I. Legal basis

As of the present time, based on nationality and purpose of entry, Korea has classified visas into different categories, including:

Group 1: Short-term visas, including B-1 (visa-free entry), B-2-1/B-2-2 (short-term transit), C-3-4 (business), C-3-8 (family visit), C-3-9 (general tourism), H-1 (working holiday), …

Group 2: Professional visas, including C-4 (short-term employment), D-10-2 (startup visa), E-3 (research), E-6 (entertainment), …; and non-professional visas such as E-9-1 (manufacturing), E-9-3 (agriculture), E-9-5 (services), …, which are classified according to the nature of the occupation.

Group 3: Study visas, including D-2-2 (Bachelor’s program), D-2-3 (Master’s program), D-2-4 (Doctoral program), …, which are classified according to the educational program and academic degree.

In addition, there are other visa categories designated for specific individuals or special entry purposes. However, in recent years, Korea has shown a clear policy direction toward the advancement of science, engineering, and high technology. Accordingly, the E-7-4 visa is currently being given priority consideration and investment by the relevant competent authorities, along with the introduction of various preferential policies aimed at attracting leading experts in the field to study and work in Korea. Therefore, what is the E-7-4 visa, and what rights and incentives are granted to holders of this visa?

II. Definition of the E-7-4 visa and the incentives granted to foreign workers 

The E-7-4 visa is a conversion visa available to foreign workers currently holding E-9, E-10, or H-2 visas in Korea. A distinctive feature of this visa category is that it cannot be applied for directly prior to entry into Korea; rather, applicants must first possess one of the aforementioned visas in order to be eligible for conversion. The conversion requirements further stipulate that the worker must have accumulated substantial work experience in Korea, specifically a minimum of four (04) years. 

III. Changes and incentives in the E-7-4 visa program for foreign workers in the high-tech sector in Korea in 2025

3.1. Expansion of eligible applicants and increase in quota: Increasing the annual issuance of E-7-4 visas

The Government of Korea has increased the annual quota for the issuance of E-7-4 visas (a high-skilled worker visa) from 2,000 to 5,000 in order to attract experienced and qualified foreign workers. This policy has a direct impact on the high-technology sector, where there is a substantial demand for technically skilled personnel.

3.2. Relaxation of Korean language and qualification requirements: more flexible Korean language proficiency standards

Under the new system, applicants may submit an E-7-4 visa application and subsequently fulfill the Korean language proficiency requirement within a period of two (02) years, rather than being required to meet such requirement prior to filing. This measure is temporary and remains in effect only until the end of 2026, and applicants must complete the language requirement within the stated two-year period.

3.3. New visa category: E-7-4R (Region-specific specialized skilled worker visa)

E-7-4R visa – Enhanced incentives for labor-shortage regions

Korea has introduced the E-7-4R visa category for skilled workers in regions experiencing population decline. This visa is specifically intended for individuals who have resided in Korea for at least two (02) years under prior visa categories (such as E-9 or E-10), and it is accompanied by preferential evaluation points granted by local authorities during the visa assessment process.

Family benefits

The family members of an E-7-4R visa holder are also permitted to work in population-declining regions, thereby enhancing the stability of both the worker and their dependents.

3.4. Linkage to the F-2-R regional visa: Opportunity for transition to long-term residency

Workers holding an E-7-4R visa may transition to the F-2-R visa after residing in the designated region for at least three (03) years. The F-2-R visa is a more preferential category that provides broader long-term residency rights in Korea.

3.5. Expansion of priority regions and increase in the proportion of foreign workers

The Government of Korea has expanded the number of regions eligible for preferential treatment for foreign workers (including both E-7-4 and E-7-4R visas) from 89 to 107, thereby facilitating employment opportunities and long-term settlement for such workers. Furthermore, in population-declining regions, the proportion of foreign employees within an enterprise may reach up to 50%, instead of the previously lower cap, thus enabling technology companies to more readily recruit foreign technical personnel.

3.6. Adjustment of salary levels and income requirement

The annual minimum salary requirement for the E-7-4 category is set at approximately KRW 26 million, which is significantly lower than the previous threshold calculated based on the GNI ratio. This adjustment facilitates recruitment for employers and enables workers to more readily satisfy the eligibility requirements.

IV. Conclusion

It can be observed that Korea’s E-7-4 visa policy for 2025 is being revised in a broader, more flexible, and more strategic direction in order to attract, retain, and provide long-term stability for high-skilled foreign workers, particularly in key high-technology industries. The increase in the annual quota, the relaxation of Korean language requirements, the introduction of the E-7-4R visa for population-declining regions, the expansion of eligibility for conversion to the F-2-R regional residency visa, the adjustment of the minimum salary threshold, and the higher allowable proportion of foreign employees within enterprises all demonstrate Korea’s priority in creating a more open and supportive employment environment for international workers. These measures are not merely short-term solutions to address labor shortages, but also constitute a long-term strategy aimed at fostering a knowledge-based economy, advancing science and technology, and enhancing national competitiveness. For foreign workers, especially those in the high-technology sector, these policy changes create new opportunities for employment, professional development, and long-term settlement in Korea.

V. About NYLA – Korean Legal Office

■ NYLA – Your Trusted Legal Partner in Korea

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In addition to legal advisory, NYLA also represents clients in civil litigation cases related to business, labor, marriage, family, and inheritance to ensure their rights and interests are fully protected.

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