So, you’re a freelancer dreaming of Korea, but the thought of applying for a visa, without an ITR, feels a little scary? Don’t worry, I’ve been there too (unintentionally). I just got my Korean tourist visa approved, and I did it from Cebu… without submitting an ITR.

If you’re also a freelancer, especially from the Visayas region, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through the process, the requirements, how long it took, and how I managed to apply without that dreaded Income Tax Return. 😅

Where can you apply?

OPTION #1:
If you’re from Visayas, you’ll be applying at the Korean Consulate in Cebu. Just a heads up: they’re quite strict with the address and documentation. You need to be a resident of the Visayas region to apply here. If your address or documents are from Mindanao or Luzon, the consulate might reject your application.

Visa fee:
Up to 59 days stay: Free
60–90 days stay: Php 2,000

OPTION #2:
I submitted my application via Attic Tours, the same agency I used when I applied for my Japan visa. They’ve been super helpful for checking my documents, giving suggestions, and making sure everything’s in order before submission. Highly recommend them, especially if it’s your first time applying.

Location: Lower Ground Floor, SM City Cebu, Cebu City
Visa Fee: Php 1,700

Basic Requirements for a Korean Tourist Visa (as a freelancer)

  1. Application Form – Fill this out carefully. You can download it from the Korean Embassy’s website.
  2. 1 Passport-sized photo – Paste it on the form.
  3. Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 more months.
  4. Photocopy of your passport bio page
  5. Photocopy of any valid visas (if you have Japan, US, Schengen, etc.)
  6. Bank Certificate – This should show your current balance, average daily balance (ADB), and account opening date.
  7. Bank Statement – Last 3 months, original copy.
  8. Certificate of Employment or Business Registration – (including applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number, e-mail address)
  9. Cover Letter / Explanation Letter – I’ll explain more about this below.
  10. 9. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 (Checked by BIR with stamp) (if applicable, optional for freelancers)
  11. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

Wait… what if I don’t have an ITR?

That was my dilemma, too.

Here’s the thing: my ITR was filed in Mindanao, and since I was applying in Cebu, the agency told me the consulate might reject it due to the location mismatch. And because I applied a bit late, I couldn’t risk having them send my passport to Manila for processing. If they did, I wouldn’t get my visa in time for my departure.

Their suggestion? Skip the ITR entirely and apply for the Simplified Visa Application Process with your credit card.

Korean Tourist Visa

Simplified Visa Application Process & Requirements

Who’s Eligible?

You—or your immediate family members (parents, spouse, minor children, student adult children, spouse’s parents)—are eligible if you’re a principal credit cardholder.

Eligible Credit Cards for Korean Visa Simplified Process

Please always make sure to check this; the list of eligible credit cards might change.

RCBC (Gold & Elite):

  • Gold: Mastercard Gold, Visa Flex Gold, JCB Gold
  • Elite:
    • Black Mastercard
    • Diamond Mastercard
    • YGC Rewards Plus Platinum
    • Hexagon Privilege
    • Visa Platinum
    • JCB Platinum
    • UnionPay Diamond
    • Visa Infinite
    • World Mastercard (including Hexagon Priority, Balesin World, City Club World)

BDO

  • Gold: Mastercard Gold, Visa Gold, JCB Gold, UnionPay Gold, Diners Club International, AmEx Cashback, AmEx Explorer
  • Elite: Mastercard Titanium/Platinum/World Elite, Visa Platinum, JCB Platinum, UnionPay Diamond, Diners Club Premiere, AmEx Platinum, AmEx Intl Dollar Cards

BPI

  • Gold: Gold Rewards
  • Elite: Platinum Rewards, Amore Platinum Cashback, Signature Card

Metrobank

  • World Mastercard
  • Femme Signature Visa
  • Travel Platinum Visa
  • Platinum Mastercard
  • Dollar Mastercard

What do you only need to submit?

Even with simplified processing, you still need:

  1. Certificate of Employment (original)
    • In my case, I provided a Certification of Engagement from my current clients.
  2. Photocopy of credit card (front side only, principal holder)
  3. Credit card billing statements (last 3 months)
  4. General visa documents (application form, passport bio page photos, photo, itinerary, etc.)
  5. Proof of relationship (for family applicants)

No need for bank certificates, bank statements, or ITR!

What if I do not have an eligible credit card for the simplified process?

Write an explanation letter instead. Be honest in your letter and explain that you’re a freelancer.

To strengthen your application, you can also include:

  • A Certification of Engagement from your active clients (basically stating that you’re working with them and earning regularly)
  • Screenshots of payments from platforms (optional, but you can include them if you want)
  • A simple portfolio with past projects (again, optional—but it doesn’t hurt!)

Where to Check Your Korean Tourist Visa Status?

After submission, you can check your visa status using the official Korea Visa Portal:

  1. Visit visa.go.kr
  2. Go to Check Application Status > Check Application Status & Print
  3. Select “Diplomatic Office”, then enter:
    • Passport number
    • Application or receipt number
    • Date of birth
    • Name formatted as: Last name + space + First name (without middle name)

How long did it take?

Normally, they say 7–15 working days. But mine took a bit longer—it was released exactly 3 weeks after I submitted my application. So if you’re planning your trip, apply early and give yourself extra time just in case.

South Korea

Common Questions You Might Have

Can I apply without an ITR as a freelancer?
Yes, as long as you provide a clear explanation and supporting documents showing you’re financially capable and actively working.

How much should I have in my bank account?
There’s no official amount, but I personally had more than ₱100,000 in mine to be safe. It’s not just about the amount. They also look at your average daily balance and transaction activity.

Can I apply in Cebu if I’m from Mindanao or Luzon?
If you’re from Visayas: Yes, you can apply at the Korean Consulate in Cebu.
If you’re from Mindanao: You might still be allowed, but make sure your documents (like your address, bank, or ITR) show a Visayas connection—otherwise, they may advise you to apply in Manila.
Luzon residents must apply through the Korean Embassy in Manila or KVAC.

Can I apply directly without an agency?
Yes, but I chose to go through Attic Tours again because it saved me time, and they reviewed my documents. If it’s your first time, I highly recommend this.

When should I apply for a visa?
Apply at least a month before your planned trip. While the processing time is usually 7–15 working days, mine took 3 weeks, so give yourself a buffer. If you’re booking flights or accommodations, it’s best to wait until your visa is approved unless they’re refundable.

Applying for a Korean visa as a freelancer without an ITR sounds intimidating, but it’s doable. Just be honest, provide proof of income, and write a clear explanation. Agencies like Attic Tours can also guide you if you’re unsure.

I know how hard we freelancers work, and if a trip to Korea is your well-deserved reward, GO FOR IT! 🇰🇷
If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment or DM me on Instagram @theficklefeet. I’ll help where I can.