Change of Stay Status in Korea (체류자격 변경허가): Documents, Fees, Procedure 2026
A step-by-step guide to changing your status of stay from within Korea without leaving the country, with document checklists for each change path.
A change of stay status (체류자격 변경허가) is the procedure to switch from your current status of stay to a different one without having to leave Korea. Foreign nationals who have completed alien registration (holders of an alien registration card, 외국인등록증) apply at the competent immigration office or through the HiKorea online portal.
Each change path (for example D-2/D-10 to E-7, D-2 to D-10, E-9 to E-7-4, or D-4 to D-2) carries its own additional document requirements on top of the common document set. All documents issued in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Korean translation and notarization or consular legalization as required by the receiving office.
Before you begin, confirm which path applies to your situation and review the eligibility conditions for that path, because some statuses cannot be changed in-country under the regulations. The common document set is the same for every path, after which you add the documents specific to your change path.
Procedure
1Identify your change path and eligibility
First determine your current status and the status you wish to move to, then check the conditions for that path, such as an employment contract, academic credentials, Korean-language ability, or financial capacity. Some statuses cannot be changed in-country under the regulations, so confirm in advance with HiKorea or the 1345 call center.
2Prepare the common document set
The common document set applies to every change path and consists of the integrated application form (통합신청서, Form No. 34), your original passport with one photocopy of the information page, your alien registration card (외국인등록증), one standard-size photo, and the fee.
3Add documents specific to your change path
Add the documents required for your particular change path (see the checklist below). Documents issued abroad require a Korean translation and notarization or consular legalization.
4File through HiKorea or in person
As a rule, file online through the HiKorea online portal (전자민원). Alternatively, apply in person at the regional immigration office for your area of residence, for which a prior visit reservation (방문예약) is required.
5Pay the fee and await the review result
Pay the fee for the relevant procedure. Once the office reviews and approves the application, the new status of stay is recorded and reflected on your alien registration card.
Document Checklist by Change Path
Common documents (all paths)
- 통합신청서 — Integrated application form (Form No. 34)Download from HiKorea Information Plaza (정보광장).
- 여권 — Passport (original) + one photocopy of the information page
- 외국인등록증 — Alien registration card (original)
- 표준규격 사진 — One standard-size photo
- 수수료 — FeeSee the fees section below.
D-2 / D-10 → E-7 (skilled professional, 특정활동)
- 고용계약서 — Employment contract (original)The occupation must be on the E-7 occupation list published by the Ministry of Justice.
- 사업자등록증 사본 — Copy of the hiring company's business registration certificate
- 학위증 및 성적증명서 / 경력증명서 — Degree certificate and transcript (matched to the occupation) or a certificate of work experienceDocuments issued abroad require a Korean translation plus notarization or consular legalization.
- 소득(임금) 입증서류 — Proof that the contractual salary meets the required levelSalary follows the level set by the Ministry of Justice notice (고시); income for extending or changing E-7 is approximately the prior-year average GNI, about ₩50,000,000.
- 고용 사유서 / 사업계획 관련 서류 — Job description or business-plan-related documents
- 납세 및 고용 관련 입증서류 — The company's tax-payment and employment documentsAs required by the receiving office.
D-2 → D-10 (graduation → job-seeking)
- 졸업증명서 또는 졸업예정증명서 + 성적증명서 — Certificate of graduation or expected graduation, plus transcript
- 구직활동계획서 — Job-search activity plan
- 점수제 해당 입증서류 — Self-scoring sheet and documents proving the scoring itemsFiled under the points-based system (점수제), or via the points-exemption route.
- TOPIK 4급 이상 성적표 — Valid TOPIK Level 4 or higher score reportApplies to the points-exemption route when no more than three years have passed since graduation.
- 재정입증서류 — Proof of financial capacity (account balance)
E-9 → E-7-4 (skilled worker, 숙련기능인력, points-based)
- 숙련기능인력(E-7-4) 전환 추천서 — Recommendation letter for conversion to skilled workerIssued under an annual program with its own quota and application period.
- 고용계약서 — Employment contract with the employing company
- 사업자등록증 사본 — Copy of the hiring company's business registration certificate
- 국내 근무경력 입증서류 — Proof of work experience in Korea
- 점수제 입증서류 — Self-scoring sheet and documents proving the scoring itemsE-7-4 is points-based (점수제): the minimum point threshold must be met.
- 소득(임금) 입증서류 — Income (salary) documentsMust be at or above the minimum wage (최저임금).
- 한국어능력 입증서류 — Proof of Korean-language ability (TOPIK or KIIP)If required.
D-4 → D-2 (language training → degree program)
- 표준입학허가서 — Standard admission permitIssued after tuition has been paid.
- 어학연수 수료(예정) 증명서 — Certificate of completion (or expected completion) of the language courseStating the attendance rate and study period.
- 체재비 입증서류 (잔고증명서) — Proof of living expenses (account balance certificate)Tuition already paid is deducted from the amount that must be proven.
- 등록금 납부 확인서 — Tuition payment receipt or confirmation
Fees
- Standard change of stay status (체류자격 변경허가)₩100,000
- Change to permanent residence F-5 (영주 자격 변경)₩200,000
- Change or addition of workplace (근무처 변경·추가)₩120,000
Where & How to Apply
File online through the HiKorea online portal (www.hikorea.go.kr → 전자민원), or apply in person at the regional immigration office (지방출입국·외국인관서) for your area of residence, for which a prior visit reservation (방문예약) is required. The integrated application form and status-specific document guides can be downloaded from HiKorea Information Plaza (정보광장). Multilingual assistance is available through the 1345 call center.
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Try AutofillFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to leave Korea to change my stay status?
No. A change of stay status (체류자격 변경허가) lets you switch to a different status from within the country without leaving, and it applies to those who have completed alien registration and hold an alien registration card.
How much is the fee to change stay status?
A standard change is ₩100,000; a change to permanent residence F-5 is ₩200,000; and a change or addition of workplace (근무처 변경·추가) is ₩120,000.
What income level is required to change to E-7?
The salary follows the level set by the Ministry of Justice notice (고시). Income for extending or changing E-7 is around the prior-year per-capita GNI, approximately ₩50,000,000. The exact level follows the annual notice, so it is best to confirm with HiKorea or 1345.
What is required to change from E-9 to E-7-4?
E-7-4 (skilled worker, 숙련기능인력) is points-based (점수제): it requires meeting the minimum point threshold and a salary at or above the minimum wage, along with a conversion recommendation letter issued under the annual selection program.
Are there statuses that cannot be changed in-country?
Yes. Under the regulations, some statuses of stay cannot be changed within the country. Check your specific case with HiKorea or the 1345 call center before applying.
Do documents issued abroad need to be translated into Korean?
Yes. All documents issued in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Korean translation and notarization or consular legalization as required by the receiving office.