Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Latvia

Working Holiday Visa Information

For Latvian Passport Holders

 Introduction

The Governments of the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Latvia have established a bilateral Working Holiday Programme, enabling young nationals from both countries to travel and experience each other’s culture and way of life. Participants may engage in casual employment to supplement their travel funds during their stay.

 Visa Overview

• ○Visa Type: H-1 (Working Holiday)

• ○Duration: Up to 12 months from the date of initial entry

• ○Entries: Multiple entry permitted

• ○Quota: Up to 100 Latvian nationals per calendar year

• ○Purpose: Holiday and cultural exchange (employment is incidental)

 Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• 1.Be a Latvian citizen residing in Latvia at the time of application.

• 2.Be between 18 and 34 years old, inclusive, on the date of application.

• 3.Have not previously participated in the Korea–Latvia Working Holiday Programme.

• 4.Not be accompanied by dependents.

• 5.Hold a Latvian passport valid for at least 15 months from the visa issuance date.

• 6.Possess a return ticket, or demonstrate sufficient funds to purchase one.

• 7.Have adequate funds for initial living expenses (at least €2,000 or KRW 3,000,000).

• 8.Provide proof of travel insurance covering the entire period of stay (must include health, accident, hospitalization, and repatriation).

• 9.Submit a medical certificate proving no infectious or public health-related conditions.

• 10.Submit a criminal background check issued by the relevant Latvian authority.

• 11.Demonstrate that the primary purpose is to holiday, and employment is a secondary objective.

• 12.Pay the applicable visa fee.

 Important Notes for Visa Holders

• ○Participants must register with the Korea Immigration Service within 90 days of arrival in Korea.

• ○Employment is limited to casual or part-time work (up to 25 hours per week).

• ○Employment in regulated professions (e.g. doctor, lawyer, pilot, language instructor) and adult entertainment venues is strictly prohibited.

• ○Participation in training or educational programs is allowed for up to 12 months.

• ○Those intending to study full-time must apply for a D-visa (student visa).

• ○Participants must comply with all Korean laws and visa regulations during their stay.

Documents Required:

• ○Valid Latvian passport (15+ months remaining)

• ○Completed visa application form(http://visa.go.kr/)

• ○One passport-sized photograph(Photo must have been taken within the past 6 months.)

• ○Return ticket or sufficient funds to buy one(€1,000/Certificate of Bank Balance with Bank Stamp·Signature. The Certificate must include current balance, account holder's information such as your name, ID number)

• ○Proof of financial support or other documents that show you have sufficient funds to support yourself (€2,000/Certificate of Bank Balance with Bank Stamp & Signature. The Certificate must include current balance, account holder's information such as your name, ID number)

• ○Document proving current occupation in Latvia. (If you are a student, you can submit the proof of student status or proof of highest academic qualifications)

• ○Proof of valid travel insurance for 1 year

• ○Medical certificate

• ○Criminal background check (if required)

• ○Activity Plans (word file)

• ○Visa application fee (81EUR)