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How to get a work visa in South Korea as an Indonesian citizen

Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.

3
Visa pathways
4-8
Processing (weeks)
₩130000
Application fee
Varies
Lowest salary req.
David Okafor
Global Mobility Correspondent··8 min read

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South Korea offers Indonesian workers 3 distinct visa pathways to live and work legally. Indonesians are valued for a vast, young labour force and long-established overseas employment programmes. Around 45,000 Indonesians already live in South Korea, so an established community is in place. Applications are made through the Korean Embassy - Jakarta.

Phù hợp nhất cho ai

  • ✓Semiconductor and electronics engineers
  • ✓IT and software professionals
  • ✓Automotive and manufacturing specialists
  • ✓Gaming and K-content creative professionals
  • ✓Corporate transferees and investors (D-8 visa)

Available visa pathways

The E-7 visa is South Korea's primary work visa for skilled foreign professionals. It covers a wide range of occupations published on the government's eligible occupation list, which includes IT specialists, engineers, natural scientists, architects, designers, and various professional services roles. Your job must fall within one of these designated occupation codes, and your employer must demonstrate that the position requires foreign expertise.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
3 years
Processing
4-8 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
Degree requiredFamily allowed
Points-based

The E-7-1 is a points-based variant of South Korea's skilled worker visa, designed to attract talent based on a holistic assessment rather than rigid occupation codes alone. The points system evaluates candidates across multiple dimensions including age, education level, Korean language proficiency (TOPIK), work experience, annual income, and additional factors such as whether you have Korean language qualifications or have studied in Korea.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
3 years
Processing
4-8 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
Family allowed
Self-sponsored

The D-8 visa is South Korea's corporate investment visa for foreign nationals who establish or invest in a Korean business. It is primarily used by entrepreneurs founding startups, executives of foreign companies setting up Korean subsidiaries, and investors making direct equity investments in Korean enterprises. The minimum investment amount is generally 100 million KRW (approximately $75,000 USD), though this threshold can vary based on the type of investment and applicable treaties.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
4-8 weeks
PR pathway
No
No job offer neededFamily allowed

💡 route.tipFor: Have your Jakarta police clearance certificate ready, and check whether your degree and supporting documents need to be apostilled or legalised for use in South Korea.

Application timeline for South Korea

Employer obtains visa issuance confirmation

Your employer applies to the Korean Immigration Service for a Visa Issuance Confirmation Number on your behalf.

2-4 weeks

Apply for visa at Korean embassy

Submit your visa application at the Korean embassy or consulate with the confirmation number.

1-2 weeks

Travel to South Korea

Enter South Korea on your E-7 or other work visa.

Varies

Register as foreigner

Register at the local Immigration Office within 90 days of arrival to receive your Alien Registration Card.

Within 90 days

Common required documents

Documents commonly required for a South Korea work visa for Indonesians:

Valid passport - at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with 2+ blank pages. Renew at the Jakarta passport office first if needed.
Passport-sized photographs meeting South Korea specifications (dimensions and background colour vary by country).
Completed visa application form with the fee payment receipt.
University degree certificate - original plus a certified translation if not in English or the destination language.
Professional licences or trade certificates relevant to your occupation.
An up-to-date CV or resume in English or the destination language.
A signed employment contract or job offer letter from a South Korea employer.
The employer's registration or sponsorship licence details.
Bank statements covering 3-6 months and showing sufficient funds (in IDR).
Proof of accommodation in South Korea - a rental agreement or employer-provided housing letter.
Police clearance certificate from Jakarta.
Medical examination report from an approved physician, where required.
Health insurance valid in South Korea from your arrival date.
Marriage and birth certificates if dependants are joining you.

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route.cost.visaFee₩130000Rp1,518,248

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Hướng dẫn liên quan

🇰🇷 South Korea country profile🎯 Immigration Eligibility Checker

Làm việc và sinh sống tại South Korea

Các ngành tuyển dụng chính

South Korea recruits international talent in semiconductors (Samsung, SK Hynix), automotive (Hyundai, Kia), IT and software, gaming, and the globally successful K-content industries spanning music, film and television.

Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống

Seoul is the priciest city, with one-bedroom rents around ₩1,000,000 a month plus a deposit, while regional cities are cheaper. The country offers outstanding public transport, fast internet, affordable food and a strong national health insurance system.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a work visa in South Korea?

Processing times range from 4 to 8 weeks.

Do I need a job offer for a South Korea work visa?

Not always. D-8 Investor Visa does not require one.

Can I bring my family on a South Korea work visa?

Yes. 3 of 3 visa types allow dependants.

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