Work in manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, or construction through the Employment Permit System.
Stay Duration
Maximum 4 years 10 months (initial 3-year stay + 1 year 10 months extension for those re-employed); re-entry possible after leaving Korea
Processing
Several weeks to months (managed through EPS process)
Visa Fee
Managed by sending country EPS agency
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The E-9 visa is issued through Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS, 고용허가제), a government-to-government framework with 16 countries. It covers unskilled and semi-skilled labor in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and select service sectors. Employers must be registered with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and cannot hire foreign workers on E-9 if Korean workers are available. As of November 2025, the permitted work scope for non-skilled construction E-9 workers was formally clarified — 22 specific construction sub-trades are now explicitly listed, including painting, plumbing, waterproofing, masonry, tiling, formwork, structural steel, mechanical services, carpentry, plastering, scaffolding, stonework, welding, landscaping, demolition, rebar, concrete, earthworks, wallpapering, and interior finishing. In all cases, workers must have basic trade knowledge and work under the supervision of a skilled foreman.
Workers from the 16 EPS-designated countries (including Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, Mongolia, and others) who have passed the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test and been registered on the HRD Korea roster.
National of one of the 16 EPS partner countries (Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, East Timor, Laos, Kazakhstan)
Passed the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test administered in your home country
No prior history of immigration violations in Korea
Employer must be a small/medium business (<300 full-time employees or <₩800M capital) in an eligible industry
Visa issued only via 사증발급인정서 issued by Korean immigration — no direct consulate application
Criminal background check and self-reported health declaration required
Valid passport
EPS-TOPIK certificate
Employment confirmation letter from EPS
Medical examination certificate
Documents issued by sending country EPS agency
Register with the EPS in your country
Sign up with the EPS-designated agency in your country and take the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test.
Be selected by a Korean employer
Korean employers select workers from the EPS roster. Once selected, you will receive an employment confirmation.
Pre-departure education
Complete mandatory pre-departure orientation covering Korean labor laws, workplace safety, and cultural adjustment.
Arrive and complete in-Korea training
After arrival, complete mandatory occupational safety training before starting work.
Receive your ARC
Register at immigration within 90 days of arrival to receive your Alien Registration Card.
Need help with your E-9 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles E-9 applications.
Unfamiliar with a term?
Employment Permit System (EPS) — Complete Guide
17 partner countries, EPS-TOPIK test, step-by-step process, worker rights, E-9 → E-7-4 upgrade pathway.
Still have questions about the E-9 visa?
Ask K-VISA AI — free, instant answers on Korean visa requirements and procedures.