South Korea D-10 Job-Seeker Visa + E-7 Work Visa + F-2 / F-5 PR Path: A Complete Guide for Taiwanese Master's Graduates Working in Korea

Published on May 14, 2026

Every August, Dr. G.'s office receives a wave of messages from SNU / KAIST / Yonsei master's graduates: "Dr. G., Samsung Semiconductor wants me to sign under E-7, with a monthly salary of KRW 4,800,000. My TOPIK is only Level 3. Will this be a problem?"

My answer is always: "The E-7 salary threshold is KRW 35M / year, or KRW 2.9M+ per month. Your KRW 4.8M x 12 = 57.6M, which is far above the threshold. TOPIK Level 3 is fine for E-7, but under the F-2 points system, TOPIK Level 4 = 10 points and Level 5 = 15 points. If you want to move toward F-2 PR within the next 3 years, get to Level 4 this year."

Korea's immigration system is more segmented and detailed than Japan's or Singapore's: D-10 job search, E-7 work, F-2 residence, and F-5 permanent residence. Each stage has its own rules and hidden thresholds. Based on my hands-on experience helping 40+ Taiwanese students in Korea find jobs at Samsung, SK Hynix, LG, Naver, and Kakao, this article breaks down the four key visas for you.

1. Why Korea's Path Cannot Be Judged by Salary Alone

Here is the conclusion first: Korea's immigration system is a three-axis points system built around Korean language ability + salary + education.

In plain English: Korea treats TOPIK Korean proficiency as a hidden entry ticket. Many Taiwanese engineers meet the salary threshold and have strong academic backgrounds, but if they are below TOPIK Level 3, their F-2 points get stuck and they never reach PR.

See "Japan HSP Highly Skilled Professional 70-Point / 80-Point Complete Analysis" for a cross-comparison of East Asian points systems.

2. Complete Map of Korean Visas

3. D-2 Student Visa and Part-Time Work Rules

3.1 Core Requirements

• D-2 Student Visa: For study at a formal Korean university (bachelor's / master's / PhD)
• Initial issuance: 2 years (linked to the program)
• Spouse and children may apply for F-3 Dependent status

3.2 Part-Time Work Rules

According to Korea's Ministry of Justice:

Dr. G.'s observation: Korea is relatively flexible with part-time work for master's students. In practice, however, most Samsung / SK / LG summer internships are treated as full-time professional internships, often through a D-10 transition, and do not fall under ordinary D-2 part-time work rules.

4. D-10 Job-Seeker Visa: The Buffer Period After Graduation

4.1 Core Requirements

According to Korea's Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act:

4.2 D-10 Points System (D-10-1 Job Seeker)

Korea's Ministry of Justice evaluates applicants based on a graduate job-seeker points table:

Passing threshold: About 60-80 points, with specific thresholds adjusted slightly each year.

4.3 D-10 Application Process

Dr. G.'s observation: D-10 is the post-graduation buffer period for Taiwanese students in Korea. It is longer than Japan's Designated Activities No. 9 job-search period of 6+6 months and more generous than Singapore, which has no direct equivalent.

5. E-7 Special Activity Professional Work Visa: The Main Route for 90% of Taiwanese Engineers

5.1 Core Requirements

According to Table 1-2 of Korea's Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act (E-7 Special Activity):

5.2 The 89 E-7 Occupations Relevant to Taiwanese Engineers

5.3 E-7 Points System (Required for Some Occupations)

Passing threshold: 60+ points, with differences by occupation.

5.4 Major E-7 Employers

Dr. G.'s observation: For Taiwanese STEM master's graduates, Samsung, SK Hynix, and LG are the first-choice employers. E-7 applications are smooth, renewals are stable, and the F-2 pathway is clear.

6. F-2 Resident Status: The Points-Based PR Transition

6.1 Core Requirements

F-2 is Korea's resident visa and serves as the bridge from E-7 to F-5 permanent residence:

F-2-7 points system: Applicants must accumulate 80+ points out of 120.

6.2 F-2-7 Points Table

According to Korea's Ministry of Justice points system for foreign residents:

Passing threshold: 80 points or above.

6.3 F-2 Application Process

6.4 Advantages of F-2

• Not tied to an employer (the biggest difference from E-7): You may change jobs freely, start a business, or become self-employed
• Spouse may work: After F-3 Dependent upgrades to F-2, all may work
• Eligible for F-5 permanent residence after 3 years

7. F-5 Permanent Residence: The Destination

7.1 Core Requirements (F-5 Has 30+ Subtypes; Taiwanese Engineers Mainly Use F-5-1)

According to Table 1-3 of Korea's Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act (F-5 permanent residence):

7.2 F-5 Application Process

Fee: Application fee KRW 200,000 (about NTD 4,600).

7.3 Rights Under F-5

8. Korean Citizenship (Naturalization) and Dual-Nationality Restrictions

8.1 Core Requirements

According to Article 5 of the Nationality Act of the Republic of Korea:

8.2 Dual-Nationality Rules (Complex)

Korea amended its Nationality Act in 2010:

• General rule: Dual nationality is not allowed
• Exceptions:
• Naturalization after age 60 + submission of a pledge not to exercise foreign nationality = dual nationality may be allowed
• Outstanding talent in science, the arts, or sports + Korean recommendation = dual nationality may be allowed
• Naturalization as a spouse of a Korean national: dual nationality may be allowed

Conclusion: For a typical Taiwanese engineer naturalizing as Korean, renunciation of Republic of China nationality is required.

Dr. G.'s rule of thumb: The vast majority of Taiwanese families should stop at F-5 permanent residence and do not need to apply for naturalization. Keep the Taiwan passport, National Health Insurance, and inheritance rights.

9. Real-World Points Cases: 4 Typical Taiwanese Master's Profiles

Case A: NTU Electrical Engineering -> SNU Semiconductor Master's -> Samsung E-7 -> F-2 -> F-5

From enrollment to F-5: about 7 years.

Case B: NCCU Business -> Yonsei MBA -> Naver Marketing -> F-2

Case C: NTHU Computer Science -> KAIST -> SK Hynix -> Fast F-2 Track

Case D: NTU + 5 Years' Work Experience -> Direct E-7 -> F-2-7

10. Cost Estimates (Converted to NTD)

10.1 Tuition (2-Year Master's at Major Korean Universities)

Dr. G.'s observation: KAIST STEM + government scholarships = tuition close to free. This is the biggest bonus for Taiwanese students studying in Korea.

10.2 Living Costs (Monthly in Seoul)

10.3 Visa Fees

11. Real-World Failure Cases: 3 Lessons You Must Remember

Case 1: TOPIK Level 3 Blocks F-2 Points

Background: Student A, SNU chemical engineering master's in 2022 + LG Display E-7 (monthly salary KRW 5.0M).

Problem: F-2 points calculation: education 25 + age 25 + study in Korea 10 + annual salary 5 + TOPIK Level 3 = 5 points + work 5 = 75 points (below the 80-point threshold).

Result: F-2 application rejected; continued on E-7 with renewals every 1-3 years.

Dr. G.'s solution: Student A spent 1 year raising TOPIK to Level 5 (+10 points), recalculated at 85 points, and passed F-2.

Lesson: TOPIK Level 4+ is the hidden threshold for F-2.

Case 2: D-10 but Unable to Find an E-7 Employer

Background: Student B, Korea University business master's in 2023, TOPIK Level 3.

Problem: After 18 months of job searching on D-10, most mid-sized Korean companies still preferred local candidates who could speak Korean fluently.

Result: The cumulative 2-year D-10 period expired, and the student returned to Taiwan.

Lesson: TOPIK Level 4+ is necessary for non-STEM job searches. Business, management, and humanities graduates are at a serious disadvantage in the Korean job market below TOPIK Level 4.

Case 3: Changing Employers During E-7 Without Reporting

Background: Student C, Samsung E-7 in 2021, transferred to SK Hynix in 2023 with a 1-month gap.

Problem: E-7 is strictly tied to the sponsoring employer. A job change requires a new E-7 application sponsored by the new employer. Student C misunderstood this as "I already have E-7, so the new employer can simply continue it," and immigration discovered the issue.

Result: E-7 terminated + KRW 2M fine + 30-day departure order. A new E-7 was later approved, but the permanent residence clock was interrupted by 1 year.

Lesson: For E-7 job changes, the new employer must submit the E-7 application on the same day. Do not allow any gap.

12. Dr. G.'s Five Golden Consulting Rules

1. TOPIK Level 4+ Is Required for F-2

Pass Level 3 before coming to Korea, Level 4 in the first year of the master's, and Level 5 in the second year. That keeps the permanent residence path open. Without Level 4, F-2 will remain stuck below 75 points.

2. KAIST + Samsung / SK Hynix = The Golden Semiconductor Combination

• KAIST tuition is close to free
• Samsung / SK are flagship Korean companies with the highest E-7 approval rates
• The F-2 -> F-5 path is clear

3. F-5 Permanent Residence Is the Destination; Naturalization Is Unnecessary

• F-5 gives 90% of the rights of Korean citizens, except full voting rights
• Naturalization requires renouncing Republic of China nationality, which 95% of Taiwanese families should not do
• Military service: Taiwanese men should resolve Taiwan military-service obligations before naturalizing in Korea

4. E-7 Job Changes Must Be Filed the Same Day

No gaps, no interruptions. The permanent residence clock is the most valuable asset.

5. TOPIK Is Not "Pass Once and Forget It"; It Must Be Maintained

F-5 applications require an oral interview, which is a real Korean-language ability test. Passing the exam but being unable to speak can lead to PR rejection.

13. Common Q&A

Q1: Will Taiwan military service for men be affected in Korea?
A: It affects Taiwan military-service obligations, not Korean visas. Taiwanese men aged 18-36 studying in Korea must apply for "overseas study deferment" under Taiwan's Military Service Act, usually through the representative office in Korea each year. Military service must be handled before naturalizing in Korea.

Q2: Does Korea allow dual nationality?
A: As a rule, no. Exceptions include naturalization after age 60, outstanding talent, and spouses of Korean nationals. A typical Taiwanese engineer naturalizing as Korean must renounce Republic of China nationality.

Q3: Can I work during D-10?
A: Yes. D-10 allows short-term internships and part-time work, but not full-time formal employment. For full-time employment, you must switch to E-7.

Q4: Can I hold F-2 without an employer?
A: Yes. F-2 is not tied to an employer. You may be self-employed, start a business, or freelance.

Q5: How long can I leave Korea after obtaining F-5 permanent residence?
A: If an F-5 holder leaves Korea for more than 1 year without re-entry permission, the status becomes invalid. With re-entry permission, they may leave Korea for up to 2 years.

Q6: Can my spouse come with me?
A: Yes. An E-7 holder's spouse may apply for F-3 Dependent status. After upgrading from F-3 to F-2, the spouse may work. I recommend planning the spouse's TOPIK and job search independently.

Conclusion: Korea Is a Highly Detailed Points-System Country

After 15 years of hands-on work with Korean pathways, my biggest realization is this: Korea's immigration system is not "meet the threshold and pass"; it is "add up every detail precisely."

KAIST semiconductor + Samsung / SK job + TOPIK Level 4+ = F-2 score of 85+ = smooth permanent residence path.

No TOPIK + no Korean degree + mid-sized company = F-2 score stuck around the 70 range = endless E-7 renewals.

For Taiwanese semiconductor / display / IT master's graduates, Korea's KAIST + Samsung / SK Hynix route is the third-best option in Asia, after Japan and Singapore.

Dr. G.'s standard advice for every student going to Korea:

1. Before enrollment: Pass TOPIK Level 3 before coming to Korea
2. During the master's: Pass Level 4 in the first year and Level 5 in the second year
3. Summer internship: Target Samsung / SK Hynix / LG / Naver / Kakao
4. D-10 before graduation: Use 6 months to find full-time work, extend up to 2 years if needed
5. Year 1 on E-7: Work steadily and build your Korean record
6. F-2 application: Apply as soon as you reach 80+ points
7. F-5 permanent residence: 5 years in Korea + annual salary KRW 60M+ + TOPIK Level 4+
8. Permanent residence is the destination: No need to naturalize; keep Republic of China nationality

A 2-year Korean master's + 5-7 years of work = F-5 permanent residence. This is 6 years slower than Japan HSP-80, similar to Singapore PR, and 0-1 year later than Hong Kong IANG. For Taiwanese IT / semiconductor master's graduates, this is Asia's third most cost-effective pathway.

See "Japan HSP Highly Skilled Professional 70-Point / 80-Point Complete Analysis," "Singapore EP / Tech.Pass / ONE Pass Complete Comparison," and "Hong Kong IANG Visa + 1+5+1 Permanent Resident Path" for a full comparison of Asia's four major permanent residence pathways.

Further Reading:

• Japan HSP Highly Skilled Professional 70-Point / 80-Point Complete Analysis
• Japan Permanent Residence vs Naturalization Complete Comparison
• Singapore EP / Tech.Pass / ONE Pass Complete Comparison
• Singapore PR vs Citizenship: Article 134 Prohibits Dual Nationality
• Hong Kong IANG Visa + 1+5+1 Permanent Resident Path
• Complete Profile of Seoul National University SNU