Natural Science Expert (2112) – E-7 (Specified Activities) Visa Guide

If you are a foreign researcher who is hiring natural science-based research and analysis personnel or preparing for employment in Korea,E-7 (Specified Activities) – Natural Science Expert (2112)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).

1️⃣ Job Overview (2112 Natural Science Expert)

■ Job description

A person who conducts research on theories and applications in the field of natural science and works at a natural science-related business, etc.

■ Examples of occupations that can be introduced

• Pure Mathematics / Applied Mathematics / Geometry

• Demography / Applied Statistics / Mathematical Statistics

• Marine Science / Geodesy / Geophysics

• Seismology/volcanology experts, etc.

in other words,Research personnel based on physics, mathematics, statistics, and earth scienceThis applies.

2️⃣ Checklist of Key Permit Requirements

※ In the manual, it is specified as “Qualification requirements: Apply general standards such as visa issuance and residence management.”

3️⃣ Standards for issuing employment recommendation letters

For Natural Science Specialists (2112):

• When working at a small or medium-sized business
  → Requires recommendation from the Minister of SMEs and Startups (Small and Medium Venture Business Corporation)

• Large corporations or general companies apply E-7 general standards.

The procedure varies depending on the size of the company, so prior review is required.

4️⃣ Is it possible to change D-10 (Job Seeking) → E-7 (2112)?

 it's possible. However, the following must be met:

Change procedure schematic

① Conclusion of employment contract
→ ② Screening for job suitability (major/job matching)
→ ③ Secure employment recommendation (if applicable)
→ ④ Application for change of immigration E-7 status of stay
→ ⑤ Start working after permission

5️⃣ Basic structure of submission documents (common to E-7)

• Integrated application form

• passport

• charge

• employment contract

• diploma

• Career certificate (if applicable)

• Business registration certificate

• Employment recommendation letter (relevant company)

• Alien registration card (if changed during stay)

6️⃣ In this case, comparison with E-3 (research) is necessary

If you work at:

• Research institutes subject to the Specific Institution Promotion Act

• Defense industry-related research institutes

• National and public research institutions

If soE-3 (Research)Your qualifications may be more appropriate.
For industrial researchers affiliated with a company, E-7 (2112) is common.

7️⃣ Risks that frequently occur in practice

• Mismatch between major and job

• When a statistical analysis job is misunderstood as “marketing research”

• Corporate research center unregistered

• Salary standards not met

For natural science research positions, writing a job description is very important.

E-7(2112) isProfessional visa for science and engineering-based research and analysis expertsno see.
It is different from a simple technical position, and screening for academic background and job suitability is key.

Judging the accurate job code and reviewing whether or not to recommend employment determines the approval rate.