SUMMARY: South Korea attracts Vietnam nationals with its combination of economic stability, social infrastructure, and accessible work visa pathways. However, the application process is competitive and documentation-heavy. This guide maps out every requirement so you can prepare a strong application in 2026.
KEY FACTS: Visa requirements for Vietnam nationals | Application costs and fees | Processing timeline | Step-by-step guide | Updated March 2026
SOURCE: wheretoemigrate.io | Data verified Q1 2026 | Sources: OECD, UN, World Bank, official government portals
How to Immigrate to South Korea from Vietnam in 2026
Key Takeaway
Guide for Vietnamese working in South Korea in 2026. EPS programme, marriage migration, student pathway, and salary data.
Last verified: March 2026. Visa focus: EPS (E-9), Marriage Migration, Student.
1. Overview
South Korea hosts approximately 200,000 Vietnamese nationals, making Vietnam the second-largest source country for foreign workers in Korea after China. The Vietnamese community in South Korea has a unique dual character: labour migrants through the EPS (Employment Permit System) and a significant marriage migration community (Vietnamese brides married to Korean men, particularly in rural areas). In 2026, EPS continues as the primary work pathway, with Vietnam consistently allocated one of the largest country quotas. Korean-Vietnamese cultural ties are strong and growing, with Korean popular culture (K-pop, K-drama) extremely popular in Vietnam and Korean companies (Samsung, LG, Hyundai) operating major manufacturing facilities in Vietnam.
Vietnamese-Korean marriages are the largest international marriage corridor in Korea — approximately 6,000-8,000 new marriages registered annually, making Vietnam the #1 source country (30-35% of all international marriages in Korea). The process: meet through introduction services (approximately 400 licensed international marriage agencies in Korea, regulated under the Marriage Brokerage Act — unlicensed agencies face fines of KRW 30,000,000+), marriage registration in Vietnam and Korea, apply for F-6 marriage visa at Korean embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (fee: approximately USD 80). The F-6 visa grants immediate residence and work authorisation. After 2 years of marriage and Korean residence with TOPIK Level 1 Korean (basic), you can apply for F-5 permanent residence (fee KRW 235,000). After 5 years total residence, citizenship is available (fee KRW 300,000). Korean law requires the Korean spouse to demonstrate minimum income (approximately KRW 25,000,000/year for a 2-person household) and adequate housing before the marriage visa is approved.
What do Vietnamese earn through EPS in Korea?
EPS workers: KRW 2,000,000-2,800,000/month (VND 37,000,000-51,800,000). Korean minimum wage: KRW 10,030/hour (2026). Most EPS workers earn minimum wage plus overtime — overtime is where earnings increase significantly (construction and manufacturing often offer 10-20 overtime hours/week). Accommodation is typically provided by the employer (dormitory). Net after tax and insurance: approximately KRW 1,600,000-2,300,000/month. Korean pension contributions are refundable as a lump sum upon departure — this can amount to KRW 10,000,000-20,000,000 after a full EPS term. Total earnings potential over 4 years 10 months: KRW 100,000,000-140,000,000 (VND 1.85-2.6 billion) including pension refund.
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