Changing Jobs in Korea, Visa Rules and Legal Procedures
Changing jobs in Korea as a foreigner is not just about submitting a resignation and signing a new contract. It also involves navigating Korean immigration laws, updating your visa status, and ensuring that all legal steps are taken properly to avoid visa violations or unlawful stay.
Understanding Visa Ties to Employment
In Korea, many work visas—especially the E-2 (Teaching), E-7 (Specialty Occupation), and D-8 (Investment) visas—are directly tied to the employer. This means that switching to a new company requires official approval or a visa transfer process through the Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea.go.kr).
If your new job differs in field or duties, the immigration office may even require you to change your visa type.
Key Tip! Never start working at the new company before completing the job change process with immigration.
Notifying Immigration About a Job Change
As of the most recent regulations:
You must notify the immigration office within 15 days of leaving your current job.
If you do not, you could face penalties, such as fines or even visa cancellation.
This can be done via the HiKorea website or in-person at an immigration office.
Prepare the following documents:
Certificate of employment termination (from your previous employer)
New employment contract
Business registration certificate of the new company
Reason for the job change (short written explanation may be requested)
Passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Transfer or Reissuance of Visa
Depending on your situation: If the new job is similar and under the same visa type, you may just update your employer information.
If it involves a change in industry, duties, or visa category, you will need to apply for a new visa or change your visa type.
Required Documents for Visa Transfer:
Application form
Employment documents from the new company
Educational qualifications or licenses (if required)
Proof of previous work experience
Personal statement
Visa Validity and Grace Period
If you resign or are terminated:
You typically have a 30-day grace period to find a new job and update your visa.
However, this can vary depending on your visa type and individual circumstances.
It's crucial to monitor the expiration date on your Alien Registration Card and communicate with the immigration office if you're unsure of your legal stay.
Important Considerations for E-7 Visa Holders
For E-7 visa holders (Professionals and Technicians):
Changing jobs requires pre-approval in most cases.
Your new employer must also qualify to sponsor an E-7 visa (i.e., meet criteria like company size, industry type, and salary requirements).
The immigration office may assess your eligibility again, even if you already held an E-7.
Blacklisting & Unlawful Job Change
Be careful—changing jobs without proper notification or working for a company not registered to sponsor your visa can lead to:
Blacklisting from reapplying for Korean visas
Hefty fines
Deportation in serious cases
Always consult your employer’s HR and immigration specialists before making any job moves.
Language Barriers & Legal Assistance
If you're not fluent in Korean, it's recommended to:
Use professional immigration services
Seek support from the Foreigner Support Centers in Korea
Visit the Immigration Contact Center (1345), which offers services in multiple languages
⚠️ Note: Korea's visa policies and legal requirements are subject to change. It is highly recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or contact the Korea Immigration Service to ensure your job change is handled correctly and legally.
