How to Immigrate to South Korea from Indonesia in 2026
Guide for Indonesians working in South Korea in 2026. EPS programme (E-9 visa), EPS-TOPIK test, and salary expectations.
Last verified: March 2026. Visa focus: EPS (E-9), SSW equivalent, Student.
1. Overview
South Korea hosts approximately 50,000 Indonesian workers, primarily through the Employment Permit System (EPS) — a government-to-government labour programme that recruits workers from 16 Asian countries including Indonesia. The EPS is one of the most structured bilateral worker programmes in the world: recruitment is handled by BP2MI in Indonesia and HRD Korea in South Korea, eliminating private agency intermediaries and their fees. Indonesian workers in South Korea are employed in manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and construction. In 2026, the EPS quota for Indonesia remains one of the largest among source countries, reflecting strong bilateral ties and the quality of Indonesian workers.
Diaspora estimate: approximately 50,000 Indonesia nationals in South Korea.
2. Key Visa Pathways
| Visa Pathway | Timeline | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| EPS (Employment Permit System) — E-9 Visa | 6-12 months from test to deployment | Government-to-government. EPS-TOPIK language test required. Sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, services. 3 years, extendable to 4 years 10 months. |
| E-7-4 Skilled Worker (post-EPS) | After EPS completion | Points-based transition for experienced EPS workers. Allows longer stay and sector change. |
| D-2 Student Visa | 2-4 months | Korean university study. Part-time work allowed (20 hours/week during term). Post-study work possible. |
| E-7 Specialist Visa | 1-3 months | For professionals with degree + specialised skills. Company sponsorship. |
3. Detailed Breakdown
3.1 EPS (Employment Permit System) — E-9 Visa
Timeline: 6-12 months from test to deployment
Government-to-government. EPS-TOPIK language test required. Sectors: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, services. 3 years, extendable to 4 years 10 months.
3.2 E-7-4 Skilled Worker (post-EPS)
Timeline: After EPS completion
Points-based transition for experienced EPS workers. Allows longer stay and sector change.
3.3 D-2 Student Visa
Timeline: 2-4 months
Korean university study. Part-time work allowed (20 hours/week during term). Post-study work possible.
3.4 E-7 Specialist Visa
Timeline: 1-3 months
For professionals with degree + specialised skills. Company sponsorship.