E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS)

What it is

Employment Permit System visa for semi-skilled workers from 16 partner countries. Covers manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and fisheries. Government-to-government system; no private agents. Official sub-categories: E-9-1 제조업 (manufacturing); E-9-2 건설업 (construction); E-9-3 농업 (agriculture); E-9-4 어업 (fishing); E-9-5 서비스업 (services); E-9-9 임업 (forestry); E-9-10 광업 (mining).

Key facts

Category: Work
Duration: Up to 4 years 10 months (3 years initial + 1 year 10 months extension)
Processing time: 6 months
Maximum validity: 3 years
Path to permanent residence: No
Dependants: No

Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.

Fees

Application fee (single entry, stay 91 days or more): USD 60
Application fee (if issued as a 2-entry visa): USD 70
Application fee (if issued as a multiple-entry visa): USD 90

Key requirements

Citizen of one of 16 EPS partner countries
Pass the EPS-KLT Korean language test
Selected through the government-to-government lottery/matching system
Pass medical examination
No prior EPS visa violations

Working on this visa

A status of residence permitted to engage in employment (Enforcement Decree Art. 23(1)).

Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 18 July 2026.