Korea's K-Tech Pass: A New Bridge for Swiss Tech Professionals

Korea’s K-Tech Pass: A New Bridge for Swiss Tech Professionals

September 16, 2025

Samsung Digital City

Korea’s Bold Move for Global Talent

In the global competition for high-tech talent, Korea has launched a bold initiative: the K-Tech Pass, a comprehensive visa and settlement program designed to attract project leaders from the world’s most advanced technology sectors.

The program targets professionals in semiconductors, secondary batteries, displays, biotechnology, robots and defense industries, where Korean companies like Samsung, LG Chem, and SK Hynix have achieved global dominance.

For Switzerland, a country long associated with precision engineering and scientific excellence, this represents both an opportunity and a strategic inflection point.

“Swiss professionals bring a unique combination of technical depth and international perspective. Korean companies are not just looking for technical skills—they want professionals who can navigate global markets and regulatory environments.”
— Kyoungho Chae, Director, KOTRA Zurich

Korea K-Tech Pass – Visa program connecting Swiss tech professionals with Korean innovation industries

What is the K-Tech Pass?

Launched under Korea’s Special Act on Talent Innovation in the High-Tech Industry, the K-Tech Pass offers more than just a visa. It provides a comprehensive package for global professionals:

Resident Visa (F-2) with the option for permanent residency after three years
50% income tax reduction for up to ten years.
Family support, including international school access and visa options for extended family.
Concierge relocation services provided by KOTRA.

Swiss Expertise Meets Korean Scale

Korea is not only a fast-growing economy; it is distinctive for how quickly research becomes industrial application. This makes it a natural partner for Swiss expertise in precision and depth. Korea offers a complementary environment where ideas can be scaled, tested, and commercialized at pace.

Biotechnology: Switzerland’s pharmaceutical leaders (Novartis, Roche) excel in discovery and regulation, while Korea’s firms (Samsung Biologics, Celltrion) specialize in large-scale manufacturing and commercialization.
Precision Manufacturing: Swiss micromechanics and materials science align with Korea’s semiconductor and display technology strengths.
Talent Fit: Swiss universities and international career paths often meet the K-Tech Pass eligibility requirements.

K-Pass, a bridge between Switzerland and Korea

A Bridge Between Two Innovation Hubs

What could Swiss professionals experience under the K-Tech Pass? These examples below illustrate how Swiss expertise can gain new momentum in Korea’s fast-moving innovation ecosystem.

From Zurich to Seoul:	From Basel to Biotech:
Imagine an ETH-trained electrochemistry engineer joining a Korean battery company. In Switzerland, moving from lab to factory often takes years; in Korea, that transition could happen in months — shortening the feedback loop between research and production.	Picture a pharmaceutical researcher collaborating with a Korean startup on immunotherapy. Regulatory preparation that may require 18–24 months in Switzerland might be completed in under a year in Korea — without compromising safety standards.

Korea is opening its doors to global professionals. At Friends of Korea, we see the K-Pass an invitation for professionals to bring their expertise into a complementary ecosystem and to discover what happens when Swiss depth meets Korean speed.

About the K-Pass: Eligibility details and application processes are available through KOTRA’s Global Talent Center Website. Swiss residents can contact KOTRA Zurich, Korea Business Center for personalized guidance.

Learn more: KOTRA K-Pass Information