Who can get a Top-Tier visa?

"Top-Tier visa" is not an official visa name of the Ministry of Justice (법무부). So I will answer with its most common meaning: the negative-list professional visa (E-7-S). This visa is open to high earners and people in advanced industries, regardless of education, career, or field.

Who can get it

There are two types.

• High earner (E-7-S1) — Your income must be at least 3 times the previous year's per-person Gross National Income (GNI). Education, career, and field do not matter.
• Advanced industry worker (or future worker) (E-7-S2) — You must meet all 4 conditions below.
• You must score 60 points or more on the points requirement.
• Your income must be at least 1 times the previous year's GNI.
• You must work in an advanced industry such as semiconductors, bio, displays, or renewable energy.
• You must not work in a restricted occupation.

⚠️ Points to note

• For both types, restricted occupations include office work, simple labor, and businesses against good morals. You cannot work in them.
• An advanced industry is recognized only if it exactly matches one of the 3,043 advanced technologies and products announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (산업통상자원부). If needed, you can check the Ministry's 'Advanced Technology and Product Confirmation' (첨단기술·제품 확인서).
• Neither type is subject to the national employment protection review.

💡 Good to know

If you have stayed in Korea for at least 1 year on an E-7-S visa and are currently working normally, there is a special rule when you change to the Residence (F-2) points system.

• E-7-S2 holders must have 60 points or more. For E-7-S1, only income is checked.
• You must complete or be assigned to Social Integration Program level 3 or higher.
• If you meet these, the points requirement for the points-based Residence visa (F-2-7) is waived.

If you meant a different visa (for example, the points-based top talent visa F-2-7), please tell me. Approval depends on your personal situation. For exact information, check HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or call 1345.