Table of Contents
- What is the E-9 Visa?
- What is the Employment Permit System for Foreign Workers?
- Industries Eligible for Employment Permits
- Requirements for Hiring Foreign Workers
- Step-by-Step Employment Permit Application Process
- Things to Keep in Mind
- Summary
1. What is the E-9 Visa?
The E-9 visa is issued by the Korean government to allow foreign nationals to work in non-professional employment sectors. This system has been in place since 2004 and is based on the Employment Permit System for Foreign Workers. Employers can hire foreign labor only through the designated procedures under government approval. You can check your eligibility through the official site below.
2. What is the Employment Permit System for Foreign Workers?
This system allows employers to legally hire foreign workers in sectors facing labor shortages through a regulated process. It was introduced to address the shortcomings of the previous trainee system and aims to protect the rights of foreign workers while improving working conditions.
Key Features:
- Employers may only hire foreign workers when they cannot find suitable domestic labor.
- Foreign workers can only enter and work after government approval.
- Clear restrictions apply to stay duration, industry type, and job changes.
3. Industries Eligible for Employment Permits
Foreign workers can only be hired in specific industries designated by the government. The following sectors are included:
For detailed information, please visit the Employment Management System website.
| Category | Sub-sectors |
| Manufacturing | Metal processing, food production, machinery assembly, etc. |
| Agriculture & Livestock | Crops, livestock, horticulture, etc. |
| Construction | Civil engineering, architecture, rebar & concrete, etc. |
| Fisheries | Coastal fishing, aquaculture, etc. |
| Service (Limited) | Some lodging services, cleaning services (allowed under certain conditions) |
Each industry may have restrictions based on labor demand, allocation feasibility, and workplace safety concerns. Be sure to check the official site in advance.
4. Requirements for Hiring Foreign Workers
Employers must meet the following conditions to apply for a foreign worker employment permit:
- Proof of domestic recruitment efforts: Employers must provide evidence of attempts to hire Korean nationals over a specific period.
- No record of unpaid wages: Employers must not have any recent history of wage arrears.
- Workplace compliance: The business must meet industrial safety and working condition standards.
- Within government workforce allocation plan: The hiring must fall within the scope of the government's foreign labor quota.
In particular, agricultural and fishing sectors may have additional conditions related to the seasonal worker program.
5. Step-by-Step Employment Permit Application Process
The full procedure for hiring a worker under the E-9 visa is as follows:
Step 1: Attempt to hire a Korean national
- Post job listing at local employment center
- Recruitment effort must continue for at least 14 days
Step 2: Submit foreign worker employment application
- Submit employment permit application, business license, wage plan, etc.
- Screening by the local employment center
Step 3: Permit approval and labor allocation
- Upon approval, labor needs are matched and allocated by country
Step 4: EPS-TOPIK passers recommended
- Sending country government recommends suitable candidates
Step 5: Sign standard labor contract
- Contract signed between employer and worker
- Must include working conditions, lodging, and insurance details
Step 6: Visa issuance and entry
- Apply for visa using the signed labor contract
- Entry allowed upon visa approval
Step 7: Start work and manage employment
- Begin work at assigned workplace upon arrival
- Register place of residence and obtain Alien Registration Card
6. Things to Keep in Mind
- Validity period of the employment permit: The permit has a validity period. If the worker does not begin employment within the set time, the permit may expire.
- Use of returning workers: If possible, hire experienced workers returning to Korea, as this may streamline the process.
- Do not confuse with seasonal workers: In the agricultural sector, make sure not to confuse E-9 with the E-8 visa for seasonal employment.
7. Summary
Hiring foreign workers involves more than just recruitment; it is a policy-based process that must follow legal procedures. In particular, obtaining an E-9 employment permit requires fulfilling multiple conditions such as efforts to hire domestic workers, appropriate workplace conditions, and industry eligibility.
