Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union and Permanent Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

1. Objective

The Ministry of Justice has enacted guidelines for implementation of the e-visa policy which allows people to apply for visa online without having to visit a Korean diplomatic mission. The policy is geared towards actively attracting foreign talent, such as professor, researcher and others, to the Republic of Korea.

Legal Source: Article 7(2) of the Presidential Decree of the Immigration Control Act (Online Visa Application)

2. Main Ideas

(Definition of e-visa) The term “e-visa” means a "visa" which the Minister of Justice directly issues to a foreigner via online

Visas will be issued either by

• ① the head of the diplomatic mission or by
• ② the Minister of Justice via online.

(Eligibility) A foreigner who does not require an interview with the Consul. Qualified applicants for the professor visa (E-1), researcher visa (E-3), or the technology transfer visa (E-5), are eligible to apply. (The online application can be submitted by only) "the qualifying applicant, himself or herself" OR a "party who wants to invite that foreigner". (Visa and Entry Procedures)

• ① Either the applicant or the inviter applies for an e-visa at the Hunet Korea website https://www.visa.go.kr/ (If the applicant applies for the visa, the inviter shall confirm the employment contract)
• → ② A local immigration office will examine the application in Round 1
• → ③ The headquarter office will issue the e-visa
• → ④ The applicant prints out an e-visa issuance confirmation and enters the Republic of Korea "without having to visit the diplomatic mission abroad'.

3. Effective Date

Effective Date (yy.mm.dd) : '13. 3. 1.(Fri)