Eligibility Requirements
- For E-9 EPS: Pass the Employment Permit System (EPS) Korean Language Test (TOPIK EPS) administered by HRD Korea
- For E-9: No criminal record; age 18-39 at time of application; no previous deportation from Korea
- For E-9: Good health - medical examination required
- For E-7 Skilled Worker: Job offer from Korean employer for a specific occupation on the permitted list
- For E-7: Relevant education (degree) and/or work experience for the occupation
- Bangladesh is a designated EPS sending country - Bangladeshi workers can apply through EPS
Required Documents
6 mandatory documents Β· 1 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredPassport valid for the intended stay period.
EPS-TOPIK Pass Certificate (for E-9)
RequiredKorean language test certificate issued by HRD Korea showing you passed the EPS-TOPIK test. This is the entry requirement for the E-9 Employment Permit System.
HRD Korea Registration / Job Placement Document
RequiredEmployment placement document from HRD Korea or the Korea International Labour Foundation (KOILAF) confirming employer match.
Standard Labor Contract
RequiredKorean standard labor contract (bilingual) between you and the Korean employer.
Medical Examination Certificate
RequiredMedical fitness certificate from a designated hospital for EPS applicants.
Criminal Background Check
RequiredBangladesh police clearance certificate. EPS has zero tolerance for criminal record.
Supporting Documents (Recommended)
Academic Certificate (E-7 applications)
OptionalDegree certificate and transcripts for E-7 skilled worker visa applications.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Register for EPS-TOPIK Test
Register for the Employment Permit System - Test of Proficiency in Korean (EPS-TOPIK) exam through the HRD Korea Bangladesh portal. The test is held periodically in Bangladesh. Passing this Korean language test is the first requirement for the E-9 employment permit.
Complete EPS Roster Registration
After passing EPS-TOPIK, register in the HRD Korea roster. Submit health examination, criminal background check, passport copy, and photos. You are now eligible to be matched with Korean employers.
Korean Employer Selects and Signs Contract
Korean employers browse the HRD Korea roster and select workers. When selected, HRD Korea facilitates the standard labor contract signing. You do NOT pay any fees to the employer or recruiters - the EPS system prohibits placement fees.
Apply for E-9 Visa at Korean Embassy Dhaka
After receiving the employment placement document and signed contract, apply for the E-9 Non-Professional Employment visa at the Korean Embassy Dhaka. Bring all documents. Processing takes 5-15 working days.
Complete Pre-Departure Training
Attend the mandatory pre-departure orientation (about 3 days) conducted by KOILAF in Dhaka. This covers Korean work culture, labor laws, safety, and basic language.
Travel to South Korea
Fly to South Korea. On arrival, attend a 3-day employment training course conducted by HRD Korea. Then begin work with your matched employer.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change β confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| EPS-TOPIK Test Registration Fee | ৳ 3,500 |
| Medical Examination | ৳ 5,700 |
| E-9 Visa Application Fee | ৳ 5,200 |
| Pre-Departure Training | ৳ 2,300 |
| WARNING: NO PLACEMENT FEES | β |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
After employer selection and contract signing, E-9 visa processing at Korean Embassy Dhaka takes 5-15 working days. The entire EPS process from test registration to Korea arrival can take 6-24 months due to the roster and employer matching system. Be patient - the EPS system is legitimate and free.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Korean Embassy Dhaka, House 4, Road 2, Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave, Dhaka. EPS is managed through HRD Korea Bangladesh office. The system is government-to-government between Bangladesh and South Korea. Pre-departure training by KOILAF is mandatory.
Interview Tips
The Korean Embassy E-9 visa application is administrative and typically does not involve a personal interview for EPS applicants. Documents are verified and the visa is issued. For E-7 skilled worker applicants, there may be a brief consular interview. Be clear about your employer, job role, and salary.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- EPS-TOPIK test not passed
- Criminal record (zero tolerance)
- Medical examination failure
- Age above 39 at application time (E-9 EPS limit)
- Previous Korean visa violations or deportation
- Incomplete EPS registration documents
Frequently Asked Questions β South Korea Work Visa
Q1. What is the EPS system and why is it used for Korea?
The Employment Permit System (EPS) is a government-to-government program between South Korea and 16 sending countries including Bangladesh. It allows Korean employers to hire foreign workers for 5 non-professional sectors (manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and service). The system is managed by HRD Korea and prevents illegal recruitment by requiring all placements to go through official channels. It is free of recruitment fees.
Q2. How much do E-9 workers earn in South Korea?
E-9 workers are paid at least the Korean minimum wage (2025: KRW 10,030/hour). In manufacturing and construction, monthly earnings are typically KRW 2,200,000-3,000,000 (approximately BDT 200,000-275,000). Overtime pay, night shift allowances, and performance bonuses are additional. Living costs (accommodation often provided by employer) are relatively manageable.
Q3. Can I bring my family to Korea on an E-9 visa?
No. E-9 non-professional employment visa holders cannot bring family members to Korea. After gaining work experience in Korea, some workers qualify for E-7 (Skilled Worker) or long-term residence visas that allow family accompaniment.
Q4. How can I study Korean in Bangladesh to pass EPS-TOPIK?
HRD Korea operates Korean Language Training Centers (KLTC) in Bangladesh. The Korea Foundation, Goethe equivalent, and private language institutes in Dhaka also offer Korean language courses. Many Bangladeshis self-study using apps (Duolingo, Pimsleur) and YouTube. The EPS-TOPIK tests basic Korean communication for work situations.
Related Visa Guides
Other South Korea Visas
Work Visa for Other Countries
Need a Document Checklist?
Generate an interactive checklist for your South Korea Work Visa application β check off items as you go.
β Generate My Checklist