Students (D-2), Overseas Koreans (F-4) & Job Seekers (D-10) Cannot Work as Delivery Riders

"I'll just make a little money on a delivery app" — that thought can lead to a fine or deportation. The Seoul Foreign Resident Center warns that holders of visas such as Student (D-2), Overseas Korean (F-4), and Job Seeker (D-10) may not work as delivery riders, and enforcement has been increasing. Here's who's eligible and what happens if you break the rule.

Only three visa types may work as delivery riders

Visa types eligible for delivery-rider work
Resident (F-2)	Permanent Resident (F-5)	Marriage Migrant (F-6)

• Notably, Student (D-2), Overseas Korean (F-4), and Job Seeker (D-10) are NOT allowed to work as delivery riders.
• F-2 has 21 subcodes and may carry employment restrictions — contact 1345 (Immigration Contact Center) before starting any activity.

Common violations

734 individuals were caught between January and May 2026. The main types were:

• Earning income as a delivery rider while holding a visa that does not permit it
• Using another person's delivery-app account
• Selling or lending your own delivery-app account to someone else

Penalties and disadvantages

• A fine of up to KRW 10 million
• Negative consequences when renewing or extending your visa
• Deportation or an order to leave the country

⚠️ Using or trading someone else's account can add identity-misuse penalties on top of Immigration Act violations. This applies not only to food delivery but also to parcel/quick-service and other paid labor.

Important information for delivery riders

• Most delivery riders are classified as freelancers, making it hard to be recognized as employees — so labor-law protection is limited in cases of unpaid wages or work injuries.
• A Korean driver's license is required (mandatory for motorcycles 125cc or above).
• Motorcycle riders must carry liability insurance.

Contact

Seoul Foreign Resident Center ☎ +82-2-2229-4900 / help@sfrc.seoul.kr · Immigration Contact Center 1345

FAQ

I'm on an F-4 (Overseas Korean) visa — can I do delivery work?

No. Only Resident (F-2), Permanent Resident (F-5), and Marriage Migrant (F-6) may work as delivery riders.

Can I borrow a friend's account?

No. Using or trading another person's account can add identity-misuse penalties.

What happens if I'm caught?

You may face a fine of up to KRW 10 million, visa-renewal disadvantages, and deportation.

I'm on F-2 — can I start right away?

F-2 restrictions vary by subcode. Call 1345 before starting to confirm.

This article is based on a Seoul Foreign Resident Center notice (2026), the Immigration Act / Ministry of Justice notices, and media coverage. It is for information only and is not a substitute for legal advice on your specific case. Confirm details with the Seoul Foreign Resident Center (+82-2-2229-4900) or the Immigration Contact Center (1345). (Last verified: Aug 2026.)