Nepal
Korea Visa Guide
Nepal is one of South Korea's largest EPS (Employment Permit System) partner countries and a significant source of D-2 university students. Over 50,000 Nepali nationals reside in Korea, most on E-9 manufacturing visas, with growing numbers transitioning to E-7-4 skilled status. This guide covers every visa path available to Nepali citizens.
Visa required — C-3 needed for short-term visits
Nepali citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry to Korea. A C-3 tourist visa must be applied for at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. EPS workers apply for E-9 through the Foreign Employment Board.
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)
Nepali in Korea
50,000+ residents
Korean Embassy in Nepal
Kathmandu (Maharajgunj)
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
PopularThe most common path for Nepali workers. Apply through the Foreign Employment Board (FEB) in Nepal. Must pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean test. Eligible sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and services.
Points-Based Skilled Worker
PopularNepali E-9 workers with 4+ years in Korea, sufficient Korean skills, and 80+ K-Points can upgrade to E-7-4 skilled status. Korea expanded the 2025 quota to 35,000. One of the most important transitions.
Student
Nepal is one of the top-5 sources of international students in Korea. Government scholarships (GKS/KGSP) and university scholarships are available. Engineering, nursing, and IT programs are popular.
Skilled Worker
Nepali professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare (nurses, caregivers), and the culinary industry can apply for E-7. A university degree and Korean language skills (TOPIK) significantly strengthen the application.
Short-Term Visit
A C-3 visa is required for Nepali tourist visits to Korea. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Processing time: 5–7 business days.
Working Holiday
Nepali citizens aged 18–30 are eligible for Korea's Working Holiday visa. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Quota-limited — apply early in the year.
How do Nepali workers go to Korea through EPS?
Through Nepal's Foreign Employment Board (FEB) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Steps: (1) Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test (offered in Kathmandu); (2) Register on the Nepal EPS roster via FEB; (3) Wait for employer matching; (4) Sign the Standard Labour Contract; (5) Obtain E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Total timeline: 6 months to 2+ years depending on demand in your sector.
What is the E-7-4 visa and can Nepali E-9 workers apply?
E-7-4 is a points-based skilled worker visa for long-term E-9/H-2 workers. Requirements: 4+ years of qualifying work in Korea, TOPIK Level 2+ (or waiver if applying before Dec 31, 2026), salary ₩26M+/year, and 80+ points. Korea expanded the 2025 quota to 35,000 positions (up from ~2,000). Once on E-7-4, you can later qualify for F-2-7 and F-5 permanent residency.
Are there scholarships for Nepali students in Korea?
Yes. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP) is fully funded and Nepal is an eligible country. Apply through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu or your targeted university. The Korean Government Scholarship for Self-Financed Students offers partial support. Additionally, KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) provides scholarships for development-sector students.
Can Nepali nurses work in Korea?
Nursing is an approved E-7 occupation. Nepali nurses with Korean language skills (TOPIK Level 3+) and a nursing qualification can apply for E-7 sponsorship by Korean hospitals and care facilities. Additionally, the growing elderly care sector has demand for Nepali caregivers through both E-7 and the E-9 social welfare sector (added in recent EPS expansions).
How difficult is the EPS-TOPIK test for Nepali applicants?
EPS-TOPIK (고용허가제 한국어능력시험) is a 50-minute Korean language test specifically designed for EPS workers. It tests reading comprehension (25 questions) and listening (25 questions) at a basic-to-intermediate level. Most candidates study for 3–6 months using the official HRD Korea preparation materials. In Nepal, the test is administered in Kathmandu through the Korean Embassy in coordination with FEB.
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