If you are a foreign researcher who is hiring economic, policy, or social data analysis personnel or preparing for employment in Korea,E-7 (Specified Activities) – Social Science Researcher (2122)You must clearly understand the job requirements.
This content is based on the standards of the Ministry of Justice’s “Alien Residence Guide Manual” (December 2025).
■ Job description
A person who studies social science by applying related knowledge such as economics, improves and develops concepts, theories, and operational techniques, and writes academic papers and reports, and works at related businesses and research institutes.
in other words,Expertise in research and analysis based on economic, policy, and social dataThis applies.
■ Examples of occupations that can be introduced
Econometrics researcher
Tax and Fiscal Policy Research Institute
Labor Economics and Financial Economics Research Institute
Agricultural Economics Research Institute
Industrial and Sociological Researcher
| division | detail | check |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation code | 2122 (Social Science Researcher) | ☐ |
| Status of stay | E-7-1 (Specialized activity specialist) | ☐ |
| Education Requirements | Apply general criteria (usually bachelor's degree or higher, consistent with major) | ☐ |
| Experience Requirements | Apply general standards | ☐ |
| employment contract | essential | ☐ |
| employment recommendation letter | Recommendation from the relevant central administrative agency is required if applicable. | ☐ |
| wage requirements | Meets E-7 general salary standards | ☐ |
| National employment protection | Meets company qualifications and employment allowance standards | ☐ |
※ According to the manual, “Qualification requirements: Apply general standards such as visa issuance and residence management.”
If you plan to work at the following organization:E-3(Research)Your qualifications may be more suitable.
Research institutes subject to special laws such as the Specific Institutions Promotion Act
Defense industry-related research institutes
National and public research institutions
Focused on government and public research institutes → E-3
Corporate/private think tank/policy consulting → E-7 (2122)
① Conclusion of employment contract
→ ② Review of job/major suitability
→ ③ Secure employment recommendation (if applicable)
→ ④ Application for change of immigration status
→ ⑤ Start working after permission
Direct connection between major and job
Distinction from simple “marketing research”
Whether to write a research report or conduct policy analysis
Demonstrated expertise in data analysis
Integrated application form
passport
Alien registration card (when changing country)
charge
employment contract
diploma
Career certificate (if applicable)
Business registration certificate
Employment recommendation letter (relevant company)
If the job is judged to be simple “sales/marketing research” rather than “research”
If interpreted as internal statistical management rather than policy research
Salary standards not met
Insufficient corporate research organization
Social science researchersJob DescriptionDesign determines approval rates.
E-7(2122) isExpertise in research based on economic, policy, and social dataThis is the status of residence for.
The research function must be clear and distinct from simple research and sales duties.
Determining the correct occupational code and preparing documentation will determine the likelihood of approval.
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