Work opportunities in Korea for Filipinos
Are farming and factory jobs the only options for Filipinos looking to work in Korea?
Contrary to common belief, the notion that Filipinos in Korea are limited to factory work through government channels is inaccurate. In reality, Filipinos hold diverse roles such as marketing and overseas sales positions, engineering and scientific roles in laboratories, university professors, and English teachers in academies.
As of September 2023, approximately 62,293 Filipinos reside long-term in South Korea. Among them, 5,016 hold E9 visas (Factory Workers), 1,422 have C4 and E8 visas (Seasonal Workers), 1,815 possess E7 visas (Skilled Workers), and 1,251 carry F2 and F5 visas (Long-term and Permanent Residents).
So, how can I apply for an office job in Korea as a Filipino?
Securing an office job in Korea as a Filipino can be done in different ways, depending on where you want to begin. Some people choose to study in Korea first and then apply for jobs, while others are assigned to a Korean office from their local Philippine office. Here are a few straightforward options you can consider:
Student to Professional Track
D4 (Korean Language trainee) >>> D2 (Student) >>> D10 (Job Seeker) >>> E-Series visa >>> F-2-7 (Long-term Resident) >>> F5 (Permanent Resident)
Students can go for a D4 or D2 visa then change to a D10 Job seeking visa after graduation. When they get hired, they can then change to an E series visa or if they are qualified, they can directly apply for an F2 visa. With the F2 visa, they can work in more fields and be able to quit at any time.
Direct Hire (Skilled Professional) - Office
E-7-1 (Skilled Professional) >>> F-2-7 (Long-term Resident) >>> F5 (Permanent Resident)
Filipinos can actually be hired directly by a company to work in fields like Marketing, Overseas Sales, Engineering, etc. But they first have to qualify for the E-7-1 visa. It would be much easier if they graduated from a University in Korea. However, they can also qualify for the visa if they have:
- Worked for a Fortune 500 company for at least a year
- If they have experience in the field for at least 5 years
- If they graduated from world-class universities (QS world universities top 500 or Times 200)
- If you have a recommendation from a government ministry and earn at least 1.5 the GNI
EPS Factory Worker to Skilled Worker
E9 (EPS) >>> E-7-3 (Skilled Worker) >>> F-2-99 (Long-term Resident)
The applicant must go through the EPS recruitment process: Register with the DMW, Pass the EPS-TOPIK, get hired, then work in Korea with an E9 visa. This is a GOV to GOV project so there are no agencies that facilitate the application.
They can then change to an E-7-3 visa if they qualify for it, then eventually go for an F-2-99 if they have maintained the visa for at least 5 years. The F-2-99 would enable them to work in other fields and industries, and even invite family members on an F1 or F3 visa where they may be able to engage in work.
Skilled Worker (Welding)
E-7-3 (Skilled Worker) >>> F-2-99
Workers with technical skills like welding can be directly hired for work in Korea on an E-7-3 visa. If they have maintained the visa for at least 5 years, they can apply for an F-2-99 or Long-term Resident visa. This would enable them to invite family members on an F1 or F3 visa and be able to engage in work.
Marriage Immigrant as English Teachers or Office Workers
F-6 (Marriage Immigrant) >>> F2 or F5 Resident Visas
Filipinos who came to Korea to be with their spouse are also able to work in various fields and industries. They are free to work in factories, offices, and even teach english in Hagwons.
Intra company Transfer
D7 (Intra company Transfer) >>> F-2-7 (Long-term Resident) >>> F5 (Permanent Resident)
If your company in the Philippines wants to send you to a branch in Korea, you may apply for a D7 visa. You are only allowed to work for that specific company and compensation plans and taxes are often paid to your account in the Philippines.
Investor
D8 (Investor) >>>F2 or F5 (Resident)
If you have the money and really want to live in Korea, you have the option to invest your money in a business in Korea and stay in the country to run the business. Once you qualify for an F2 or F5 visa, you can then make a career shift if you wish.
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