Korea Work Visas Compared: E-9, E-8, H-2, E-7, F Series (2026)
- Work vs residence: some visas are tied to one job (E-9); others let you live and change jobs freely (F-2, F-5).
- Most common entry: E-9 via EPS for non-professional work.
- Long-term goal: E-9 → E-7-4 → F-2 → F-5 (permanent) is a realistic ladder.
- 2026: H-2 (working visit) has been merged into F-4 for eligible ethnic Koreans — this does not affect E-9.
- Visa decisions are made case-by-case by Korea Immigration.
Why the visa type matters
Your visa decides three things that shape your whole life in Korea: what work you may do, whether you can change employer, and whether your family can join you. Two people doing similar jobs can have completely different rights because of their visa letter. This guide compares the visas foreign workers actually use, so you can see where you are and where you can go.
The visa comparison table
| Visa | Who it is for | Change employer? | Family? | Path to stay long-term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-9 | Non-professional workers via EPS | Limited (rules apply) | No | Via E-7-4 |
| E-8 | Seasonal workers (farming/fishing) | No (short-term) | No | Seasonal only |
| H-2 | Ethnic Koreans (working visit) — being merged into F-4 | Freer than E-9 | Limited | Toward F-4/F-2 |
| F-4 | Overseas Koreans | Yes (most jobs) | Yes | Toward F-5 |
| E-7 | Skilled/professional workers | With approval | Yes | Toward F-2/F-5 |
| E-7-4 | Skilled workers upgraded from E-9/E-10/H-2 (points) | With approval | Yes | Toward F-2/F-5 |
| F-2 | Long-term residents (points/ties) | Yes | Yes | Toward F-5 |
| F-5 | Permanent residents | Yes | Yes | Permanent |
“Limited” and “with approval” mean the details are set by immigration rules that change — always confirm the current version on HiKorea.
E-9: Non-professional Employment
The entry point for most EPS workers. You are tied to the employer who selected you and may change jobs only under specific conditions (employer fault, business closure, and within limits on the number of moves). It does not grant family visas, but it is the first rung of a real ladder to E-7-4 and beyond.
E-8: Seasonal work
A short-term visa for seasonal farming and fishing, usually a few months, arranged between Korean local governments and partner regions abroad. It is not a route to long-term residence — it is designed for peak-season labour and return.
H-2 / F-4: Ethnic Koreans
H-2 (working visit) and F-4 (overseas Korean) are for people of Korean descent and give much freer job mobility than E-9. In 2026, H-2 is being merged into F-4 for eligible ethnic Koreans (effective 12 February 2026). If you are not of Korean descent, these do not apply to you — your route is E-9 → E-7-4.
E-7 and E-7-4: Skilled work
E-7 is for professional and skilled roles. E-7-4 is the crucial one for EPS workers: it lets long-serving E-9/E-10/H-2 workers upgrade to a skilled-worker visa on a points system (income, experience, Korean ability, age and more). It allows family and a path to F-2/F-5. See our dedicated E-7-4 guide.
F-2 / F-5: Residence and permanent
F-2 is a long-term residence visa based on points and ties to Korea; it lets you live and work freely. F-5 is permanent residence — the top of the ladder, with the most freedom and stability. Both are realistic destinations if you progress through E-7-4 and F-2.
Career paths: from E-9 to long-term
The most common ladder for an EPS worker: E-9 (work) → E-7-4 (skilled, points) → F-2 (residence) → F-5 (permanent). Each step needs time in Korea, income and often Korean-language points. Planning early — saving payslips, building Korean, staying legal — is what makes the jump to E-7-4 possible around the 4–5 year mark.
What changed in 2026?
The headline change is the merger of H-2 into F-4 for eligible ethnic Koreans (from 12 February 2026), simplifying their status. Points thresholds and quotas for E-7-4, F-2 and F-5 are reviewed regularly. For non-Korean-descent EPS workers, the E-9 → E-7-4 path is unchanged in principle — but confirm current point requirements on HiKorea.
FAQ
Which visa should a first-time EPS worker expect?
E-9, the non-professional employment visa.
Can I switch from E-9 to E-7-4?
Yes, if you meet the points (income, experience, Korean, age). It is the main long-term route.
Does E-9 allow my family to come?
No. Family becomes possible on E-7-4/F-2/F-5.
I am ethnic Korean — which visa?
F-4 (H-2 is being merged into it in 2026). It gives freer job mobility than E-9.
What is the difference between F-2 and F-5?
F-2 is long-term residence; F-5 is permanent residence with the most rights.
Can I change jobs on E-9?
Only under specific conditions and within limits — see the find-a-job guide.
Is E-8 a path to staying?
No, it is short-term seasonal work.
How long until F-5?
Typically several years through E-7-4 and F-2; there is no fixed shortcut.
Do these rules change?
Yes, frequently. Always verify on HiKorea before acting.
Where do I check my exact status?
HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the 1345 immigration hotline.
Official sources
Related guides: E-9 / EPS hub · EPS-TOPIK · How to apply · Visa comparison · E-9 → E-7-4 · Wages & living · Find a job.
Official sources: EPS / HRD Korea, HiKorea, Ministry of Employment and Labor, National Pension, National Health Insurance. Information current as of 2026 and subject to change — verify before you act. After arriving in Korea, find jobs in English on 114114AI.