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D-4 Visa Documents: The Complete Checklist
Every document for a Korean-language institute visa -- from your application through your alien registration card.
SHORT ANSWER
You need 15 documents across 3 stages.
Six to apply and enroll at a language institute — including your highest diploma and its transcript — five for the visa application, and four after you arrive in Korea. If you're later admitted to a degree programme, you can switch to a D-2 without leaving Korea -- see the full visa guide.
Checked on October 24, 2026 against the Ministry of Justice Stay Permit Manual (2026-10-19 edition) and Visa Issuance Manual (2026-10-19 edition).
STAGE 1
Language Institute Application
Application Form
Passport Copy
Final Diploma
Your highest completed education — high school or above. If it was issued outside Korea, it needs an apostille or consular confirmation (mainland China: a CHSI (学信网) verification report). You will show it again with your visa application.
Final Transcript
Proof of Financial Capacity (bank balance certificate)
The official standard is one year of tuition plus living costs (six months for language study); your university sets the exact amount. Avoid a large deposit just before you apply — universities and embassies can question where the money came from.
Tuition Payment Receipt
ID Photo
A recent passport-style colour photo. Check your institute's size and background rules (often 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background).
Diploma — Translated / Apostilled Copy
If your diploma is not in Korean or English, or your institute asks for it: the translated, notarised or apostilled copy of your highest diploma. Upload the original in its own slot above.
Birth Certificate
Some institutes ask for it to prove your relationship to your parents, for example when a parent's bank balance is your financial proof.
Birth Certificate — Translated / Apostilled Copy
The translated, notarised or apostilled copy of your birth certificate, if your institute asks for one. Keep the original in its own slot.
Proof of Family Relationship
Only if your language institute's application guide asks for it — for example when a parent's bank balance is your financial proof.
Parents' Passport Copies
Only if your language institute's application guide asks for it — for example when a parent's bank balance is your financial proof.
Name Change Certificate
Only if your name is different on some documents (for example your diploma and your passport): the official record of the change.
Spouse's ID or Passport Copy
Only if you are married and your institute asks for it. Share it only with your spouse's agreement.
STAGE 2
Visa (D-4) Application
Standard Certificate of Admission
For a D-4 visa, also bring the institute's business registration copy and its course plan (timetable and teachers) — the institute issues both. If a parent's bank balance is your financial proof, add a document proving your relationship.
Visa Application Form + Photo
Tuberculosis Test Certificate
Only for nationals of Korea's 35 tuberculosis high-risk countries applying for a stay of more than 90 days. It must come from a hospital designated by the Korean embassy.
Criminal Record Certificate
Only if your university or the Korean embassy asks for it.
Proof of Financial Capacity (for the visa application)
Submitted again with your visa application — the embassy checks it separately from your university. It must be a bank balance certificate issued within the 30 days before you apply, in your own name or your parents' name (a brother's or sister's name only if your parents have died). Keep the balance in the account for your whole permitted stay.
STAGE 3
After Arrival · Alien Registration
Alien Registration Application
Certificate of Enrollment
Proof of Residence
A lease agreement or a dormitory confirmation letter.
Tuberculosis Test Certificate
Only in some cases: you entered on an e-visa, or entered on a multiple-entry visa more than 6 months after it was issued. At an extension it is also required if you spent 6 months or more in a row in a high-risk country during the past year.
Common questions
QHow many documents do I need for a D-4 visa?
AThis checklist has 15 documents in 3 stages, from your application to your alien registration card, plus 8 more that only some language institutes ask for (marked conditional). Each one is marked required, conditional or optional, and which ones apply to you depends on your situation.
QWhich documents do I submit for the D-4 language visa?
AThe application form, your passport, one standard photo, the fee, the school's business registration (or unique number) certificate, the standard certificate of admission, a certificate of enrolment or proof of your final education, proof of funds, and a course plan with the timetable, instructor list and facilities.
QDo documents from abroad need an apostille?
ADocuments issued abroad must carry an apostille from the issuing government or a consular confirmation from the Korean mission in that country. Education certificates earned in mainland China are the exception: you submit a verification report from the Chinese Ministry of Education's credential centre, usually from CHSI.
QHow do I show funds for the D-4 language visa?
AIn principle you must show tuition plus living costs for six months. A bank balance certificate counts only if it was issued within 30 days. The manual does not state a fixed amount.
QDo I need a TB certificate?
AOnly if you are a national of one of Korea's 35 tuberculosis high-risk countries and apply for a long-term visa (a stay of more than 90 days). Children under 6, pregnant women and people who cannot move because of age or illness are exempt.
Get this as a PDF
One page per stage, every document and note included. Useful to print, or to show an immigration officer who wants the full list at once.
The PDF is in English regardless of the language you're reading this page in -- that's the version embassies and universities actually accept.
Requirements can vary by nationality and by university or institute -- this list covers what applies to most students. If you're not sure your case is standard, call HiKorea (☎ 1345) or ask us directly.