A Step-by-Step Guide for Brazilians to Live and Work in Korea (Visa E-7 & F-2)
Dreaming of building a life in South Korea balancing career opportunities, vibrant cities and a culture that’s both dynamic and welcoming? You’re not alone. Every year, many Brazilians and other international professionals explore Korea as a long-term destination for work and residence. Doing it successfully means understanding Korea’s visa system, setting clear goals, and preparing well before you arrive (and after you get here).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how Brazilians can legally live, work and eventually settle in Korea by using two key visa paths: the E-7 work visa and the F-2 long-term residence visa. I’ll explain the steps, practical tips and what to expect from the perspective of someone who lives here and has seen many foreigners make Korea home.
1. Know Your Visa Options: Why E-7 Works for Professionals
First thing first: if your goal is working legally in a long-term career role, the E-7 visa is usually the main route. This is Korea’s skilled worker visa designed for professionals, experts and specialized employees. It’s not a tourist or short-term permit it’s tied directly to employment.
To get an E-7 visa you generally need:
- A job offer from a Korean employer (they act as your sponsor).
- A degree and/or relevant work experience that matches the position (bachelor’s degree + relevant work experience is often standard, or advanced degrees in specific fields).
- Company support in applying for the visa this isn’t something you can do alone without a job.
Jobs in high demand include IT, engineering, research, teaching (outside language teaching), healthcare, design and specialized technical fields. Once your employer submits the application and it’s approved, you can apply for the E-7 through the Korean consulate in Brazil or inside Korea if you’re already here on a transitional status.
2. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the E-7 Visa
Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Before anything else, you need a Korean employer to hire you. Many Brazilians looking to relocate use international job boards, recruitment agencies, LinkedIn, or connections with global companies to find offers. Once you have a contract, the employer begins the visa paperwork on your behalf.
Step 2: Employer Files the Visa Application
Your employer submits the E-7 application to Korean immigration with proof that they need your expertise. If they’re hiring you for a role in one of Korea’s approved job categories, that improves your chances but be prepared for detailed document review.
Step 3: Consulate Step
Once approved, the Korean consulate in Brazil issues the E-7 visa. Processing times vary, but many applicants report waiting a few weeks before visa issuance.
Step 4: Arrival and Alien Registration (ARC)
After landing in Korea, you must get an Alien Registration Card (ARC) from the immigration office your basic ID for all legal paperwork in Korea (bank account, taxes, healthcare, etc.).
Once you’re on the E-7, you’ll have a legal work and residence status usually valid for 1–2 years, renewable based on continued employment and compliance with immigration regulations.
3. Living in Korea on E-7: What to Expect Day-to-Day
Holding an E-7 visa means you’re here for specialized employment, and there are a few practical realities to understand:
- Your visa is tied to your sponsor: Changing jobs usually requires notifying immigration and re-approval another reason why stability and good communication with your employer is crucial.
- Korean language skills help: Many Brazilians find that improving Korean (even to a basic conversational level) opens doors to deeper integration, better workplace communication and broader community engagement.
- Culture and environment: Korea’s society values politeness, hierarchy and commitment. Your success will be shaped by professional performance as much as cultural understanding.
4. Transitioning to F-2: Long-Term Residence Without Employer Sponsorship
Once you’ve lived and worked in Korea (typically on E-7) for several years and built up career, income and stability, you may consider switching to the F-2 long-term residence visa.
The F-2 visa is often seen as a bridge toward permanent residency (F-5) and offers more freedom:
- No employer sponsorship required (you’re not tied to one particular company).
- Work anywhere without restrictions you can change companies without going through a new visa process each time.
- It’s renewed based on income, residency duration and a points system that evaluates age, education, salary and language ability.
To qualify for F-2 you must typically:
- Have lived in Korea on certain visas (including E-7) for a set period (often around 3 years).
- Meet income and point requirements (often a minimum salary and points based on age, Korean language level, education, etc.).
Once you have an F-2, opportunities expand: you’re free to switch jobs, start a small business and take part in many professional areas without needing employer sponsorship for long-term residence.
5. Tips for Brazilians Preparing Early
If you’re serious about this path, here are practical tips:
- Start language learning early: Korean proficiency (TOPIK) boosts your integration and may contribute to your points for F-2.
- Prepare documents thoroughly: For E-7, degrees and relevant experience certificates often need authentication like apostilles make sure your paperwork is clean and professional.
- Understand cultural norms: Korea’s workplace and social culture may feel different at first being open, respectful and patient goes a long way.
- Plan long-term: Think about lifestyle, expenses, savings and community integration Korea’s cost of living (especially in Seoul) can be high compared with many Brazilian cities.