Korea C-4 VisaShort-Term Employment Visa
Short-term paid work: performances, sports, and technical services
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days
Processing
3–7 business days; may require additional review for certain activity types
Visa Fee
Varies by nationality; typically USD 40–80
Overview
For foreigners entering Korea for short-term paid activities such as performing arts, sporting events, technical services, or other employment not covered by a long-term work visa. Valid for up to 90 days.
Who is the C-4 visa for?
Foreign nationals invited to Korea by a Korean sponsor for a discrete, short-term paid engagement — performers, athletes, technical specialists, models, or similar roles not requiring a long-term work visa.
Eligibility requirements
- Foreign national invited to Korea for a specific short-term employment activity
- Activities include: performing arts (concerts, shows), sporting competitions, technical installation/maintenance, model work, or other temporary paid work
- Must have a sponsoring Korean company or organisation that files an invitation
- Employment must not be ongoing — C-4 is for discrete, short-term engagements only
Required documents
- 1.Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- 2.Completed visa application form
- 3.Passport-sized photo
- 4.Invitation letter from Korean sponsor (company, agency, or event organiser)
- 5.Contract or agreement detailing the activity, dates, and remuneration
- 6.Business registration certificate of the Korean sponsor
- 7.Proof of qualifications or experience (portfolio, credentials, etc.)
- 8.Financial proof
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Secure a Korean sponsor
A Korean company, agency, or event organiser must agree to sponsor your visit and provide an official invitation letter and contract.
- 2
Gather documents
Collect your passport, application form, photo, invitation letter, contract, sponsor's business registration, and proof of your qualifications.
- 3
Apply at Korean consulate
Submit your application at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
- 4
Arrive and complete your engagement
Enter Korea on your C-4 visa and carry out the specific activity described in your contract. You must leave by the end of your 90-day authorised stay.
Need help with your C-4 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles C-4 applications.
C-4 visa — frequently asked questions
What types of work qualify for a C-4 visa?
C-4 covers short-term paid activities including: performing arts (musicians, dancers, actors for specific events), sports (athletes and support staff for competitions), technical services (equipment installation, maintenance, or training by foreign specialists), model work, and similar discrete engagements. Ongoing or open-ended employment requires a long-term work visa such as E-7.
Can entertainers or YouTubers use a C-4 visa?
Entertainers performing at specific ticketed or sponsored events may qualify for C-4. However, content creators, influencers, or those earning from online platforms generally do not qualify — their activities are typically considered either commercial work or ongoing employment requiring a different visa. Consult an immigration specialist to clarify your situation.
Can I extend a C-4 visa inside Korea?
Extensions are not generally available for C-4. If your project requires more than 90 days, you must either apply for an appropriate long-term work visa before entry, or your sponsor must arrange a change of status through immigration. This is a complex process — seek specialist advice early.
What is the difference between C-4 and E-6?
E-6 (Arts and Entertainment) is a long-term visa for entertainers, athletes, and related professionals working in Korea on an ongoing basis (up to 2 years, renewable). C-4 is for short, one-off engagements of up to 90 days with no renewal. If you plan to work in Korea for more than a single event or short project, E-6 or another long-term visa is more appropriate.
What happened to C-4 seasonal agricultural and fishery worker visas (C-4-1, C-4-2, C-4-3, C-4-4)?
The C-4 seasonal worker subtypes (C-4-1 through C-4-4) that previously covered short-term agricultural, fishery, livestock, and food-processing work were discontinued as of October 2025. All seasonal agricultural and fishery employment in Korea now requires the E-8 (Seasonal Employment) visa. If you are looking to work on a farm, greenhouse, or fishing vessel in Korea, apply for E-8 — not C-4.
What visa can the C-4 lead to?
Related visa types
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