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South Korea Business Visa: Eligibility, Requirements & Application Process

Last Update: 18-08-2024

South Korean Flag in Seoul, South Korea

⚡Quick Summary

Do Indians visiting South Korea for business-related activities require a visa?

Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit South Korea for business-related purposes.

South Korea Business Visa Processing time

12 Working Days

South Korea Business Visa Fees

$40 (₹ 3,200)

South Korea Business Visa Validity

90 Days

South Korea Business Visa Stay Duration

90 Days

How to Apply for a South Korea Business Visa

  1. Apply through Teleport in minutes
  2. Apply through the VFS visa application centre

Documents Required for a South Korea Business Visa

  1. Passport 
  2. Photograph
  3. Visa application form
  4. Personal Covering Letter
  5. Invitation letter from the Korean company hosting your visit
  6. Indian Company Letter
  7. Flight and Hotel Bookings
  8. Bank Statement (last 6 months)
  9. Income-tax Return (last 3 years)
  10. See other documents
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5+ applied recently

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Approval Rate

Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. What is a South Korean Business Visa for Indians?
  3. Types of South Korea Business Visa
  4. Eligibility for South Korea Business Visa
  5. South Korea Business Visa Requirements - Documentation
  6. How to Apply for a South Korea Business Visa?
  7. Processing Time for South Korea Business Visa
  8. Fees for South Korea Business Visa
  9. Validity and Duration of South Korea Business Visa
  10. Procedures After You Enter South Korea With a Business Visa
  11. How to Track the Visa Status for South Korea Business Visa
  12. Additional Resources
  13. Conclusion
  14. FAQs

Introduction

Are you an Indian planning a business trip to South Korea? In this blog, we provide all the essential information Indian business travellers need to apply for a South Korea business visa successfully.


Everything from the required documents to the application process and associated fees is covered here. If you need additional help, contact our team at Teleport at 073148 52914 or simply ping us on WhatsApp.


Ready for your business trip to South Korea? Let's get going!

What is a South Korean Business Visa for Indians?

A South Korean business visa is meant for those planning to visit South Korea for commercial activities such as conducting market research, small-scale trade activities, attending meetings, business events, seminars, and conferences, etc.

Types of South Korea Business Visa

South Korea offers several types of business visas depending on the nature and duration of the intended business activities. The most common types of business visas for South Korea include:


  1. C-2 Visa (Short-Term Business Visa): This visa is suitable for short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, seminars, negotiations, or signing contracts. It typically allows stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
  2. C-3 Visa (Long-Term Business Visa): The C-3 visa is designed for individuals planning to engage in long-term business activities in South Korea. It is suitable for those seeking to establish a business, conduct market research, or oversee ongoing projects. The duration of stay and renewal options depend on the specific circumstances and may vary.

Eligibility for South Korea Business Visa

Indian citizens applying for a business visa to South Korea must fulfill specific eligibility criteria and furnish some documents as part of the application process. Here's a general outline of what is typically required:


Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay date in South Korea.


Purpose of Visit: The primary purpose of the visit should be to engage in commercial activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, etc.


Invitation Letter: A formal invitation letter from the South Korean hosting you is essential. This letter should provide details about the nature of the business relationship, the duration of the visit, the specific purpose of the trip, etc.

South Korea Business Visa Requirements - Documentation

Mandatory Documents

Passport

  • Valid for at least 6 months
  • Old passport (if any)

Visa Application Form

Complete the online application form with a valid signature

Photograph

  • Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm or  3.5 x 4.5 cm
  • 80% face visibility
  • White background

Invitation Letter

  • Obtain an invitation letter from the South Korean company hosting your visit.
  • Include essential details like Applicant Name, Passport Number, Travel Date, Purpose of Travel, and Designation.
  • Specify the party responsible for expenses and provide the name, designation, and company seal of the person issuing the invitation.
  • Include contact details of the person in charge of the South Korean company.
  • Inviter's details for Companies: Provide the name and phone number of the person in charge. 
  • Inviter's details for Individuals: Include Inviter’s full name, ID number (Foreigner Registration Number/Alien Registration Number), and phone number.

Personal Covering Letter

  • Addressed to the Embassy/Consulate General of South Korea.
  • Include passport details, work profile, travel purpose, stay details, travel dates, expense details, home address, and mobile number.

Flight Tickets

  • Onward and return flight tickets

Hotel Bookings

  • Hotel confirmation from South Korea on hotel letterhead with a seal and signature

Travel Itinerary

  • Provide details of the planned visit, including arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, and accommodation arrangements

Bank Statement

  • Include the original last six-month bank statement with a stamp and signature on each page
  • Minimum recommended bank balance of ₹ 70,000

Income Tax Return

  • Latest 3 years Income Tax Return

Indian Company Letter

  • Draft a formal letter on your company letterhead addressed to the Embassy or Consulate General of South Korea.
  • Include details such as Applicant Name, Passport Number, Travel Date, Purpose of Travel, and Designation, and indicate who will bear the expenses.
  • Provide the name, designation, and mobile number of the person signing the letter, along with the company seal.

Indian Declaration Form

  • Applicable only to New Delhi applicants

Supporting Documents

If Employed

  • Last 3 months' salary slips with company seal and signature.
  • 1-year salary slip for New Delhi applicants.

If Self-Employed

  • Business registration, Gumasta Licence (Shop & establishment Licence), or GST certificate.

How to Apply for a South Korea Business Visa?

Get Your South Korea Business Visa With Teleport

Teleport makes applying for a South Korean visa smooth and stress-free. Just follow the steps below:


Step 1: Start Your Korea Visa Application:

Go to Teleport's South Korea visa application page and select 'Start Application.' Teleport offers both tourist and business visa options for South Korea.


Step 2: Enter Basic Information and Make Payment:

Upload an image of your passport. Choose between full or partial payment, and follow the instructions for putting in personal information. You can populate the data manually or let Teleport do it automatically using your passport image.


Step 3: Courier Your Documents:

A dedicated Teleport Relationship Manager will be assigned to you who will guide you in collecting all relevant documents needed for your  South Korean business visa application. You then need to courier these documents to the nearest Teleport office.


Step 4: Appointment Booking:

Your Teleport Relationship Manager will schedule an appointment and submit your documents at the visa application centre.


✅ Teleport ensures your South Korea business visa application and documentation meet the necessary requirements before submission.


All visa updates will be communicated to you via Teleport’s platform. We will also keep you updated on your visa application status through regular WhatsApp messages and emails.  Upon approval, you can download your visa from the Teleport Dashboard.

Apply for South Korea Visa Through VFS Global

Step 1: Determine the Visa Type

Identify which type of visa you need and get the required documents in order. The next section enumerates all the documents you need to apply for a Korean business visa. If your documents are not in English, get them translated before applying for your Korean visa.


Step 2: Get Started With Your South Korean Visa Application

Fill out the online visa application form and print it. You will need it for submission at the Korean visa application center.

Note

You can directly walk in a Korea Visa Application Centre in India and submit your application. There is no need to book an appointment with them.

Step 3: Visit the Korea Visa Application Centre and Pay the Fee

Submit your completed business visa application form at the Visa Application Center in person or through a representative. Also pay the required visa fee here.

South Korea Visa Application Centres in IndiaWorking Hours (Mon to Fri)

Kolkata

9 AM - 1 PM

New Delhi

9 AM - 1 PM

Chennai

9 AM - 1 PM (Submission hours for individuals) 9 AM - 3 PM (Passport retrieval time)

Bengaluru

9 AM - 1 PM (Submission hours for individuals) 9 AM - 3 PM (Passport retrieval time)

Important

You are only permitted to visit the visa application centre assigned to your location. Refer to the table below to determine which centre you are eligible to visit.

Jurisdiction for Visa SubmissionStates/ Territories Covered

South Korean Embassy, New Delhi

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Chandigarh, J&K, Ladakh

Consulate General of South Korea, Mumbai

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Consulate General of South Korea, Chennai

Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry

Step 5: Track Your Application

You will receive an email notification once the Visa Application Centre has made a decision on your application. If you prefer more detailed tracking, you may opt to receive updates via SMS directly to your phone. This service may not be available at all Korea visa application centres though. Please inquire at the visa application centre you are visiting to ensure that this facility is available.


You can also monitor the status of your Korea business visa application online. Simply utilise the Reference Number provided on the invoice or receipt issued by the Korea Visa Application Center, along with your last name, to access this service.


Step 6: Collect Your Passport

Once the visa application centre has made a  decision as regards your application, you can either retrieve your passport directly from the visa application centre or opt for delivery by courier, with an additional fee.


For in-person collection, remember to carry the receipt issued along with a valid form of government identification. You may also authorise a representative to collect your passport on your behalf. They must present a signed letter of authorization from you, the receipt provided by the visa application centre, and their own government identification.

Processing Time for South Korea Business Visa

The South Korea business visa processing time for Indians may take 10 to 12 working days after your appointment at the visa application centre. Note that the workload at the Korean embassy or consulate can significantly impact the time taken to process visas.

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Teleport Expert Tip

To ensure a smooth process for obtaining a South Korean business visa, start by gathering the required documents such as the Invitation Letter, financial statements, and a completed visa application form, etc. Once prepared, schedule an appointment at the nearest South Korean visa application centre. Considering the time involved, we recommend you initiate this process at least two months before your planned travel date.

Fees for South Korea Business Visa

Visa TypeAmount

Short Term Single Entry Business Visa (for less than 90 days)

$ 40 (₹ 3,200)

Validity and Duration of South Korea Business Visa

Business visa to South Korea is a single-entry e-visa that remains valid for 90 days. This visa permits a stay of up to 30 days within the country. Do review the information provided by the South Korean embassy or consulate handling your visa application, as they will outline the South Korea business visa validity, stay duration and any accompanying conditions.

Procedures After You Enter South Korea With a Business Visa

Here's a general procedure you need to follow after you enter South Korea with a Business Visa:

  • Keep Your Arrival Card Ready: When you arrive in South Korea, you'll be provided with an Arrival Card either on the aeroplane before landing or at the immigration checkpoint. It's important to complete the Arrival Card accurately and legibly and state the purpose of your entry, location of residence, etc to immigration officials.
  • Prepare Your Travel Documents to be Presented to the Immigration Authorities: Have your passport, South Korean business visa, and other supporting documents ready for quick verification by immigration authorities. Carry physical printouts or ensure easy accessibility on your mobile device.
  • Understand South Korea's Customs Regulations: If your baggage requires inspection, proceed to the customs area. You can familiarize yourself with South Korea's Customs Regulations here to make use of various services, duty-free shopping, and traveler facilities.
  • Be Compliant With Visa Conditions Throughout Your Stay: It’s important to adhere to the conditions of your business visa, such as stay duration, permitted activities, and any restrictions.

How to Track the Visa Status for South Korea Business Visa

Track Your South Korea Visa Application Through Teleport

Teleport allows you to keep track of your Korean visa application effortlessly. If you've applied for your Korean visa using Teleport, expect to get updates in real-time via WhatsApp, email, or directly on the Teleport Dashboard.


Here's how to check your application's progress:

  1. Sign in to your Teleport Dashboard.
  2. Go to 'Your Applications.'
  3. Select your application to see its current status.

Track Your South Korea Visa Application Through Government Website

  1. Visit the official website of the South Korean government.
  2. Select Electronic Visa (Individual) or Visa Application Centre.
  3. Input your application no., passport no., date of birth, and name.
  4. Click on ‘Search’.

South Korea Business Visa Status Check

Track Your South Korea Visa Application Through VFS Global

To use VFS Global’s portal to keep track of your application, follow the instructions below:


  1. Visit the VFS online application tracking page.
  2. Input the 14-digit Visa Application Reference Number you received after paying your visa fee. 
  3. Enter your last name.
  4. Put in the captcha and hit ‘Submit’.

Conclusion

With the right guidance, securing a business visa to South Korea can be super smooth and easy. Just ensure that you meet all South Korea business visa requirements for your travel. 


Make your South Korea business visa application process easier by considering Teleport. Our user-friendly platform ensures that your application meets all the necessary standards without any trouble.


If you have any inquiries or need assistance, call us at 073148 52914 or message us on WhatsApp. Our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way. 


Safe travels!

FAQs

How much bank balance is required for a South Korea business visa?

The bank balance required for a South Korean business visa varies depending on individual circumstances and the duration of stay. However, we recommend having a minimum of ₹ 2,00,000 in your bank account to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your visit.

Can I apply for a South Korea business visa online?

South Korea only allows you to fill in your application form online after which you need to apply to VFS visa processing centre, either directly or through a designated travel agency.

Is there a visa-on-arrival option for South Korea business visits for Indians?

No, South Korea does not offer a visa-on-arrival option for business visits for Indians. Indians intending to visit South Korea for business purposes typically need to obtain the appropriate business visa before arrival.

What are the fees associated with a South Korean business visa?

A short-term single-entry South Korea business visa (for less than 90 days) can cost Indians around $ 40 (or ₹ 3,200).

What is the validity period of a South Korea business visa?

The validity period for South Korea single-entry business e-visa is 90 days. This visa usually permits a stay of up to 30 days within the 90 day validity period. The South Korean embassy or consulate handling your visa application, will typically outline the precise validity duration and any accompanying conditions.

Can I travel to other countries from South Korea on a business visa?

No, you cannot travel to other countries from South Korea on a business visa.

How can I check the status of my South Korea business visa application?

There are 3 ways you can use for checking the status of your South Korea business visa application:

  • Through Teleport: Sign in into the Teleport Dashboard. Navigate to 'Your Applications.' Select your application to see its current status.
  • Through South Korea’s official government portal
  • Through VFS Global
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