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Welcome to PFR - South KoreaNew South Korea relocation services website launched. -
South Korea Office OpenWe are excited to announce our office in Seoul is now open. Our South Korea team averages over 10 years industry experience, speak fluent English, and perform all services in-house. For more information, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] Our office is located in downtown Seoul, Jongno-gu... -
Welcome Jennifer!Jennifer joins us with 12 years experience working at Relocation Management Companies in South Korea. Being a friend of PFR the opportunity to join came along and we're couldn't be happier. If you need any help in South Korea feel free to contact Jennifer at [email protected] -
New Team Member - Yaenah ParkPlease welcome Yaenah Park to the Seoul Office! Yaenah is no stranger to the immigration business. She has many years experience processing South Korean work permits and assisting clients to obtain overseas visas. We look forward to Yaenah helping us grow the business in South Korea. For more information,... -
S. Korea Immigration Update -
Student Visa - Requirements UpdateKorean authorities have added additional requirements for Vietnamese studying in South Korea. Full details below, please contact us if you have further questions. Immigration Update South Korea 191030-1Download -
Korea MOJ Enacts Increased Departure Probation PeriodSouth Korea Ministry of Justice has increased probation period for foreigners under criminal investigation (details below). If further questions, please contact us anytime. Immigration Update South Korea 191030-2Download -
DSP Update - Apartment CommissionsEffective February 2020, Real Estate Agents will be required to explain all commission fee before signing an apartment rental contract. The law is help alleviate disputes around commissions. For further details, please refer to the pdf below. DSP-Update-South-Korea-191106-Real-Estate-CommissionsDownload -
S. Korea Visa Policy ChangeAnnounced 18 Nov and effective 19 Nov, the authority will require host company to have their taxes paid up before proceeding with visa and ARC. Full details are in attached pdf below. For further information, please contact Yaenah at [email protected] South-Korea_Immigration-Update_Host-Company-Tax-Payment-1Download -
S. Korea E7 Visa ExpansionSouth Korea - the authority has announced, effective immediately, they will be expanding E7 visas to following industries - Material, Component, and Equipment. Full details are in PDF below. Further questions, please contact Yaenah Park at [email protected] Immigration Update South Korea 191118 Expanded enforcement of E7 e-VisaDownload -
S. Korea Visas from A1 to H2Did you know, there are over 140 types of South Korean visas? PFR takes out the guesswork and gets your employees fully compliant and ready to start work - saving you time and money. Please check our pdf below for visa process summary. For further information, please contact Yaenah... -
On the Horizon: ETA and MOU to prevent illegal immigrantsETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) under legislative process.Stringent requirements for Vietnamese group tourists.MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed with Thailand’s Ministry of Labor to share information of illegal Thai immigrants in South Korea. The full details in the PDF below. Immigration-Update-South-Korea-191127-Various-efforts-to-prevent-illegal-staysDownload -
Immigration office closure in Andong, S. Korea19 December 2019 (Thursday) will be the last operation day of the immigration office in Andong. Approximately 4,500 foreigners living in Andong / Yecheon / Yeongju / Uiseong / Cheongsong / Yeongyang / Bonghwa area need to visit Daegu Immigration office from January 2020. Full details are in the attached PDF... -
On the Horizon – Change in Driver’s License QualificationSEOUL: new legislation has passed which will outlaw foreigners without Alien Resident Certificates to obtain a South Korean driver’s license. Start date to be confirmed. For further details, please see the pdf below. DSP-Update-South-Korea-191209-Foreign-tourists_Short-term-workers-will-be-banned-to-obtain-Korean-drivers-license-1Download -
New policy for Entertainment Sector WorkersThe Korean Government announced a new policy aimed at stronger protection of human rights of foreign workers in entertainment industry. The new measures will be applied from 1 January 2020. Full details are in the attached PDF below. For further information, please contact Yaenah at [email protected] Immigration-Update-South-Korea-191211-New-policy-for-entertainment-sector-workersDownload -
New policy for Illegal Resident ManagementIn order to curb the rapid increase of illegal residents, the Korean government will apply stiffer regulations from March 2020. Regardless of whether it is intentional or a mistake, illegal stay even just for one day will result in penalties. Full details are in the attached PDF below. For further information,... -
Happy Korean New Year!SEOUL - our office will be closed Friday January 24th, Saturday January 25th, and Monday January 27th. For emergency contact Jim Hill at [email protected] or mobile +886 9 2073 3344. Otherwise we will reply on our first day back Tuesday January 28th. Wish you and your families a wonderful... -
South Korea's Wuhan Consulate ClosingDue to health concerns, the South Korea Consulate will be closed until further notice. The full details are in the below PDF. If further assistance is required, please contact Yaenah Park at [email protected] Immigration-Update-200128-Temporary-shutdown-of-the-KR-Embassy-in-Wuhan-ChinaDownload -
South Korea Further Immigration Restrictions - 3 Feb 2020The South Korean government has announced a further tightening of immigration regulations. The changes are related to curbing the spread of coronavirus. All updates with explanations are in the PDF below. If you have any questions, please contact us at Yaenah Park at [email protected] Immigration-Update-200203-Immigration-Update-related-to-CoronavirusDownload -
South Korea - Updates of Coronavirus Measures - 5 Feb 2020As part of the countermeasures against coronaviruses, additional updates have been announced by the Korean government. From the attached file, you can find the summary of all coronavirus-related updates released from 28 January 2020 until 5 February 2020. If you have further questions, please contact Yaenah Park at [email protected] Immigration-Update-200205-Immigration-Updates-related-to-CoronavirusDownload -
South Korea - 3 important immigration updates effective from 24 Feb 2020Check out the 3 important policies effective from 24 February 2020. 'Visa Stamp' will be converted into a PDF file for all Korean visa applicants.The ARC expiry date has been automatically extended to 30 April 2020 for foreign residents in Korea whose current ARC expiry date is in between 22... -
Location Transfer of Seoul Southern Immigration OfficeSeoul Southern Immigration Office will start working at its new building in Gangseo-gu, Seoul from 16 March 2020, Monday. Please find out the attached file for more details. Immigration-Update-200303-Location-transfer-of-Seoul-Southern-Immigration-Office-2Download -
Announcement on Extension of Stay for Short-term VisitorsAs many airlines are suspending their direct flights to South Korea due to a rapid increase of Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Ministry of Justice has come up with a temporary measure for short-term visitors who have troubles on their return flight schedules. This measure is effective from 3 March... -
(2nd Update) Entry Restrictions on Japanese nationalsThe Japanese government decided Thursday (Mar 5) to tighten entry restrictions on arrivals from South Korea including a two-week quarantine and suspension of a visa-waiver program in a bid to guard against the spread of Coronavirus. The South Korean government had an urgent press conference this evening (Mar 6)... -
(2nd Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-19Amid a spike in virus cases in Europe, South Korea raised its guard against imported virus cases. The summary of entry restrictions for foreigners arriving in South Korea is attached below. Any questions, please contact Yaenah at [email protected] 200312-Summary-of-Entry-Restrictions-2nd-updateDownload 200311-Summary-of-Entry-Restrictions-1Download -
(3rd Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-19From 16 March 2020, South Korea expands special quarantine procedures to all visitors from all European countries. Please check the attached file for more details about special quarantine procedures and entry ban/visa restrictions related to COVID-19. Any questions, please contact Yaenah at [email protected] 200316-Summary-of-Entry-Restrictions-3rd-updateDownload -
(5th Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-19The South Korean government announced the penalties for quarantine violations. Visa and ARC will be canceled for foreigners who do not follow the South Korean government's health guidance. Deportation and entry ban will be also considered depending on the case. Please check the latest updates from the attachment. Any questions,...
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(6th Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-19Starting from 22 March 2020, 00:00 KST, the South Korean government will conduct COVID-19 tests for all people coming from Europe. The government will not charge test fees but will impose heavy penalties for those who do not follow quarantine procedures and health guidelines. Please check the attached files for...
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(7th Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-19The South Korean government announced new COVID-19 measures for all visitors coming from the US. Effective from 27 March 2020, 00:00 KST, all passengers from the US are required to do 2 weeks of home quarantine upon arrival in S The government has emphasized that the highest penalties will be... -
(8th Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-19Effective from 1 April 2020: Not only foreign residents but also short-term visitors and South Korean citizens are also required to do 2 weeks of home quarantine after arriving in South Korea.Regardless of nationality, if an inbound passenger does not have a residence in South Korea, the government will provide... -
Update on Tuberculosis Test Required Country ListAnnounced by the South Korean government today (31 March 2020) and effective from tomorrow (1 April 2020), a total of 35 countries' citizens need to have a tuberculosis test before applying for a long-term South Korean visa and ARC. Please check the attached file for more details. Any inquiries please...
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(9th Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-19Penalties on foreign arrivals who violate the government's COVID-19 instructions have become stiffer. Maximum imprisonment: 1 year → 3 yearsMaximum fine: 10 million won → 20 million won The government came to this action due to the raised risk of infections in communities caused by some foreign arrivals infected with the...
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(11th Update) Entry Restrictions due to COVID-192 more updates on the COVID-19 measures announced by the government over the weekends. All inbound passengers from the United States are required to get COVID-19 tested within 3 days from their arrival date in South Korea. The test fee will not be charged.It is mandatory for all violators to...
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COVID19 Quarantine Instructions & Entry RestrictionsAttached is the latest update about COVID19 quarantine instructions and entry restrictions in South Korea updated as of May 20. Page 1-2 is about Quarantine Instructions and page 3-4 is about Entry Restrictions. For any further inquiries, please contact Yaenah Park at [email protected] 200520-COVID19-Quarantine-Instructions-Entry-Restrictions-revisedDownload -
COVID19 Quarantine Instructions & Entry Restrictions 200527Effective from 1 June 2020, a re-entry permit and medical check required for ARC holders who plan to temporarily leave South Korea and come back. The government has come up with these additional measures as the number of COVID19 confirmed cases has been increased especially among ARC holders returning... -
COVID19 Quarantine Instructions & Entry Restrictions 200602Page 1~2 : Quarantine Instructions for ARC holders & New visitors No change from the update uploaded on May 27. Page 3~4 : Entry Restrictions for ARC holders “Medical Examination Exemption Certificate” has been newly introduced for ARC holders who will return to South Korea within a maximum period of 3 weeks... -
COVID19 Entry Restrictions & Quarantine Rules 200713There are 2 updates related to the Covid19 policy in South Korea. Effective from 13 July 2020, South Korea will require foreigners arriving from high-risk nations to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the Covid19, as the nation struggles with a steady rise in imported cases.All inbound passengers... -
COVID19 Entry Restrictions & Quarantine Rules 200720Effective from 20 July 2020, the Philippines and Uzbekistan have been newly added on the list of high-risk Covid19 countries. All foreigners coming from the Philippines and Uzbekistan are required to get a PCR test within 48 hours before onboarding their flights to South Korea. To find out the latest update,... -
New application system for China visa + COVID19 Entry Restrictions & Quarantine Rules 200810Effective from 3 Aug 2020: China started to accept visa applications from South Korean citizens again under the condition that they tested negative for Covid19. All applicants now need to fill out their visa application forms online. Based on the principle of reciprocity, Effective from 10 Aug 2020: South Korea... -
COVID19 Quarantine Rules 200819There are 2 important updates on the quarantine rules effective from this week - week of Aug 17, 2020. 1. Tightened social distancing rules become effective from the week of Aug 17 due to rapid Covid19 outbreaks in the greater Seoul area over the weekends. In some provinces like Gyeonggi,... -
Fast-track Entry Program - Singapore & South KoreaSouth Korea and Singapore agreed to introduce a "fast-track" for essential trips amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This fast-track program will become effective from September 4, 2020. This fast-track entry program from South Korea to Singapore is applicable not only for South Korean businesspeople and government officials but also for foreign... -
Visa Verification Process - The PFR DifferenceSOUTH KOREA - Behind the scenes, PFR conducts multiple steps in qualifying visas and verifying immigration changes before passing on to our customers. When you see the “PFR Verified” logo, you can expect the following: Information is compiled from multiple sources by PFR staff - never from 3rd... -
Yaenah Park - Global Mobility Specialist CertifiedCongratulations to our colleague Yaenah Park, GMS for completing the Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) certification! The GMS course enhances the existing relocation skillset to better serve our clients and assignees. If you would like more information on GMS training and other courses, you can check them out at Employee Relocation Council's website https://lnkd.in/ePECw2m -
Chuseok HolidayNote our Seoul offices will be closed for public holidays on: Wednesday, September 30thThursday, October 1stFriday, October 2nd We will resume normal business on October 5th. Thanks and wish everyone a wonderful Chuseok! -
201007 Fast-track Entry Programs (Korea and Japan)Effective from October 8, South Korea and Japan agreed to partially lift entry restrictions to each other for the first time in 7 months. These fast-tracks are applicable not only for each countries' citizens but also for foreign residents in both countries. These fast-tracks are to allow essential trips for... -
Automatic ARC Extension for 3 months 201130Due to a sharp increase of Coronavirus outbreak in South Korea again in November 2020, the Ministry of Justice has announced the 3rd automatic ARC extension policy to minimize face-to-face works at all immigration offices. Please check the attached file to find out the eligibility and exceptions for this automatic... -
Updated Entry Regulations for Entrants coming from the United Kingdom & South Africa 201230To prevent the spread of the new Covid19 variant, the Korean Embassies in London (UK) and Pretoria (South Africa) will NOT issue new VISAs and Isolation Exemption Certificates until January 17, 2021. Those who are planning to apply for Korean VISAs from the United Kingdom and South Africa in January... -
PCR Test Requirements for Returning Korean CitizensDue to the spread of new variants of Covid19 worldwide, now South Korean citizens who visit specific countries are required to get a PCR test before returning to South Korea. Please check the attached file to find out the updates effective from Jan 25, 2021, 00:00 KST. 210120-PCR-test-Requirements-for-Returning-Korean-citizensDownload
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Temporary suspension of new visa issuanceFrance has been newly added to the country list where the Korean Embassies have temporarily suspended new visa issuances due to the rapidly increasing number of new Covid19 infected cases. Please check the attached file for more details. Any questions, please contact Yaenah at [email protected] 210315-Temporary-suspension-of-new-visa-issuanceDownload -
South Korea grants special stay permits for Myanmar nationalsEffective from March 15, 2021, all Myanmar nationals currently in South Korea will be granted special stay permits until conditions stabilize and become safe to return to their home country. Please check the attached file for more details. Any further questions, please contact Yaenah at [email protected] 210315-South-Korea-grants-special-stay-permits-for-Myanmar-nationalsDownload -
Resume accepting visa applications at the Korean Embassy in the PhilippinesSOUTH KOREA - The Korean Embassy in the Philippines has resumed accepting VISA applications for those who have a valid VIN (Visa Issuance Number). Please ensure to check the latest requirements before starting the application process, as the requirements (visa eligibility, processing time, designated hospital list for tuberculosis test, etc.)... -
Covid19 Vaccination Information for ARC holders in South KoreaSOUTH KOREA - Now there are ways for ARC holders who vaccinated in South Korea can be exempted from 2 weeks of quarantine after traveling overseas & can go outdoors maskless. Please check the attached file for more information. Any questions, please contact Yaenah at [email protected] 210526-Covid19-Vaccination-Information-for-ARC-holders-in-South-KoreaDownload -
Fully vaccinated entrants will be exempt from 2-week quarantineSOUTH KOREA - Effective from July 1, 2021, the South Korean government is going to lift the mandatory 2-weeks quarantine for foreign arrivals who have been fully vaccinated from other countries against Covid19. Please check the attached file to find out the eligibility and exemption of this measure. Any questions,... -
Fully vaccinated entrants will be exempt from 2-week quarantine - updatedSOUTH KOREA - The South Korean government has released more updates on the quarantine exemption measure which will be effective from July 1 for those who fully vaccinated. Most of expats (main applicants) can apply for quarantine exemption unless they are currently in countries designated by the South Korean government... -
Quarantine Exemption Policy & StepsThe below PDF provides complete details on South Korea's new quarantine exemption. Page two outlines the "how-to" steps for applying. The applicant will be required to submit an itinerary of the first two weeks in South Korea. Although an English itinerary is acceptable, immigration recommends it to be in... -
Full Implementation of K-ETA starting from Sep 1, 2021SOUTH KOREA - South Korea will start the ETA (electronic travel authorization) system from Sep 1, 2021, for nationals from some visa-waiver countries. Under the new system, visitors from visa-waiver countries will need to obtain an ETA at least 24 hours before getting on a plane or a ship bound...
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implementation of vaccination record registration system with a benefit of exemption from 2-weeks quarantineSOUTH KOREA - As a part of going back to 'before Covid19', more convenient travel will be granted for those who are fully vaccinated before coming to South Korea and intend to come to South Korea multiple times. Please check the attached file to find out the newly implemented... -
PFR is five years old this March!We’re proud of this accomplishment and genuinely humbled. There have been many people that have supported us throughout this journey. And the support has come in many different forms; below are just a few; Believing in our capabilities to be our partner Referring potential customers at every opportunity Being...
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