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Korea visa and rules changes

What changed for foreigners in Korea, with official sources.

Last verified: Oct 14, 2026

Topic

Status

  • HousingIn effect

    Base rate raised to 3.00%: rent conversion cap now 5.0%

    The Bank of Korea raised its base rate to 3.00% on August 27, 2026. The legal cap for converting a deposit into monthly rent during a lease or renewal is the base rate + 2%p, so it is now 5.0% a year.

    Affects: allSource: bok.or.kr

  • WorkAnnounced

    Kazakhstan becomes the 18th E-9 sending country

    The Foreign Workforce Policy Committee designated Kazakhstan as a sending country under the Employment Permit System. Workers from Kazakhstan are expected to arrive from 2028.

    Affects: E-9Source: biz.heraldcorp.com

  • WorkAnnounced

    2027 minimum wage set at ₩10,700 an hour

    The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced the 2027 minimum wage: ₩10,700 an hour (₩2,236,300 a month for 209 hours), up 3.7% from 2026. It applies from January 1, 2027 to all workers, including foreigners.

    Affects: allSource: moel.go.kr

  • InsuranceIn effect

    National Pension income cap rises to ₩6.59M a month

    From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, National Pension contributions are charged on monthly income between ₩410,000 and ₩6,590,000 (previously ₩400,000–₩6,370,000).

    Affects: allSource: nps.or.kr

  • VisaIn effect

    Digital nomad visa (F-1-D) becomes permanent with lower income rules

    The F-1-D workation visa moved from a pilot to a formal status. The income requirement now ranges from 1× to 2× GNI per capita depending on age and region, and the maximum stay is 3 years.

    Affects: F-1-DSource: immigration.go.kr

  • VisaIn effect

    2026 E-7 minimum salary requirements take effect

    Ministry of Justice notice 2025-406 sets the 2026 E-7 salary requirements from February 1 to December 31, 2026: E-7-1 ₩31.12M, E-7-2 and E-7-3 ₩25.89M, E-7-4 ₩26M a year. They apply to new visas, changes of status and extensions.

    Affects: E-7Source: immigration.go.kr

  • VisaIn effect

    Employment details can now be reported online on HiKorea

    Foreigners who work must report their job and income as part of their registration. From January 2, 2026 the report can be filed online on HiKorea, including automatically when booking an extension or change-of-status visit.

    Affects: allSource: moj.go.kr

  • WorkIn effect

    E-9 quota for 2026 cut to 80,000

    The government set the 2026 Employment Permit System quota at 80,000 workers (70,000 by industry plus 10,000 flexible), down from 130,000 in 2025.

    Affects: E-9Source: korea.kr

  • WorkIn effect

    Seasonal workers (E-8) expanded to 109,000 in 2026

    About 109,000 seasonal workers will be placed on farms and fishing villages in 2026, 14.1% more than in 2025, through 142 local governments.

    Affects: E-8Source: nocutnews.co.kr

  • EntryIn effect

    K-ETA temporary exemption extended to December 31, 2026

    Travellers from countries already covered by the temporary K-ETA exemption, including the United States, do not need a K-ETA until December 31, 2026. Whether it continues in 2027 has not been announced.

    Affects: visa-freeSource: mofa.go.kr

Results are estimates for reference only and are not tax or legal advice. Actual amounts can differ depending on your contract, employer and individual circumstances.

How it is calculated

How this list works

Each entry is a confirmed change that affects foreigners working or living in Korea, with the date it applies, who it affects and a link to the official announcement. Entries marked Announced will apply later; In effect means the rule already applies.

Check before you act

A summary cannot cover every condition. Always open the source and confirm with the agency in charge, especially before you apply for a visa or sign a contract.

Frequently asked questions

›Is K-ETA required for Korea in 2026?

Citizens of countries covered by the temporary exemption, including the United States, do not need a K-ETA until December 31, 2026. Others still need one or a visa.

›What is the minimum wage in Korea in 2027?

₩10,700 an hour from January 1, 2027, or ₩2,236,300 a month for a 40-hour week.

›How many E-9 workers will Korea accept in 2026?

80,000, down from 130,000 in 2025.

›What are the E-7 salary requirements for 2026?

E-7-1 ₩31.12 million, E-7-2 and E-7-3 ₩25.89 million and E-7-4 ₩26 million a year, from February 1 to December 31, 2026.

›How often is this page updated?

Whenever a new rule is confirmed from an official source. Each entry shows when it was last checked.

Sources and verification

Last verified: Oct 14, 2026

Official sources used on this page

Official help

This page gives reference estimates and general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and individual cases differ, so confirm with the official agency before acting.

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