Bangladesh
Korea Visa Guide
Bangladesh is one of South Korea's largest EPS (Employment Permit System) partner countries, with tens of thousands of Bangladeshi workers in Korean manufacturing. Bangladesh also contributes a growing number of D-2 university students and E-7 skilled professionals. This guide covers all visa pathways for Bangladeshi citizens.
Visa required — C-3 needed for short-term visits
Bangladeshi passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry to Korea. A C-3 tourist visa must be applied for at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
Visa-free entry?
No — C-3 visa required for tourism
K-ETA eligible?
No
EPS partner country?
Yes
Working Holiday eligible?
No
Bangladeshis in Korea
~20,000 residents
Korean Embassy in Bangladesh
Dhaka
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
PopularThe primary path for Bangladeshi workers. Apply through Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Must pass EPS-TOPIK Korean test. Eligible sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries.
Points-Based Skilled Worker (E-7-4)
PopularBangladeshi E-9 workers with 4+ years in Korea, TOPIK Level 2+, and 80+ K-Points can upgrade to E-7-4. Korea expanded the 2025 quota to 35,000 positions.
Student
Bangladeshi students study at Korean universities. Government scholarships (GKS/KGSP) are available. Engineering, IT, and business programs are popular.
Skilled Worker
Bangladeshi IT professionals, engineers, and garment/textile industry specialists can apply for E-7 with Korean employer sponsorship.
Short-Term Visit
Bangladeshi citizens require a C-3 visa for short-term visits to Korea. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
How do Bangladeshi EPS workers apply for Korea?
Through BOESL (Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Steps: (1) Pass EPS-TOPIK Korean test offered in Dhaka; (2) Register on the Bangladesh EPS roster via BOESL; (3) Employer matching; (4) Standard Labour Contract; (5) E-9 visa at Korean Embassy in Dhaka. The process can take 1–2 years due to competition for spots.
Can Bangladeshi workers bring their family to Korea on E-9?
E-9 visa holders cannot bring family members to Korea while on E-9 status. However, after upgrading to E-7-4 or E-7, you may apply for F-3 (dependent companion) visas for your spouse and children.
Is the EPS-TOPIK test hard for Bangladeshi applicants?
EPS-TOPIK is a 50-minute test of Korean reading and listening at a basic level. Most applicants study for 3–6 months using HRD Korea's official preparation materials. Test centres are available in Dhaka. Bangladeshi applicants who study consistently typically pass with 2–4 months of focused preparation.
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