K-Tech Pass

What is the K-Tech Pass?

In accordance with Articles 2, 28, and 30 of the 'Special Act on Talent Innovation in the high-tech industry' and Article 36 of its Enforcement Decree, the K-Tech Pass is issued to exceptional project leader-level global talents who have signed an employment contract with Korean high-tech industries companies. Through this, benefits such as the issuance of special visas and settlement support are provided.

Preferential Benefits

Entry Support

･ Issuance of F-2 visa (Long term resident visa for exceptional global talent)

･ After 3 years under the F-2 visa, if the requirements are met*, the visa can be converted to the F-5 (Permanent resident visa for exceptional global talent)

    * Maintain an income requirement of at least 3 times the GNI per person, complete Stage 3 of the Social Integration Program, and other specified conditions

･ Visa application and processing are available online

･ Expanded scope of visa support for dependents, including parents and a housekeeper

･ Issuance of a preferential entry card for emigration/immigration at Incheon international airport


Settlement Support

･ Max 50% Reduction in income tax for 10 Years

･ Admission to foreign schools for children beyond the regular quota

･ KOTRA Concierge Services provided

    * Available when applying for the K-Tech Pass.

･ Favorable residency loan provided

Issuance Period

The K-Tech Pass is issued within 2 weeks from the point at which all required documents are submitted and complete.
Eligibility Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

Applicants must meet all common requirements and fall under one of the following categories.

Common Requirements:

Global talents who have signed an employment contract with a Korean company in high-tech industrial sectors (semiconductors, secondary batteries, displays, biotechnology).
* The robotics and defense sectors will be added in the first half of 2025.


- Type1 Requirements

-- table
Category
 Industrial sector Research sector

Salary
An income of at least 3 times higher than the per capita GNI officially published by the Bank of Korea

Education
[Appendix 1]  Master's or Ph.D. degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering from one of the top 100 science and engineering universities in the world.

Experience
[Appendix 2]  At least 3 years of experience at one of the top 500 global companies, with a total of 8 years of work experience.
At least 3 years of experience at a global leading research institution, and 5 years of research experience after obtaining a Ph.D.


- Type2 Requirements

--table
Category
 Industrial sector Research sector

Salary
An income of at least 4 times higher than the per capita GNI officially published by the Bank of Korea

Relaxation of Education or Experience requirements (in parentheses)
[Appendix 1]  Master's or Ph.D. degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering (from one of the top 100) science and engineering universities in the world
[Appendix 2]  (At least 3 years of experience at one of the top 500 global companies), with a total of 8 years of work experience.
(At least 3 years of experience at a global leading research institution), and 5 years of research experience after obtaining a Ph.D.


- Type3 Requirements

--table
Category
 Industrial sector Research sector

Requirement
Individuals possessing advanced technology skills and knowledge, recognized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Ministry of Justice
Appendix

1. Global Top 100 University List  download
2. Global Top Companies List  download