Visa Applications / Entry Requirements: South Korea

German citizens and 66 other nationalities who travel visa-free as tourists or for business trips (for meetings and conferences) are required to obtain an electronic entry permit (known as ETA) before starting their journey. The exemption from the K-ETA travel authorization for German citizens and some other nationalities has been extended until 31.12.25. However, it can still be requested if desired. Further information can be found under “eVisa”.

Starting in December 2025, all travelers must fill out an Arrival Card online no earlier than 3 days before entry (not earlier, including the day of entry!). Until then, it can still be filled out upon arrival.

All nationalities that cannot apply for an ETA must apply for a regular visa.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL VISA CATEGORIES

• Visa application
  see right, please complete in full
  !! Please also note the following information !!
• Declaration of consent
  for the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC), download here
• Original passport,
  must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip
• Non-German applicants: current registration certificate (if EU citizen) or copy of residence permit for Germany (if not an EU citizen)
  Attention: It must be clear that you have been living in Germany for 2 years.
• Original passport photo
  original, biometric, not older than 6 months, photo requirements

Additional requirements for TOURIST VISAS

• Proof of sufficient financial resources
  Bank statements for the last 3 months prior to application
• Salary statements
  for the last 6 months prior to application
• Certificate of employment

Additional requirements for BUSINESS VISAS

• Invitation letter
  from the company in South Korea, with the purpose of the trip, travel period and role of the applicant
• Secondment letter
  from the employer in Germany, with a detailed description of the reason for the trip (sample), travel period and position in the company
• Business Registration Certificate
  Copy of the extract from the commercial register of the company in South Korea, not older than 3 months
• Proof of the relationship between the inviting and sending company
  e.g. draft contract or meeting plan (from the inviting company)

Additional requirements for TECHNICIANS AND ENGINEERS (short-term employment, single entry, up to 90 days)

• Invitation letter
  of the company in South Korea, with travel purpose, travel period and number of entries (single entry)
• Secondment letter
  of the employer in Germany, with a detailed description of the reason for travelling (sample) and number of entries (single entry)
• Business Registration Certificate
  Copy of the commercial register extract of the company in South Korea, not older than 3 months
• Proof of the relationship between the inviting and sending company
  e. g. contract/purchase order. Copy of the contract between the German and South Korean company, if the work is contractual with signatures

Additional requirements for TECHNICIANS AND ENGINEERS (single entry (multi for germans only, up to 90 days)

• Invitation letter
  of the company in South Korea, with travel purpose, travel period and number of entries
• Secondment letter
  of the employer in Germany, with a detailed description of the reason for travelling (sample) and number of entries
• Business Registration Certificate
  Copy of the commercial register extract of the company in South Korea, not older than 3 months
• Proof of the relationship between the inviting and sending company
  e. g. contract/purchase order. Copy of the contract between the German and South Korean company, if the work is contractual with signatures
• Certificate of Tax payment
  for the last 12 months of the inviting company

Processing time (without guarantee):
approx. 2 weeks