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 March 29, 2026
Korea offers Taiwanese master's graduates three paths: D-10 job search for up to 2 years, E-7 professional work visa, F-2 points-based PR transition, and F-5 permanent residence. TOPIK Level 4+ is the hidden threshold, while Samsung, SK, and LG are the mainstream employers. This article uses Dr. G.'s consulting experience to break down the full timeline from master's study to permanent residence.
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.
Comparison
Japan HSP
Singapore EP
Korea F-2
Screening method
Points system 70/80
COMPASS 40 points
Points system 80 / 120
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 | Study Abroad Blog | Dr.G. Academy
Language requirement
N1 adds 15 points
None
TOPIK Level 4-6 adds 5-15 points
Education bonus
Master's 20 points
Top 100 = 20 points
Korean university graduation +5-15 points
Permanent residence path
1-3 years (HSP)
5-10 years
Hold F-2 for 3 years -> F-5
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.
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:
Degree
Part-time work limit during semesters
Vacation work
Bachelor's Years 1-2
10 hr/wk
Full-time allowed
Bachelor's Years 3-4
25 hr/wk
Full-time allowed
Master's
30 hr/wk
Full-time allowed
PhD
35 hr/wk
Full-time allowed
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:
Item
Requirement
Eligible applicants
Graduates of formal Korean universities (bachelor's / master's / PhD)
Initial period
6 months
Extension
Up to 2 cumulative years
Financial proof
Account balance KRW 9M+ (about NTD 210,000)
Work rights
Part-time work allowed (short-term internships, part-time jobs)
Application fee
KRW 60,000 (about NTD 1,400)
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:
Item
Points
Education (PhD / master's / bachelor's)
30 / 20 / 10
Graduation from a Korean university
+5-10
Age (age 25 -1 point / year from age 26+)
30 (25) - 35 (40+)
TOPIK Level (Lv 4 / Lv 5 / Lv 6)
10 / 15 / 20
Experience in Korea
5-10
Passing threshold: About 60-80 points, with specific thresholds adjusted slightly each year.
4.3 D-10 Application Process
Stage
Action
1 month before graduation
Prepare documents (graduation certificate, degree certificate, TOPIK certificate, bank statement)
Submit to the immigration office
T-0
Review
2-4 weeks
D-10 visa issued
Residence card updated
Job search during the 6-month period
Part-time work / full-time internships allowed
Extension application
1 month before expiry
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):
One of the 89 "special activity" occupations announced by the Ministry of Justice
Initial period
1 year
Renewal
1-3 years
Spouse / children
F-3 Dependent; spouse may work after applying for E-7-1
5.2 The 89 E-7 Occupations Relevant to Taiwanese Engineers
Category
Typical roles
IT / SW
Software Engineer, ML Engineer, Data Scientist, Web Developer
Semiconductors
Process Engineer, Equipment Engineer, IC Design Engineer
Displays (LCD/OLED)
Display R&D, Panel Engineer
Mechanical / chemical engineering
Mechanical / Chemical Engineer
Finance / consulting
Investment Analyst, Strategy Consultant
Translation / education
Translator, Lecturer (foreign language teachers use E-2 separately)
5.3 E-7 Points System (Required for Some Occupations)
Evaluation item
Points
Education
Bachelor's 10 / master's 20 / PhD 30
Age
25-29 = 10 / 30-34 = 7 / 35+ = 5
Korean work experience
0-15
TOPIK Level
Lv 4 = 5 / Lv 5 = 10 / Lv 6 = 15
Annual salary (KRW M)
35M = 5 / 50M = 10 / 70M+ = 15
Graduation from a Korean university
+5-10
Passing threshold: 60+ points, with differences by occupation.
5.4 Major E-7 Employers
Company
Starting monthly salary (new master's graduate)
Advantages
Samsung Electronics
KRW 5.0-6.5M
Korea's flagship company, high E-7 approval rate
SK Hynix
KRW 4.5-6.0M
Semiconductor giant
LG Electronics
KRW 4.2-5.5M
Displays and home appliances
Naver / Kakao
KRW 4.8-6.5M
IT giants
Coupang
KRW 5.5-7.5M (U.S.-backed)
E-Commerce
POSCO
KRW 4.5-5.5M
Manufacturing
Hyundai Motor
KRW 4.5-5.8M
Automotive
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 subtype
Eligible applicants
F-2-7
Points-based professional talent
F-2-99
Other residents
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:
Item
Details
Points
Education
Bachelor's / master's / PhD
15 / 25 / 35
Age
18-24 / 25-29 / 30-34 / 35-39
18 / 25 / 20 / 15
Study experience in Korea
Bachelor's / master's / PhD
5 / 10 / 15
Annual salary
KRW 30M / 50M / 70M / 100M+
5 / 10 / 15 / 20
TOPIK Level
Lv 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
5 / 10 / 15 / 20
Years of Korean work experience
+5 per year
5-20
Assets in Korea
KRW 100M+
5-10
Bonus items
Korean spouse / children / volunteering
5-15
Passing threshold: 80 points or above.
6.3 F-2 Application Process
Stage
Action
Hold E-7 for 1+ year
Become eligible to apply for F-2
Points calculation + document preparation
TOPIK certificate, salary proof, tax statements
Submit to immigration
T-0
Review
2-3 months
F-2 issued
Residence card updated
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):
Path
Requirements
F-5-1
5 years of continuous residence in Korea + Korean annual salary KRW 60M+ + TOPIK Level 4+
F-5-7 (advanced talent)
Overseas elite university + Korean corporate shareholding / annual salary KRW 80M+ + 3 years' residence
F-5-10 (investment immigration)
Investment KRW 500M+ + employment of 3 Korean nationals
F-5-16 (Korean spouse)
Marriage to a Korean national + 2 years' residence
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:
Requirement
Details
Residence in Korea
5+ consecutive years (hold F-5 for 2+ years)
Age
20 or above
Conduct
No criminal record
Economic capacity
Ability to support oneself independently
Korean ability
Korean language and social understanding test (KIIP Level 5 = approximately TOPIK 6)
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.
F-2 application (education 25 + age 25 + TOPIK 10 + study in Korea 10 + annual salary 10 + work 5 + Samsung bonus = 85 points)
After 1 full year on E-7
F-2-7
Hold F-2 for 3 years
Annual salary rises to KRW 70M+
F-2
F-5 application
5 years in Korea + annual salary 60M+ + TOPIK Level 4
F-5
From enrollment to F-5: about 7 years.
Case B: NCCU Business -> Yonsei MBA -> Naver Marketing -> F-2
Stage
Details
Yonsei MBA
2 years
Naver Marketing offer
KRW 5.2M
E-7 -> F-2-7 (high salary + Korean MBA bonus)
Reach F-5 in 3-4 years
Case C: NTHU Computer Science -> KAIST -> SK Hynix -> Fast F-2 Track
Stage
Details
KAIST 1.5 years
TOPIK Level 5
SK Hynix offer
KRW 6.0M
F-2-7 (KAIST as a top Korean university +15 + TOPIK 15 + salary 10 + education 25 + age 25 = 90 points)
Fast F-2
F-5 after 3 years
Reach permanent residence after 5 years in Korea
Case D: NTU + 5 Years' Work Experience -> Direct E-7 -> F-2-7
Stage
Details
No need to complete a Korean master's
NTU computer science + 5 years at TSMC + TOPIK Level 4
Samsung overseas talent recruitment
KRW 7.0M
E-7 -> F-2-7
High points from work experience
10. Cost Estimates (Converted to NTD)
10.1 Tuition (2-Year Master's at Major Korean Universities)
University
KRW / year
NTD (x0.023)
SNU (Seoul National University, national)
6,000,000-9,000,000
138,000-207,000
KAIST (national)
0-2,000,000 (STEM is almost free)
0-46,000
Yonsei (private)
14,000,000-20,000,000
320,000-460,000
Korea University (private)
13,000,000-19,000,000
300,000-430,000
POSTECH (private but heavily subsidized)
5,000,000-9,000,000
115,000-207,000
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)
Item
KRW
NTD
Rent (One Room studio)
600,000-1,000,000
14,000-23,000
Food
500,000-700,000
12,000-16,000
Transportation
80,000-150,000
1,800-3,500
Mobile / internet
50,000-80,000
1,200-1,800
Miscellaneous
200,000-400,000
4,600-9,200
Total / month
1,430,000-2,330,000
33,000-54,000
Total / year
17,160,000-27,960,000
390,000-640,000
10.3 Visa Fees
Item
KRW
NTD
D-2 Student Visa
60,000
1,400
D-10 job search
60,000
1,400
E-7 work
80,000-130,000
1,800-3,000
F-2 residence
100,000
2,300
F-5 permanent residence
200,000
4,600
Naturalization
300,000
6,900
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."
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:
Before enrollment: Pass TOPIK Level 3 before coming to Korea
During the master's: Pass Level 4 in the first year and Level 5 in the second year
Summer internship: Target Samsung / SK Hynix / LG / Naver / Kakao
D-10 before graduation: Use 6 months to find full-time work, extend up to 2 years if needed
Year 1 on E-7: Work steadily and build your Korean record
F-2 application: Apply as soon as you reach 80+ points
F-5 permanent residence: 5 years in Korea + annual salary KRW 60M+ + TOPIK Level 4+
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.
