How to Move to South Korea
South Korea offers strong salaries in tech, manufacturing and education, and uses simple letter-number visa codes. The E-7 is the main skilled work visa; the D-10 lets you come to look for work; D-2 is for study; and F-6 is for spouses of Koreans. Much of the process is online via HiKorea, with a Certificate (visa issuance confirmation) issued before you travel.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
South Korea embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
After your visa issuance confirmation is granted, you apply at the Korean embassy/consulate in your country. Korea has embassies in many African states (e.g. Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, Pretoria, Cairo, Rabat, Addis Ababa). Use the locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
No. 9 Ovia Crescent, off Pope John Paul II Street, Maitama, Abuja
+234 810 389 0991 Open in Google MapsMisha Tower, 1st & 2nd Floor, Westlands Road, Nairobi
+254 20 361 5000 Open in Google Maps265 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0181
+27 12 460 2508 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? South Korea has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
A few weeks after the confirmation is issued.
Visa fee roughly $60 + confirmation processing.
Up to ~3 years, renewable; pathway to residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer in one of the designated E-7 professional occupations.
- A relevant degree or experience for the role.
- The employer meets sponsorship conditions.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Korean employer offers you a designated professional role.
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2
Employer gets the confirmation
The employer applies for the visa issuance confirmation at Korean immigration.
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3
Apply for the visa
Use the confirmation number to apply at the Korean embassy.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Korea and get your Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Get your degree apostilled — Korea requires it for E-7.
- Some Korean ability helps outside Seoul.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your HiKorea account first
Create a free account on HiKorea (the official immigration portal) to manage visa extensions and residence matters once in Korea. For visa applications, go to visa.go.kr — be careful, a fraudulent lookalike of the Korea Visa Portal has been reported, so only trust the exact domain visa.go.kr.
Create accountStart your E-7 Skilled Worker visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks.
Visa fee ~$50–$90; plus proof of funds.
Up to 6 months, extendable, to find a job.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A degree or qualifications/points for skilled work.
- Proof you can support yourself while searching.
- Intention to find an E-7 type job.
What to do, step by step
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1
Show qualifications & funds
Prove you are qualified and can support yourself.
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2
Apply for the D-10
Apply at the Korean embassy for the job-seeker visa.
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3
Travel & search
Enter Korea, do job-search activities (you may need to report them).
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4
Switch to E-7
Once hired, change to the E-7 work visa.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- A legal way to job-hunt inside Korea.
- Keep evidence of your job-search activities for extensions.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your HiKorea account first
Create a free account on HiKorea (the official immigration portal) to manage visa extensions and residence matters once in Korea. For visa applications, go to visa.go.kr — be careful, a fraudulent lookalike of the Korea Visa Portal has been reported, so only trust the exact domain visa.go.kr.
Create accountStart your D-10 Job-Seeker visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks.
Visa fee ~$60; plus tuition and proof of funds.
Course length; can switch to D-10/E-7 after.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a Korean university.
- Proof of funds for tuition and living.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive admission from a Korean university.
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2
Show your funds
Prove you can pay tuition and living costs.
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3
Apply for the D-2
Apply at the Korean embassy with your admission.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Korea and get your ARC.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Many scholarships exist (e.g. Global Korea Scholarship) — apply early.
- Students can work part-time with permission.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your HiKorea account first
Create a free account on HiKorea (the official immigration portal) to manage visa extensions and residence matters once in Korea. For visa applications, go to visa.go.kr — be careful, a fraudulent lookalike of the Korea Visa Portal has been reported, so only trust the exact domain visa.go.kr.
Create accountStart your D-2 Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks to a couple of months.
Visa fee ~$60.
Renewable; pathway to residence and naturalisation.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Marriage to a Korean citizen.
- Meeting basic income and (sometimes) language conditions.
- A genuine relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Marry & gather evidence
Register the marriage and collect relationship evidence.
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2
Meet the conditions
Satisfy income and basic Korean requirements where they apply.
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3
Apply for the F-6
Apply at the Korean embassy.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Korea and get your ARC.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Basic Korean is often required — start learning early.
- F-6 holders can work freely in Korea.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your HiKorea account first
Create a free account on HiKorea (the official immigration portal) to manage visa extensions and residence matters once in Korea. For visa applications, go to visa.go.kr — be careful, a fraudulent lookalike of the Korea Visa Portal has been reported, so only trust the exact domain visa.go.kr.
Create accountStart your F-6 Marriage (family) visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost South Korea work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to South Korea — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about South Korea visas
How much does the South Korea E-7 Skilled Worker visa cost?
The South Korea E-7 Skilled Worker visa costs: Visa fee roughly $60 + confirmation processing. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the South Korea E-7 Skilled Worker visa take?
Processing for the South Korea E-7 Skilled Worker visa takes a few weeks after the confirmation is issued. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the South Korea E-7 Skilled Worker visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The South Korea E-7 Skilled Worker visa is valid for up to ~3 years, renewable; pathway to residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the South Korea D-10 Job-Seeker visa cost?
The South Korea D-10 Job-Seeker visa costs: Visa fee ~$50–$90; plus proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the South Korea D-10 Job-Seeker visa take?
Processing for the South Korea D-10 Job-Seeker visa takes a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the South Korea D-10 Job-Seeker visa valid for?
The South Korea D-10 Job-Seeker visa is valid for up to 6 months, extendable, to find a job. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the South Korea D-2 Student visa cost?
The South Korea D-2 Student visa costs: Visa fee ~$60; plus tuition and proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the South Korea D-2 Student visa take?
Processing for the South Korea D-2 Student visa takes a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the South Korea D-2 Student visa valid for?
The South Korea D-2 Student visa is valid for course length; can switch to D-10/E-7 after. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the South Korea F-6 Marriage (family) visa cost?
The South Korea F-6 Marriage (family) visa costs: Visa fee ~$60. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the South Korea F-6 Marriage (family) visa take?
Processing for the South Korea F-6 Marriage (family) visa takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the South Korea F-6 Marriage (family) visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The South Korea F-6 Marriage (family) visa is valid for renewable; pathway to residence and naturalisation. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.