What do foreign workers need to report when they change companies?

When a foreign worker changes companies, what you need to do depends on your visa status (체류자격). Some people must get permission before working at the new company. Others only need to report after moving. The company (employer) must also make a separate report.

1. People who must get permission first (E-9, etc.)

• Who: C-4, E-9, E-10, H-1, E-6-2, and some E-7 job types³
• You must get a workplace change permit (근무처 변경허가) before you work at the new company³
• E-9 steps

1. Within 1 month after your work contract ends, apply for a workplace change at the Employment Center (고용센터)²
2. Within 3 months from the day you applied, get a workplace change permit from your local Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청)²
3. Start work only after you get the permit

• If you miss this deadline, you must leave Korea. However, if the reason is a work injury, illness, pregnancy, or childbirth, the period is counted from the day the reason ends¹
• The cases when you can change companies are set by law. Examples are business suspension or closure, violation of working conditions, and the company ending the contract²
• Documents: application form, passport, Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증), fee, proof of residence, copy of the employment permit and standard labor contract, and workplace documents such as the business registration certificate²

2. People who report after moving (professional workers)

• Who: E-1~E-5, E-6 (except E-6-2), and E-7 jobs that are not in group 1 above³
• In general, you report the workplace change to your local immigration office after moving. Please check the reporting deadline on HiKorea (하이코리아).

3. Reports the company (employer) must make

• If there is a change in employment, such as ending a contract, the employer must report it to the Employment Center or immigration within 15 days from the day they learn of it⁴
• If they do not report, they may have to pay a fine of up to 1,000,000 won⁴

⚠️ Important

If you start working at the new company before you get permission, it may be a violation of your stay. If the deadline has already passed or your situation is complicated, please use the K-VISA AI Administrative Agent consultation (Visa Service in the app). For final confirmation, check HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreign Resident Helpline (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345.