- Quota: 109,000 workers (record high, +14.1% YoY)
- Applicant: MOU-signed municipality to Ministry of Justice
- Stay Duration: 5 months or 8 months
- Eligible Sectors: Agriculture (vegetables, fruit, floriculture, etc.) and fisheries
- Employer Obligations: Standard housing, minimum wage, stay management
- New Policy: 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Skilled Worker Visa
South Korea's Ministry of Justice has set the 2026 E-8 Seasonal Worker quota at a record 109,000, up 14.1% from 95,550 in 2025. This guide covers what local government officials and farm operators need to know about eligibility, procedures, and legal obligations.
E-8 Visa Program Overview
The E-8 (Seasonal Work) visa enables farms and fisheries to legally hire foreign workers short-term. Unlike the E-9 Employment Permit System (고용허가제) where employers apply directly, the local government is the applicant under E-8. The municipality signs an MOU with the sending country and places workers at designated farms. Workers may not change workplaces voluntarily.
2026 Allocation
| Year | Allocated Workers | Change YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 75,000 | — |
| 2025 | 95,550 | +27.4% |
| 2026 | 109,000 | +14.1% |
Eligibility — Municipal MOU and Farm Requirements
Municipalities must first have an MOU with the sending country. MOU partner countries include Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
- Registered agricultural enterprise or licensed fishery
- Standard housing: min. 2.5m2/person, heating/cooling, sanitation
- Financially able to pay minimum wage or above
- No prior violations (unauthorized departure, wage arrears)
Stay Duration — 5 vs. 8 Months
| Category | 5 Months | 8 Months |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Intensive harvest farming | Continuous cultivation/aquaculture |
| Cost | Relatively lower | Higher housing/welfare costs |
| Re-entry Priority | Eligible to re-apply after return | Priority re-entry for top workers |
6-Step Application Process
3 Core Employer Obligations
Housing: Min. 2.5m2/person; heating, cooling, toilet, and cooking facilities required. Substandard housing means placement refusal.
Wages: Must pay 2026 minimum wage (10,030 KRW/hour) or above. Wage arrears leads to criminal liability and quota cuts.
Stay Management: Report unauthorized departure to Immigration Office within 24 hours. High runaway-rate employers face next-season quota reductions.
- Thoroughly explain working conditions, pay, and living arrangements upon arrival
- Direct workers to the official municipal channel for resolving complaints
- Always obtain municipal pre-approval before any workplace change
- Unauthorized departure means undocumented status, leading to forced deportation and re-entry ban
New in 2026 — Agriculture and Fisheries Skilled Worker Visa
A new Agriculture and Fisheries Skilled Worker Visa is being introduced for E-8 veterans. Workers with 2 or more E-8 stints and an employer recommendation can transition to long-term stays of up to 3 years. Detailed requirements are expected in the second half of 2026 — watch for MOJ official notices.
- Ministry of Justice — Immigration HQ: www.immigration.go.kr / Tel. 1345
- Ministry of Employment and Labor: Tel. 1350
- Foreign Workers Support Center: www.foreigner.or.kr
Make the most of the 2026 E-8 program expansion and address your farm's peak-season labor needs systematically.
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