Is a corporate senior executive (1120) work visa available to foreigners?

Is it possible for a foreigner to get a job as a corporate senior executive (1120), who oversees company-wide strategy and performance? Based on the latest residency manual as of December 2025, we have organized the E-7 visa requirements, change process from D-10, and required documents from the job seeker's perspective.

Is a corporate senior executive (1120) work visa available to foreigners?

Although I have been offered employment as a CEO, CEO, or executive in charge of corporate strategy at a Korean company, I often wonder, “Will foreigners also be eligible for visas for this position?” You may be especially anxious if you are staying in D-10 (Job Seeking) or preparing to enter the country as E-7 (Professional) directly from overseas.

Senior corporate executives (1120) are not simply managers, but top executives responsible for the overall strategy and performance of the company. Therefore, the screening standards are more strictly applied than for general professionals (E-7).

I'll summarize the key points from a job seeker's perspective.

1. Job scope of corporate senior executives (1120)

1. Establishment of company-wide strategy and overall decision-making

2. Final responsibility for major areas such as finance, human resources, and sales

3. CEO, CEO, vice president, company-wide general executives, etc.

4. Holds representative rights or equivalent management responsibilities as per corporate registration

Middle managers (team leaders, division managers) are generally not eligible. Immigration screening focuses on whether a person is a “substantive chief executive officer.”

2. Status of residence for employment

1. E-7 (Special Activities, Professional)

2. Existing D-10 (Job Seeking) → Examination for possible change to E-7

3. Some high-level talents may be considered for Top-Tier (D-10-T, E-7-T)

However, title alone is not enough. Company size, salary level, and management substance are also reviewed.

3. Key permit requirements

1. Proof of actual management rights

   • Registration of executives in the corporate register

   • Representation or company-wide decision-making authority

2. the entity of the company

   • Corporation in normal operation

   • Proof of financial statements, sales performance, number of employees, etc.

3. salary level

   • Typically above the domestic average income (GNI)

   • Compensation system suitable for high-ranking positions

4. professional experience

   • Management experience in the same industry

   • Global business experience, etc.

Simply put, it is a structure that looks at “Would it be difficult to run the company without this person?”

4. Change procedure from D-10 to E-7

1. Conclusion of employment contract

2. Registration of registered executives completed

3. Confirmation of salary conditions

4. Application for change of residence status

5. Submission of company entity and financial data

A simple letter of appointment is not enough; actual participation in management must be proven.

5. Frequently rejected cases

1. Small corporation in the form of a family company

2. Paper company with little sales performance

3. No pay or low pay conditions

4. Nominal executive without actual management rights

Immigration examines “substance” rather than form.
 

Occupations that require a strategic approach

Senior corporate executives (1120) are legally eligible to be employed by foreigners, but the screening process is very difficult. In particular, those who enter the top management level directly with their first Korean work visa are subject to more detailed screening.

Therefore, rather than simply receiving a title;
It is important to check the company's financial structure, salary level, and management authority structure in advance.

WorkOn VisaHub
We provide step-by-step support from preliminary diagnosis of E-7 potential for corporate senior executives → document strategy design → application for change.

Start preparing now.