Applies via: VFS Global + embassySources checked on
Indian citizens apply for a South Korea visa through VFS Global and the embassy. The published fee for Short Term Single Entry (less than 90 days) — normal is INR 3600.00. Processing time (Normal — Chennai): 25 working days minimum (excluding day of submission) Application locations listed include New Delhi (Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place), Kolkata (Kasba), Mumbai, Chennai (Ramee Mall, Teynampet) and Bengaluru (J.P. Nagar) (4 more listed below). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.
How do Indian citizens apply for a South Korea visa?
Applies via: VFS Global + embassy
Who handles applications in India
Indian nationals must apply for a Korean visa through the Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr) and the Korean Visa Application Centre (KVAC) operated by VFS Global: confirm visa type and documents, fill out and print the e-Form on the Visa Portal, submit it at the KVAC, then check status on the Visa Portal. Jurisdiction: Embassy in New Delhi (VFS New Delhi and Kolkata), Consulate General in Mumbai (Mumbai consulate or designated agencies; a Mumbai notice says all applications must be submitted through the KVAC operated by VFS Global), Consulate General in Chennai (VFS Chennai and Bengaluru). Incomplete applications are not accepted at the counter; after a refusal you may reapply only after three months. Applications can be made no earlier than 89 days before travel (Chennai-jurisdiction VFS site). VFS states that no appointment is needed at the Korea visa centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa and Hyderabad (you walk in during submission hours), and the Chennai consulate's KVAC page says grant or refusal is at the consulate's sole discretion and no reason is disclosed for non-issuance.
Not available: Korea's missions in India state that Indian nationals must apply for and obtain a Korean visa through the Korea Visa Portal e-Form and a Korean Visa Application Centre (run by VFS Global) before travel. Visa-free entry applies only under specific schemes: direct flights to Jeju Island and the transit-passenger rule (see visa-free).
eVisa / online visa
Available only for specific categories, not for ordinary tourists: the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) issues e-Visas to E-1/E-3/E-4/E-5/E-7 experts holding a Gold Card employment recommendation (and their F-3 family), C-3-3 medical tourists or G-1-10 patients applied for by a recognised medical travel facilitator, C-3-4 business visitors invited by a Korean company who have entered Korea at least 3 times on C-3 visas since 1 January 2012 with no illegal stay, and C-4 scientists invited by a government-funded research institute or accredited university. Other Indian applicants fill the Visa Portal e-Form and submit in person at a KVAC.
Visa-free entry
Partly available: Indians flying directly from abroad to Jeju Island (no stop elsewhere in Korea) can enter Jeju without a visa or K-ETA, as India is not among the 23 excluded countries; the KVAC says the stay is up to 30 days for tourism or visits, and Indian ordinary passport holders need permission from the Jeju Immigration Office to travel on to other parts of Korea. Indians holding a valid visa (or permanent residency/re-entry permit) for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or one of 32 European countries can also enter visa-free for up to 30 days (B-2) when transiting Korea to or from those countries, with a confirmed onward ticket within 30 days. Otherwise a visa is required.
How to apply from India — step by step
1
Complete the application form
Fill in the South Korea visa application form linked from the official pages below.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.
3
Book an appointment
Book an appointment as described on the VFS Global / embassy pages linked below.
4
Submit your application
Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: New Delhi (Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place), Kolkata (Kasba), Mumbai, Chennai (Ramee Mall, Teynampet), Bengaluru (J.P. Nagar), Pune and others listed below.
5
Pay the fees
Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.
6
Track your application
Track the application status as described on the official pages.
Steps follow the official pages in the Sources section; always follow the latest instructions there.
How much is the South Korea visa fee for Indian citizens?
Short Term Single Entry (less than 90 days) — normal
INR 3600.00
Embassy of Korea, New Delhi notice of 13 July 2026: INR 3,600 with effect from 1 August 2026 (the VFS KVAC page lists the same). The Chennai consulate's earlier notice (from 1 June 2025) listed USD 40 / INR 3,400.
Long Term Single Entry (more than 91 days) — normal
INR 5400.00
Embassy notice of 13 July 2026: INR 5,400 from 1 August 2026; earlier consulate notice (1 June 2025): USD 60 / INR 5,100
All Multiple Entry Visa — normal
INR 8100.00
Embassy notice of 13 July 2026: INR 8,100 from 1 August 2026; earlier consulate notice (1 June 2025): USD 90 / INR 7,650
Express — Short Term Single Entry (up to 90 days)
Rs. 6300/-
Consulate notice (1 June 2025): USD 70 / INR 5,950. Express fees not returned on rejection.
Express — Long Term Single Entry (more than 90 days)
Rs. 8100/-
Consulate notice (1 June 2025): USD 90 / INR 7,650
Express — Multiple Entry Visa
Rs. 11700/-
Consulate notice (1 June 2025): USD 130 / INR 11,050
Courier charge (optional)
Rs. 550 per person (inclusive of all taxes)
Charges paid in cash / card at the time of submission
Student visa — long-term study abroad (more than 90 days), normal
Rs. 5400
Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC 'Study abroad' checklist (2026), plus VFS charge Rs. 1380 and optional courier Rs. 550; matches the Embassy's long-term single-entry fee from 1 August 2026. The Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS page lists long-term single entry at INR 5400.00 normal / INR 8100.00 express for D-2 and D-4-1 student visas (October 2026).
Student visa — long-term, NIIED (Korean Government scholarship) students
Gratis
Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC NIIED checklist (2026): visa fee gratis; VFS charge Rs. 1380 and optional courier Rs. 550 still listed.
Work visa — long-term employment with a visa issuance number from Korea (e.g. E-7), normal
Rs. 5400
Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC 'Long Term Visa - Visa Issuance No.' checklist (2026), plus VFS charge Rs. 1380 and optional courier Rs. 550. Express long-term single entry: Rs. 8100/- (KVAC page).
Short-term employment visa (less than 90 days), normal
Rs. 3600
Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC short-term employment checklist (2026), plus VFS charge Rs. 1380; the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS page lists the same INR 3600.00 short-term single-entry fee for the C-4-5 visa.
Double Entry Visa — normal (Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS centres)
INR 6300.00
Express: INR 9900.00. As published on the VFS page for Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa and Hyderabad, October 2026; not listed on the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC page or the Embassy's 1 August 2026 notice. Per the KVAC visa-type page, double entry is for visiting Korea twice within six months (not for medical-tourism applicants) and allows a 30-day stay within the 6-month validity.
Diplomatic / Official visa
Gratis
Normal and express visa fee and VFS charge gratis; courier Rs. 550 (Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC diplomatic/official checklist).
Service fee: Rs. 1600 per person (inclusive of all taxes) per the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC visa-type and centre pages; the 2026 Chennai/Bengaluru checklist PDFs list 'VFS Charge Rs. 1380'. Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS centres (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad): service charge Rs. 1000 per person (inclusive of all taxes), October 2026.
Checklist
What documents are required for a South Korea visa from India?
All applicants
5 items
Original Passport with more than 6 months' validity
Recently taken 2 passport sized colour photographs
Duly filled online visa application form (e-Form from www.visa.go.kr, printed)
From Korean inviter (Embassy New Delhi page): invitation letter (photo/scanned copy allowed, no attestation) with invitee and inviter details and seal/signature; photocopy of Certificate of Business Registration of inviting company (employee certificate if inviter is an individual)
From Indian applicant (Embassy New Delhi page): business registration certificate (business owner) or employee certificate; Income Tax Return (recent 2 years); bank statement (recent 6 months)
Short Term Tourist Visa — sightseeing (less than 90 days), Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist
9 items
Occupation proof or employment proof (company letter with employer contact number and e-mail)
1 year salary slip
Photocopy of ITR acknowledgment of last 2 years and PAN card (letter of explanation if unavailable)
Business owners: 3-year company ITR acknowledgment and PAN (proprietor: 3-year personal ITR)
Recent bank statement of last 6 months with original bank stamp and sign
Company registration copy
Business profile in prescribed format (owners)
Relation proof between applicant and sponsor (if sponsored)
Health Condition Form
Express visa
5 items
Declaration Form for Express Visa
Chennai: travel date within 10-12 calendar days of submission; Bengaluru: within 12-14 calendar days
Yellow passport holders (Identity Certificate) cannot apply for express
Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC: express needs a copy of a confirmed air ticket and accommodation; it is not possible to switch from normal to express after applying
Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS: first-time applicants for a tourist visa are not eligible for express
Tourist visa (C-3-9) — Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS checklist (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad; w.e.f. 16 June 2025)
10 items
Original passport valid at least 6 months from the travel date with at least 2 blank pages; copy of first and last page
One 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo with white background affixed to the form; Declaration Form
Printed online application form signed on the last page, with your Aadhaar number in the 'National Identity No.' field; copy of Aadhaar card
Covering letter (입국사유서) stating purpose of visit, with full name, date of birth, passport number, mobile number, purpose and duration of stay
Detailed day-by-day tour itinerary with visit dates and a refundable hotel booking confirmation
Confirmed, refundable flight ticket (e-ticket)
2 years' income tax returns (explanatory statement if not filed); 6 months' bank statement with the bank's original seal and signature
Employment certificate on company letterhead with original seal and signature (digitally issued accepted only with original company seal); self-employed: business registration / GST certificate
Minors or students: parent's passport/ID copy, proof of relationship (e.g. birth certificate), parents' NOC if travelling without them; students under 30 supported by parents submit the parents' original financial documents (letter of support, employment certificate, 2 years' ITR, 6 months' bank statement)
If your visit is for business, do not apply for a tourist visa; first-time tourist visa applicants are not eligible for express
Visiting visa (C-3-1: conference, competition, seminar, training, visiting family or friends) — Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS checklist
5 items
Standard documents as for the tourist visa (passport, copies, photo, Declaration Form, signed online form with Aadhaar number, Aadhaar copy, covering letter)
Employed applicants: covering letter on company letterhead with original signature and seal
Conference/seminar/training: invitation letter on the organisation's letterhead (original not required) and copy of the Korean organisation's business registration certificate
Visiting family or friends: invitation letter signed by the inviter; copy of inviter's ID card, passport or driver's licence (foreign residents in Korea: Korean visa or residence card)
2 years' ITR; 6 months' bank statement with bank seal and signature; employment certificate or business registration / GST certificate
Short-term medical tourism (less than 90 days) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist (2026)
5 items
Doctor's reference letter / medical treatment documents from the medical institute
Invitation letter from Korea (original, scan or photocopy; no attestation) and copy of the inviting Korean organisation's business registration
Occupation or employment proof; 2 years' ITR acknowledgment and PAN (letter of explanation if unavailable); 6 months' bank statement with bank stamp and sign
Relation proof with sponsor (if sponsored) and with any accompanying applicant; Health Condition Form
Visa fee (normal) Rs. 3600; VFS charge Rs. 1380
Student visa — long term, study abroad (more than 90 days) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist (2026)
7 items
Original passport (6+ months' validity), 2 colour photos, online application form
Copy of all academic records and of the latest degree, each with original apostille; bonafide certificate with apostille if currently studying
Employed applicants: occupation proof, 1 year salary slips, ITR acknowledgment of last 2 years and PAN (letter of explanation if unavailable); owners: 3-year company ITR, company registration and business profile
Recent 6-month bank statement with bank's original stamp and sign; if sponsored, parent's/guardian's 6-month bank statement, 2 years' ITR acknowledgment and occupation proof
Original TB test report from a designated lab; Health Condition Form
From Korea: original Admission Certificate from the university (scan or photocopy accepted, no attestation), copy of the university's business registration, sponsorship letter (if any)
Fees: visa fee (normal) Rs. 5400, VFS charge Rs. 1380, courier Rs. 550; NIIED scholarship students: visa fee gratis
Student visa (D-2-1~4) and Korean language trainee (D-4-1) — Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS checklist (w.e.f. 16 June 2025)
6 items
Passport (6 months' validity from travel, 2 blank pages) and copy of first and last page; one 3.5 x 4.5 cm white-background photo; Declaration Form; signed online form with Aadhaar number; Aadhaar copy
Covering letter with full name, date of birth, passport number, mobile number, purpose and duration of stay
Certificate of Admission (표준입학허가서) and copy of the Korean institution's business registration certificate
Original academic document for the highest level of education (D-4-1: apostilled); D-4-1 also needs a training plan (lecture schedule, lecturer profiles, facility details)
TB certificate from a designated hospital
If financially supported by parents (students under 30): parent's passport/ID copy, letter of financial support, parent's employment certificate on letterhead, 2 years' ITR, 6 months' bank statement with bank seal
Short-term employment (less than 90 days) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist (2026) and Mumbai-jurisdiction C-4-5 checklist
5 items
Occupation or employment proof; 1 year salary slips (Chennai); 2 years' ITR acknowledgment and PAN; 6 months' bank statement
Contract between the Indian and Korean companies (Mumbai list: service contract); dispatch and transfer order from the Indian employer
From Korea: invitation letter (copy accepted), copy of the inviting company's business registration, guarantee letter from the inviting company (Chennai)
Mumbai-jurisdiction: covering letter on company letterhead with seal; purchase order from the Korean company for equipment installation or technical support visits
Health Condition Form (Chennai); visa fee (normal) Rs. 3600, VFS charge Rs. 1380
Long-term dependent family (more than 90 days) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist (2026)
5 items
Original passport and copy, 2 colour photos, online application form
Marriage certificate copy (invited by spouse) or birth certificate copy (children under 18 invited by a parent)
Health Condition Form; original TB test report from a designated hospital
From Korea: invitation letter, copy of inviter's passport, front and back of inviter's Alien Registration Card, inviter's latest 6-month bank statement, employment certificate and Korean housing contract
Seaman (short term, less than 90 days) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist (2026)
5 items
Original passport (6+ months' validity); original CDC and photocopy; 2 colour photos; application form filled in block letters
ITR acknowledgment of last 2 years and PAN (letter of explanation if unavailable); 6 months' bank statement with bank stamp and sign; Health Condition Form
PCR test report from a designated hospital, within 48 hours of submission (as listed on the checklist)
From Korea: invitation letter (copy accepted), copy of inviting company's business registration, letter of guarantee, and Korean documents/notice for entry to port
Visa fee (normal) Rs. 3600; VFS charge Rs. 1380
Marriage (F-6) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist (2026)
4 items
Original passport and copy, 2 colour photos, online application form; Indian marriage certificate copy
Statement of the foreign spouse's marriage background in English or Korean; Health Condition Form; original TB test report; police clearance certificate
From Korea (issued within 3 months): invitation letter, passport copy, inviter's or family income statement (if necessary), letter of guarantee, family relation proof, resident registrations, marriage certificate copy, real estate agreement copy, and the Family Income Details, Personal Details and foreign-spouse invitation forms
The checklist lists a visa fee (normal) of Rs. 3400, which differs from the Embassy's long-term single-entry fee of INR 5,400 from 1 August 2026; confirm at the centre
Diplomatic / Official (short or long term) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC checklist
4 items
Original passport (6+ months' validity), 2 colour photos, online application form
Official letter from the concerned ministry or mission; relation proof for accompanying applicants
Health Condition Form and Consent for Isolation Form; invitation letter from Korea if any
Visa fee (normal and express) and VFS charge gratis; courier Rs. 550
At the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC (what happens at the centre and tracking)
3 items
Walk in during submission hours with the printed application form, 2 copies of the passport bio page, a passport with at least 2 pages blank on both sides, and all supporting documents (originals and copies)
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (not VFS staff); random bag searches may be carried out
Track the application on the Korea Visa Portal using the 14-digit reference number from the centre (starting 170 for Chennai, 171 for Bengaluru) with passport number, date of birth and name; VFS also e-mails when the decision returns to the centre
Photo
What are the South Korea visa photo specifications?
Size
35-40mm in width
Background
Bright background
No more than 6 months old
Close up of head and top of shoulders; face 70-80% of photograph
Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS checklists (w.e.f. 16 June 2025): one recent 3.5 x 4.5 cm photograph with a white background, affixed to the application form, face about 80% of the photo
Insurance
Is travel medical insurance required for a South Korea visa?
Not required
Travel insurance is not among the documents on the 2026 tourist checklists published by the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC or the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS centres. Exception: the F-1-D digital nomad (workation) visa requires private medical insurance covering at least KRW 100 million for treatment and repatriation (Chennai consulate notice), and the Chennai F-1-D checklist asks for travel insurance valid for 120 days from entry.
Processing
How long does South Korea visa processing take?
Normal — Chennai
25 working days minimum (excluding day of submission)
Normal — Bengaluru
27 working days minimum (excluding day of submission)
Express — Chennai
7 working days minimum
Express — Bengaluru
9 working days minimum
Normal — Mumbai (all visa types on the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS site)
10 working days minimum
Normal — Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Goa
12 working days minimum
Express — Mumbai
5 working days minimum
Express — Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Goa
7 working days minimum
Student visa (long-term study abroad, D-2/D-4-1) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC
Normal: 25 working days minimum in Chennai, 27 in Bengaluru (excluding the day of submission); express: 7 / 9 working days minimum
Student visa (D-2-1~4, D-4-1) — Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS
Normal: 10 working days minimum in Mumbai, 12 in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Goa; express: 5 / 7 working days minimum
Work visa (long-term employment with visa issuance number) — Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC
Normal: 25 working days minimum in Chennai, 27 in Bengaluru (excluding the day of submission); express: 7 / 9 working days minimum
Short-term employment visa (C-4-5) and visa issuance number holders — Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS
Normal: 10 working days minimum in Mumbai, 12 in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Goa; express: 5 / 7 working days minimum
Visa types
Which South Korea visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Diplomacy/Official Business Status
Diplomacy
Official Mission
Conventions/Agreements
Short Term (Non-profit & Stay Visa)
Temporary Journalism
Temporary Visit
Marriage Migrant
Short Term Employment Visa
Short term employment
Long Term Single Entry Visa
Long Term Single Entry Visa (dependent family, long-term employment, study, etc.)
Other
Transit Visa
Jeju Island Visa Information
Job Seeker
Digital Nomad Visa
Entry types
Single Entry Visa (valid 90 days from issue)
Double Entry Visa
Multiple-entry visa (for India, Short Term Business)
Checklists published (Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC, 2026)
Tourist Visa — sightseeing
Tourist Visa — medical tourist
Tourist Visa — to attend marriage
Tourist Visa — visiting Korean family
Tourist — Short Term Visiting Relatives/Friends/Family
Short Term Business
Long-term multiple business
Short-term student internships
Study abroad
Long-term student (NIIED)
Sports, art and culture
Temporary Journalism
Seaman
Marriage
Long-term dependent (incl. F-2-3)
Long-term digital nomad
Short-term employment
Trade management
D-10-1 Job Seeker
Diplomatic/Official
Visa types on the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS site (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad), 2026
C-3-1 Visiting Visa (conference, seminar, training, visiting family or friends)
C-3-4 Business Visa
C-3-9 Tourist Visa
C-4-5 Short Term Employment Visa
D-2-1~4 Student Visa
D-2-5 Research Study Visa
D-2-6 Exchange Student Visa
D-4-1 Korean Language Trainee Visa
F-3 Dependent Visa
Issuance of Visa Confirmation (visa issuance number holders)
Long stay
South Korea study and work visas for Indians
Specific Activities work visa (E-7: professional and skilled workers)
Work
Main employer-sponsored route for skilled foreign workers. Applicants who have a visa issuance number from Korea submit the long-term visa application at a KVAC (VFS) in India.
2026 minimum annual wage, Ministry of Justice Notice 2025-406 (applies 1 February - 31 December 2026): professional workers (E-7-1) KRW 31.12 million or more
Semi-professional workers (E-7-2): KRW 25.89 million or more a year
General skilled workers (E-7-3): KRW 25.89 million or more a year
Skilled workers (E-7-4): KRW 26 million or more a year
Occupations for which the Minister of Justice has set a different wage standard (for example to protect jobs for Korean nationals) follow that standard; until 31 January 2026 the previous standards applied
KVAC Chennai/Bengaluru long-term (visa issuance number) checklist: passport valid 6+ months, 2 colour photos, online visa application form, original TB test report from a designated lab, health condition form, relationship proof for accompanying family, and the visa issuance number from Korea; research visas also need an apostilled copy of the latest degree certificate
Multiple-entry short-term visa for frequent visitors (C-3-1, 5 years)
Other
Short-term multiple-entry visa for people who have visited Korea often, issued by a Korean embassy or consulate (in India through the KVAC). Indian business applicants can also request a business multiple-entry visa, granted at the consulate's discretion.
Visited Korea more than 4 times within the 2 years before applying, or more than 10 times in total with at least one visit in the last 2 years
Not eligible: nationals of China, Cuba, Macedonia, Kosovo and Syria; anyone fined more than KRW 5 million or given a deportation or departure order (e.g. for illegal stay) within the last 3 years
Visa-free entries count; entries on non-professional work (E-9, E-10, seasonal worker), crew or landing-permit status do not
Documents: application form, passport, one photo; visa fee exempted
Issued as C-3-1, valid 5 years, maximum stay 30 days per visit (guideline effective 1 March 2017, published on the KVAC site)
Business multiple-entry (India): Short-Term Business multiple-entry visa holders can stay for the granted length of stay within the validity; the Consulate General decides whether to grant single or multiple entry; checklist includes employment proof, 1 year of salary slips, 2 years of ITR acknowledgements and PAN, 6-month bank statement, Korean invitation letter and the inviting company's business registration; normal visa fee Rs 8,100
Student visa (D-2 degree study; D-4-1 Korean language trainee)
Study
For Indians admitted to a Korean university (D-2) or a Korean-language programme (D-4-1). Fill the e-Form on the Visa Portal, then submit it with the university's Certificate of Admission at the VFS/KVAC centre for your jurisdiction; it is issued as a long-term single-entry visa.
Certificate of Admission from the Korean university or institution, plus a copy of the institution's business registration certificate
Academic records and latest degree with original apostille (Chennai/Bengaluru checklist); original document for the highest education level (Mumbai-jurisdiction D-2 checklist; apostilled for D-4-1)
TB test certificate from a designated hospital or lab in India
Recent 6-month bank statement with the bank's original stamp and sign; if parents or a guardian sponsor you, their 6-month bank statement, 2 years' ITR and occupation proof (Chennai/Bengaluru); in the Mumbai jurisdiction, students under 30 supported by parents submit the parents' original financial documents
Neither checklist states a minimum bank balance
D-4-1 language trainees also submit a training plan (lecture schedule, lecturer profiles, training facility details)
NIIED (Korean Government scholarship) students: visa fee gratis
For people looking for professional work in Korea in E-1 to E-7 fields (professor, foreign-language instructor, researcher, technician, professional, artist/athlete, special-ability foreign national). Single-entry visa valid for 3 months, with a period of stay of up to 6 months.
Eligible applicants (any one): worked at least 1 year within the last 3 years at a Fortune Global 500 company; graduated within the last 3 years from a university in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings top 200; graduated within the last 3 years from a Korean community college or higher; completed a research programme at a Korean university within the last 3 years
Employment-seeking outline or employment activity plan, CV and proof of education (degree certificates; transcript for Korean graduates)
Proof of funds for living expenses in Korea: 6 months' bank statements certified by an Indian bank with sufficient balance (no amount stated)
Indian applicants must submit a TB certificate from a designated hospital in India, and a letter of invitation and personal reference (letter of guarantee) from Korea, both notarised by a notary public in Korea
E-6-2 work at adult entertainment establishments is excluded
For remote workers employed by a foreign company, or overseas business owners, who have worked in the same industry for at least one year, plus their spouse and minor children. Apply at a Korean mission (in India via the KVAC); stay granted for one year from entry, extendable by one more year (maximum 2 years); local employment or profit-making activity is not allowed.
Age 18 or older (except dependent children)
Income of more than twice the previous year's GNI per capita announced by the Bank of Korea; the Chennai consulate's notice of 10 May 2024 gives twice the 2022 GNI per capita as KRW 84.96 million a year (KRW 7.08 million a month)
Private medical insurance covering at least KRW 100 million for treatment and repatriation
Documents proving income (employment certificate, salary certificate, bank transaction certificate); criminal record certificate (Indian PCC) and family relation certificate apostilled or legalised
Chennai/Bengaluru checklist: TB test report from a designated hospital, ITR for 2 years and PAN, 6 months' bank statement, 6 months' salary slips, travel insurance valid 120 days from entry, proof of residence in Korea
For the spouse or unmarried children under 20 of a foreigner registered in Korea (Alien Registration Card holder); F-2-3 dependants of permanent residents have their own checklist. Submit at the KVAC/VFS centre for your jurisdiction.
Marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (children under 18) copy
Inviter's invitation letter, passport copy, Alien Registration Card (front and back), latest 6-month bank statement, employment certificate and Korean housing contract
TB test report from a designated hospital and Health Condition Form
Visa fee (normal) Rs. 5400 on the Chennai/Bengaluru checklist
Not available: Korea's Working Holiday Program covers 30 countries/regions (list dated May 2026) and India is not one of them, so Indian citizens cannot apply.
Participating countries/regions (May 2026): Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, U.K., USA
Fees and processing times for these routes are listed in the Visa fees and Processing sections above.
Where to apply
Where do Indian citizens apply for a South Korea visa?
New Delhi (Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place)
Kolkata (Kasba)
Mumbai
Chennai (Ramee Mall, Teynampet)
Bengaluru (J.P. Nagar)
Pune
Ahmedabad
Goa
Hyderabad
Which office covers your state
Embassy of the Republic of Korea, New Delhi
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and the union territories of Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Apply at VFS KVAC New Delhi (Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place) or Kolkata (AA-1 1843 Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba); KVAC tel +91-22-6201-8463. Embassy: 9 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri Extension, New Delhi 110021; tel +91-11-4200-7000; consular office 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri); visa e-mail india_visa@mofa.go.kr.
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Mumbai
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and the union territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Consulate: Lodha Supremus, 12th Floor, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli Naka, Mumbai 400018; tel +91-22-6147-7000; hours 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:00. Apply at the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS centres: Mumbai (Urmi Axis Building, 3rd Floor, near MMRC Science Centre Exit A4, opp. E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi West, Mumbai 400011; submission Mon-Fri 08:00-15:00, passport collection 15:00-17:00), Pune (Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00), Hyderabad (08:00-15:00), Ahmedabad (09:00-13:00) and Goa (09:00-13:00); no appointment needed; helpline +91-22-62018463; service charge Rs. 1000 per person.
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Chennai
Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC page names only Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry). Apply at VFS KVAC Chennai or Bengaluru. Consulate: 5th Floor, Bannari Amman Towers, No. 29, Dr Radha Krishnan Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600004; tel +91-44-4061-5500; hours 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30 (Mon-Fri). KVAC Chennai: Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai 600018; KVAC Bengaluru: 22 Gopalan Innovation Mall, Bannerghatta Main Road, J. P. Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru 560076. Both: submission Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00 (travel agents 09:00-12:00), passport retrieval 09:00-15:00; no appointment needed; service fee Rs. 1600, cash or POS.
South Korea visa statistics and recent rule changes
Recent rule changes
VFS (Mumbai-jurisdiction centres: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune) announced that, per the Consulate General in Mumbai, applications are accepted only if the travel date is within one month of submission, with immediate effect and until further notice.
The Embassy posted the Ministry of Justice notice expanding the Top-Tier visa (effective 1 June) to outstanding professors and researchers in science and technology at national/public research institutes and universities, with the Korean-language requirement waived; holders get F-2 residence and can apply for permanent residency after 3 years, and master's-or-higher graduates of the world's top 100 universities can get 'Pre-Top-Tier (D-10)' job-seeking status.
The Consulate General in Chennai introduced new visa fees (e.g. USD 40 / INR 3,400 for single entry up to 90 days); superseded by the Embassy's INR fees from 1 August 2026.
South Korea visa for Indians — frequently asked questions
Answers built only from the VFS Global and embassy pages listed in the Sources section.
How much is the South Korea visa fee for Indian citizens?
Short Term Single Entry (less than 90 days) — normal: INR 3600.00; Long Term Single Entry (more than 91 days) — normal: INR 5400.00; All Multiple Entry Visa — normal: INR 8100.00. 10 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: Rs. 1600 per person (inclusive of all taxes) per the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC visa-type and centre pages; the 2026 Chennai/Bengaluru checklist PDFs list 'VFS Charge Rs. 1380'. Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS centres (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad): service charge Rs. 1000 per person (inclusive of all taxes), October 2026..
What documents are required for a South Korea visa from India?
Original Passport with more than 6 months' validity; Recently taken 2 passport sized colour photographs; Duly filled online visa application form (e-Form from www.visa.go.kr, printed); From Korean inviter (Embassy New Delhi page): invitation letter (photo/scanned copy allowed, no attestation) with invitee and inviter details and seal/signature; photocopy of Certificate of Business Registration of inviting company (employee certificate if inviter is an individual); From Indian applicant (Embassy New Delhi page): business registration certificate (business owner) or employee certificate; Income Tax Return (recent 2 years); bank statement (recent 6 months). Category-specific checklists are listed for 13 visa categories.
How long does South Korea visa processing take for Indians?
Normal — Chennai: 25 working days minimum (excluding day of submission); Normal — Bengaluru: 27 working days minimum (excluding day of submission); Express — Chennai: 7 working days minimum.
Where do Indian citizens apply for a South Korea visa?
Applications go via VFS Global + embassy. Locations listed: New Delhi (Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place), Kolkata (Kasba), Mumbai, Chennai (Ramee Mall, Teynampet), Bengaluru (J.P. Nagar), Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad. Jurisdiction by state: Embassy of the Republic of Korea, New Delhi — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and the union territories of Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Apply at VFS KVAC New Delhi (Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place) or Kolkata (AA-1 1843 Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba); KVAC tel +91-22-6201-8463. Embassy: 9 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri Extension, New Delhi 110021; tel +91-11-4200-7000; consular office 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri); visa e-mail india_visa@mofa.go.kr.; Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Mumbai — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and the union territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Consulate: Lodha Supremus, 12th Floor, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli Naka, Mumbai 400018; tel +91-22-6147-7000; hours 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:00. Apply at the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS centres: Mumbai (Urmi Axis Building, 3rd Floor, near MMRC Science Centre Exit A4, opp. E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi West, Mumbai 400011; submission Mon-Fri 08:00-15:00, passport collection 15:00-17:00), Pune (Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00), Hyderabad (08:00-15:00), Ahmedabad (09:00-13:00) and Goa (09:00-13:00); no appointment needed; helpline +91-22-62018463; service charge Rs. 1000 per person.; Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Chennai — Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC page names only Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry). Apply at VFS KVAC Chennai or Bengaluru. Consulate: 5th Floor, Bannari Amman Towers, No. 29, Dr Radha Krishnan Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600004; tel +91-44-4061-5500; hours 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30 (Mon-Fri). KVAC Chennai: Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai 600018; KVAC Bengaluru: 22 Gopalan Innovation Mall, Bannerghatta Main Road, J. P. Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru 560076. Both: submission Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00 (travel agents 09:00-12:00), passport retrieval 09:00-15:00; no appointment needed; service fee Rs. 1600, cash or POS..
Can Indians get a South Korea visa on arrival or an eVisa?
Visa on arrival — Not available: Korea's missions in India state that Indian nationals must apply for and obtain a Korean visa through the Korea Visa Portal e-Form and a Korean Visa Application Centre (run by VFS Global) before travel. Visa-free entry applies only under specific schemes: direct flights to Jeju Island and the transit-passenger rule (see visa-free). eVisa — Available only for specific categories, not for ordinary tourists: the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) issues e-Visas to E-1/E-3/E-4/E-5/E-7 experts holding a Gold Card employment recommendation (and their F-3 family), C-3-3 medical tourists or G-1-10 patients applied for by a recognised medical travel facilitator, C-3-4 business visitors invited by a Korean company who have entered Korea at least 3 times on C-3 visas since 1 January 2012 with no illegal stay, and C-4 scientists invited by a government-funded research institute or accredited university. Other Indian applicants fill the Visa Portal e-Form and submit in person at a KVAC. Visa-free entry — Partly available: Indians flying directly from abroad to Jeju Island (no stop elsewhere in Korea) can enter Jeju without a visa or K-ETA, as India is not among the 23 excluded countries; the KVAC says the stay is up to 30 days for tourism or visits, and Indian ordinary passport holders need permission from the Jeju Immigration Office to travel on to other parts of Korea. Indians holding a valid visa (or permanent residency/re-entry permit) for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or one of 32 European countries can also enter visa-free for up to 30 days (B-2) when transiting Korea to or from those countries, with a confirmed onward ticket within 30 days. Otherwise a visa is required.
What photo size is required for a South Korea visa?
Size: 35-40mm in width. Background: Bright background.
Is travel medical insurance required for a South Korea visa?
No. Travel insurance is not among the documents on the 2026 tourist checklists published by the Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC or the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS centres. Exception: the F-1-D digital nomad (workation) visa requires private medical insurance covering at least KRW 100 million for treatment and repatriation (Chennai consulate notice), and the Chennai F-1-D checklist asks for travel insurance valid for 120 days from entry.
Which South Korea visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Diplomacy/Official Business Status, Short Term (Non-profit & Stay Visa), Short Term Employment Visa, Long Term Single Entry Visa, Other, Entry types, Checklists published (Chennai/Bengaluru KVAC, 2026) and Visa types on the Mumbai-jurisdiction VFS site (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad), 2026. 45 visa types are listed on this page.
