New 2026 Rules for E-7 Visa Income Requirements

There is a common mistake that both foreigners and Korean employers often make. They still believe the income needed for an E-7 visa is a fixed percentage of Korea’s GNI per Capita.

That is no longer true. Instead, the Ministry of Justice announces specific minimum pay amounts every year. If you are planning to get a new E-7 visa or extend your current one in 2026, you need to know these new numbers.

Minimum Yearly Pay for 2026

The government has set different pay requirements depending on your specific E-7 category. Here are the minimum yearly salaries (in Korean Won) you must earn:

Visa Type	Category	Minimum Yearly Pay (KRW)
E-7-1	Managers and Professionals	31.12 Million
E-7-2	Associate Professionals	25.89 Million
E-7-3	Skilled Workers	25.89 Million
E-7-4	Established Skilled Workers	26.00 Million

Key Dates to Remember

It is important to look at the date you apply for your visa:

• Until January 31, 2026: The old income rules still apply

  
  

• From February 1, 2026: You must meet the new 2026 standards listed above

  
  

• Duration: These new rates will stay in place until December 31, 2026.

Special Rules for Specific Jobs

A few jobs do not follow the general rules above. The Ministry of Justice sets different income standards for these roles to protect the local job market. To illustrate, these include instructors, customer service clerks, aquaculture technicians, and so on.

If you work in one of these fields, you must follow their specific pay rules instead of the general E-7 categories.