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Work visas

South Korean C-4 Short-Term Employment Visa

A short-stay visa allowing paid work of up to 90 days, such as lecturing, technical guidance, modelling or performances.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Single entry, 3-month visa validity from issuance, up to 90 days' stay and the required-document list are verified from Republic of Korea MOFA embassy visa pages; the C-4 visa fee is not stated (Korean visa fees vary by nationality under reciprocity) and must be confirmed with the issuing Korean mission.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official South Korea government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Short-Term Employment (C-4)
Route type
Short-stay paid-work visa
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
Number of entries
Single entry (C-4-5)
You must enter Korea within 3 months of the visa being issued.
Validity
Visa valid for 3 months from the date of issuance
Processing time
Around 4 working days to 2 weeks
May take longer if additional verification is required; no express service.
Where to apply
A Korean embassy or consulate, or the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) where eligible

Who it is for

  • Experts providing short-term technical guidance to a Korean company
  • Lecturers, advertising models, performers and similar short paid engagements
  • Foreign workers needing to be paid for activity of under 90 days

How to apply

  • Secure the short-term engagement and supporting documentation from the Korean party
  • Apply at a Korean mission or via the Korea Visa Portal where eligible
  • Provide contract/invitation evidence and pay the applicable fee

Requirements

  • A confirmed short-term paid engagement in Korea of 90 days or less (e.g. technical guidance, lecturing, advertising/modelling or performance)
  • An inviting Korean company or organisation that provides supporting documentation
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Because C-4 permits remuneration, the paid nature of the engagement must be evidenced — unpaid short visits fall under the C-3 visitor visa instead

Documents you may need

  • Completed visa application form with a recent passport photo
  • Passport (original plus a copy of the bio-data page) valid for at least 6 months
  • Invitation letter from the Korean company stating the purpose and duration
  • Employment contract or a dispatch order / service contract for the engagement
  • The Korean company's Business Registration Certificate (issued within the last 3 months)
  • Employment verification from your current employer where applicable

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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