South Korea moves employment reporting for F-4 and D-8 visas online Jan. 2

What changed in South Korea’s reporting rules

South Korea is moving foreign employment reporting online for covered visas, with the shift starting Jan. 2, 2026 and a pilot period running through June 2026. Foreign nationals in scope must submit employment information through HiKorea when they register and again within 15 days of a job, occupation, industry or income-bracket change.

The system covers many work and residence visas, including D-7, D-8, D-9, E-1 through E-10, F-2, F-4, F-6 and H-2. Paper filings are still accepted during the rollout, but authorities expect the process to move to online-only after the pilot ends.

Who the rule reaches

The reporting change affects most expats working in Korea, long-term foreign residents with work authorization and some digital nomads on qualifying visas. It doesn't replace existing address rules, which still require updates within about 14 to 15 days of moving or other personal-information changes.

Students and other residents outside the covered work-visa groups aren't the main target of the new employment filing system, but they still face the older address-reporting deadlines. Late filings can trigger fines or status problems.

What nomads and expats need to do now

Foreign residents in scope should keep their ARC, passport details and employment records ready for online filing. That includes contracts, separation papers or other proof if immigration asks for them.

The practical deadline in public notices is the end of the pilot period, which has been described as a June 1 cutoff for normal paper use. Missed address reports can also bring fines, so expats should track both filings separately.

Read our full South Korea guide for the complete picture. For more visa updates, keep an eye on the latest rule changes.