E-10 Seafarers Visa Korea — Foreign Crew on Korean-Flagged Vessels
The E-10 (선원취업) visa allows foreign nationals to serve as crew members on Korean-flagged commercial vessels. Korea has a significant maritime industry — including the world's largest shipbuilders and a major commercial shipping fleet. E-10 is the dedicated visa category for foreign seafarers on Korean vessels.
Prüfung und Quellenbasis
Geprüft anhand von
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). Lizenznr. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Geprueft anhand des HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 und mit Veroeffentlichungen des Justizministeriums abgeglichen.
Zuletzt geprüft
4. September 2026
Quellenbasis
Hinweis vor Antragstellung
Anforderungen koennen je nach Staatsangehoerigkeit, zustaendiger Einwanderungsbehoerde und Einreichungsweg variieren. Bestaetigen Sie die genauen Anforderungen vor der Antragstellung bei HiKorea, dem zustaendigen koreanischen Konsulat oder einem lizenzierten Einwanderungsspezialisten.
Eligible vessels and STCW requirements
E-10 applies specifically to Korean-flagged vessels — ships registered under the Korean flag.
Eligible types: Commercial cargo vessels, passenger/ferry vessels, fishing vessels (large ocean-going), offshore support and special purpose vessels.
Not covered: Non-Korean-flagged vessels, shipyard construction/repair work (E-9 or E-7), port-based maritime work on shore.
STCW certification: All foreign seafarers must hold valid STCW certifications appropriate for their rank: • Deck officer: STCW officer certifications including GMDSS, Radar • Engineer officer: STCW engineering certificates • Ratings (AB, OS, Oiler, Wiper): relevant STCW ratings certificates
Korea recognizes STCW certificates from major seafarer-supplying countries (Philippines, Indonesia, India, Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, Myanmar, etc.) accepted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
Application and compliance
E-10 applications are typically handled by the shipping or ship management company, not by the individual seafarer.
Key documents: Passport + Seafarer's book/STCW certificates, employment contract from the Korean shipping company, vessel's Korean registration certificate, crewing agency registration in Korea.
Entry with vessel: Foreign crew arrive under the vessel's crew manifest filed with Korean Customs and Immigration.
ARC: Required if staying ashore continuously for more than 90 days.
Vessel departure: If a crew member is left behind (medical, contract termination), they must report to immigration immediately — remaining ashore after vessel departure without valid status is an overstay.
Tipps von 행정사
STCW certificates must be original and valid — expired certificates will block the E-10 application.
Filipino seafarers: POEA-approved manning agencies handle most documentation for Filipino crew.
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Häufig gestellte Fragen
Can a foreign seafarer on E-10 work at a Korean shipyard during a vessel layup?
No. E-10 authorizes work as crew on a Korean-flagged vessel only, not shore-based shipyard work. During a vessel layup, E-10 holders are expected to remain aboard or depart Korea.