Does the E-7 Visa Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

What is E-7 Visa?

The E-7 Visa, or the Special Occupation Visa, allows foreign nationals with professional skills to work in South Korea in occupations designated by the Ministry of Justice. It targets highly skilled workers in industries facing domestic shortages and supports the country’s long-term economic development. Applicants must hold relevant qualifications and experience matching the sponsored role.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

• Engineering & Manufacturing (Mechanical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Production Manager)
• IT & Technology (Software Developer, Data Analyst, Network Administrator)
• Education & Research (University Lecturer, Research Scientist, Language Instructor)
• Business & Finance (Accountant, Financial Analyst, Marketing Specialist)
• Healthcare & Medical Services (Pharmacist, Medical Technologist, Physiotherapist)

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for E-7 Visa

To sponsor a worker under the E-7 Visa, the employer must:

• Be a legally registered business in South Korea.
• Offer a job position listed on the official E-7 eligible occupations list.
• Provide proof that no qualified local candidate is available for the role.
• Offer a salary that meets or exceeds the national minimum for foreign workers.
• Submit an employment contract and supporting documentation to the Ministry of Justice.
• Maintain compliance with immigration and labor regulations throughout the employment period.

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor E-7 Visa?

Typical costs include:

Employers may also cover relocation or administrative expenses depending on company policy. Overall, costs are modest compared to relocation-heavy visa categories.

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring E-7 Visa

Processing times depend on the applicant’s country of origin and document completeness but typically take:

• Standard applications: 2–3 months
• Priority processing (if applicable): 1–2 months

Delays may occur due to verification of academic and employment credentials or if the occupation requires additional government review.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don't Require Visa Sponsorship

Sponsoring an E-7 Visa can be a lengthy and complex process, requiring strict adherence to documentation standards, government approvals, and wage compliance. For employers seeking agility, waiting months to relocate talent may not align with business priorities.

Instead of relocating workers to South Korea, employers can onboard top talent in their home countries through Playroll’s Employer of Record (EOR) model. Playroll enables global hiring without visa sponsorship by managing employment compliance, payroll, benefits, and taxes in over 180 countries. This approach allows businesses to expand internationally without the administrative burden or high costs of visa sponsorship, enabling fast, compliant global growth.