D-6 Visa (Religious) Eligibility
The D-6 visa is divided into two main categories: religious activities and social welfare activities.
Invitations can be made through either a Confirmation of Visa Issuance or a Visa Issuance Application, depending on the purpose.
If the purpose is religious activities, you should apply through the Confirmation of Visa Issuance for Invitation (at domestic immigration offices).
If the purpose is social welfare activities, you should apply through a Visa Issuance Application (at the local Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea).
1. Religious Activities (target for applying of Confirmation of Visa Issuance)
1. Those dispatched by foreign religious or social welfare organizations and working in their registered branches in Korea
2. Those dispatched by foreign religious or social welfare organizations and engaging in religious activities in affiliated Korean religious organizations
3. Those invited by medical, educational, or relief organizations operated by their affiliated religious organizations for missionary or social welfare activities.
- Excluding individuals who receive compensation from the organization they work for
4. Those conducting meditation, training, or research activities with the recommendation of a domestic religious organization.
※ "Religious activities" refer to activities carried out by religious individuals dispatched from foreign religious organizations to South Korea, including missionary work and other religious activities.
※ "Religious organizations" refer to organizations whose main purpose is to spread religious teachings, perform religious rituals, and nurture believers. - Examples include priests, missionaries, evangelists, pastors, monks, and others engaged in religious activities.
※ The inviter must be the head or representative of the religious organization, and unit church pastors or similar positions cannot serve as the inviter.
※ Since the scope is limited to the activities of religious individuals dispatched from foreign religious organizations, activities conducted by religious individuals employed by South Korean religious organizations are not covered.
※ Activities that merely assist religious workers or are limited to religious practices as believers do not qualify.
※ Religious professionals who are appointed as pastors in local churches or engage in activities that conflict with the nation's fundamental principles or violate public order and morals will not be issued a visa.
◆ Required Documents for D-6 Visa (Religious Activities) ◆
① Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application, passport copy, one standard-sized photo
② Letter of invitation
③ Dispatch order
④ Copy of the establishment permit of the religious or social welfare organization
- If invited by a religious organization, both the headquarters (denomination) and the unit church (temple) documents should be submitted.
⑥ Supporting documents for living expenses provided by the host organization
2. Social Welfare Activities ( target for Visa Issuance Application)
- Those invited by domestic religious or social welfare organizations and engaging solely in social welfare activities.
※ If the intended stay is less than 90 days, a C-3 visa is applicable.
① Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application, passport copy, one standard-sized photo
② Letter of invitation
③ Dispatch order
④ Copy of the establishment permit of the religious or social welfare organization
⑤ copy of Unique number certificate
- If invited by a religious organization, both the headquarters (denomination) and the unit church (temple) documents should be submitted.
⑥ Supporting documents for living expenses provided by the host organization
◆ Required Documents for D-6 Visa (Social Welfare Activities) ◆
① Visa Issuance Application, passport copy, one standard-sized photo, and fees
② Dispatch order
③ Copy of the establishment permit of the religious or social welfare organization
④ Supporting documents for living expenses provided by the host organization
3. D-6 Visa (Religious) Changing and Extending of stay
- In principle, changing the D-6 visa to another visa category is not possible, except for German and Canadian nationals. Therefore, individuals entering with a C-3 visa or a B-1 visa are not possible to change to a D-6 religious visa except for German and Canadian nationals.
※ For German nationals, changing to any other visa category, including E-7, is possible if they meet the requirements.
Even for Germans, changing to D3 (Technical Training), E9 (Non-Professional Employment), or H1 (Tourist Employment) visas is generally not possible.
German nationals typically do not apply for D3 or E9 visas, and H1 visas for tourist employment have a quota-based system, primarily allowing visa issuance and not facilitating visa changes. Therefore, it can be considered that, practically, changing to any qualification is possible as long as the requirements are met.
Canadian nationals who enter the country as B1 visa can change their status to various visa categories, including D-6 (religious), D-1 (culture and arts), F-1 (dependent family members), and G-1 (general).
◆ Required Documents for Changing and Extending D-6 Visa (Religious) ◆
① Application form, passport, one standard-sized photo, fees
② Dispatch order (issued by the sending organization)
③ Copy of the establishment permit of the religious organization
④ Copy of the business registration or copy of Unique number certificate
◆ Required Documents for Extending D-6 Visa (Religious) ◆
① Application form, passport, Alien Registration Card, fees
② Certificate of employment or dispatch order (issued by the organization)
③ Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement, accommodation confirmation, notice of upcoming rent, utility payment receipts, dormitory fee receipt, etc.)