How to Get an E-9 Visa for Korea (Step-by-Step Guide for Filipinos, 2025)

The E-9 visa is one of the easiest and most stable ways for Filipinos to work in Korea legally.
If you're looking for a job in manufacturing, farming, or construction, this 2025 guide is for you.

1. What is the E-9 Visa?

The E-9 visa is a **non-professional employment visa** for foreign workers in Korea. It is available to workers from selected countries like the Philippines under the **EPS (Employment Permit System)**. Industries that hire E-9 workers: - Manufacturing - Agriculture and livestock - Construction - Fishing and fish processing - Service (limited cases) 💡 You don’t need a college degree — just pass the process. ---

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2. Who is Eligible?

✅ Age: 18–38 years old (as of application year) ✅ No previous stay in Korea under EPS ✅ High school graduate or above ✅ Physically and mentally fit ✅ No criminal record ✅ Must pass the **EPS-TOPIK** test (Korean Language Exam) 📌 Female workers can also apply, but priority is often given to male applicants (industry dependent).

3. Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Take the EPS-TOPIK exam - Register through POEA or HRD Korea announcements - Study basic Korean (reading, vocabulary, workplace terms) - Test fee: around ₱1,000 - Wait for results and ranking Step 2: Submit requirements to POEA - Valid passport - Birth certificate - Diploma or Form 137 - Medical exam clearance - NBI clearance - 2x2 ID photos Step 3: Job Matching & Pre-departure - If you're selected, POEA will notify you of your Korean employer - Attend orientation and contract signing - Undergo final medical exam - Pay processing fees (₱30,000–₱40,000 range, no placement fee!) Step 4: Fly to Korea - Receive your E-9 visa - Depart to Korea with other EPS workers - Stay in Korea for 3 years (renewable up to 4 years 10 months) ---

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4. Salary and Working Conditions

- Basic salary: ~₩2.1M/month (₱90,000–₱95,000) - Overtime: Available - Accommodation: Often provided by employer - Meals: Sometimes free or with subsidy - Work hours: 8 hrs/day, 5–6 days/week - Health insurance & workers’ rights protected under Korean Labor Law 💡 Saving ₱500,000–₱800,000 per year is possible with proper budgeting.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros: ✅ Legal work + stable salary ✅ No college degree required ✅ Government-to-government hiring (no scam) ✅ High savings potential Cons: ❌ Limited to specific industries ❌ Hard manual labor ❌ Korean language test is required ❌ Competitive selection process ---

6. FAQ

Q: How long can I work in Korea under E-9?
A: Maximum 4 years and 10 months. Q: Can I bring my family?
A: No. E-9 is a single-person work visa. Q: Can I apply again if I already worked in Korea before?
A: No. E-9 is for first-time applicants only. Q: What happens after the contract ends?
A: You must return to the Philippines unless you qualify for re-hiring or another visa type. ---

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7. Related Guides

👉 E-7 Visa Requirements for Skilled Workers
👉 D-10 Job Seeking Visa – Step-by-Step Guide
👉 How to Study for the EPS-TOPIK Exam (Free Resources)

8. Final Thoughts

The E-9 visa offers a legal and reliable way for Filipinos to earn and save in Korea. With some preparation in Korean language and a willingness to work hard, it could be your chance to build a better future. 📌 Want to stay updated? Follow our blog for EPS announcements and POEA schedules.