# South Korea Work Visa for Indians: 2026 Routes and Requirements

> E-7 wage floors, the visa issuance number, KVAC documents, fees and processing times: how Indians actually get a South Korea work visa in 2026.

_Published: 2026-10-18 · Reading time: 5 min · Words: 1237_

## TL;DR

Most Indians get a South Korea work visa through the employer-sponsored E-7 route, which needs a visa issuance number from Korea and a 2026 salary of at least KRW 25.89 million to KRW 31.12 million depending on the sub-category. You then submit at a VFS-run KVAC in India; the normal long-term fee is Rs. 5400.

## Key takeaways

- E-7 is the main employer-sponsored route; you apply in India once you hold a visa issuance number from Korea.
- 2026 E-7 wage floors: KRW 31.12 million (E-7-1), KRW 25.89 million (E-7-2 and E-7-3), KRW 26 million (E-7-4) a year.
- Long-term visa fee Rs. 5400 normal or Rs. 8100 express, plus the VFS charge and an original TB test report.
- Normal processing is at least 25 working days in Chennai and 27 in Bengaluru; Mumbai-jurisdiction centres quote 10 to 12.
- India is not in Korea's Working Holiday Program; the D-10-1 job seeker visa is open only to specific graduate and employer profiles.

**Indians usually get a South Korea work visa through the employer-sponsored E-7 route. Under Korea's Ministry of Justice Notice 2025-406, E-7-1 professionals must earn at least KRW 31.12 million a year in 2026. With a visa issuance number from Korea, you submit the long-term visa at a VFS-run KVAC in India; the normal fee is Rs. 5400.**

## Article

This guide covers the routes that actually exist for Indian passport holders, the 2026 salary floors, the KVAC paperwork and the timelines at each centre. All figures are as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026. For tourist and business visas, start with our South Korea visa guide for Indians.

### Which South Korea work visa routes are open to Indians in 2026?
Korea has no single "work visa". The right category depends on who employs you and for how long.

RouteWho it suitsKey conditionE-7 Specific Activities (E-7-1 to E-7-4)Professionals and skilled workers hired by a Korean employerVisa issuance number from Korea; 2026 minimum annual wageC-4-5 short-term employmentAssignments of less than 90 daysContract between the Indian and Korean companies; fee Rs. 3600D-10-1 job seekerGraduates or professionals looking for E-1 to E-7 jobsSingle entry valid 3 months; stay of up to 6 monthsF-1-D digital nomadRemote workers of a foreign companyNo local employment allowed; high income thresholdH-1 Working HolidayNot availableIndia is not among the 30 participating countries and regions (May 2026 list)One recent change matters for researchers. On 16 July 2026 the Embassy posted the Ministry of Justice notice expanding the Top-Tier visa to outstanding science and technology professors and researchers at national or public research institutes and universities, with the Korean-language requirement waived. Holders get F-2 residence, and master's-or-higher graduates of the world's top 100 universities can get "Pre-Top-Tier (D-10)" job-seeking status.

### What salary does an E-7 visa require in 2026?
Your Korean employer must pay at least the wage floor for your sub-category. The Ministry of Justice Notice 2025-406 applies from 1 February to 31 December 2026; until 31 January 2026 the previous standards applied.

E-7 sub-category2026 minimum annual wageE-7-1 professional workersKRW 31.12 millionE-7-2 semi-professional workersKRW 25.89 millionE-7-3 general skilled workersKRW 25.89 millionE-7-4 skilled workersKRW 26 millionSome occupations follow a different wage standard set by the Minister of Justice, for example to protect jobs for Korean nationals. Those occupation-specific exceptions are not listed in the 2026 notice, so confirm your occupation code and salary with the employer before you resign from your Indian job.

### What will the KVAC ask for once you have a visa issuance number?
The Chennai/Bengaluru long-term visa (visa issuance number) checklist for 2026 is short, because the employer's case has already been approved in Korea:

- Passport valid for more than 6 months
- 2 recent colour photographs
- The online visa application form (e-Form from www.visa.go.kr, printed)
- Original TB test report from a designated lab
- Health Condition Form
- Relationship proof for any accompanying family member
- The visa issuance number from Korea
- For research visas: an apostilled copy of your latest degree certificate
In the Mumbai jurisdiction, visa issuance number holders apply under the "Issuance of Visa Confirmation" category. The Mumbai-jurisdiction checklists ask for one 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo with a white background, a Declaration Form, and your Aadhaar number in the "National Identity No." field of the signed form.

A small group can skip the centre. The Korea Visa Portal issues e-Visas to E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5 and E-7 experts holding a Gold Card employment recommendation, and to their F-3 family members.

### How much does it cost and how long does it take?
ChargeAmountLong-term single entry (E-7 with issuance number), normalRs. 5400Long-term single entry, expressRs. 8100Short-term employment (C-4-5), normalRs. 3600VFS chargeRs. 1380 on the 2026 checklists; Rs. 1600 on the Chennai/Bengaluru centre page; Rs. 1000 at Mumbai-jurisdiction centresCourier (optional)Rs. 550Express fees are not returned if the visa is refused. Minimum processing times, excluding the day of submission:

- Chennai: 25 working days normal, 7 express.
- Bengaluru: 27 working days normal, 9 express.
- Mumbai: 10 working days normal, 5 express.
- Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Goa: 12 working days normal, 7 express.
Timing has a second constraint in the west. On 21 September 2026 VFS announced that the Mumbai-jurisdiction centres accept applications only if the travel date is within one month of submission, until further notice (VFS notice).

### Can you go to Korea first and look for a job?
Only on the D-10-1 job seeker visa, and only if you fit one of its profiles. You qualify if, within the last 3 years, you worked at least 1 year at a Fortune Global 500 company, graduated from a university in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings top 200, graduated from a Korean community college or higher, or completed a research programme at a Korean university.

The checklist adds an employment-seeking outline or activity plan, a CV, degree certificates, 6 months of bank statements certified by an Indian bank with sufficient balance (no amount is stated), a TB certificate from a designated hospital in India, and an invitation letter and letter of guarantee from Korea, both notarised by a notary public in Korea. Work at adult entertainment establishments (E-6-2) is excluded.

### Which Korean office handles your file, and what should you check first?
- Embassy, New Delhi (KVAC New Delhi and Kolkata): northern and eastern states including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and West Bengal.
- Consulate General, Mumbai (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad): Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
- Consulate General, Chennai (Chennai and Bengaluru): Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
VFS says no appointment is needed at the Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa and Hyderabad centres. Incomplete applications are not accepted at the counter. If you are refused, you may reapply only after three months, and the Chennai consulate's KVAC page says no reason is disclosed. Book the TB test early, because the report must be an original from a designated lab or hospital.

For short-term employment or business trips that need a cover letter, flight reservation or itinerary, Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram can prepare the paperwork. Packages range from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter together. Reach us on WhatsApp at +91 95230 91018 or through our contact page.

### Frequently asked questions

#### Can Indians apply for a South Korea working holiday visa?
No. Korea's Working Holiday Program (H-1) covers 30 countries and regions on its May 2026 list, and India is not one of them. Indian citizens need an employer-sponsored or other specific work route instead.

#### Is there a Korean e-Visa for Indian IT professionals?
Only for specific cases. The Korea Visa Portal issues e-Visas to E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5 and E-7 experts who hold a Gold Card employment recommendation, plus their F-3 family members. Other Indian applicants fill the e-Form and submit in person at a KVAC.

#### Does the digital nomad visa let me work for a Korean company?
No. The F-1-D visa is for remote workers employed by a foreign company or overseas business owners, and local employment or profit-making activity is not allowed. The Chennai consulate's May 2024 notice put the income test at KRW 84.96 million a year, and private medical insurance of at least KRW 100 million is required.

#### Can I reapply immediately if my Korean work visa is refused?
No. Korea's missions in India say you may reapply only after three months. The Chennai consulate's KVAC page adds that grant or refusal is at the consulate's sole discretion and no reason is disclosed.

## FAQ

### Can Indians apply for a South Korea working holiday visa?

No. Korea's Working Holiday Program (H-1) covers 30 countries and regions on its May 2026 list, and India is not one of them. Indian citizens need an employer-sponsored or other specific work route instead.

### Is there a Korean e-Visa for Indian IT professionals?

Only for specific cases. The Korea Visa Portal issues e-Visas to E-1, E-3, E-4, E-5 and E-7 experts who hold a Gold Card employment recommendation, plus their F-3 family members. Other Indian applicants fill the e-Form and submit in person at a KVAC.

### Does the digital nomad visa let me work for a Korean company?

No. The F-1-D visa is for remote workers employed by a foreign company or overseas business owners, and local employment or profit-making activity is not allowed. The Chennai consulate's May 2024 notice put the income test at KRW 84.96 million a year, and private medical insurance of at least KRW 100 million is required.

### Can I reapply immediately if my Korean work visa is refused?

No. Korea's missions in India say you may reapply only after three months. The Chennai consulate's KVAC page adds that grant or refusal is at the consulate's sole discretion and no reason is disclosed.

## Sources

1. [Ministry of Justice (Korea) Notice 2025-406 - 2026 E-7 wage requirements (PDF)](https://www.immigration.go.kr/bbs/immigration/211/488810/download.do) — Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea
2. [VFS Global KVAC - Checklist Long Term Visa, Visa Issuance No. (2026)](https://www.visaforkorea-ce.com/assets/pdfs/Long-term-visa-visa-issuance-2026-new.pdf) — VFS Global (Korea Visa Application Centre)
3. [VFS Global KVAC - D-10-1 Job Seeker requirements](https://www.visaforkorea-ce.com/assets/pdfs/D-10-1-Job-Seeker.pdf) — VFS Global (Korea Visa Application Centre)
4. [Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India - Notice for revised visa fee (with effect from 2026.8.1)](https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en/brd/m_20446/view.do?seq=748829) — Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India