Changing Workplace (E-9)
Under E-9 (Employment Permit System), the rule is to keep working at the workplace where you started — you cannot freely switch jobs. But if there’s a legitimate reason such as business closure or unpaid wages that makes a normal working relationship impossible, you can change workplaces through the employment center. Rules on the number of changes, valid reasons, and the job-search period change with policy, so don’t assume — always confirm the latest with the employment center, ☎1345, or ☎1350.
What to prepare
- Passport and ARC
- Proof of the reason (closure, unpaid wages, mistreatment, contract violations, etc.)
- Documents on your current contract and work
- Workplace-change application (employment center / EPS)
How to proceed
- 1Check whether your situation is a valid reason (closure, unpaid wages, contract/condition violations, mistreatment, etc.)
- 2Gather documents proving the reason (proof of arrears, closure, etc.)
- 3Apply for a workplace change at the employment center for your workplace (EPS system)
- 4After registering as a job-seeker, find a new workplace within the allowed period
- 5Sign a new contract and complete the required residence procedures
Tips
- ⚠️ The number of changes, accepted reasons, and job-search period change often — confirm for your own case with the employment center, ☎1345, or ☎1350.
- ⚠️ If you can’t find a new workplace within the allowed period, your stay (departure) can be affected — act quickly.
- If you’re moving because of mistreatment (unpaid wages, abuse), keep proof of it.
- A workplace change is tied to your residence status — don’t decide alone; ask the Immigration Contact Center (☎1345) first.
Key contacts
- Immigration Contact Center ☎1345 (residence / EPS, multilingual)
- Ministry of Employment and Labor counseling ☎1350 (multilingual)
- EPS eps.go.kr
Related guides
This is general information and has no legal force. Labor and residence rules depend on your situation and policy — always verify with experts (Ministry of Employment and Labor ☎1350, a labor attorney) and official sources.
Last updated: 2026-06-09