Mongolia
Korea Visa Guide
Korean Visa Guide for Mongolian Citizens
Mongolia is one of Korea's closest EPS (Employment Permit System) partner countries, making it a major source of E-9 workers in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. Mongolian citizens need a visa to enter Korea, including for short visits. With a growing population of ethnic Koreans (고려인) in Mongolia, H-2 Working Visit is also available for eligible applicants. Korea and Mongolia have deep cultural and economic ties, and Korean is now a popular language among Mongolian youth.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed September 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
September 4, 2026
Source references
Nationality-specific issuance-manual sections covering Mongolia's visa-required entry and consular routing.
Visa-type issuance sections covering highlighted Mongolia-linked routes, especially E-9 / EPS, D-2, and H-2-related eligibility context.
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
Mongolia is not among the visa-free countries and regions that use K-ETA, so K-ETA does not apply. Mongolian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling, such as a C-3 short-term visit visa for tourism, business or family visits. Apply through the Korean Embassy in Ulaanbaatar or its visa application centre. E-9 EPS workers enter on their employment visa.
Key Facts for Mongolia Citizens
Visa-free stay
None — a visa is required
K-ETA required?
Not applicable — a visa is required
EPS partner country?
Yes — one of the main EPS partners
E-2 treaty country?
No
Working Holiday eligible?
No (H-1 not available)
Mongolians in Korea
~50,000+ registered residents
Best next steps
Based on common visa paths for citizens of Mongolia, 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 for Korean visa issuance, extension, and status change. Visa fees charged at Korean embassies abroad are set in US dollars and paid in local currency; fees paid in Korea are in Korean Won (KRW).
Korea Visa Processing Times 2026 — 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 Mongolia Citizens
EPS Worker
PopularMongolia is an official EPS partner country. Apply through the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) via the Employment Permit System. Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test and skills assessment to qualify.
Skilled Worker (Point System)
PopularExperienced E-9 workers in Korea can transition to E-7-4 status under the point-based system if they score 200+ on K-Point E74 (300 pts total). Allows more occupational flexibility than E-9.
Student
Study at a Korean university or language institute. Korean language programs (D-4) are popular with Mongolian students. Many universities offer scholarships via NIIED GKS and bilateral agreements.
Working Visit (ethnic Koreans)
Mongolians of Korean descent (고려인) may be eligible for the H-2 Working Visit visa, which allows a 3-year stay with broad work rights across non-professional sectors.
Marriage Migrant
Married to a Korean national? F-6 provides unrestricted work rights and leads to F-5 permanent residency. Mongolia has one of the highest F-6 application rates among Central Asian nationals.
Job Seeker / Startup
Mongolians already in Korea on other status who want to look for skilled employment or launch a business can apply for a D-10 visa for 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an E-9 visa from Mongolia?
The E-9 EPS process is managed by HRD Korea in partnership with the Mongolian Human Resources Development Centre. Steps: ① Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test (offered in Mongolia annually) ② Register on the EPS system ③ Be selected by a Korean employer ④ Receive the Standard Labour Contract ⑤ Apply for an E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. The entire process from test to visa typically takes 6–18 months. Check the HRD Korea EPS website (eps.hrdkorea.or.kr) for the current schedule.
Can I bring my family to Korea on an E-9 visa?
No. E-9 visa holders cannot bring family members to Korea. Spouses and children must remain in Mongolia or apply independently on their own eligible visa status (e.g., D-2 student visa). Once you transition to E-7-4 or F-2 status, family accompaniment becomes possible via F-3 (dependant) visas.
Do Mongolian citizens need a visa for a short visit to Korea?
Yes. Mongolia is not on Korea's visa-free list, so a short-term visit visa (C-3) is needed for tourism, business trips and family visits. Apply through the Korean Embassy in Ulaanbaatar or its visa application centre before you travel. If you plan to stay longer for work, study or family reasons, apply for the visa that matches that purpose.
Is Korean language proficiency required for E-9?
Yes. All E-9 applicants must pass the EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System – Test of Proficiency in Korean), which tests basic Korean reading and listening comprehension. The test is offered at designated centres in Ulaanbaatar. A score above the minimum passing mark (published each year) is required to be registered in the EPS worker pool.
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