South Korea business visa (C-3-4) from Pakistan
Korea’s short-term business visa for Pakistani passport holders is the C-3-4. It is applied for in person, needs notarised documents from the Korean host and takes at least eight weeks, so it is one of the visas to start earliest.
South Korea business visa for Pakistani passport holders
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visa type | C-3-4 short-term business visa. |
| Where | In person at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad; Sindh residents apply at the Consulate in Karachi. |
| Processing | At least eight weeks, according to the Embassy’s notice. |
| Fee | PKR 12,000 for a stay of under 90 days, as listed by the Embassy when we checked. |
| Host documents | A notarised invitation and letter of guarantee from the Korean company. |
| K-ETA | Not available for ordinary Pakistani passport holders. |
Which route fits your trip
Every Pakistani business visitor to Korea needs a visa; K-ETA does not apply to ordinary Pakistani passports. The C-3-4 covers meetings, market research, contract negotiations, trade fairs and after-sales visits, not paid work.
The Korean host prepares a notarised invitation and guarantee. The traveller applies in person in Islamabad, or in Karachi for Sindh residents, with the form, passport, photo, employer letter and financial documents.
The Embassy states a processing time of at least eight weeks. For fairs and factory visits in Korea, start the visa as soon as the trip is likely, and do not book non-refundable travel until it is issued.
What a strong file usually contains
Every case is different; this is the base list we start from.
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity and blank pages
- Recent photographs to the official specification
- An employer letter stating your role, the purpose of the trip and who pays
- Company documents, such as registration and tax records
- Personal or company bank statements
- Hotel booking and return or onward ticket
- Notarised invitation and guarantee from the Korean host
- Korean company registration documents
How the application runs
Plan
Allow at least eight weeks before travel.
Host documents
The Korean company prepares the notarised invitation and guarantee.
Apply
Apply in person at the Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi for Sindh.
Track
We follow the application and answer any requests for more documents.
Travel
Fly with printed copies of the visa and supporting documents.
Why files get refused or returned
Most delays come from documents that do not match each other or the stated purpose of the trip.
- Names, dates or company details that differ between the invitation and the application
- A vague purpose with no company names or dates
- Weak evidence of employment or finances
- Applying too close to the travel date
- Previous overstays or immigration problems
Before you fly and at the border
Check the name, passport number, validity and number of entries as soon as the visa is issued. Carry printed copies of the visa, the invitation and the hotel booking; the border officer decides on entry and the length of stay.
Leave before the permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines and make future applications harder for you and your company.
South Korea visa questions
Can Pakistanis use K-ETA?
No. Ordinary Pakistani passport holders need a visa.
How long does the C-3-4 take?
At least eight weeks, according to the Embassy.
What is the fee?
PKR 12,000 for stays under 90 days, as listed by the Embassy when we checked.
Where do Karachi residents apply?
Sindh residents apply at the Consulate in Karachi.
More guides: industries and visa how-tos
Planning a South Korea business trip?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.