Does the E-9 Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

What is E-9 Visa?

The E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) Visa allows citizens from specific countries to work in South Korea under the Employment Permit System. This visa addresses labor shortages in low- and mid-skilled sectors where domestic recruitment is insufficient. The program is regulated by bilateral agreements between South Korea and partner countries to ensure ethical recruitment and fair labor conditions.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

• Manufacturing & Industrial Labor (Machine Operator, Factory Worker, Assembler)
• Agriculture & Farming (Crop Farmer, Greenhouse Worker, Livestock Assistant)
• Fishing & Marine Work (Deckhand, Seafood Processor, Net Repairer)
• Construction & Laboring (General Construction Worker, Mason, Welder, Painter)
• Service & Cleaning (Janitor, Kitchen Assistant, Laundry Staff)

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for E-9 Visa

To sponsor a worker under the E-9 visa, employers must:

• Obtain employment authorization from the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL).
• Recruit workers exclusively through the Employment Permit System (EPS).
• Demonstrate that no suitable Korean worker is available for the role.
• Provide valid employment contracts outlining wages, housing, and working conditions.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and guarantee equal treatment of foreign employees.
• Register the employment relationship with the Korea Immigration Service.

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor E-9 Visa?

Typical costs include:

• EPS participation and recruitment fees: Vary depending on role and country of origin.
• Visa application fee: Around KRW 60,000 – 90,000.
• Medical check and insurance: Typically KRW 100,000 – 150,000.
• Employer costs: May include airfare, housing, or onboarding expenses.

While some fees are shared, many employers cover core sponsorship costs as part of their compliance obligations under EPS agreements.

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring E-9 Visa

Processing times typically range from 3 to 6 months, depending on:

• Country of origin and EPS recruitment cycle.
• Verification of employment contracts by South Korean authorities.
• Completion of worker training and visa issuance.

Delays may occur due to government quotas, missing documents, or immigration backlogs.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don't Require Visa Sponsorship

Sponsoring an E-9 visa is often costly and time-consuming, requiring employers to navigate government systems, wait for recruitment cycles, and comply with strict labor and immigration rules. For businesses needing to hire quickly, especially in international or remote settings, relocation and visa sponsorship may not be the most efficient route.

Instead, companies can hire globally without relocation using Playroll’s Employer of Record (EOR) model. With Playroll, businesses can onboard workers in their home countries legally and compliantly without the cost or delay of visa sponsorship. Playroll handles contracts, payroll, tax compliance, and benefits across 180+ countries, helping employers access talent globally while maintaining local compliance. This approach is faster, simpler, and far more affordable than sponsoring an E-9 visa, enabling teams to grow internationally without borders.