Bio, medicine, food research and development occupations
D-10 (Job Seeking) If you are employed in a research/development position in the life science field such as bio, medicine, or food while staying in E-7 (Specified Activities, Professional).Life science expert (2111)It is possible to change your residency status depending on your occupation.
This guidance is explained in accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Justice’s “Foreigners’ Residence Guide Manual (December 2025).”
This occupation includes the following professional research and development positions.
Biopharmaceutical researcher
Pharmaceutical R&D researcher
Food Engineering Researcher
Molecular biology/microbiology researcher
Gene and cell therapy research personnel
Clinical trial research planning personnel
✔ Simple production and quality control assistant positions are not eligible.
✔ The key is to prove that it is a “research and development job.”
| division | Requirements | judging point |
|---|---|---|
| Status of stay | D-10 Legal stay | Apply before expiration of stay |
| Occupation code | 2111 Life science expert | Whether there is actual work R&D? |
| Education | Bachelor's degree or higher in related major | Biology, biotechnology, pharmacy, etc. |
| Match major | Relevance between job and major | Thesis/research experience is important |
| personal history | Meet the required experience for each job type | Proof of research experience |
| wages | Meets GNI criteria | Salary based on contract |
| corporate requirements | Possesses research facilities and R&D capabilities | Venture companies, pharmaceutical companies, etc. |
In particular, research and development positionsWhether educational background matches professionalism of jobare strictly reviewed.
Biological Science
Biotechnology
Pharmacy
Food Science
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Your chances of approval increase if you have a master's or doctoral degree.
① Recruitment of research position confirmed
→ ② Conclusion of employment contract
→ ③ Preparation of corporate R&D verification documents
→ ④ Preparation of degree, transcript, and career certificate
→ ⑤ Apply to the competent immigration office
→ ⑥ Permission after screening
✔ Fee: 100,000 won
✔ Approval may not be accepted when leaving overseas after application.
① Distinguish between “researcher” and simple technical position.
The job description must include research design, experiment planning, and data analysis.
② Company research capabilities
Determine whether the company is simply a manufacturer or a company that performs research and development functions.
③ Wage level
Professional salary requirements must be met, and for new researchers, meeting the salary standards is a major variable.
Incorrectly applying for a production position as a research position
Mismatch between major and job
Corporate research facility not proven
Not meeting salary standards
The life sciences field is classified as a technology-intensive industry, so screening is relatively strict.
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Life Sciences E-7 visa change consultation is available at WorkOn VisaHub.
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