Do I need a re-entry permit if I travel abroad often on business with a D-9 Trade and Business Management visa?

No, most people do not. If you are a D-9 holder with a registered foreigner status, you do not need a separate re-entry permit if you return within 1 year from the day you leave Korea. If your remaining period of stay is shorter than 1 year, you must return within that period.

Even if you travel often, you do not need a permit each time as long as you re-enter within 1 year. Just remember that you must enter before your period of stay ends.

⚠️ Points to note

• If your period of stay ends first, the exemption period ends too, even if 1 year has not passed. Be sure to check your period of stay expiration date before you leave.
• People under entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions may not be exempt. In this case, you must visit the immigration office (Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청) branch or field office) with jurisdiction over your residence and get a re-entry permit.
• If you plan to return after more than 1 year, up to 2 years at most, from your departure, you must get a multiple re-entry permit. The fee is 50,000 KRW. You can apply by visiting the immigration office, through an agency service, or through the HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) e-application. You need the integrated application form, your passport, and your Alien Registration Card. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya are restricted from multiple re-entry.

💡 Good to know

For the D-9, you can apply to extend your period of stay from 4 months before expiration until the expiration date. If a long business trip overlaps with your expiration date, it is safer to apply for the extension before you leave.

To check whether anything applies to your nationality or your expiration date, visit HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or call the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345.