Sri Lanka
Korea Visa Guide
Sri Lanka is an EPS partner country, with Sri Lankan workers primarily in Korean manufacturing and agriculture. The Sri Lankan community in Korea has been growing steadily, with increasing numbers also pursuing D-2 university education and E-7 skilled work. This guide covers all visa options for Sri Lankan citizens.
Visa required — C-3 needed for short-term visits
Sri Lankan citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry to Korea. A C-3 tourist visa must be applied for at the Korean Embassy in Colombo.
Visa-free entry?
No — C-3 visa required for tourism
K-ETA eligible?
No
EPS partner country?
Yes
Sri Lankans in Korea
~15,000 residents
Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka
Colombo (Battaramulla)
Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
PopularApply through Sri Lanka's Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Must pass EPS-TOPIK Korean test. Eligible sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries.
Points-Based Skilled Worker (E-7-4)
PopularSri Lankan E-9 workers with 4+ years in Korea and 80+ K-Points can upgrade to E-7-4 skilled status. The expanded 2025 quota (35,000 positions) improves access.
Skilled Worker
Sri Lankan IT professionals, engineers, and other specialists can apply for E-7 with employer sponsorship. A university degree and Korean language proficiency strengthen the application.
Student
Study at Korean universities. GKS government scholarships are available. Engineering and IT programs are popular.
Short-Term Visit
Sri Lankan passport holders require a C-3 visa for tourism. Apply at the Korean Embassy in Colombo. Processing: 5–7 business days.
How do Sri Lankan EPS workers apply to Korea?
Through the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Steps: (1) Pass EPS-TOPIK Korean language test (offered in Colombo); (2) Register on the SLBFE/EPS roster; (3) Employer matching; (4) Standard Labour Contract; (5) E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy.
What sectors are open to Sri Lankan EPS workers?
Manufacturing (the largest sector), construction, agriculture, fisheries, and services (cleaning, catering in institutional settings). The social welfare sector has recently been added to E-9 in a pilot — check the latest EPS announcement for Sri Lanka's eligibility.
Can Sri Lankan IT professionals get a work visa in Korea?
Yes. E-7-1 (Specific Activities — IT professional) is available to Sri Lankan IT professionals with a relevant degree and a Korean employer willing to sponsor. Korean language ability (TOPIK) significantly helps. Many Sri Lankan engineers work at Samsung, LG, and Korean IT companies on E-7.
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