The Complete Guide to the 4 Major Social Insurances for Foreign Part-Timers

The principle of enrolling in the 4 major social insurances is the same for foreigners as for Korean nationals. 

However, there are some exceptions  , so enrollment is not always mandatory.
 

The information below applies to part-time work, 

and there are some differences for regular (full-time) employees. 

Please also note that the explanation is based on the main visas that allow part-time work.

If you have any further questions about the 4 major social insurances for foreigners,

 feel free to contact us anytime through Customer Center > Inquiries/Suggestions  .

Now, let's look one by one at whether part-time workers must enroll in each of the 4 major insurances  .

01. National Pension

Holders of D-2 (student), D-4 (language training), D-10 (job seeking), and H-1 (working holiday) visas are not subject to mandatory National Pension enrollment. 

However, they may enroll voluntarily if they wish. 

For F-2 (residence), F-4 (overseas Korean), F-5 (permanent residence), and F-6 (marriage immigrant) visas, pension enrollment is mandatory in principle, 

but whether enrollment is mandatory is determined by whether the worker is a workplace or regional subscriber and by the worker's nationality. 

02. Health Insurance

All foreigners working at a workplace covered by health insurance are subject to mandatory enrollment. 

However, if the worker can prove they are covered for medical care under the laws or insurance of their home country 

or under a contract with the employer, they can apply for an exemption.

03. Employment Insurance

Holders of D-2 (student), D-4 (language training), D-10 (job seeking), and H-1 (working holiday) visas are not eligible,  

while workers with F-2 (residence), F-5 (permanent residence), and F-6 (marriage immigrant) visas are subject to mandatory enrollment. 

F-4 (overseas Korean) visa holders may enroll if they wish.

04. Industrial Accident Insurance

Regardless of visa type, all foreign workers are subject to mandatory industrial accident insurance. 

Even undocumented (illegal) residents are covered.