South Korean officials have launched two new visa programs. One of those specifically aims to attract highly skilled foreigners, with degrees and experience in the technology industry.
With over 3 million foreign residents living in South Korea, the country was in need of an extensive new immigration and residency policy. Authorities already announced an overhaul in September 2024 and now, on 2 April 2025, two new visas have been officially introduced during a briefing at the Government Complex in Gwacheon.
The first concerns a so-called ‘regional visa’ and has been designed in collaboration with 14 regional governments. It is based on regional labour and industry needs and will run through 2026.
Our goal is to create well-designed immigration policies that contribute to the economy and regional development while invigorating society.
Justice Minister Kim Seok-woo
Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, Gangwon, North Chungcheong, and South Chungcheong will for example make it easier for international students in high-tech fields such as semiconductors, robotics, artificial intelligence, secondary batteries, and biotechnology to obtain a student visa (D-2). North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Jeju will ease visa conditions for students in sectors such as foundational manufacturing and tourism. Incheon, Daegu, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang will all focus on their own fields of interest, while Ulsan and South Gyeongsang might be added still to the list of regional with their own regional visa.
The second newly introduced visa concerns the ‘Top-Tier Visa Program’ and has been developed specifically to attract foreigners with a degree in or extensive experience in the technology industry. Semiconductors, biotechnology, secondary batteries, and display technology are some of the key domains in which South Korea wishes to attract foreign talents. The goal is to integrate 1,000 senior engineers from global technology companies.
“The world has entered a full-scale competition to secure top talent in advanced industries. Adapting to demographic and economic structural changes and revitalising the economy and society makes utilising foreign talent no longer an option but a necessity,” said South Korea’s Acting President Choi.
Qualifications needed for the Top-Tier Visa Program
To put it concretely, those wanting to apply must have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree from a top 100 university worldwide. They must be able to provide proof of at least three years of experience at a top 500 global company and must be employed by a Korean company. Graduates of leading domestic universities such as Seoul National, Yonsei, and Korea and Pohang University of Science and Technology are also eligible, as are those working at corporations such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, Kia Corp., POSCO, Hyundai Mobis, and Samsung C&T.
As far as income goes, they should earn at least three times South Korea’s per capita gross national income (GNI). That means they should earn 149.86 million won (€ 93,000) a year. Those who earn over four times the national per capita GNI or 199.82 million won (about € 123,000) are allowed to apply for the Top-Tier Visa, even if the education or career requirement isn’t met.
According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, qualified applicants and their families will receive an F-2 visa through the program. This allows employment and long-term residency. They might apply for permanent residency after three years.
