What work can you do and not do with an F-4 overseas Korean visa?

With F-4, you can do most kinds of work freely. But you must not do unskilled labor or work in gambling and entertainment businesses.

Work you can do

• General jobs such as office work, professional work, sales, and service work
• Self-employment, such as running a personal business or a company, and starting a business
• 10 unskilled labor jobs that are allowed as exceptions, such as general construction worker, packing, and loading and unloading
• People who changed from H-2 to F-4 follow the same rules.

Some jobs need a license under Korean law, such as doctor, nurse, and driver. Even with F-4, you must have that license.

Work you must not do

• Unskilled labor: Jobs such as moving worker and mail carrier. The 10 allowed jobs listed above are not included.
• Gambling businesses: Working at a gambling business
• Entertainment businesses: Working as an entertainment worker at an entertainment bar, or at a business that harms public morals
• Jobs set separately for public interest and other reasons: The old rules included karaoke room service staff, alcohol service staff, bath attendants, and golf course caddies. The list may have changed under the new notice, so be sure to check.

💡 If you live in a population decline area

The rules are different if your residence is in a city, county, or district covered by the regional specialized visa program. Within the same metropolitan city or province, you can also do unskilled labor and some restricted jobs. But gambling and entertainment businesses are still banned here.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

If you work in a restricted job, you may get a fine. Your extension of stay may also be refused. If you are not sure whether a job is restricted, check before you start.

Check the exact job list again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).