🇰🇷 Can D-10 Visa Holders Work Part-Time in Korea?

Hello! We’re KOWORK, Korea’s leading foreign talent recruitment platform.

Many employers in Korea are eager to hire foreign workers,
but visa-related restrictions can often make the process confusing.

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is:
"Can I legally hire a D-10 visa holder for part-time work?"

Let’s break it down for you—clearly and accurately.

✅ What is the D-10 Visa?

The D-10 visa is issued to foreigners who are preparing for employment, internships, or entrepreneurship in Korea—specifically in E-1 to E-7 professional job categories.

For example:

• Internships related to one’s major or
• Job-seeking activities in professional fields
  👉 These are allowed under internship reporting procedures.
  🔗 Learn more about internship reporting

However, if a D-10 visa holder wishes to work in non-professional fields (such as part-time or manual labor jobs),
👉 They must obtain special permission called “Part-Time Employment Permission” from immigration.

✅ With Permission, Part-Time Work is Possible!

A D-10 visa holder must apply for “Permission for Activities Outside the Status of Stay” to legally engage in part-time (non-professional) work.

But not everyone is eligible.
Only those who meet all of the following requirements can apply:

📋 Eligibility Requirements for Part-Time Work (D-10 Visa)

✅ What Kind of Jobs and Hours Are Allowed?

✔ Approved Job Types

• Office assistants
• Convenience store clerks
• Restaurant servers
• Packing, cleaning, and other manual labor

❌ Prohibited Job Types

• Manufacturing or factory work
• Construction sites
• English academies, tutoring jobs
• Delivery or gig work (e.g., courier, food apps)

⏱ Weekly Work Hours

✅ Work Contract Must Be Within Visa Period

When applying for part-time employment permission,
the employment contract must not extend beyond the visa expiration date.

📌 Example:
If the D-10 visa expires on September 30, 2025,
the employment contract must also end on or before September 30.

If the visa is later extended:
→ A new contract must be submitted
→ Reapply for work permission

✅ Difference Between Internship & Part-Time Work

⚠️ Test hiring before full-time employment (E-7 conversion) is not allowed under part-time permission.
That must be reported and processed as an internship.

✅ How to Apply (Foreign Worker Applies Directly)

1. Make a reservation at immigration
2. Visit the office with documents
3. Required Documents:
   • Application form for part-time work permission
   • Employment contract
   • Employer’s business registration certificate
   • Graduation certificate from a Korean university/college
   • TOPIK score or KIIP certificate

🕒 Processing Time: 2–3 weeks

💡 When Part-Time Hiring Makes Sense

• Seasonal or temporary labor shortages
• Foreign-language customer service roles
• Basic support work unrelated to long-term hiring

✅ Final Checklist Before You Hire

🚀 Hire Legally and Easily with KOWORK

Post your part-time job listing on KOWORK today and connect with eligible, job-ready foreign talent.

We support:

• Visa eligibility checks
• Job matching
• Contract guidance
• Immigration coordination

👉 Let’s make legal foreign hiring simple.
🌐 www.kowork.kr