Rising Interest in Hiring Foreign Workers in the Restaurant Sector

As the foreign worker employment permit system (E-9) extends to restaurants, there is a noticeable surge in interest within the foodservice industry regarding the incorporation of foreign personnel. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized eateries that are facing serious labor shortages, as it provides a legitimate pathway to hire foreign workers. In 2025, there will be a total of five application opportunities, with the fourth round scheduled from September 15 to September 26. In this article, we will comprehensively analyze and guide you through the application process, criteria, and procedures for hiring foreign workers in the restaurant sector.

Table of Contents

1. Application Schedule and Opportunities for 2025

In 2025, applications for foreign worker employment permits (E-9) within the restaurant industry will be conducted over five rounds:

Round 1: February 10 – February 21
Round 2: April 21 – May 2
Round 3: July 7 – July 18
Round 4: September 15 – September 26
Round 5: November 24 – November 28

The fourth round particularly coincides with the peak season for restaurants, leading to heightened demand in the industry. Therefore, early preparation is essential.

2. Industry and Experience Requirements

The scope of restaurants eligible to hire foreign workers includes:

Korean restaurants (Korean Standard Industry Classification 5611)
Foreign cuisine restaurants (5612)

However, establishments like pubs, mobile or catering restaurants, and other casual eateries are excluded from the application. The industry eligibility is verified through the employment insurance system, and actual operation must be substantiated by a business registration or a business report certificate. Additionally, the establishment must have been operational for at least five years, which can be proven with documents like a value-added tax standardization certificate or the date on the business registration certificate.

3. Employment Capacity and Job Scope

The capacity for hiring foreign workers varies based on the size of the establishment:

Less than 5 employees: 1 foreign worker
5 or more employees: Up to 2 foreign workers

The job roles permitted include kitchen assistants and food service staff. Recently, the job scope has been expanded to allow the hiring of foreign workers in service positions like front-of-house serving, addressing the pressing labor shortages in restaurants.

4. Application Procedures and Methods

Applications can be made via two pathways:

In-person at the local offices of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (employment centers)
Through the online platform ‘Work24’ (www.work24.go.kr)

Applications are available nationwide and must be entrusted to the Human Resources Development Service of Korea or an industry-specific agency. This is a legally required step; omissions could render the employment permit invalid.

5. Essential Conditions: Employment Training and Delegation Procedure

Foreign workers must complete a three-day employment training session upon arrival, conducted by the Korea Productivity Center. This is a compulsory requirement for all E-9 workers. Employers can utilize free pre-training offered by organizations such as the Korea Restaurant Association, the Korea Restaurant Central Association, and the Korea Franchise Association, and also opt for specialized training for foreign workers at no cost. This is aimed at minimizing potential cultural and language conflicts that may arise during the employment process.

6. Important Considerations and Practical Tips for Employers

Verify industry exclusions: Establishments like pubs and mobile food services are not eligible, so double-check industry codes.
Proof of experience: Prepare business registration documents and value-added tax standardization certificates in advance.
Employee count verification: The number of permissible foreign workers is calculated based on the domestic employee count in the employment insurance system.
Delegation procedures: Missing the delegation to the Human Resources Development Service of Korea will result in application invalidation.
Schedule training: As mandatory, plan for the employment training well in advance of the worker’s arrival.

Conclusion

The fourth round of applications for foreign worker employment permits (E-9) in the restaurant sector will take place from September 15 to 26 in 2025. Eligible industries include Korean and foreign cuisine restaurants, which need to prove a minimum of five years of operation. The number of foreign workers that can be employed is based on the number of employees, allowing for one or two foreign hires. Applications can be made in person or through the Work24 online platform, and it is essential to complete the process through the Human Resources Development Service of Korea and fulfill the employment training requirement. Restaurant owners looking to hire foreign workers should take advantage of this opportunity to secure a legitimate and effective workforce.

This information is accurate as of the date of writing, and government policies may change over time. The content is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide legal interpretation or judgment. For additional inquiries, feel free to visit the 1:1 Consultation Board.