Working in your field — Specially Designated Activities (E-7)

Specially Designated Activities (E-7) is a work status for working under a contract with a company or institution in an occupation designated by the Ministry of Justice. It is divided into professionals (E-7-1), semi-professionals (E-7-2), general skilled workers (E-7-3), skilled workers under the points system (E-7-4), and trained technical professionals (E-7-M), created in 2026.

The minimum annual pay applied from 1 February to 31 December 2026 is KRW 31.12 million or more for E-7-1, KRW 25.89 million or more for E-7-2 and E-7-3, and KRW 26 million or more for E-7-4 (Ministry of Justice Notice No. 2025-406). Occupations for which the Minister of Justice sets a separate standard follow that standard.

You may work only at the approved workplace, and you need prior permission to change or add a workplace. Each grant of stay is up to 3 years.

Check the official guidance for the list of occupations and the education and experience requirements.