D-7 Visa Korea — Intracompany Transfer (Dispatch) Visa Guide 2026
The D-7 visa (기업투자 D-7, Intracompany Transfer) allows employees of foreign companies to be dispatched to their affiliated Korean entities. It is the standard visa for multinational executives and specialists transferred to Korean operations.
D-7 Visa Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| D-7-1 | Dispatched from overseas parent/affiliated company to Korean subsidiary/branch |
| D-7-2 | Dispatched to Korean company for technology transfer, equipment installation, etc. |
Eligibility Requirements
For the Employee
- Employed by the overseas company for at least 1 year before dispatch
- Manager, specialist, or executive role
- No criminal record
- Adequate health
For the Korean Company (Inviting Entity)
- Legally established business in Korea
- Affiliated with the overseas employer (parent/subsidiary/joint venture relationship)
- Financial stability (not in bankruptcy proceedings)
Required Documents
From the Employee
- Passport
- CV/Resume
- Employment history (1+ year at overseas company)
- Degree certificate (if specialist role)
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
From the Korean Inviting Company
- Invitation letter (초청장)
- Business registration certificate
- Corporate registration extract
- Financial statements (recent 1 year)
- Proof of corporate affiliation with overseas company
From the Overseas Sending Company
- Dispatch order/letter
- Proof of corporate relationship with Korean entity
- Corporate registry of overseas company (apostilled)
Salary Requirements
The dispatched employee's salary must meet the minimum threshold set by the Ministry of Justice, typically the same wage as Korean employees in similar positions.
Application Process
- Korean company files invitation approval with Immigration Office
- Employee applies for D-7 visa at Korean Embassy/Consulate
- Immigration Office reviews and issues visa
- Employee enters Korea and registers alien registration
Duration and Renewal
- Initial: up to 2 years
- Renewal: up to 2 years per renewal
- Maximum continuous stay: typically up to 5 years, then re-evaluation
D-7 vs D-8: Key Differences
| Aspect | D-7 | D-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Employee (dispatch) | Investor/owner |
| Investment | Not required | USD 100,000 min |
| Korean employer | Must have Korean entity | Investor's own company |
| Korean employees | Not required | Min 2 required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my family join me in Korea on D-7? A: Yes, spouse and children can obtain F-3 accompanying family status.
Q: What if the corporate affiliation changes? A: You must report changes to immigration and may need to reapply depending on the change.
Q: Can I work at multiple affiliated entities? A: Generally no — D-7 is tied to a specific Korean entity. Additional work permission may be required.
비전행정사사무소 | D-7 파견비자 전문 상담: 02-363-2251