What must a foreign worker report when changing companies?

If you are on an E-9 (Non-professional Employment) visa, you must get a 'Permission to Change Workplace' before you move. Reporting is not enough, and you must not move first. Most E-1 to E-7 professionals only need to 'report' within 15 days after moving.

To change or add a workplace, you must get permission from Immigration before you move to the new workplace or add another one. Which rule applies depends on your visa status.

It differs by visa status

• Prior permission required: C-4, E-9, E-10, H-1, E-6-2, and some E-7 jobs such as sales clerk, head chef, cook, designer and skilled worker. You must get permission before you move.
• Report after moving: E-1 (Professor), E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor), E-3 (Researcher), E-4 (Technical Instructor), E-5 (Professional), and E-7 jobs that are not on the prior-permission list above. You report within 15 days after moving. There is no fee for this report.
• Permission fee: Prior permission costs 120,000 KRW.
• Only your school or institution changes: If your institution changes on a D-1, D-2 or D-4 visa, it is not a workplace change. You file a 'Report of Change in Alien Registration Details' (외국인등록사항 변경신고).

E-9 follows these steps

1. Check that you have a valid reason to change workplace. Valid reasons include a lawful dismissal or contract termination by the employer, a temporary or permanent business closure, or a violation of working conditions.
2. Apply for the workplace change within 1 month from the day your work contract ended. You apply at the Employment Center (고용센터).
3. Get permission to change workplace within 3 months from the day you applied. You get the permission from the Immigration Office (출입국) that has jurisdiction.
4. Start working at the new company only after you get permission.

You can also apply at the Immigration Office that covers your residence and workplace, or at a nearby Immigration Office. You can also book a visit.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you do not apply within 1 month, or do not get permission within 3 months, you may be classified as a person who must leave Korea.
• You can change workplace up to 3 times during your first employment period and up to 2 times during the period extended by re-employment. Reasons that are not your fault, such as the employer's fault, do not count.
• If you work at a new company without permission, it may be illegal employment.
• The employer must also report within 15 days if the worker quits or the employment contract changes.
• If your address changes, you must separately report the change of residence within 15 days from the day you moved.

Check the exact documents and how to apply at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).