D-6 Religious Worker Visa Korea — Missionary, Clergy & Religious Organization Requirements
The D-6 visa is issued to foreign nationals who come to Korea for religious activities — including missionaries, ordained clergy, monks, nuns, and religious educators — under the sponsorship of a legally recognized Korean religious organization.
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
September 4, 2026
Source references
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Who qualifies for D-6?
D-6 is for foreign nationals engaged in: • Mission work (선교활동): Ordained or commissioned missionaries under a Korean church or denomination • Clergy duties (성직활동): Pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, monks, nuns conducting regular religious services • Religious education (종교교육): Teaching theology or faith-based education at a recognized religious institution • Religious organization administration: Senior administrative staff of a recognized Korean religious body
Not eligible for D-6: • Laypersons volunteering at a church without a formal religious worker role • English teachers at a church school (need E-2) • Humanitarian aid workers (need G-1 or E-7 depending on role)
Recognized religious organizations and required documents
The sponsoring Korean organization must be registered with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) under the Religious Corporation Act.
Recognized categories: Christian denominations, Buddhist orders, Won Buddhism, Confucian organizations, Cheondogyo, Islam (Korea Muslim Federation), other MOC-registered bodies.
Key documents: • Proof of ordination or commissioning (목사안수증, 신부서품증, 선교사파송장) • Sponsorship letter from the Korean religious organization with MCST registration number • Academic credentials (theology degree, seminary certificate) • Criminal background check (apostilled)
Duration: 1 year, renewable annually. ARC required if staying more than 90 days.
Compliance rules
• D-6 authorizes religious activities only — side work is not permitted without separate authorization • If you move to a different church or denomination, report the change to immigration • Foreign ordination documents must be apostilled or consularly authenticated and translated into Korean
Tips from 행정사s
Get the sponsoring organization's MCST registration number before starting your application.
If your organization pays a stipend, document it clearly as a 'living allowance from a religious organization' rather than 'salary.'
Need help with this?
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Frequently asked questions
Can I teach English at a church school on D-6?
No. Teaching English at a church school is employment, not a religious activity — even if the school has a religious affiliation. You need E-2 or another qualifying work visa.