D-1

문화예술 (D-1)

Cultural Arts (D-1)

Long-term Stay Visa for Non-Profit Cultural and Artistic Activities

Study

Validity

Up to 2 years

Processing Time

Varies (typically 5-10 business days)

Application Fee

Varies (please consult with the embassy or consulate)

Eligibility Requirements

Persons engaging in thesis writing or creative activities without profit purpose
Persons invited by non-profit academic or artistic organizations to engage in academic or pure artistic activities
Persons conducting professional research on Korean traditional culture or arts or receiving guidance from experts
Activities in academic or artistic fields not for profit purposes, including thesis writing and creative activities; engaging in academic or pure artistic activities by invitation of non-profit academic or artistic organizations; conducting professional research on or receiving expert guidance in Korea’s traditional culture or arts (e.g., Taekwondo, traditional martial arts, Korean dance, calligraphy, court music, Seon meditation, folk music).

Required Documents

1Visa application form (Form No. 17)
2Passport
3One standard passport-size photo
4Application fee
5Invitation letter
6Document proving the inviting organization is a cultural/artistic organization (if receiving expert guidance, the expert’s career certificate)
7Resume or certificate of career
8Document proving financial ability to cover all expenses during stay
9Document proving the inviting organization is a cultural/artistic organization
10Expert’s career certificate (if applicable)
11Proof of financial ability
12Certificate of Visa Issuance application form (Form No. 21)
13Application Form (Attachment Form No. 34)
14Original passport
15Diplomatic ID
16Commission
17Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
18Embassy cooperation letter or consent form
19A copy of the business registration certificate or unique number certificate and other related organizational documents
20Relevant supporting documents
21Passport
22Reason for Change/Addition of Workplace Issued by a Cultural and Arts Organization
23Documents proving cultural and artistic organizations such as business registration certificate
24Required Documents
25Additional Documents
26Alien Registration Card
271 standard size photo
28Proof of Residence Documents
29Documents proving changes (such as admission letter or recommendation letter from the head of the training institution)

Extension & Renewal

Extension information is available (please refer to the detailed information).

Living Guide: Important Information

Restrictions

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Employment Restrictions
Limited to academic or artistic activities that are not for profit. Invitations from profit-oriented organizations such as general taekwondo academies and dance academies do not apply. If the duration of stay is 90 days or less, it falls under the short-term visit (C-3-1) qualification.
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Restriction of Activity Scope
Includes professional research or expert guidance on the unique culture or arts of the Republic of Korea. 'Expert' refers to holders of intangible cultural heritage or nationally recognized skill holders, and includes guidance from research organizations in the fine arts field or renowned figures in the field, but excludes trainees from private academies for profit.
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Activities outside of residence qualifications
① No separate permission is required for receiving guidance from experts on Korea's unique culture or arts, or for Korean language training at a university-affiliated language institute within the duration of stay. ② Volunteer work that is not for profit (such as public institutions, orphanages, nursing homes, free meal services, charity bazaars, international exhibitions, etc.) does not require separate permission (meal and transportation expenses may be provided). ③ Attendance at regular educational institutions (elementary, middle, high school, university) is permitted (within the scope of the purpose of stay). ④ For family members of foreign diplomatic missions in Korea (A-1, A-2), permission is required for academic and artistic activities that are not for profit.
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Restrictions on Change of Workplace
Not subject to reporting changes or additions to the place of employment. However, changes (including name changes) or additions to the affiliated organization or group are subject to reporting changes in foreigner registration details (to be reported within 15 days from the date of change).
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Change of Residence Status
① Persons who have acquired foreign nationality through overseas adoption. ② German nationals: After entering with visa exemption (B-1), it is possible to change to a long-term stay qualification excluding technical training (D-3), non-professional employment (E-9), and tourism employment (H-1). ③ Canadians staying for less than 6 months: It is possible to change to cultural arts (D-1), religion (D-6), visiting family (F-1), accompanying (F-3), and others (G-1).
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Limitations on Extension of Stay
The maximum duration of stay granted at one time is 2 years. When extending, it is necessary to submit a training schedule, proof of cultural and artistic organization, and proof of residence.
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Re-entry Permit
Re-entry permit exemption within one year after departure (within the duration of stay). Multiple re-entry permits: possible for re-entry within 1 to 2 years exceeding the duration of stay. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya have restrictions on multiple re-entries. Countries exempt from re-entry permits: Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Suriname, Chile (C-3-4, D-7, D-8, D-9).
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Foreign Registration
Foreign registration is required after entry. If there is a change in the affiliated organization or group (including name changes) or an addition, it is mandatory to report the change within 15 days.

Exceptions & Special Conditions

Invited by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange or the Arts Council Korea
The head of the overseas mission may, at their discretion, issue a single-entry visa valid for up to one year without prior Visa Issuance Confirmation.
Stay period of 90 days or less
Eligible for Short-Term Visit (C-3-1) status instead of D-1.
Receiving guidance from experts on Korea's unique culture or traditional arts, or undertaking Korean language training at a university-affiliated language institute.
No separate approval procedure is required within the duration of stay.
Volunteer activities that are not intended for profit.
No separate approval procedure is required within the duration of stay (meal and transportation expenses may be provided).
Taking courses at regular educational institutions (elementary, middle, high school, university) within the scope that does not violate the original purpose of stay.
No separate approval procedure is required within the duration of stay.
Re-entry within one year after departure.
Exemption from Re-entry Permit (within the remaining period of stay)

Procedures

Extension

Notes: Submission of the training schedule and documentation proving the cultural and artistic organization is required.

Max Period: Up to 2 years per application

Status Change

Eligible Cases

Case: Individuals who have acquired foreign nationality through overseas adoption — Details: Change of residency status for Culture and Arts (D-1) is possible
Case: A German national who entered under the visa waiver (B-1) status — Details: It is possible to change to all long-term stay qualifications except for Technical Training (D-3), Non-professional Employment (E-9), and Tourism Employment (H-1). The permitted period is subject to the upper limit for each stay qualification.
Case: Canadian nationals intending to stay for less than 6 months — Details: Changeable to Cultural Arts (D-1), Religion (D-6), Visiting Family (F-1), Accompanying (F-3), Other (G-1) qualifications; the duration of stay is less than 6 months from the date of entry.

Workplace Change

Holders of the D-1 visa who are not engaged in profit-making activities must report changes in their place of employment as a change in foreigner registration details, rather than a change of workplace notification. This includes changes or additions to the affiliated organization or group, as well as changes in the name.

Reporting Deadline: Within 15 days from the date of change

Source: Official Immigration Guidelines

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Important Notice

This information is for reference only. Visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Always verify with official sources before applying.