Korea E-9 Visa Renewal, Re-Entry & Workplace Transfer Rules for Nepalis

South Korea work visa for Nepali citizens (2026). Korea E-9 Visa Renewal, Re-Entry & Workplace Transfer Rules for Nepalis — verified against Embassy of the Republic of Korea — Kathmandu and updated when the rules change. processing 4–12 weeks; allowed stay E-7: 1–3 years; E-9: 4 years 10 months total under EPS. Below: the official figures, the document checklist, proof-of-funds guidance, the embassy contact, and the mistakes that get Nepali files refused.

How to apply for the South Korea work visa from Nepal — step by step

1. Confirm the route — E-7: Korean employer files at Korean Immigration. E-9 EPS: via DoFE Nepal + HRD Korea (KLT exam -> roster -> matching -> contract).
2. Assemble documents — gather the checklist below, with certified English translations.
3. Book & pay — submit the application and pay the fee (Varies by visa class — confirm on the official portal); give biometrics if asked.
4. Track — processing runs 4–12 weeks; collect the passport or download the e-visa on approval.

Korea Work Visa (E-7 Specialty / E-9 EPS) — key facts

Visa class	Korea Work Visa (E-7 Specialty / E-9 EPS)
Government fee	Varies by visa class — confirm on the official portal
Processing time	4–12 weeks
Allowed stay	E-7: 1–3 years; E-9: 4 years 10 months total under EPS
Validity	90 days entry; convert to ARC after arrival
Entries	Single visa; multi on ARC
How to apply	E-7: Korean employer files at Korean Immigration. E-9 EPS: via DoFE Nepal + HRD Korea (KLT exam -> roster -> matching -> contract)

Documents South Korea asks Nepali applicants for

• Passport, photo
• Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVIN) from Korean Immigration
• Employment contract
• Education certificates (attested)
• Police clearance
• Medical fitness (TB-test required)
• For E-9: KLT (Korean Language Test) certificate + DoFE EPS labour permit + PDO + SSF + insurance (if applicable) — EPS-specific.
• ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
• 2. Salary-Based Income (if applicable) — Applicants who are employed must provide:
• Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
• Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.

Proof of funds for the South Korea work visa

As a Nepali applicant, show a 3–6 month bank statement plus income proof matched to your source: salary slips and an employer/leave letter if you're employed, business registration (PAN/VAT) and tax clearance if self-employed, or a sponsor's bank statement and a notarised sponsorship letter if someone funds your trip. Money that lands suddenly just before you apply is a common refusal trigger — keep the balance steady for months.

Processing time, validity & extension

Plan for 4–12 weeks once South Korea has a complete file. The visa is valid 90 days entry; convert to ARC after arrival and lets you stay E-7: 1–3 years; E-9: 4 years 10 months total under EPS (Single visa; multi on ARC). Apply at least 3–4 weeks before departure; festivals and embassy holidays in both countries can stretch the window. If you need longer in South Korea, ask about the in-country extension rule before your stay expires — overstaying jeopardises every future application.

Before you apply: the Nepal-side prep

Every Nepali-language document — citizenship certificate, birth or marriage certificate, property papers, income proof — must be submitted with a notary-certified English translation. Workers need the employer demand letter and, for many destinations, a Nepal-government labour approval plus a medical (GAMCA/Wafid) certificate. Carry the original plus one photocopy of each, and make sure your name is spelled identically everywhere: passport, ticket, hotel booking and bank statement. A single mismatch is enough to trigger a query.

Why South Korea files get refused — and how to avoid it

• Inconsistent funds — a balance that jumps right before applying.
• Missing translations — Nepali documents submitted without certified English versions.
• Mismatched dates — the flight, hotel and itinerary don't line up.
• Weak ties to Nepal — no job, study, property or family pull to return to.
• Wrong visa class — applying as a tourist for a work or study purpose.

Where Nepalis apply

Embassy of the Republic of Korea — Kathmandu
Red Cross Marg, Tahachal Height, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 1058)
Phone: +977 1 4270172
Email: [email protected]
Official site: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/np-en/index.do
Visa centre: Embassy of Korea Kathmandu (in person), No VFS partner for Korea in Nepal — apply directly at embassy by appointment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the South Korea work visa cost from Nepal?

The government fee varies by visa class — check the official portal, plus Nepal-side costs (photos, certified translations, bank statements, and any visa-centre charge).

How long does the South Korea work visa take for Nepali citizens?

Allow 4–12 weeks from a complete submission. Apply 3–4 weeks before travel to absorb peak-season and document-request delays.

What documents do Nepalis need for the South Korea work visa?

Passport (6+ months), photos, bank statements / proof of funds, a confirmed flight and hotel, and purpose-specific letters — with notary-certified English translations of Nepali-language documents.

Where do Nepali citizens apply for a South Korea visa?

Embassy of the Republic of Korea — Kathmandu, Red Cross Marg, Tahachal Height, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 1058), or the visa centre Embassy of Korea Kathmandu (in person). Online: https://www.visa.go.kr (Korean visa portal — limited self-service for Nepalis) · https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/np-en (Embassy Kathmandu).

Get your supporting documents ready

Most South Korea visa files need a confirmed onward flight, a hotel reservation and, for tourist and visit classes, a day-by-day itinerary — with dates that match across all three. Generate embassy-ready documents in minutes:

• Dummy flight ticket for your South Korea visa — a verifiable reservation PDF.
• Dummy hotel booking for the accommodation proof.
• Travel itinerary document for proof of tour.
• All visa guides for Nepali citizens →