E-9 Non-Professional Employment Permit
Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) for workers in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and fisheries. Available to 16 designated countries only.
Eligible Countries (EPS 16)
If your country is not listed, E-9 is not available. Consider E-7 (professional) if you hold a degree.
Key Facts
Degree required
No — high school is sufficient
Maximum stay
4 years 10 months
Minimum wage (2025)
₩10,030/hour
Eligible sectors
Manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, services (limited)
Family
Family cannot accompany on E-9
Job change
Restricted — requires employer and government approval
Application Process
Pass EPS-TOPIK (Korean language test for EPS workers) in your home country
Register on the EPS system — employer in Korea selects you from the pool
Complete pre-departure training and health check in your home country
Receive E-9 visa, travel to Korea, complete arrival education
Begin work — register as foreign resident within 90 days
💡 E-9 → E-7 Upgrade Path
After 4+ years on E-9 in the same industry, with a technical qualification certificate and TOPIK 4+, you may apply to convert to E-7-4 (Skilled Technician). This is the main long-term route to professional status and eventual F-5 permanent residency.
See full E-9 → E-7 guide →Based on Ministry of Employment & Labor EPS guidelines. Not legal advice.