Immigration Office
D3 visa
Technical Training Visa
1. What is the D3 visa technical training program?
The D3 visa is issued when a Korean company exports technology to a foreign country or establishes a local corporation.,
Inviting foreign personnel to the country to operate and acquire the relevant technology
This is a visa that allows you to conduct technical training.
Not just providing labor,
The purpose is to help domestic companies hone their advanced technologies and capabilities so that they can utilize them in their home countries.
2. Practical overview and requirements
1. Legal basis
It is based on Article 10 (Qualifications for Residence) of the Immigration Control Act and Appendix 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the same Act, and is intended for foreigners who wish to engage in technical training activities.
2. Key Requirements
Domestic companies wishing to conduct training must meet one of the following criteria:.
A company that exports technology to a local corporation or branch abroad
A company that has signed a contract to export industrial equipment (plants) to a foreign country
When a company that has introduced technology into the country under a technology introduction contract wants to train a foreigner to disseminate the technology
Trainee qualifications
You must be 18 years of age or older.
Applicants must be working in a job related to the technology or have completed related studies in their home country.
There must be no illegal stay or other disqualifications in Korea in the past.
3. Type
Depending on the training type and target institution, it is broadly divided into three types.
General Technical Training (D-3-1) This is for general corporate trainees involved in industrial equipment exports, technology exports, etc.
Public Institution Technical Training (D-3-2) This is when you participate in a training program conducted by a government agency or public organization.
Other technical training (D-3-11) This is a special case that does not fall under the above categories but is recognized as requiring separate technical training.
4. Issuance period and required documents
Applying for a D3 visa requires ample time from document preparation to final entry. Practically, the following timeframes should be considered:.
1. Realistic time required
Document preparation period (1-2 months): It takes a considerable amount of time to prepare the foreign trainee's home country documents (education, work experience, notarization, etc.) and receive them via international mail.
On-site inspection by an immigration inspector (1-2 months): If your company is undergoing a technology transfer visa review for the first time, an on-site inspection by an immigration inspector is mandatory. This process alone can take at least a month.
Visa Review (3-4 weeks): This is the administrative processing period from document submission to final approval.
Total Expected Period: Allow at least six months. The period may be extended depending on local circumstances, supplementary documentation requirements, and other factors.
2. Key Documents
Inviting Party: Training plan, business registration certificate, technology export performance verification documents, trainee utilization statement, training company status survey report, etc.
Invitee (trainee): Passport copy, photo, resume, employment certificate or graduation certificate, personal reference letter, etc. (All overseas documents require translation and notarization.)
3. Visa issuance procedures
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1Establishing a training plan
Domestic inviting companies create specific training schedules and curriculums.
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2Application for visa issuance approval
The company submits an application to the relevant domestic immigration office.
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3Fact-finding survey
Investigators visit your company's site to verify the training environment and requirements.
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4Review and approval
The Immigration Office will notify you of the visa issuance confirmation number.
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5Visa issuance
Foreign trainees receive their visas at the Korean embassy in their home country. Issuance time and required documents (practical guide)
Immigration Office agency
Why you need an administrative scrivener
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1. Proof of professional performance
We provide legally-compliant documentation of complex technology export contracts and remittance records.
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2. Sophisticated curriculum design
We communicate and write a detailed training plan to ensure that it is not judged as simple labor.
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3. Close response to on-site inspections
Provides pre-screening and response strategies for investigator inspections that occur during the initial review.
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4. Administrative Risk Management
We manage the entire process from preparing overseas documents to entering the country, preventing unnecessary waste of time.
The D3 technical training visa requires at least 6 months of preparation time.,
Management of the period of stay in 6-month units
It is a difficult task with a difficult hurdle called corporate due diligence.
Also, as the breathing is long
We need a professional administrative officer who can follow up on your business.
Seum Administrative Law Firm is based on a wealth of successful cases.
We will provide you with professional assistance to ensure that your technical training proceeds without a hitch.
Prepare for complex visa administration with confidence with Seum Administrative Law Firm.
January 3, 2026
Seum Administrative Attorney Firm
Written by: Sangyoon Kim, Administrative Scrivener
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to pay my trainees a salary?
A: Since you are not a worker, you will be paid a training allowance in the nature of living expenses, not wages.
