Getting paid after visa-free entry
Doing paid work after entering visa-free or on a C-3 is an activity outside your status and can cause problems for both you and the inviting organization.
C-4 SHORT-TERM EMPLOYMENT
C-4 Short-Term Employment Visa: What to Check Before Paid Work in Korea for Up to 90 Days
The C-4 is the status for foreign nationals who will carry out paid activities in Korea for 90 days or less. Even for the same lecture or business trip, whether you receive a fee or service payment in Korea decides whether visa-free entry or a C-3 short-term visit is enough, or whether you need a C-4.
Contact an expert ↗Key points
• The stay is 90 days or less, and extension or change to another work status is generally restricted.
• It covers short paid activities such as lectures, temporary performances, advertising or fashion modeling, and installation or technical guidance for imported equipment.
• A contract stating the pay is central to the review, and the visa is usually applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad.
• It covers short paid activities such as lectures, temporary performances, advertising or fashion modeling, and installation or technical guidance for imported equipment.
• A contract stating the pay is central to the review, and the visa is usually applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate abroad.
What to prepare and check
- Activity details and schedule (within 90 days)
- Contract stating the amount and payer of the fee (employment, service or performance contract)
- Inviting organization’s business registration and other documents
- Proof of experience or qualifications for the activity (degree, employment certificate, etc.)
- Whether a recommendation letter or extra documents are needed for your activity type (performances, modeling, etc.)
Practical cautions
Expecting an extension or change
Switching from C-4 to long-term employment is generally not possible. If long-term work is the goal, consider the E-7 or another suitable status from the start.
Extra requirements by activity
Performances need a recommendation letter, advertising models face agency requirements and a consular interview, and camp English teachers must teach at the registered education facility.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a C-4 for a single guest lecture at a Korean university?
One-off lectures or consultations may be possible under another short-term status. It depends on the fee, frequency and type of invitation, so check in advance.
Is seasonal farm or fishery work a C-4?
Seasonal work is a separate program allocated through local governments and runs as C-4 (short-term) or E-8 (longer-term) depending on the period.
Can I extend beyond 90 days?
Extensions beyond 90 days are generally not allowed and are considered only for unavoidable reasons.
Note
This article is general information. Actual requirements and documents may vary by nationality, current status, the law at the time of application and the competent authority's decision.
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