Nepali Visa Requirements for South Korea: 2026
Nepali citizens need a visa for South Korea, either a C-3 short-term visit visa for tourism or business, or an E-9 work visa through the EPS (Employment Permit System) program — one of the biggest legal migration routes for Nepali workers. A C-3 visa runs about 3-4 weeks to process, while the EPS path (EPS-TOPIK test plus E-9 visa) commonly takes 4-12 weeks from test pass to visa issuance.
Visa Options at a Glance
| Visa Type | Purpose | Fee | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-3 Short-Term Visit | Tourism, business | Set by reciprocal schedule | 3-4 weeks | No work permitted |
| E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) | Factory, farm, fishing, construction work | EPS-TOPIK test fee ~NPR 28,000 | 4-12 weeks after test pass, plus placement wait | Up to 4 years 10 months stay |
| D-2 Student | Full-time university study | Set by embassy | Weeks | Length of program |
| D-4 Language Training | Korean language study | Set by embassy | Weeks | Up to 2 years, renewable |
What Nepali Citizens Need to Know
The EPS program, run through Nepal's government-to-government agreement with Korea's HRD Korea agency, is the dominant path for Nepali workers — candidates must pass the EPS-TOPIK exam before an employer match and E-9 visa issuance. Tourist and business travelers instead use the C-3 visa through the Korean embassy in Kathmandu, with a completed application, itinerary, and financial proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nepali citizens need a visa for South Korea? Yes, for any purpose — tourism uses the C-3 visa, while work goes through the EPS program and E-9 visa.
What is the EPS program for Nepali workers going to Korea? A government-to-government employment scheme where candidates pass the EPS-TOPIK test, get matched with an employer, and receive an E-9 work visa.
How long does the EPS process take for Nepali applicants? From test pass to E-9 visa issuance, the process commonly runs 4 to 12 weeks, though employer matching can extend the wait further.
How long does a South Korea C-3 tourist visa take for Nepali citizens? Around 3 to 4 weeks for standard processing through the Korean embassy in Kathmandu.
Can Nepali citizens work in Korea on a C-3 visa? No, the C-3 visit visa doesn't allow employment; work requires an E-9 or other employment-category visa.
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