What can and can't you do with E-7 (Specific Activities)?

With an E-7, you can only work in the approved occupation and at the approved workplace. You can only do the work written on your visa, from the list of occupations set by the Ministry of Justice (법무부) (currently 94). To do any other work, you must get permission first.

What you can do

• Work in your approved occupation: Even within E-7, the work you can do depends on your sub-category. E-7-1 is for managers and professionals, E-7-2 is for office and service work, E-7-3 is for technicians, and E-7-4 is for skilled workers.
• Study at a regular school: You do not need separate permission to study at an elementary, middle, or high school, or at a university, if it does not get in the way of your main job.
• University lectures (within 90 days): You can do this if you get Permission for Activities Not Covered by Status of Sojourn (체류자격외 활동허가). You need documents such as an employment recommendation letter and a consent form from your original company.
• Part-time work at another place: You can do this if you get permission to add a workplace or Permission for Activities Not Covered by Status of Sojourn in advance.

What you can't do

• Work outside your approved occupation: Even within the same company, you must not change the work you do. Before you start new work, be sure to check with Immigration whether permission is needed.
• Work somewhere else without permission: This includes side jobs and part-time jobs.
• E-7-4 changing company first: E-7-4 cannot use the report-after-moving method. You must get permission before you move.
• Work for pay below the wage standard: Your extension or change of workplace may be denied.

⚠️ Check these when you change companies

• Professionals (E-7-1, etc.): If you meet the requirements, you can report within 15 days after you move. There is no fee.
• When permission is needed: You must get permission to change workplace before you move. The fee is 120,000 KRW.

The 2026 wage standards are set as annual pay, as follows.

• E-7-1: at least 31,120,000 KRW
• E-7-2 and E-7-3: at least 25,890,000 KRW
• E-7-4: at least 26,000,000 KRW

Some occupations follow separate standards.

Before you start any new work, first check whether permission is needed at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.