“Are you preparing for an E-7-1 visa as a foreign sales professional in Korea?”
The E-7-1 Skilled Worker Visa in Korea allows employment in only 67 specific occupations. Among them, the visa for foreign sales professionals is one of the most popular among foreign students in Korea majoring in the humanities. The occupation code is ‘2742.’
The category of foreign sales professionals includes positions such as foreign sales staff, trade sales staff, and export/import sales staff. Overseas online sales specialists are also included in this category.
Since this visa is one of the most sought-after, the immigration office’s screening process is very rigorous. Compared to other E-7-1 occupations, the requirements are much stricter.
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Basic Requirements for the E-7-1 Visa
For Degree Holders in Korea:
Holders of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a four-year university can apply regardless of their major.
Graduates from vocational colleges must be employed in a field related to their major or have at least one year of relevant work experience.
For Degree Holders Overseas:
Must have a master’s degree or higher in a related field or a bachelor’s degree with at least one year of relevant experience.
Special Conditions:
Those with at least one year of experience at a top 500 global company or graduates from universities ranked in the QS Top 500 can have some requirements waived.
For detailed eligibility and procedures for the E-7 visa, refer to [Korea Visa #3-2].
Definition and Applicable Jobs for Foreign Sales Professionals
Foreign sales professionals are responsible for collaborating with overseas buyers and managing the export and import of goods, contributing to national competitiveness. Overseas online sales specialists handle online sales to foreign markets, managing inventory, responding to customer inquiries, and overseeing shipping processes.
Applicable jobs include foreign sales professionals, trade sales staff, export/import sales staff, and overseas online sales specialists. However, simple online store clerks or shipping staff are excluded.
Employment Recommendation Letter and Workforce Protection Criteria
Foreign sales professionals are subject to workforce protection criteria and require an employment recommendation letter if exceptions are applied.
Foreign-invested companies or export firms targeting specific countries must obtain an employment recommendation letter issued by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA or Korea International Trade Association).
Workforce Protection Criteria:
- Foreign workers can only be employed within 20% of the total workforce, and they must meet minimum wage requirements.
- Exceptions apply to foreign-invested companies or export firms targeting specific regions, where relaxed criteria are applied.
- Companies with an annual revenue of $100,000 or more and at least one Korean employee can hire one foreign worker. Export firms with revenues exceeding $500,000 can hire foreign workers within 70% of their Korean workforce.
Requirements and Quotas for Overseas Online Sales Specialists
Employer Requirements:
Must be registered as a trade company.
Annual export revenue must exceed 5 billion KRW.
Remote work is not allowed; physical office space is required.
Educational and Work Experience Requirements:
Holders of a domestic associate degree or an overseas bachelor’s degree with at least one year of experience in a related field.
Master’s degree holders are eligible without prior experience.
Korean Language Requirements:
TOPIK Level 3 or higher is mandatory (limited recognition of Social Integration Program).
Employment Quotas:
Annual export revenue between 5 billion and 10 billion KRW: Maximum of 40 foreign employees.
Revenue exceeding 10 billion KRW: No limit, but must be within 70% of the Korean workforce.
Screening for Visa Extension:
Previous year’s salary records will be reviewed. Failure to meet salary requirements may result in restricted visa extensions.
Companies violating employment contracts may face restrictions on hiring additional foreign workers.
Work Location and Activity Restrictions:
Changing work locations is generally prohibited, except in cases like company closure or financial difficulties.
Unauthorized activities outside the designated occupation are not allowed.
Seek Assistance from a Professional Administrative Agency
The laws and guidelines can be complex and difficult to understand. By working with a professional administrative agency, you can avoid missing critical details and improve your chances of obtaining an E-7-1 visa.
Although foreign sales professionals and overseas online sales specialists share the same occupation code, they differ significantly in employment quotas, required documents, and qualifications. For the best results, consult an experienced administrative specialist from the beginning. Thank you.
HELP PLUS Administrative Attorney is the KoreaAgain‘s official VISA partner.
Contact HELP PLUS Administrative Attorney for more details of the VISA.
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