The EPS government-to-government scheme is one of the cheapest, safest ways to work abroad. Pass the EPS-TOPIK exam — never pay an agent.
Why Nepalis go: Korea's minimum wage is about KRW 10,320 an hour (2026), so a full-time job pays roughly Rs 2 lakh+ a month. The whole process is run by the two governments.
The catch: Competition is intense (only about 25–30% pass), age limit 18–39, and E-9 workers usually cannot bring family or settle.
Most common route: EPS-TOPIK exam → skills test → job matching → E-9 visa for up to 4 years 10 months.
Employment Permit System (EPS) — E-9 visa
Register when the Nepal EPS office announces it, pass the Korean language test, pass a skills test, then a Korean employer picks you.
Who it's for: Nepalis aged 18–39 with no criminal record, no past deportation from Korea, and who haven't already stayed 5+ years on E-9/E-10.
Cost: Exam fee about US$28 (paid officially). Total including ticket and labour permit is usually around Rs 1–1.5 lakh — far less than private routes.
Time: From exam to flying often 6–12 months (depends on employer demand).
Stay: 3 years, extendable to 4 years 10 months; some can return for another term.
Family: No.
Leads to permanent residence: Not directly, but long-term skilled E-9 workers can apply to switch to E-7-4 (skilled worker), which allows family and longer stay.
Student visa (D-4 language / D-2 degree)
Study Korean at a university language institute (D-4), then a degree (D-2). Part-time work is allowed after a set period with permission.
Who it's for: +2 graduates with a university admission and a financial sponsor.
Cost: Language course fees often US$5,000–7,000 a year.
Time: Several months.
Stay: Length of course.
Family: D-2 students may bring family in some cases.
Leads to permanent residence: Graduates can move to D-10 job-seeker or E-7 professional visas.
Scams to avoid
EPS is run only by the governments. There is no 'setting' with agents.
Fake 'E-7 skilled visa' and 'fishing jobs in Korea' offers are common online.