South Korea
Republic of Korea · Capital: Seoul
A high-income East Asian democracy and technology leader (Samsung, Hyundai, K-culture) with world-class universities, ultra-fast infrastructure and a points-based path to residence for skilled workers.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into South Korea.
Policy overview
5 visa routes into South Korea
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
KR-E7
Employer-sponsored visa for professionals in designated skilled occupations.
Eligibility
- Job offer in an eligible occupation
- Relevant degree/experience
- E-7-1 salary of at least KRW 31.12 million a year (1 February to 31 December 2026)
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Background
D-8 Corporate Investment / Startup
EntrepreneurKR-D8
For founders and investors establishing a company in Korea (incl. the OASIS startup track).
Eligibility
- Company investment (~₩100m)
- Viable business / startup points
Document checklist (11 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
D-2 Student Visa
StudentKR-D2
Study visa for enrolment at a Korean university or graduate school.
Eligibility
- University admission
- Proof of funds
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
KR-F27
Long-term residence awarded on a points system (age, income, education, Korean ability).
Eligibility
- 80+ points
- Sufficient income
- Time in Korea
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Top-Tier Visa (F-2-T)
TalentKR-F2T
Launched 2 April 2025 for elite talent in advanced industries, with residence for family and a route to permanent residence after 3 years. Widened to science and tech professors and researchers in June 2026.
Eligibility
- Job with a Korean firm in one of 8 advanced industries, or a science and tech research post
- Income of at least 3 times GNI per capita (about KRW 150 million)
- Master's or PhD from a global top-100 university, or Global 500 experience
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in South Korea, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where South Korea needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Semiconductors & electronics
Samsung and SK Hynix anchor a vast semiconductor cluster with chronic engineer shortages.
IT & software
A huge gaming, platform and AI sector competes hard for developers.
Shipbuilding & heavy industry
World-leading shipyards face persistent skilled-labour gaps.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Seoul
Capital & tech hubThe capital and engine of the economy: finance, tech, universities and K-culture.
- Cost index
- 82
- 1-bed rent
- $1,100
- Quality
- 80
Busan
Coastal second cityA relaxed coastal metropolis with beaches, seafood and a growing startup scene.
- Cost index
- 70
- 1-bed rent
- $750
- Quality
- 80
Incheon
Airport & free zoneHome to the main international airport and the Songdo smart-city business district.
- Cost index
- 72
- 1-bed rent
- $800
- Quality
- 78
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendA historically homogeneous society now actively recruiting global tech and academic talent; North Korea adds a geopolitical note.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Very safe with low violent crime; Seoul is among the safest megacities.
Higher = safer (crime index 27/100).
Where to live
Which South Korea city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Seoul
24/7 megacity
The capital and engine of the economy: finance, tech, universities and K-culture.
Busan
Beach & port city
A relaxed coastal metropolis with beaches, seafood and a growing startup scene.
Incheon
Modern gateway
Home to the main international airport and the Songdo smart-city business district.
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