 3
Arrive and register
A-2 holders register with the immigration office. They receive an Alien Registration Card and may receive limited official protections (not full diplomatic immunity).
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From Our Experts
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.
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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.
A-2 visa — frequently asked questions
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