South Korea | Visa updates: Expanded eligibility for Top-Tier Visa, increased hiring cap for skilled workers

The Ministry of Justice announced two updates: the expansion of the Top-Tier Visa to cover professors and researchers in science and technology, and an increased quota for foreign skilled workers on the E-7-4 visa in agriculture, livestock and fisheries.

Key takeaways:

The expanded scope of the Top-Tier Visa aims to attract top talent in science and technology from abroad.

• Previously, the Top-Tier Visa was limited to staffing cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
• The goal is to hire 2,000 science and technology professionals by 2030 to boost research capabilities of universities, government-funded think tanks and corporate labs.
• Applicant requirements include awards, research publications, achievements in commercial applications of technology and research experience.
• As BAL previously reported, this update is part of a larger new immigration strategy. The expanded scope is effective June 1, 2026.

The quota for foreign skilled workers in agriculture, livestock and fisheries has increased to 50%.

• This increase, effective June 1, 2026, is intended to alleviate labor shortages in these three sectors.
• The previous quota was capped at 30% of the workforce.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. 

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