E-4 Technology Transfer Visa Korea — Foreign Technical Experts & Industrial Know-How
The E-4 (기술지도) visa is issued to foreign specialists who come to Korea to transfer industrial technology, proprietary technical know-how, or specialized production methods to a Korean company or institution. E-4 is primarily used by multinational companies transferring specific technologies to Korean affiliates, joint ventures, or licensed manufacturers.
Base de relecture et sources
Relu à partir de
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). Licence n° 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Association coréenne des agents administratifs). Verifie selon le manuel HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 et recoupe avec les publications du Ministere de la Justice.
Dernière relecture
4 septembre 2026
Références de source
Prudence avant dépôt
Les exigences peuvent varier selon la nationalite, le bureau d'immigration competent et le canal de depot. Avant de deposer, confirmez les exigences exactes avec HiKorea, le consulat coreen competent ou un specialiste de l'immigration habilite.
What is 'technology transfer' under E-4?
E-4 covers a foreign expert coming to Korea to: • Transfer proprietary manufacturing processes or industrial know-how to Korean employees • Provide technical guidance during installation of specialized industrial equipment • Train Korean engineers on the operation of patented or licensed technology • Provide onsite troubleshooting under a technology licensing agreement
Key principle: The technology being transferred must be proprietary to the foreign specialist or their company. A software engineer teaching general Python programming does not qualify for E-4. A specialist from a German machinery manufacturer commissioning a proprietary CNC system at a Korean factory under a licensing agreement does qualify.
Technology transfer agreement: A formal contract between the Korean company and the foreign entity is almost always required.
Eligibility and required documents
For the specialist: 5+ years in the field, formal role at the technology-holding company, credentials demonstrating expertise.
For the Korean company: A formal technology transfer or licensing agreement as the legal basis.
Key documents: • Appointment letter from the foreign technology-holding company • Technology transfer agreement between the foreign and Korean company • Korean company's business registration certificate • Detailed description of the technology and training plan • Technical credentials: degree, professional licenses, patents, work history • Criminal background check (apostilled)
Duration: 3 months to 1 year, project-based. Extensions possible if ongoing.
E-4 vs E-3 vs E-7
| E-4 Technology Transfer | E-3 Research | E-7 Specialty Occupation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core activity | Transferring proprietary technology | R&D employment | Skilled employment |
| Legal basis | Technology transfer agreement | Research contract | Employment contract |
| Duration | Project-based (defined) | Contract-based | Ongoing |
| Proprietary tech required? | Yes | No | No |
German turbine specialist at a Korean plant for 6 months under a licensing deal: E-4. Same specialist staying as a full-time engineer: E-7.
Conseils des 행정사
The technology transfer agreement is the cornerstone document for E-4 — invest time in having it clearly drafted before applying.
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Questions fréquentes
Can a freelance technical consultant get E-4?
Potentially yes, if the consultant has a formal technology transfer contract with a Korean company and possesses proprietary or highly specialized technical knowledge. A generic IT consultant typically needs E-7; a specialist with patented technology under a formal licensing arrangement has a stronger E-4 case.