Indonesia
Korea Visa Guide
Korean Visa Guide for Indonesian Citizens
Indonesia is one of South Korea's largest labour partners under the Employment Permit System (EPS). Over 60,000 Indonesian workers reside in Korea, primarily on E-9 manufacturing visas, with a growing number pursuing skilled E-7-4 status or the D-8-4 startup visa. This guide covers all options for Indonesian citizens.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Nationality-specific issuance-manual sections covering Indonesia-linked consular handling and entry-document routing.
Visa-type issuance sections supporting the main Indonesia-facing routes, especially E-9, E-7, D-2, and F-6 pathways.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Visa required — C-3 needed for short-term visits
Indonesian citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry to Korea. A C-3 visa is required for tourism and short-term visits. For work under EPS, apply through the official BP2MI (formerly BNP2TKI) channel.
Key Facts for Indonesia Citizens
Visa-free entry?
No — C-3 visa required for tourism
K-ETA eligible?
No
EPS partner country?
Yes — major E-9 source
Working Holiday eligible?
Yes (age 18–30)
Indonesians in Korea
60,000+ residents
Korean Embassy in Indonesia
Jakarta + Consulate in Surabaya
Important manual-based filing notes
These points are drawn from Korea immigration manuals and recurring filing rules that often affect higher-risk nationality pages.
HiKorea — Korean visa & residency manual: Visa-type issuance sections supporting the main study, work, and family pathways highlighted on the page.
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau: Stay-manual sections supporting document freshness, status-change, and pending-travel cautions.
- Indonesian applicants should keep work-route and family-route paperwork clearly separated. EPS, E-7, D-2, and F-6 filings are reviewed under very different standards.
- For E-9 and later E-7-4 planning, preserve language results, work-history proof, and employer records from the beginning instead of trying to rebuild them after arrival.
- Civil and relationship documents are strongest when recently issued, consistently translated, and authenticated correctly. Mixed spellings and stale records create avoidable delays.
- If you file a Korean extension or change of status, avoid travel until the case is decided unless immigration has confirmed a safe exception.
Best next steps
Based on common visa paths for citizens of Indonesia, here are the most useful next steps.
E-9 Visa — Document Checklist
Complete printable document checklist for the South Korea E-9 visa. Check off items as you prepare your application.
Korean Visa Fee Guide 2026
Official fees charged by the Korea Immigration Service for visa issuance, extension, and status change. All amounts are in Korean Won (KRW).
Korea Visa Processing Times 2025 — How Long Does Each Visa Type Take?
Real-world Korean visa processing times by visa type — D-4, E-7, F-5, E-9 and more. Compare official estimates vs. practical wait times, understand document bottlenecks, and learn how to avoid delays.
Korean Visa Options for Indonesia Citizens
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
PopularCountry guideThe most common visa for Indonesians in Korea. Apply through BNP2TKI/BP2MI (Indonesia's labour agency). Must pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test. Eligible sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fishing, and services.
Skilled Worker
PopularIndonesian professionals in IT, engineering, hospitality (chefs, F&B managers), and healthcare can apply for E-7. Requires a degree and employer sponsorship. Korean language ability strengthens the application.
E-7-4 Points-Based Skilled Worker
PopularLong-term E-9 workers with 4+ years in Korea, Korean skills, and qualifying points can upgrade to E-7-4 skilled worker status. Korea expanded the E-7-4 quota to 35,000 in 2025.
Student
Indonesian students at Korean universities have been growing rapidly. Many scholarship programs (GKS/KGSP) are available. Engineering, business, and medicine are popular fields.
Short-Term Visit
Indonesians need a C-3 visa for tourist visits. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Jakarta or Consulate in Surabaya. Multiple-entry visas available for frequent visitors.
Working Holiday
Indonesian citizens aged 18–30 are eligible for Korea's Working Holiday visa. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Jakarta. Limited quota — early application recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Indonesian workers go to Korea through EPS?
Through BP2MI (Badan Pelindung Pekerja Migran Indonesia). The steps are: (1) Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test — offered in Indonesia by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) in partnership with BP2MI; (2) Register on the EPS roster; (3) Wait for employer matching; (4) Receive the Standard Labour Contract; (5) Obtain E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy. Total process: 6 months to 2 years.
What is the E-7-4 visa and can Indonesian E-9 workers qualify?
E-7-4 is a points-based skilled worker visa for long-term E-9 holders. Requirements: at least 4 years of E-9 or H-2 work in Korea, employment at a company with 5+ Korean employees, minimum salary ₩26M/year, Korean language (TOPIK Level 2+), and 80+ points on the scoring system. Korea expanded the quota to 35,000 in 2025, significantly improving chances.
Can I visit Korea as a tourist from Indonesia?
Yes, but you need a C-3 tourist visa. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya. Required documents: passport, completed application form, recent passport photo, bank statement showing sufficient funds, return flight ticket, and accommodation proof. Processing time: 5–7 business days.
Are there scholarships for Indonesian students in Korea?
Yes. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS, also called KGSP) is a fully-funded government scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Indonesia is one of the top recipient countries. Apply through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) or the Korean Embassy. University-specific scholarships are also available at many Korean universities.
How do Indonesian domestic workers get to Korea?
Under a bilateral agreement launched in September 2024, Indonesian domestic helpers can work in Korea through a regulated programme managed by BP2MI and the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labour. Requirements include TESDA-equivalent certification and a government-to-government placement process. This is separate from the standard EPS system.
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