We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> A complete guide to South Korea\u2019s D-7-92 Contractual Service Supplier by FTA visa: eligibility, documents, work rules, dependents, extensions, and risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> April 7, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n The D-7-92<\/strong> status is a South Korean long-stay visa\/status used for a narrow category of foreign nationals entering Korea to provide services under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)<\/strong> commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practical terms, it is for a person who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route exists because South Korea has made market-access commitments in certain FTAs allowing temporary entry of specific service suppliers. It is not a general work visa for anyone with a Korean contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within Korea\u2019s immigration system, this is generally treated as a long-stay visa\/status of stay<\/strong> in the D-series<\/strong>, which covers several investment\/business\/foreign-company-related categories. It is usually issued as a visa for entry<\/strong> and then, after arrival and longer stay, may require Alien Registration<\/strong> and ongoing immigration compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public-facing naming varies. You may see references to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Korea\u2019s status labels sometimes change in formatting, applicants should verify the exact mission\/Hi Korea wording currently used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> This category is highly specialized. The exact legal scope often depends not just on immigration law, but also on the specific FTA and service sector commitments.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This visa is usually appropriate for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable. Use visa-free entry or a visitor\/tourist route if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If attending meetings, negotiations, conferences, market research, or short non-remunerative business activity, a C-3 business visitor-type route<\/strong> or visa waiver may be more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable. This is not a job search route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often should look at another work category such as:\n– E-series professional work visas<\/strong>\n– possibly another D-7 subtype<\/strong> if they are internal transferees or foreign-invested-company staff\n– another category depending on occupation<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable for full-time study. A D-2<\/strong> or D-4<\/strong> route is usually appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They do not usually apply under D-7-92 as principal applicants unless they independently qualify. They may need a dependent status, often F-3<\/strong>, if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May need a different category depending on whether the activity is academic research, industrial R&D, or service contract execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not suitable. This status is not designed for general remote work from Korea for a foreign employer unless the work specifically matches FTA contractual service rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not suitable. Consider D-8<\/strong> or another entrepreneurship\/investment route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not suitable unless the activity falls under another investment-related status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable. A religious activity category may apply instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not suitable unless the activity clearly falls under an FTA-covered contractual service supply and immigration accepts it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should consider D-7-92 if all of the following are true:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The core use is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible real-world examples may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless separately authorized, this status is generally not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are physically in Korea and working for a foreign company, that does not automatically<\/strong> mean D-7-92 is appropriate. Korea generally expects foreigners to hold a status matching the activity carried out in-country. For D-7-92, the activity must fit the approved FTA contractual service framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being paid outside Korea does not<\/strong> by itself make an activity lawful on a visitor status. The immigration question is the nature of the activity in Korea<\/strong>, not just where money is paid from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short meetings and negotiations may fit a business visitor route. Actually performing the contracted service in Korea often requires a proper work\/status category such as D-7-92 if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commonly used official-style label is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Publicly accessible official sources do not always publish a detailed stream-by-stream manual for this specific subtype. If an internal distinction exists by FTA, sector, or mission practice, it is not always clearly published.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After entry and for longer stays, the person may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean visa naming can shift slightly across consulates, ministry notices, and internal numbering. Always rely on the exact current code and label shown by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because this visa is treaty- and category-specific, eligibility is narrower than many applicants expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You usually need to be connected to an FTA partner country<\/strong> whose agreement with Korea includes temporary entry commitments relevant to contractual service suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Not every nationality or every overseas company qualifies. The relevant FTA text and Korean implementation matter.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You are typically expected to be employed by a foreign service supplier<\/strong>, not simply acting as an independent tourist or informal contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There should be a real contract between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The contract should clearly describe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the service category and FTA, immigration may expect evidence of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposed work must fit a service category Korea allows under the relevant FTA commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A valid passport is required. Many missions prefer enough validity to cover the intended stay and processing period. Exact minimum validity can vary by post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even where the company is paying costs, applicants may need to show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be refused for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If staying long-term, you will likely need to complete Alien Registration<\/strong> within the legal deadline after entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following are often not published in one clean public rulebook<\/strong> for this exact subtype, or may vary by post\/case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If not specifically requested by your mission or immigration office, do not assume they are unnecessary\u2014but do not submit random documents without checking either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korean embassies\/consulates may ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:\n– calling it \u201cbusiness meetings\u201d but submitting a 9-month on-site implementation contract\n– claiming \u201cconsulting\u201d where the documents show ordinary local employment<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a major issue with specialized Korean visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the contract:\n– is too vague,\n– lacks signatures,\n– lacks project details,\n– lacks payment terms,\n– or appears drafted just for visa purposes,\nit can trigger refusal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the foreign company or Korean client cannot be verified, that is a serious red flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the role requires specialist credentials but the applicant submits little evidence, immigration may doubt eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any past breach in Korea or elsewhere can hurt credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing:\n– employer letter,\n– contract,\n– invitation,\n– corporate registration,\n– passport copies,\n– visa application form,\ncan derail the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the mission requires translated or legalized documents and they are missing or inconsistent, delays or refusal can result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If asked why you are coming and you describe a purpose that does not match the file, that creates risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This status is not a direct PR route, but lawful residence history in Korea can still matter later if you move into another qualifying longer-term status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This status is usually tied closely to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A major change may require immigration approval or a new application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incidental study may be tolerated depending on context, but the status is not intended for primary academic enrollment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general assumption should be made that this status grants public welfare access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa validity period is the period during which you can use the visa to enter Korea. This varies by issuance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The period of stay is how long you may remain after entry. It is often linked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n depending on what is granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always check the visa label or electronic grant details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying in Korea can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not assume a grace period exists. Leave, extend, or change status before expiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Extension applications should generally be made before the current period of stay expires<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because D-7-92 is specialized, exact lists vary by embassy and by whether a visa issuance certificate\/number<\/strong> is first obtained in Korea. Below is the most complete practical checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are often central to the case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If relevant to the service category:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If dependents apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not buy non-refundable travel until the visa is approved unless clearly safe to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not always uniformly listed for D-7-92, but may be required depending on post\/case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on embassy\/post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This varies significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Never assume a document accepted by one Korean consulate will be accepted by another without legalization.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Use the exact current photo rules from the Korean mission or application center. Common problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this exact subtype, a universally published single minimum amount is not clearly stated<\/strong> across public official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means applicants should not rely on rumors. Instead, show a strong, coherent financial picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n South Korea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Contractual Service Supplier by FTA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n D-7-92<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Long-stay work\/business activity status under FTA commitments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n To allow certain foreign professionals employed by a service supplier of an FTA partner country to enter South Korea temporarily to supply services under a bona fide service contract<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n A foreign employee of an overseas company from an FTA partner country, sent to Korea to perform contractual service covered by the applicable FTA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Varies by issuance and consulate; check the visa grant and Hi Korea\/mission instructions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Varies by grant and FTA\/service contract; often tied to contract period and immigration approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Single or multiple, depending on issuance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, sometimes, if the underlying activity remains eligible and immigration approves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited: only the specific contractual service activity authorized under this status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited: incidental study may be possible, but this is not a study status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Possible in some cases through dependent status, subject to eligibility and immigration approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible indirectly, but this status is generally temporary and specialized; it is not a straightforward PR route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect only, if the person later qualifies through long-term residence and naturalization rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
What it is not<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Official and administrative naming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Best-fit applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who may be researching it but usually should not use it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Job seekers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Employees hired directly by a Korean company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Spouses\/partners and children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Researchers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Digital nomads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Founders\/entrepreneurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Investors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Retirees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Religious workers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Artists\/athletes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Transit passengers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diplomatic\/official travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Simple rule of thumb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually permitted only if approved as part of the application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Prohibited or not appropriate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Payment source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Meetings vs service performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Short code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Long name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Internal streams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Related permit names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Old vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Commonly confused categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCommonly Confused With<\/th>\n Difference<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n C-3 business visitor<\/td>\n For short business visits, not actual long-stay contract service supply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n E-series work visa<\/td>\n Usually for direct employment or profession-specific work in Korea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n D-7 intracompany\/foreign company transfer categories<\/td>\n May apply when transferred within related corporate structures, rather than under an external service contract<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n D-8 investment\/business<\/td>\n For investment\/business establishment, not contract service supply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomad-style concepts<\/td>\n Not the same; Korea expects the status to match actual activity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) Nationality \/ treaty connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2) Genuine foreign employer\/service supplier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3) Bona fide service contract<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4) Qualified professional background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5) Activity fits the approved FTA scope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6) Sponsorship \/ invitation support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7) Passport validity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8) Financial support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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9) No major inadmissibility issue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10) Registration compliance after arrival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Items that may vary or may not be publicly standardized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Embassy-specific and case-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Likely ineligible applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mismatch between purpose and documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wrong visa class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weak or unverifiable contract documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Poor employer\/sponsor evidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insufficient proof of qualifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prior overstays or violations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Incomplete file<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Translation\/notarization mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview inconsistency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key advantages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Practical legal benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Longer-term benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Employer\/client dependence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Study restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Public benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Visa validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Period of stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Entries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grace periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Format<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Official Korea visa form<\/td>\n Basic application data<\/td>\n Current official form<\/td>\n Old version, unsigned form<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport<\/td>\n Valid travel document<\/td>\n Identity and travel authorization<\/td>\n Original passport<\/td>\n Damaged passport, low validity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport photo<\/td>\n Official visa photo<\/td>\n Identity matching<\/td>\n As per mission specs<\/td>\n Wrong size\/background<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa fee proof<\/td>\n Payment receipt if applicable<\/td>\n Process initiation<\/td>\n Per mission method<\/td>\n Wrong fee amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Consent forms<\/td>\n If requested<\/td>\n Data\/privacy processing<\/td>\n Mission-specific<\/td>\n Missing signature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Is there a fixed minimum fund amount?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What immigration usually wants to see<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Good evidence of financial capacity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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