E7 Visa Wage Guide
E7 Visa Wage Guide for Employment Visas
Hello, international students (D-2) and job seekers (D-10) who wish to build a career as a professional in Korea. Seum Administrative Attorney Firmno see.
The Ministry of Justice's recent announcement of the "2026 Wage Requirements for E7 Visas for Specific Activities" heralds significant changes to the domestic job market. Beyond simple salary increases, the barriers to obtaining a visa have been raised, making a systematic strategy essential. Today, we'll take a closer look at the key points of the revised guidelines and countermeasures.
1. Concept and Legal Basis of the E7 Visa for Specific Activities
A symbol of employment of foreign professionals E-7 visais designated by the Minister of Justice through a contract with a public or private institution of the Republic of Korea. 87 specialized occupationsIt is issued to those who wish to engage in this field. This visa is operated in a subcategory from E-7-1 (Professional Worker)** to E-7-4 (Skilled Worker) depending on the level of skill and expertise.
Related laws and regulations
- Article 10 of the Immigration Control Act: Clarification of basic principles regarding the residence status of foreigners.
- Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act Article 12 [Appendix 1]: Specific scope of activities and occupational group regulations for E-7 qualification.
- Article 7, Paragraph 7 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act: The basis for the compensation criteria and detailed notifications considered in visa review.
2. 2026 E-7 Visa Fee Standards (effective February 1, 2026)
The core of this announcement is A significant increase in the minimum salary limit. Especially the most in-demand E-7-1 (Professional) For occupations, you must adhere to the new guidelines below.
| Job classification | Visa code | Annual salary basis | Monthly average conversion amount (estimated) |
| Professional personnel | E-7-1 | More than 31.12 million won | About 2.593 million won |
| semi-professional personnel | E-7-2 | More than 25.89 million won | About 2.157 million won |
| General skilled workers | E-7-3 | More than 25.89 million won | About 2.157 million won |
| skilled workers | E-7-4 | More than 26 million won | About 2.166 million won |
[Practical Points] > To obtain E-7-1 qualification, the pre-tax monthly salary is required. At least 2.6 million won A contract of this standard must be concluded to ensure safety. If the base salary falls below the standard, a technical approach is needed to document the total amount by adding fixed bonuses, performance-based pay, and welfare expenses (e.g., meal allowances).
3. Strategic Advice for a Successful Visa Conversion
A key route for settling in Korea [Study (D-2) → Job Seeking (D-10) → Professional Employment (E-7) → Residence (F-2-7)] On the roadmap, E-7 is the most challenging gateway.
① Optimization of application timing
The new guidelines are For applications received on February 1, 2026This applies strictly from the beginning. If your current salary offer does not meet the increased criteria, it is recommended that you complete your application by the end of January 2026.
② Careful review of the employment contract
Even if your total annual salary is low, you can still meet the standards by appropriately allocating legally recognized allowances. This requires consultation with your company, and it's recommended that you consult with a professional to adjust the contract within the legal framework.
③ Design considering up to F-2-7 (resident visa)
The E-7 visa is not the end, but the beginning. In the future, the point-based residence visa F-2-7When transitioning to the E-7 visa, income level and occupational expertise are crucial factors. To plan a long-term stay, thorough preparation is essential from the initial work visa stage.
Seum, a professional administrative law firm, will be your partner.
E7 visa application is not a simple numbers game. Job relevance, the company's need for hiring, and industry-specific quota restrictions These complex factors must be overcome. For foreign workers and HR professionals struggling with rising wage barriers, Seum offers a clear solution.
From visa application to post-visa management, we will guide you through the complex immigration process.
