How to Change to the E-7-4 Visa and Its Advantages for Long-Term Employment

E-9 Visa is issued to foreign workers in non-professional fields such as simple labor, manufacturing, agriculture & livestock, and fisheries. Only nationals of countries that have agreements with Korea can be employed through the Employment Permit System (EPS) under the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

The basic duration of stay is 3 years, with a possible extension of up to 1 year and 10 months, allowing a maximum stay of 4 years and 10 months in Korea.

When the E-9 visa expires, the worker must leave Korea. After 3 months, they may re-enter with a new E-9 visa and work for another 4 years and 10 months. However, after this period, they cannot continue working under the E-9 visa. Re-entry requires going through visa screening again, which may cause workforce disruptions for employers.

Switching to the long-term E-7-4 Visa can resolve this issue. Workers gain a stable working environment, while employers can retain skilled workers without interruption.

✅ What is the E-7-4 Visa?

The E-7-4 (Skilled Worker Visa) is a type of E-7 visa. It is available to foreign workers who have legally worked in Korea for at least 4 years under E-9 (Non-professional Employment), E-10 (Seafarer Employment), or H-2 (Working Visit) status, and who meet requirements regarding age, education, qualifications, and income. As of 2025, a total of 35,000 visas are issued annually.

✅ Eligibility for Visa Change (Worker)

At least 4 years of lawful employment in Korea under E-9, E-10, or H-2 status within the past 10 years.

• Annual salary of KRW 26 million or more (KRW 25 million for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and coastal shipping workers).
• At the time of application, must hold a labor contract of at least 2 years.
• Must be recommended by the current employer (with at least 1 year of continuous employment at the company).
• Must achieve 200 points or higher (K-Point evaluation system). 

✅ Employer Requirements

• Must currently employ at least one worker under E-9, E-10, or H-2 status.
• Employment quota: Up to 20% of the total number of Korean employees. If government-recommended workers are included, this ratio may increase to 30% (up to 50% for root industries).
  ※ Foreign workers under E-7, E-9, E-10, H-2, F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6 are excluded from the quota count.

• Businesses with overdue national or local taxes are ineligible.

   

✅ Application Process

The employer submits the application online via Hi Korea, with both worker and company required to prepare necessary documents.(Check the necessary documents)

✅ Advantages of the E-7-4 Visa

For Workers, long-term employment in Korea without visa concerns; eligibility to bring spouse and minor children; eligibility to switch to F-2 or F-5 long-term residence visas after 5 years.

For Employers, ability to retain skilled employees continuously, reducing retraining costs and maintaining productivity; reduced turnover rates and lower risk of illegal stay if workers live with family.

✅ Related Information

🔗 Introduction to E-9 Visa
🔗 Introduction to EPS System
🔗 Introduction to E-7-4 Visa (detailed information available)