Korean short-term business visas

Business travelers coming to South Korea for short-term work or business purposes must obtain a 90 day C-2 Short-Term Business Visa. In fact, the C-2 visa can also be used as a substitute in the event that you do not qualify for a long-term working visa. However, under these circumstances, you will need to leave the country every 90 days or else face a substantial fine. Hence, a good number of foreigners who are either working in or engaged in medium or even long-term business activities in the country will simply hop on a plane to Japan, stay there for a day or two and re-apply for another 90 day C-2 visa at the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate.

The documents required for the C-2 Short-Term Business Visa are fairly straight forward and the actual form can be downloaded from the website of the Korean Consulate General in New York City. These documents include:

1. A passport.
2. A completed visa application form.
3. A photo(2"×2" size, taken within the last 6 months).
4. Documents confirming trade or business relationship with a Korean counterpart (inviter).
5. Documents that confirm a trade or a business relationship with a Korean counterpart may include an invitation letter, an export license or contract, a letter of intent for business cooperation or partnership or similar documents.
6. Documents to prove the identity of the Korean counterpart and this documentation may include a copy (certificate) of business registration, an attested copy of corporation registry, a certificate of tax payment or similar official documents.
7. Other documentation required includes documents or letters that prove the status of the applicant in a company and information about the current activity of the company.

In addition, the following visa fees are required to be submitted with the application:

• US citizens: US$45
• Non-US citizens: $30(Single Entry/staying less than 90 days), $50(Single Entry/staying more than 90 days) and $80(Multiple Entries)

For the most up-to-date information regarding the C-2 Short-Term Business Visa or any other Korean visa, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade homepage, KoreaLaw.com, the e-Government for Foreigners homepage or the Official Korean Tourism Guide homepage.