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Work permit renewal in South Korea

Written from published rules on 26 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Ministry of Justice (법무부) - Immigration Service (출입국외국인정책본부).

Renewing a South Korean work permit (Employment Permit System - EPS) generally involves applying for an extension of the period of stay with the immigration office before the current permit expires. The process typically requires submitting an application form, passport, alien registration card, and documents related to employment.

Your timing

It is advisable to apply for an extension of stay at least 2-4 months before the current work permit expires. This allows sufficient time for appointment scheduling, document preparation, and processing by the immigration office, which can take several weeks depending on caseloads.

Start 60 days ahead

This lead time accounts for potential waiting periods for booking an appointment, gathering all necessary documents from both the applicant and the employer, and the processing time at the immigration office.

The process

  1. 1Confirm the specific type of work visa/permit (e.g., E-9, E-7) to identify exact requirements for extension.
  2. 2Gather all required documents from both the applicant and the employer, such as the passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), application form, employment contract, and employer's business registration certificate.
  3. 3Book an appointment at the nearest immigration office or branch through the Hi-Korea website.
  4. 4Visit the immigration office on the scheduled date with all original documents and photocopies.
  5. 5Submit the application and pay the extension fee.
  6. 6Await notification of the decision and receive the updated Alien Registration Card or confirmation of extended stay.

What to bring

  • Passport
  • Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증)
  • Application for Extension of Period of Stay (체류기간연장허가신청서)
  • Original and copy of Employment Contract (근로계약서)
  • Employer's business registration certificate (사업자등록증)
  • Housing contract or proof of residence (거주지 입증 서류)
  • Documents proving need for extension (e.g., certificate of employment, wage statements, tax payment certificate - specific to visa type)
  • Proof of financial capability (if required for specific visa types)
  • Fee payment receipt

Who handles it

Ministry of Justice (법무부) - Immigration Service (출입국외국인정책본부)

https://www.hikorea.go.kr/Main.pt

The fee for an extension of stay (체류기간연장) is typically around 60,000 KRW, payable at the immigration office. This amount should be confirmed on the Hi-Korea website or directly with the immigration service, as fees can be subject to change.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure all documents are current, correctly filled out, and signed by both the applicant and the employer.
  • Apply before the current permit expires; overstaying even by a day can result in penalties.
  • Booking an appointment in advance is crucial, as walk-in services are often limited or unavailable.
  • Requirements can vary slightly depending on the specific work visa type (e.g., E-9 vs. E-7) and individual circumstances, so verify precise lists with the immigration office or Hi-Korea.

Sources

Other documents in South Korea

Work permit renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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