Work Permits and Eligible Industries for Foreign Workers

Table of Contents

1. What is a Status of Stay?
2. Types of Status of Stay for Foreign Workers (E-9, etc.)
3. Industries Permitted per Status of Stay
4. Important Notes and Legal Standards

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1. What is a Status of Stay?

 

 

 

Foreigners must obtain a status of stay under the Immigration Control Act to reside in South Korea for a specific purpose. This status grants legal permission to stay and engage in particular activities such as employment, study, or marriage. For accurate details, please refer to the official government website.

※ Relevant Law: Immigration Control Act, Article 10 (Status of Stay)

2. Types of Status of Stay for Foreign Workers (E-9, etc.)

Representative statuses of stay for foreign workers include:

• E-9 (Non-professional Employment): For simple labor jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, construction, etc.
• H-2 (Working Visit): For overseas Koreans who meet certain conditions to engage in simple labor in Korea.

Employment is only permitted in industries and occupations pre-designated by the Ministry of Justice. Working in unauthorized industries may result in illegal stay or employment status.

※ Relevant Laws: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1; Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers

3. Industries Permitted per Status of Stay

 

 

 

Status	Main Industries	Employment Type	Remarks
E-9	Manufacturing, Agriculture, Fishery, Construction	Official Employment by Employer	Requires Government Approval
H-2	Manufacturing, Construction, Some Service Sectors	Free Employment (with restrictions)	Employment Registration Required

• E-9 visa holders are employed through the government-run EPS (Employment Permit System), and employers may only hire workers assigned to approved industries.
• H-2 visa holders are overseas Koreans meeting certain qualifications who can work without prior employer approval in certain industries. However, employment reporting and registration is mandatory.

4. Important Notes and Legal Standards

 

 

 

• If a foreign worker works outside the permitted status of stay, both the employer and the worker may be subject to fines or criminal penalties for violating the Immigration Control Act.
• To change or extend a status of stay, approval must be obtained in advance from the Immigration Office. Violations may result in deportation or other penalties.