Teach English or another foreign language at a Korean school or hagwon.
Stay Duration
Up to 2 years per issuance (contract period + 1 month, max 2 years); renewable
Processing
2–4 weeks
Visa Fee
$74.63 (status change) / $44.78 (extension)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The E-2 visa is issued to native speakers of a foreign language hired to teach at licensed educational institutions in South Korea — including public schools, private language academies (hagwon), and universities. It is one of the most common work visas for foreigners in Korea.
Citizens of English-speaking countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa) who hold a bachelor's degree and have a job offer from a Korean educational institution. Teachers of other foreign languages (French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish) may also qualify.
Native speaker of the target language from a country where it is the national language
Bachelor's degree or higher from the home country (any field); OR bachelor's degree from a Korean university
Special exception: for languages other than English/Chinese/Japanese, nationals of countries where the language is official may qualify with a teaching certificate or language-related bachelor's + salary at or above GNI per capita
Valid job offer from a licensed Korean educational institution (hagwon, public/private school, corporate training center, etc.)
Apostilled criminal background check covering entire home country (issued within 3 months of application)
Health declaration form (자기건강확인서)
Salary must meet at minimum the current year's minimum wage
Valid passport + completed visa application form + passport photo
Apostilled degree certificate (original or verified copy); Korean university graduates exempt from apostille
Apostilled criminal background check from home country (full national record, issued within 3 months)
Third-country criminal background check (if degree obtained outside home country)
Health declaration form (자기건강확인서)
Employment contract (minimum wage or above)
Institution's business registration documents
Secure a job offer
Apply to Korean public school programs (EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE) or contact hagwons directly. Your employer will initiate the visa sponsorship process.
Prepare and apostille documents
Get your degree and criminal background check apostilled in your home country. The criminal background check must be issued within 3 months of your visa application.
Submit to the Korean consulate
Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Provide all required documents. Some consulates accept online applications.
Complete the health check
After receiving your visa and arriving in Korea, complete a medical examination at a designated clinic. Your employer typically arranges this.
Register as a foreign resident
Within 90 days of arrival, visit your local immigration office (출입국관리사무소) to register and receive your Alien Registration Card (ARC).
Need help with your E-2 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles E-2 applications.
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