South Korea Visa for Indians: based on the Korean Diplomatic Missions in India!
Overview of Applying for a South Korea Visa for Indians
When applying for a South Korea visa for Indians, it's crucial to rely only on resources from the Embassy of Korea to India or its Consulate Generals in Mumbai and Chennai. This article provides a comprehensive guide using up‑to‑date, official information, ensuring a secure and confident application process.
Step 1: Complete the Electronic Application
The electronic visa application form (e‑Form) offers a convenient and comfortable way to apply. Please fill it out, print it, sign it, and submit it with your other documents. Every applicant—including those for tourist, business, student, or work visas—must follow this step precisely.
Step 2: Select Your Jurisdiction and Submit via VFS Global
The embassy or consulate won't accept direct applications. However, you're not alone in this process. All visa applications must be submitted through the Korean Visa Application Centre (operated by VFS Global), which includes centres in Chennai and Bengaluru. They are there to guide you through the process. Make sure to confirm which centre covers your jurisdiction before applying.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Essential materials include:
- Printed and signed e‑Form with barcode
- Passport, valid for at least six months, plus a photocopy
- Recent passport-size colour photograph, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, front view on a white or off-white background. If uploaded online, a physical submission isn't required.
- Additional documents depending on visa type:
- Tourism: return flight tickets, hotel reservation, proof of financial means
- Business: invitation letter, business registration certificate from the inviting Korean company
- Short‑term general purposes (e.g., attending events, cultural activities): invitation or purpose documentation plus financial proof; invitee's passport copy or Korean residence card, if applicable
- More documents may be required based on the visa category.
Step 4: Submission and Application Accuracy
Double-check your application. Omitting any field—even writing "none" in blank sections—can lead to rejection or delays. Incomplete or unclear submissions may result in additional document requests and extend processing time.
Step 5: Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate Requirement
As of 2 January 2025, certain visa applicants must submit a TB test certificate, issued by a designated hospital. This requirement is in place to ensure the health and safety of all visa applicants and the local population. It applies across jurisdictions, including Mumbai.
Step 6: Check Status and Print Visa Grant Notice
South Korea no longer issues physical visa labels. Once your application is processed, you'll receive a Visa Grant Notice, which you must check and print yourself via the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr). Present this notice along with your passport at immigration upon arrival.
Step 7: Express Processing (If Available)
Previously, an Express Application service was available. This service allowed for faster processing of visa applications, usually within a shorter time frame than the standard process. However, the Chennai Consulate temporarily suspended it since 29 September 2023, due to high demand and processing constraints. Expect delays in visa issuance in such cases.
Jeju Visa-Free Entry (Special Case)
If your plan is limited to visiting Jeju Island directly, you may enter without a visa for up to 30 days. This special provision is in place to promote tourism to Jeju Island. It applies only if you arrive via a direct flight or ferry to Jeju and stay there for the entire duration. Entry through other parts of Korea (e.g., Seoul) requires a standard visa.
Summary Table: South Korea Visa for Indians (Official Process)
Steps, Actions & Key Points
- Application Form Fill, print, and sign the e-Form with barcode
- Submission: Apply through VFS Global in your jurisdiction
- Documents: Submit passport, photo, and purpose-specific documents
- Accuracy: Complete all fields fully to avoid rejection
- TB Certificate Required for specific visa types (from Jan 2025)
- Visa Grant Notice Print from the portal; present at immigration
- Express Option Currently unavailable in Chennai (as of Sep 2023)
- Jeju Visit: Visa-free if arriving directly and staying only in Jeju
Student and job-seeker visa
Here's a focused and informative expansion on student (D‑2) and job‑seeker (D‑10‑1) visas for Indian applicants.
Student Visa (D-2) for Indians: Study in Korea
Who is Eligible?
- You must submit your application in person (no appointment needed) or via an approved travel agent.
- Processing takes four working days, including the day of submission. There is no express service.
- The visa is single-entry only and must be obtained no more than three months before your planned entry date
- The duration of stay granted matches your program's length exactly, based on your admission certificate. Extensions must be done through local immigration in Korea.
- Upon arrival in Korea, you must apply for a Registration Card at a local immigration office within 90 days. This card must be returned upon departure to avoid penalties.
Required Documents
- Completed visa application form with one passport‑style photo (white background)
- Original passport plus a clear photocopy of the bio-data page (minimum six months validity)
- Certificate of Admission from the Korean university/program, plus its business registration certificate
- Financial proof:
- For complete degree programs: 6 months of bank statements showing USD 15,000 (for the capital region) or USD 13,000 (local regions), held for at least one month. For exchange or short-term programs (under 12 months): bank statements covering the full cost based on your admission letter
- Acceptable alternatives include a student loan certificate, parental affidavit with bank details, or a scholarship certificate—subject to specific requirements
- Additional documents for Indian nationals: proof of family relationship with sponsor (e.g. birth certificate, notarised translation)
Job-Seeker Visa (D-10-1) for Indians: Explore Career Opportunities
Purpose & Eligibility
The D‑10‑1 visa allows you to seek employment or undergo training in Korea in fields like professor (E‑1), language instructor (E‑2), research (E‑3), technical instructor (E‑4), professional employment (E‑5), culture/entertainment (E‑6), or remarkable ability (E‑7)
Certain conditions apply:
You must be a graduate of a Times Higher Education World University Top 200 in recent years, or previously employed for over one year at a Fortune Global 500 company, or graduated from a Korean community college or higher within three years. Application Details
- Submit your application in person (no appointment needed) or via an approved agent. Processing is done within four working days—no express option exists
- Flights or accommodation bookings are not required.
- Korea no longer issues visa stickers. Instead, you must download the Visa Grant Notice online once approved.
- Upon arrival, apply for a Registration Card within 90 days. If you leave Korea permanently, return the card to the authorities to avoid fines.
- Your visa is valid for 3 months from issuance, and you must enter Korea within that period.
Required Documents
- Visa application form with passport photo
- Original passport and a clear photocopy of the bio-data page
- A detailed employment-seeking plan as per the downloadable template
- Evidence of eligibility:
- Employment letter from a Fortune Global 500 company confirming your tenure
- Degree certificate from a top 200 university, apostilled if issued by a foreign institution
- For graduates of Korean colleges, provide the relevant degree certificate, TB test certificate (depending on requirements)
Final Thoughts
