E-7 Series Part 4: E-7 Visa Korea Documents Checklist: What You and Your Employer Need

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and your salary meets the threshold, the next step is assembling your documents. The E-7 visa requires two separate sets of paperwork — one from you, and one from your Korean employer. Missing even a single item can delay or derail your application.

This guide gives you the complete checklist for both sides, plus practical tips on authentication, translation, and what to do if a document is hard to obtain.

How the Document System Works

Unlike many visa applications where only the applicant submits documents, the E-7 visa requires both the foreign applicant and the Korean employer to prepare separate sets of documents. Both sets are submitted together at the immigration office — the officer reviews them in tandem to verify that the hire is legitimate, the company is in good standing, and the applicant genuinely qualifies.

This means your application is only as strong as its weakest document. A perfectly qualified applicant paired with an employer who submits incomplete financials can still be rejected.

Full Documents Checklist

Applicant Documents: What Each One Means

Integrated Application Form (통합신청서)

This is Korea’s standard visa application form, used across all visa types. Download the most recent version from the HiKorea website — do not use older versions as the format changes periodically. Fill it out completely and accurately. Any discrepancy between the form and your supporting documents is a red flag for immigration officers.

Degree Certificate + Transcripts

Your degree certificate must be an official copy issued by your university — a photocopy or digital screenshot is not acceptable. If your degree was awarded in a country outside Korea, it must be accompanied by either an Apostille certificate (for Apostille Convention countries) or consular notarization (for non-Convention countries). Transcripts must also be official.

Work Experience Certificates

For each previous employer you’re using to satisfy the experience requirement, you need an official employment certificate (재직증명서 or equivalent) that states your job title, employment dates, and the nature of your work. If a former employer no longer exists, tax records or social insurance records showing employment may be acceptable — but discuss this with your immigration contact in advance.

Proof of Korean Address

A lease agreement (전세/월세 계약서) is the standard document. If you’re staying with a friend or family member, a written consent letter from the property owner plus a copy of their registration certificate may be accepted, but confirm this with your immigration office as requirements vary.

Employer Documents: What Each One Means

고용사유서 (Reason for Hiring a Foreign Worker)

This is one of the most important employer documents and is often overlooked. It’s a letter — written by the employer — explaining why they need to hire a foreign national for this specific role. It should explain why a Korean candidate could not fill the position, what unique skills or background the foreign applicant brings, and how the role fits the company’s business needs. A vague or generic letter is a common reason for rejection.

Financial Documents (납세증명서, 재무제표)

Immigration officers use these to assess whether the company is financially stable enough to sustain the employment. Companies with unpaid taxes, very low revenue, or irregular financial records face significantly higher scrutiny. The financial statements must be the official standard format (표준 재무제표) — not a custom company report.

Document Authentication: Apostille vs. Consular Notarization

All documents issued outside Korea — including your degree, transcripts, and work experience certificates — must be officially authenticated before submission. There are two routes:

Translation Requirements

All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a Korean or English translation. The translation must be accurate and complete — partial translations are not accepted. While the translation does not always need to be certified by a sworn translator, a professional or certified translation is strongly recommended for key documents like degree certificates and work experience letters, as immigration officers will compare the translation against the original.

Documents originally issued in English generally do not require translation for Korean immigration purposes — but confirm this with your specific immigration office as practices vary.

Applying from Outside Korea: Certificate of Visa Issuance

If you are currently outside Korea when applying, the process is slightly different. Your Korean employer applies to the local immigration office on your behalf for a Certificate of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서). Once issued (typically 4–8 weeks), you take this certificate to the nearest Korean embassy or consulate in your country to receive your entry visa.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Use this before heading to the immigration office:

Applicant documents

• Integrated Application Form — completed and signed
• Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
• Alien Registration Card — if applicable
• Degree certificate — apostilled/notarized + Korean/English translation
• University transcripts — apostilled/notarized + translation
• Work experience certificate(s) — apostilled/notarized + translation
• Passport photo — 4cm × 6cm, white background, within 6 months
• Proof of Korean address — lease or equivalent
• Signed employment contract

Employer documents

• Business registration certificate
• 4 major insurance enrollment list (issued within 3 months)
• Employment insurance subscriber list (issued within 3 months)
• National tax payment certificate (issued within 3 months)
• Local tax payment certificate (issued within 3 months)
• Tax payment records
• Standard financial statements (most recent fiscal year)
• Company profile / introduction
• 고용사유서 — detailed reason for hiring a foreign national
• Signed employment contract (matching applicant’s copy)

Key Takeaways

• The E-7 visa requires two separate document sets — from you and from your Korean employer
• All foreign-issued documents must be apostilled or consularly notarized, with Korean/English translation
• The 고용사유서 (reason for hiring) is critical — a vague letter is a common rejection trigger
• Tax certificates and insurance lists must be issued within 3 months of application
• If applying from outside Korea, your employer applies for a Certificate of Visa Issuance first
• Always call your local immigration office to confirm no additional documents are required for your specific case

👉 Continue to Part 5: Step-by-Step Application Process →