South Korea Work and Family VISA Eligibility and Application Process
Picture this: you’re sipping a steaming cup of coffee at a trendy café in Seoul, the city’s futuristic skyline stretching before you. By day, you’re a highly sought-after professional, thriving in a dynamic work environment. By night, you’re exploring vibrant markets, hiking scenic mountains, or indulging in Korea’s legendary food scene. Sounds dreamy, right? But here’s the best part: South Korea wants you. Yes, you!
South Korea’s rapid technological advancements and booming industries have created a demand for skilled professionals like never before. With generous salaries, a streamlined work visa process, and the option to bring your family along for the adventure, South Korea is rolling out the red carpet for talent from around the world. Whether you’re in IT, engineering, healthcare, or research, the opportunities are endless, and the path to securing your work visa has never been smoother.
In this article, we’ll take you through South Korea’s skill shortage opportunities, explain how you can easily apply for a work visa, bring your family, and start living a life full of innovation, excitement, and high earning potential. Ready to take the leap? Let’s dive in!
Eligibility & Language Requirements for Skill Shortage Opportunities
To qualify for a skill shortage work visa in South Korea, applicants need to meet certain eligibility criteria, which vary depending on the profession and visa type. Below are the general requirements:
Eligibility Requirements:
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- Job Offer: Must have a job offer from a South Korean employer in a skill shortage sector.
- Qualifications and Experience: Generally, a bachelor’s degree or higher and relevant work experience (2-5 years) are required. Some professions may need specific certifications or licenses.
- Clean Criminal Record: A background check is required.
- Health Check: A medical examination is mandatory.
- Sufficient Funds: You may need to prove financial stability for initial stay.
Language Requirements:
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- IT and Engineering: English is often sufficient; Korean is not always required but helpful.
- Healthcare, Finance, and Legal Professions: Korean proficiency is usually mandatory for effective communication with clients or patients.
- Teaching: English teachers don’t need Korean fluency.
For roles requiring Korean proficiency, the TOPIK exam is commonly used to demonstrate language skills
List of Latest 2024 Skill Shortages in South Korea
South Korea’s skill shortages are particularly prominent in technology-driven industries and healthcare. Here’s a list of key professions and their average annual salaries:
1# Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
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- Professions: Software engineers, data scientists, AI specialists, blockchain developers, and cybersecurity experts.
- Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩80 million (~$38,000 – $61,000 USD) annually.
2# Engineering
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- Professions: Electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, automotive engineers, and chemical engineers.
- Average Salary: ₩40 million – ₩70 million (~$30,500 – $53,500 USD) annually.
3# Healthcare
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- Professions: Nurses, general practitioners, medical specialists, and care workers.
- Average Salary: ₩60 million – ₩100 million (
$46,000 – $76,000 USD) annually for doctors; ₩30 million – ₩50 million ($23,000 – $38,000 USD) annually for nurses.
4# Teaching
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- Professions: English teachers (especially in private academies known as hagwons), university lecturers.
- Average Salary: ₩24 million – ₩36 million (~$18,500 – $28,000 USD) annually.
5# Finance and Accounting
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- Professions: Accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and investment managers.
- Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩90 million (~$38,000 – $68,500 USD) annually.
6# Research and Development (R&D)
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- Professions: Scientists in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science.
- Average Salary: ₩60 million – ₩90 million (~$46,000 – $68,500 USD) annually.
7# Renewable Energy
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- Professions: Environmental engineers, energy consultants, and sustainability experts.
- Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩75 million (~$38,000 – $57,500 USD) annually.
8# Robotics and Automation
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- Professions: Robotics engineers, process engineers, and automation specialists.
- Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩80 million (~$38,000 – $61,000 USD) annually.
Where to Find South Korea’s Skill Shortage List?
You can find up-to-date information about skill shortages in South Korea on official government websites and industry reports. Here are some helpful sources:
- Korea Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL): This government portal regularly publishes a list of in-demand professions https://www.moel.go.kr/english/resources/survey.do.
- KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency): KOTRA provides job listings and reports on sectors facing skill shortages, especially for foreign workers https://www.kotra.or.kr/english/index.do.
Applying for South Korean Skill Shortages Work Visa with Family
If you follow these 5 given steps then you will be able to apply for South Korea work visa with your family easily in 2024:
Step 1: Find a Job in a Skill Shortage Sector
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- Use Job Portals: Visit job portals like Job Korea https://www.jobkorea.co.kr/, Saramin https://www.saramin.co.kr/, and LinkedIn to search for positions in sectors where there are skill shortages. You can filter by job type, industry, and location.
- Reach Out to Recruitment Agencies: Specialized recruitment agencies (listed below) can help match your skills with in-demand roles.
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer:
Once you’ve found a job that matches your skills and experience, apply directly on the company’s website or through the recruitment agency. The employer must be willing to sponsor your work visa application.
Step 3: Apply for the E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) Visa
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- Eligibility: You need a job offer from a South Korean employer in a field facing a skill shortage. You must also meet educational and professional experience requirements.
- Required Documents: Valid passport, employment contract, degree certificates and relevant professional qualifications, criminal background check, health check-up results, and visa application form.
Step 4: Bring Your Family with You:
The E-7 Visa (https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/fi-en/brd/m_20979/view.do?seq=5) allows you to apply for the F-3 Dependent Visa (https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/gb-en/brd/m_20265/view.do?seq=669274) for your spouse and children. This visa permits them to live in South Korea with you during the term of your employment. While your spouse cannot work under the F-3 visa, they can apply for their own E-7 visa or another suitable work visa if they find a job.
Step 5: Apply for Visa at Your Local Embassy:
Once you have gathered all necessary documents, submit your application to your nearest South Korean embassy or consulate and the processing time is typically 2-3 months.
Top Recruitment Agencies in South Korea to Find Work Visa Opportunities
Here is a list of top recruitment agencies that specialize in connecting foreign professionals with job opportunities in South Korea:
- Robert Walters Korea: www.robertwalters.co.kr – Specializes in IT, finance, engineering, and HR roles.
- HRnet One: www.hrnetone.com – Focuses on IT, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and engineering jobs.
- Morgan Philips Korea: www.morganphilips.com – Experts in IT, life sciences, and financial services recruitment.
- JAC Recruitment Korea: www.jac-recruitment.kr – Specializes in IT, supply chain, and engineering roles.
- Kelly Services Korea: https://www.persolkelly.kr/ – Provides opportunities in engineering, technology, and life sciences.
These agencies have a deep understanding of the South Korean job market and work directly with companies that are looking to hire skilled foreign professionals by offering them Skilled worker visa for Korea.
