Philippines
Korea Visa Guide
The Philippines and South Korea share deep cultural and economic ties — the countries are close trading partners, and the Korean-Filipino community is one of Korea's most established. While Filipino general passport holders require a visa for Korea, multiple established pathways exist for work (EPS), marriage, education, and a landmark 2024 domestic worker program.
Visa required for all stays
Filipino general passport holders must obtain a visa at the Korean Embassy in Manila or the Korean Consulate in Cebu before travelling to Korea. There is no visa-free arrangement for general passports.
Visa-free stay
Not applicable — visa required
K-ETA eligible?
No — full visa required
EPS managed by
POEA (Philippines Overseas Employment Administration)
Domestic worker program?
Yes (launched Sept 2024 — new)
Filipino community in Korea
~53,000
Korean Embassy in Philippines
Manila; Consulate in Cebu
Non-professional Employment (EPS)
PopularThe dominant work visa for Filipinos in Korea. Managed through the Employment Permit System — apply via POEA (Philippines Overseas Employment Administration). Manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and service sectors.
Marriage Migrant
PopularFilipino spouses of Korean nationals. Korean-Filipino marriages are among the most common international marriage combinations in Korea. F-6 leads to F-5 permanent residency after 2 years.
Domestic Worker Program (NEW 2024)
PopularA landmark new pathway: the first 100 Filipino domestic helpers arrived in Korea in September 2024. Requires TESDA childcare certification. Age 24–38. Monthly wage ~₩1.5M.
English Teacher
Filipino nationals who are native English speakers and hold a bachelor's degree may qualify for E-2. Some schools specifically recruit Filipinos for their English proficiency and cultural adaptability.
Student
Filipino students in Korea — many attend on GKS scholarships or language programs. Growing Filipino student community at Korean universities.
Skilled Worker
Filipino IT professionals and specialists with a job offer from a Korean company. Universal E-7 requirements apply.
Do Filipino citizens need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. Filipino general passport holders must obtain a visa from the Korean Embassy in Manila or the Korean Consulate in Cebu. Diplomatic and official passports have different rules.
How does the EPS system work for Filipinos?
The EPS is run jointly by the Philippine POEA and Korean HRD Korea. Filipino workers must pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test, join the EPS roster, and be matched with Korean employers who specifically request workers. Total wait time can range from 6 months to 2 years.
What is the Filipino domestic worker program in Korea?
Korea launched its first domestic worker program in September 2024, with an initial cohort of 100 Filipino domestic helpers. Requirements: TESDA childcare certificate, age 24–38, no dependents in Korea. Monthly wage aligns with Korea's minimum wage (~₩1.5M+). Applications are processed through POEA.
Can a Filipino married to a Korean live in Korea permanently?
Yes. After 2 years on F-6 (marriage migrant) with demonstrated cohabitation and meeting income/language requirements, a Filipino spouse can apply for F-5 permanent residency.
Are there Filipino communities and support services in Korea?
Yes. The largest Filipino community is in Seoul (particularly Hyehwa-dong, known as 'Fil-Zone'), with significant communities in Ansan and other manufacturing cities. The Philippine Embassy in Yongsan-gu, Seoul provides support services for overseas Filipino workers.
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