E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) Visa Guide
The E-9 visa and Employment Permit System (EPS) explained: who it's for, how hiring works, sectors, key rules, and long-term options.
The E-9 visa covers non-professional employment through Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) — a government-managed framework for hiring foreign workers in specific sectors. Here's how it works.
Have questions about EPS? Ask a consultant.
What the E-9 is for
The E-9 fills roles in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, and construction, where the EPS manages recruitment through agreements between Korea and sending countries.
How the EPS works
- Bilateral agreements with sending countries.
- A Korean-language test (EPS-TOPIK) and a candidate roster.
- Employers hire from the roster under the permit system.
Key rules
- Job changes are allowed only under specific EPS conditions.
- Contract terms and stay periods follow the EPS framework.
- Compliance matters — the system is closely managed.
Long-term options
Some skill-upgrade / long-term routes exist (for example moving toward skilled status), but they're limited. If you aim to settle, map the path early — the E-7 or a residence visa may be the longer-term target.
How Langle can help
Langle's consultants explain your EPS options and any route toward longer-term status. Start free on our visa consulting page.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change; verify on HiKorea or with a consultant before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the E-9 visa?
- A work visa for non-professional employment under Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS), used in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, and construction.
- How does the EPS work?
- It's a government-managed system with bilateral agreements between Korea and sending countries, including a Korean-language test and a roster employers hire from.
- Can E-9 workers change jobs?
- Job changes are allowed only under specific conditions within the EPS rules. It's more restricted than skilled visas.
- Is there a path to staying long-term?
- Some long-term and skill-upgrade routes exist but are limited. If long-term settlement is your goal, plan carefully.