E-9 Employment Permit System checklist for employers
A step-by-step checklist for Korean employers covering domestic recruitment, employment permit, contract, entry and ongoing management for E-9 hiring.
- As of
- July 15, 2026
- Jurisdiction
- Korea
- Author
- Jeongwoo Human Resource Development Institute
- Official sources
- July 15, 2026
Direct answer
A Korean employer planning an E-9 hire should confirm the eligible industry, workplace status and permitted headcount before recruitment. The general EPS sequence includes a required domestic recruitment effort, application to the competent employment center in the announced round, issuance of an employment permit, the standard labor contract, entry steps and continuing employment management.
Procedure checklist
| Stage | Employer record |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Industry, workplace, headcount, pay and hours |
| Domestic recruitment | Channel, period and consistent job conditions |
| Permit | Round, employment center, application and evidence |
| Contract/entry | Standard contract, insurance, education and arrival |
| Management | Wages, housing, safety, reports and workplace changes |
Build the target start date backward from the official permit round and the completion of contract, visa, entry and education steps. Explain duties, work location, pay components, deductions, housing and hours in an understood language. After entry, assign staff for arrival, orientation, safety, payroll questions and grievance handling. Keep reporting deadlines and grounds for any workplace change in the management calendar.
FAQ
Can the employer skip domestic recruitment?
The general EPS route normally requires the prescribed domestic recruitment effort. Confirm the current method and period for the applicable round.
Can an employer freely nominate any candidate?
E-9 follows the EPS roster, referral and contract process. Review the E-9 guide and official notices before promising a placement.
Official sources
Key facts were cross-checked against the following primary sources.
- HRDKorea employer support
Official employer support information for the Employment Permit System process.
Checked July 15, 2026
- EPS employment procedure
Official sequence from domestic recruitment through permit and labor contract.
Checked July 15, 2026