Visa information
Non-professional Employment E-9 (Employment Permit System)
This guide covers the employer requirements for hiring foreign workers under the Employment Permit System (E-9), the six application steps, length of stay and re-employment, and limits on workplace changes.
South Korea
At a glance
- Eligible workers
- Production and on-site workers in notified industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and livestock, fisheries, and construction
- Length of stay
- Three years initially, plus an extension of up to one year and 10 months upon re-employment
- Key requirement
- Completion of the sending-country selection process, including EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System Test of Proficiency in Korean)
- Employment model
- Direct employment by the workplace (government-to-government G2G referral)
- Administered by
- Ministry of Employment and Labor Employment Permit System (EPS); 16 sending countries, including Nepal
Frequently asked questions
What must an employer do first to hire an E-9 worker?
First make efforts to recruit Korean nationals, such as posting a vacancy on Worknet, then apply for an employment permit at the competent employment center. The center can confirm whether hiring is permitted and the allowable number of workers for the industry and workplace size.
How long does hiring take?
The process runs through efforts to recruit Korean nationals, an employment permit, an employment contract, confirmation of visa issuance, entry, and employment training, so it should generally be planned in months. Timing varies with quotas and conditions in the sending country.
Can E-9 workers freely change companies?
In principle, workplace changes are restricted. They are possible only a limited number of times for legally prescribed reasons such as business suspension or closure, or unfair treatment. For employers, this can support relatively stable employment.
Can we hire workers from Nepal under E-9?
Nepal is one of the Employment Permit System's sending countries. Workers are referred from a pool that has passed prescribed procedures such as EPS-TOPIK; detailed operations follow notices issued for each period.
What happens with re-employment after three years of work?
After the initial three years, workers who meet the requirements can receive a re-employment extension of up to one year and 10 months. A scheme also operates under which diligent workers who meet certain conditions may leave Korea, re-enter, and work again.
Related visas and systems
Visa schemes and figures may change in line with government notices and Cabinet decisions. This page provides general information as of the date of writing; please contact us to confirm the requirements that apply to your company and the latest criteria.
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