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Short Description: A practical, official-source guide to South Korea\u2019s D-7-91 Intra-Company Transferee by FTA visa: eligibility, documents, process, family, work rights, and renewals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last Verified On: 2026-04-07<\/p>\n\n\n\n
| Item<\/th>\n | Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country<\/td>\n | South Korea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visa name<\/td>\n | Intra-Company Transferee by FTA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visa short name<\/td>\n | D-7-91<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category<\/td>\n | Long-stay work\/status visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Main purpose<\/td>\n | Transfer of certain employees within the same company group under applicable Free Trade Agreement commitments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Typical applicant<\/td>\n | A foreign employee transferred from an overseas branch, subsidiary, or affiliate to a Korean entity of the same company\/group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Validity<\/td>\n | Varies by visa issuance and immigration approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stay duration<\/td>\n | Usually tied to approved period of stay; check visa grant and Alien Registration details<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entries allowed<\/td>\n | Can vary by visa issuance and re-entry status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extension possible?<\/td>\n | Yes, often possible if employment and eligibility continue, subject to immigration approval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Work allowed?<\/td>\n | Yes, but only within the authorized role\/employer\/status conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Study allowed?<\/td>\n | Limited; incidental study may be possible, but this is not a study visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Family allowed?<\/td>\n | Yes, generally possible for qualifying dependents, usually under dependent status if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PR path?<\/td>\n | Possible indirectly; this is not a direct permanent residence visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citizenship path?<\/td>\n | Indirect; may contribute to lawful residence history depending on later immigration path and naturalization rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n South Korea\u2019s D-7-91<\/strong> is a long-stay status used for certain intra-company transferees<\/strong> entering Korea under the country\u2019s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) commitments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In plain English, this route is for a foreign employee who already works for a company abroad and is being transferred to a related Korean entity within the same corporate group, where the transfer fits the conditions recognized under Korea\u2019s FTA framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This status exists because South Korea, through some FTAs, has committed to allowing temporary entry for certain business persons, including intra-corporate transferees<\/strong>. The D-7 category is generally associated with intra-company transfer \/ foreign-invested company assignment \/ regional office assignment<\/strong>, and D-7-91<\/strong> is the specific FTA-coded stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within South Korea\u2019s immigration system, this is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may see this route referred to as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> Public-facing official sources do not always provide a highly detailed English-language breakdown for every sub-code such as D-7-91. In some cases, the broader D-7 framework is easier to find than the specific \u201c-91\u201d coding notes. Where the sub-stream is not fully described on a public webpage, applicants should verify the exact subcategory with the Korean embassy\/consulate or Korea Immigration Contact Center before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is best for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate. Tourists should use a visitor or visa-waiver route if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are only attending short meetings, negotiations, market research, or non-remunerated business visits, a short-term business<\/strong> category may be more appropriate than D-7-91.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate. This is not a job-seeking visa. You normally need an existing corporate relationship and transfer arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate as a primary study route. Students should look at the relevant D-2<\/strong> or D-4<\/strong> categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They usually do not<\/strong> apply under D-7-91 as principal applicants unless they independently qualify. They usually apply as dependents if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some researchers may qualify under research or professor categories instead, depending on the host institution and work nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not appropriate. Remote work from Korea on a foreign contract is not the purpose of D-7-91. Korea has separate frameworks and practical rules for remote workers that should be checked carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate unless they are being transferred as employees within a multinational corporate structure. Pure startup founders usually need a business\/startup category such as D-8<\/strong> or another relevant route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not the main route for passive or active investors unless they are coming as transferred personnel within a qualifying corporate setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate; other status categories apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate unless the transfer is genuinely intra-company and fits the legal category, which is uncommon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not appropriate; official\/diplomatic statuses apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is used for authorized intra-company transfer employment<\/strong> in Korea. That generally means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If someone says, \u201cI\u2019ll enter on D-7-91 and keep doing foreign work remotely,\u201d that may be lawful only if it is actually part of the approved intra-company transfer arrangement. If the work falls outside the approved employer\/sponsor arrangement, that can create immigration and tax risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common mistake is using a short-term business route for real productive work in Korea. If the person is relocating to work inside a Korean group entity, D-7-91 or another work status is usually more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be able to take some classes incidentally, but this is not<\/strong> a study-first status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marriage itself does not make D-7-91 the right category. Family reunion typically uses a dependent or family status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People commonly confuse D-7-91 with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The broader D-7 category remains active. However, sub-code labels, document checklists, and terminology can be updated administratively. Some official sources list categories in broad form rather than showing every sub-code publicly in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> If your embassy checklist only says \u201cD-7,\u201d ask whether your case should be filed specifically as D-7-91 (FTA intra-company transferee)<\/strong> and whether any FTA-specific evidence is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because D-7-91 is an FTA-linked subcategory, eligibility must usually be read together from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is tied to FTA-based commitments<\/strong>, so nationality may matter. In practice, eligibility may depend on whether the applicant is a national of, or otherwise covered by, a country party to an applicable FTA with Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> Public official websites do not always provide a simple nationality list for D-7-91. This must be confirmed with the Korean consulate or immigration office handling the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need a valid passport. In practice, a passport with sufficient remaining validity is expected. Some missions may require at least 6 months\u2019 validity, though this is not always stated uniformly on every page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually required:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, intra-company transferee routes focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact role definitions may depend on the FTA and immigration interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many intra-company transferee systems require a minimum period of prior employment with the overseas company before transfer. For Korea\u2019s D-7 framework, this issue is often handled through sponsor documentation and case review. The exact D-7-91 threshold is not always clearly published in one English-language source, so verify with the mission or immigration office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Korean host company typically needs to support the application and provide corporate documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants commonly need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There may be practical expectations for the transferred role, especially for specialist positions. If qualifications are relevant, submit them. Not every case will have a fixed publicly stated degree threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general Korean-language requirement is publicly stated for D-7-91 itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no widely published single personal bank-balance threshold specific to D-7-91 in the same way some student visas have. However, applicants must still show they can support themselves if requested, and employer support evidence can be important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to provide an address in Korea or evidence of planned accommodation, depending on the mission or post-arrival registration requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A standard visa application may not always require a pre-visa medical exam for every nationality and every D-7 case, but immigration can require additional checks. Separate health screening rules may arise later for residence registration, public health reasons, or employment sector-specific requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A criminal record may affect eligibility. Some posts may request a police certificate; others may not for the initial visa. If requested, follow local mission instructions exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not always listed as a pre-issuance requirement on every mission page, but in Korea long-term residents may later become subject to national health insurance or other compliance rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Requirements vary by embassy\/consulate and visa center process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must show that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long-stay foreign nationals in Korea generally must complete Alien Registration<\/strong> within the required period after arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No public lottery or invitation-round system is generally associated with D-7-91.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past overstays, deportations, or status breaches can trigger refusal or additional scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A record may not always mean automatic refusal, but undisclosed issues are especially damaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Names, dates, and job titles must align across all records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Damaged passport, expiring passport, or inconsistent personal details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If interviewed, inconsistent answers about employer, role, salary, reporting line, or assignment purpose can hurt the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applicants often submit only a generic employment certificate and forget to prove the corporate link<\/strong> between the overseas office and the Korean entity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Qualifying family members may be able to accompany or join the principal applicant under dependent status, subject to separate approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa itself is not permanent residence, but lawful long-term stay in work status can be relevant if the holder later becomes eligible for another long-term or residence pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a welfare or public-funds immigration route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Re-entry rules can vary depending on registration status and current immigration policy. Verify current rules before leaving Korea after arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no single universal public statement that \u201call D-7-91 holders get exactly X years.\u201d The approved period depends on case facts and immigration discretion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Single or multiple entry conditions may vary by issuance and current policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa\u2019s use period starts from issuance. The period of stay normally starts from entry and status grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apply for extension before<\/strong> status expiry. Do not assume a grace period exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Korea does not use the same \u201cbridging visa\u201d language seen in some other countries. If you are applying for extension or change of status in Korea, confirm your lawful stay position directly with immigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> Exact documents can vary by embassy, nationality, and whether you apply overseas or process status matters inside Korea. Always use the checklist from the specific Korean mission or immigration office handling your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why needed:<\/strong> To show maintenance ability and document plausibility of assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most important section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likely documents include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only if relevant to role or requested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For dependents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes requested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically from the Korean entity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the embassy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If documents are not in Korean or English, translations may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some civil or corporate documents may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This varies by country and document type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Never assume a simple translation is enough. Ask the mission whether apostille or notarization is required for your specific document type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo rules vary by mission, but usually include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the photo instructions from the exact embassy\/consulate page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For D-7-91, a single universal publicly posted personal bank-balance threshold is not clearly stated<\/strong> across official English sources in the same way as some student routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your account recently received a large deposit, explain it clearly with supporting records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official fees vary by nationality, reciprocity, embassy, and whether you are applying for a single or multiple-entry visa or handling residence matters inside Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> Because Korean missions update local fee pages and reciprocity schedules, always check the latest official fee page for the exact mission where you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confirm with the Korean mission or immigration contact center that your case is correctly classified as D-7-91<\/strong> and not another D-7, C-3, E-series, or D-8 route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collect all personal, employment, corporate, and family documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the latest official form from the mission or visa portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay as instructed by the mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some missions require in-person submission or scheduled appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submit directly to the embassy\/consulate or through the authorized process used in that country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Requirements vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immigration or the mission may ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Processing time varies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may receive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carry key supporting documents in hand luggage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If staying long-term, complete Alien Registration<\/strong> within the required timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work only in the approved role\/entity and report changes as required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no single universally published processing time for all D-7-91 cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work-status visas often take longer than simple short-term visitor visas because company and immigration records may need closer review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Start early, especially if family members are applying too or if you need apostilles, legalized civil records, or police certificates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May be required depending on mission process and local rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every applicant is interviewed. If called, expect questions on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No single universal D-7-91 pre-visa medical rule is clearly published for all cases. Follow mission instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May be requested in some cases or by some missions, especially if local practice requires it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Police and medical documents, if required, are usually accepted only within a limited recent period. Use fresh documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official public approval-rate data for D-7-91 specifically<\/strong> is not readily published in a clear applicant-facing format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So the safest position is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on official visa logic and common work-visa review issues, refusals often center on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your application should clearly show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explain them upfront, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Put these together in order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This helps the reviewer understand the case quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A one-page group structure chart can be extremely helpful if the company names are not obviously similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If paid partly abroad and partly in Korea, disclose this clearly if asked. Hidden pay structures can create immigration and tax concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marriage and birth certificates are often straightforward, but old copies, missing apostilles, and inconsistent spellings create delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact them when you have a precise question not answered on the official checklist. Repeated status-chasing emails can be unhelpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Police certificates, support letters, and company extracts can go stale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring copies of:\n– invitation letter\n– transfer letter\n– Korean address\n– employer contact\n– return or onward plan if applicable<\/p>\n\n\n\n A cover letter is not always mandatory, but it is often helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n |