South Korea: Foreign buyer document requirements

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the South Korea Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our South Korea Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in South Korea. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the South Korean real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Do I need a visa to enter South Korea and which type fits my situation?

Most foreign nationals from developed countries can enter South Korea without a visa for short-term stays up to 90 days.

Citizens from 64 countries including all EU member states, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand enjoy visa-free entry for tourism or short business purposes. As of September 2025, these travelers are also exempt from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) requirement until December 31, 2025.

If you plan to work, study, join family members, or stay longer than 90 days, you must obtain a specific visa before arrival. Work visas fall under the E-series categories, while student visas use D-series designations. Transit passengers staying under 24 hours in Seoul typically don't need a visa, though some exceptions apply based on nationality.

For property investment purposes, most investors use tourist visas for initial property viewing trips, then apply for appropriate long-term visas if they plan to relocate permanently.

What documents are required to apply for a South Korean visa at the embassy or consulate?

South Korean visa applications require a comprehensive set of documents that vary by visa type and applicant nationality.

Standard requirements include a valid passport with appropriate validity periods, a completed and signed visa application form (often submitted electronically), recent passport-sized photographs meeting specific formatting requirements, and proof of financial means through bank statements. You must also provide return or onward flight reservations, hotel bookings or housing contracts, applicable visa fees, and documents specific to your visit purpose.

Work visa applicants need job contracts and employer invitation letters, while students require university admission certificates and financial proof. If applying outside your home country, you must provide proof of legal residency in that location. Processing times typically range from 3-10 business days, though some visa types may take longer.

Embassy requirements can vary slightly by location, so always verify specific requirements with the Korean diplomatic mission where you plan to submit your application.

How many months of passport validity are required for entry into South Korea?

Passport validity requirements depend on your intended length of stay and visa type in South Korea.

For tourist visits, visa-free entry, or K-ETA applications, your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your planned stay. Many sources recommend having at least 3 months of validity beyond your arrival date to avoid potential complications at immigration checkpoints.

For visa applications involving work, study, or other long-term stays, South Korean authorities typically require at least 6 months of passport validity from your intended entry date. This extended requirement ensures your passport remains valid throughout the initial visa processing period and early months of your stay.

Property investors planning multiple trips should ensure their passport has sufficient validity for potential visa applications, as investment-related activities may require longer-term visa categories.

Do I need a return or onward flight ticket to be allowed entry?

Yes, South Korea requires proof of return or onward travel for most visitors entering the country.

Immigration officials regularly check for return flight tickets during entry procedures, and airlines may refuse boarding without proof of onward travel. This requirement applies to visa-free travelers, K-ETA holders, and most visa categories. The ticket must show departure from South Korea within your authorized stay period.

For property investors making multiple trips, flexible or changeable tickets work best since property viewings and transactions may require extended stays. Open-jaw tickets showing entry into South Korea and departure from another country also satisfy this requirement, provided your itinerary demonstrates clear travel plans.

Some long-term visa holders may be exempt from this requirement, but it's safer to have proof of onward travel regardless of your visa status.

What proof of accommodation must I show on arrival?

Accommodation Type	Required Documents	Additional Notes
Hotel/Resort	Reservation confirmation in your name	Must show dates covering your entire stay
Private Rental	Rental agreement or housing contract	Should include landlord contact information
Staying with Friends/Family	Invitation letter plus host's ID copy	Host must provide contact details and address
Serviced Apartments	Booking confirmation with full address	Long-term bookings preferred for property investors
Corporate Housing	Company letter with accommodation details	Must include employer contact information

Is proof of financial stability required for immigration checks?

South Korean immigration authorities may request proof of sufficient financial means both during visa applications and upon arrival.

Recent bank statements showing adequate funds to cover your entire stay are the standard requirement. The specific amount varies by visit duration and purpose, with student visa applicants typically needing to demonstrate access to approximately $20,000 for one academic year including tuition and living expenses.

For tourist visits, immigration officials generally expect to see funds covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities for your planned stay duration. Property investors should carry additional financial documentation including investment funds proof, as significant property purchases require substantial capital verification.

Credit card statements, traveler's checks, or cash declarations can supplement bank statements, but bank statements remain the most accepted form of financial proof.

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

Do I need to provide passport-sized photos and what exact format is accepted?

Most South Korean visa applications require recent passport-style photographs meeting specific technical specifications.

The standard accepted photo size is 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months on a plain white background. Photos must show your head centered in the frame with a neutral facial expression, eyes looking directly at the camera, and no head coverings except for religious purposes.

Photos should be high-quality color prints on photo paper, not photocopies or home-printed images. Some embassies accept digital photos for electronic applications, while others require physical photographs attached to paper applications.

Professional photo studios familiar with visa requirements typically produce the most acceptable results, ensuring proper lighting, background, and dimensions that meet South Korean immigration standards.

What extra documents do I need if I'm traveling for work?

Work-related travel to South Korea requires extensive additional documentation beyond standard tourist requirements.

For E-series work visas, you must provide a signed job offer or employment contract from your South Korean employer, along with a detailed letter from the company explaining why they need to hire a foreign worker. The Korean company must also submit their business registration certificate and relevant corporate documentation.

Additional requirements include criminal background checks from your home country (often requiring apostille certification), educational qualification certificates, and professional credentials relevant to your job category. Teachers working through programs like EPIK or TaLK need specific invitation letters and program documentation.

Some work categories require health certificates, language proficiency tests, or professional licensing verification. Processing times for work visas are typically longer than tourist visas, often requiring 2-4 weeks for completion.

Short-term business visitors using C-4 visas need invitation letters from Korean companies and proof of business relationships, but don't require the extensive documentation needed for long-term work authorization.

What extra documents do I need if I'm traveling for study?

Student visa applications for South Korea require comprehensive academic and financial documentation.

1. **University admission documentation**: Certificate of admission and Standard Admission Letter from the university president or dean2. **Educational background proof**: Transcripts and diplomas from your highest completed education level, often requiring apostille certification 3. **Financial capability evidence**: Bank statements showing approximately $20,000 or more for one academic year, covering both tuition and living expenses4. **Health requirements**: Tuberculosis test results from certified medical facilities, required for students from certain countries5. **Housing arrangements**: If living off-campus, provide rental contracts or residence proof documentation

D-2 visas for degree-seeking students have more stringent requirements than D-4 visas for language programs or short-term study. Some programs require specific language proficiency certificates (TOPIK for Korean language ability) or standardized test scores.

Students planning to work part-time must apply for separate work permits after arrival, requiring additional documentation and university approval letters.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in South Korea versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Are medical documents such as vaccination records or health certificates required?

Medical documentation requirements for South Korea vary significantly based on visit duration and purpose.

Short-term tourists generally don't need vaccination records or health certificates, as COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted for most travelers as of September 2025. The only exception is yellow fever vaccination certificates, required only if you've recently visited countries with active yellow fever transmission.

Long-term visa applicants, particularly students and some work visa categories, must provide tuberculosis test certificates from certified medical facilities. This requirement applies especially to students from countries with higher TB incidence rates, and the test must be conducted within specific timeframes before application submission.

Certain employment categories may require comprehensive medical examinations or specific health certificates, particularly for jobs in healthcare, education, or food service industries. These requirements are specified in job contracts and visa application guidelines.

Property investors making frequent trips should maintain current health documentation to avoid delays if they later decide to apply for longer-term residence permits.

Do I need to register with local authorities once I arrive and what documents are needed?

Long-term visa holders must register with South Korean immigration authorities within 90 days of arrival.

This registration process creates your Alien Registration Card (ARC), essential for opening bank accounts, signing rental agreements, and conducting most official business in South Korea. You must visit the local immigration office serving your residence area with your passport, entry visa, recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of address such as a housing contract or utility bill.

Students need additional documentation from their educational institutions, while workers must provide employment verification letters. The registration fee is typically around 30,000 KRW (approximately $23 USD), and processing takes 1-2 weeks.

Tourist visa holders and short-term visitors don't need to register with authorities unless they extend their stays beyond the initial authorized period.

Property investors planning to purchase real estate should complete this registration process early, as the ARC is required for most significant financial transactions including property purchases and mortgage applications.

What documents are required to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or get a local SIM card?

Service	Required Documents	Additional Requirements
Bank Account Opening	Passport, ARC, proof of address, visa	Initial deposit varies by bank (typically 10,000-50,000 KRW)
Apartment Rental	Passport, ARC, income proof, housing contract	Security deposit (key money) ranges from 5-50 million KRW
Local SIM Card (Tourist)	Passport only	Limited to short-term prepaid plans
Long-term Phone Contract	Passport, ARC, proof of address	Credit check may be required
Utility Services	ARC, rental agreement, bank account	Usually arranged through landlord for most rentals

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.

Sources

1. UK Government - South Korea Entry Requirements
2. World Travel Guide - South Korea Passport and Visa
3. Korea Travel Easy - Visa Application Guide
4. Visas News - K-ETA Exemption Extension
5. Horizons - South Korea Work Visas
6. Korea University - Student Visa Information
7. Remote - South Korea Work Permits and Visas
8. VisaHQ - South Korea Visa Requirements