E9 Leaving Korea Checklist (2026): Severance, Insurance Refunds & Departure Steps
When your time as an E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) worker ends, the biggest mistake you can make is to fly home without claiming the money that’s yours — severance, insurance refunds, and possibly a pension refund worth far more than your last paycheck. Many workers leave thousands of won behind simply because no one told them what to collect.
This checklist walks you through every step of leaving Korea on an E9 visa: the money to claim, the accounts to settle, the reports that must be filed, and how to keep the door open if you want to come back.
Before you leave, claim three things: your severance (via Departure Guarantee Insurance), your Return Cost Insurance (₩400,000–₩600,000 depending on nationality), and — if your country qualifies — your National Pension lump-sum refund. Then settle health insurance, your housing deposit and utilities, and keep your bank account open until all refunds arrive. If you may return, note the 1-year re-entry permit exemption and the faithful-worker re-entry option.
1. The money you can claim (the big 3)
① Severance — via Departure Guarantee Insurance (출국만기보험)
Your employer paid into this during your employment, and it acts as your severance pay (퇴직금) for contracts of one year or more — roughly one month’s average wage for each year worked. It’s normally paid in connection with your departure, not while you’re still working. If the insurance pays less than the severance you’re legally owed, your employer must pay the difference. Arrange how you’ll receive this before you leave.
② Return Cost Insurance (귀국비용보험)
You paid into this yourself. The amount is fixed by nationality:
| Group | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | China, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam | ₩400,000 |
| Group 2 | Mongolia | ₩500,000 |
| Group 3 | Sri Lanka | ₩600,000 |
| Other | All other countries | ₩500,000 |
If your work start date is on/after 16 December 2024, this is paid automatically on a complete departure — no separate claim. For older policies you may need to apply. Either way, claim within 3 years of the triggering event, or the money transfers to HRD Korea.
③ National Pension lump-sum refund (국민연금 반환일시금)
If you paid into Korea’s National Pension, you may be able to claim a lump-sum refund of your contributions when you permanently leave. This can be a significant amount. However, eligibility depends on your nationality — it’s available to nationals of countries that have a social-security agreement with Korea or that offer Koreans a similar refund. Some nationalities can claim it; others cannot.
Because the rules are country-specific, confirm whether you qualify — and how to claim — directly with the National Pension Service (NPS) before you leave. Don’t assume; ask.
2. Settle before you fly
- Final wages & unused annual leave: make sure your last salary and any unused leave pay are fully paid.
- Health insurance (건강보험): settle any balance owed or refund due.
- Housing deposit & utilities: get your deposit back and clear final gas, electricity, and water bills.
- Bank account — keep it open: your severance, insurance, and pension refunds may arrive after you leave. Close the account only after all money has landed.
- Phone & subscriptions: cancel your mobile plan and any recurring payments.
- Taxes: handle any year-end / leaving tax settlement on your employment income.
This is the most common costly mistake. Refunds that arrive after you’ve closed your account can be very hard to recover from abroad.
3. The employer’s departure report
When a foreign worker is dismissed or resigns mid-contract, the employer must file a change-of-employment report within 15 days. Note: if you’re simply leaving because your contract expired, that particular report is not required. This is the employer’s duty, but it’s good to know it’s happening.
4. If you want to come back
- Re-entry permit exemption: a registered foreigner who re-enters within 1 year of departure is generally exempt from a re-entry permit (within remaining stay). If you’re under entry/visa restrictions, you must obtain a re-entry permit in person (fees apply: ₩30,000 single / ₩50,000 multiple).
- Faithful-worker re-entry (성실재입국): workers who completed their term faithfully with the same employer may qualify to return under a special re-entry track after a shorter period abroad. Conditions apply — confirm the current requirements through EPS/your Employment Center.
5. Full departure checklist
- Confirm final wages + unused leave pay received
- Arrange severance / Departure Guarantee payout
- Claim / confirm Return Cost Insurance (auto-payout if eligible)
- Check National Pension refund eligibility with NPS
- Settle health insurance
- Recover housing deposit + clear utilities
- Handle tax settlement
- Cancel phone / subscriptions
- Keep bank account open until all refunds arrive
- Book return flight (covered by Return Cost Insurance)
- If returning: note the 1-year re-entry exemption / faithful-worker option
6. FAQ
Q. When do I get my severance and return-cost money?
They’re paid in connection with your departure — often around or after you leave. That’s exactly why you should keep your Korean bank account open.
Q. Can everyone get the National Pension refund?
No. It depends on your nationality and the agreement between Korea and your country. Confirm with the National Pension Service before you leave.
Q. I’m leaving because my contract ended. Does my employer still report it?
The 15-day change-of-employment report isn’t required for a normal contract-expiry departure. It applies to dismissal or mid-contract resignation.
Q. Can I come back to Korea later?
Possibly. Re-entry within 1 year is generally permit-exempt, and faithful workers may qualify for a special re-entry track — check current rules with EPS.
For insurance, use the Employment Permit System (eps.go.kr) or the foreign-worker counseling line 1577-0071. For pension, contact the National Pension Service. For labor issues, call 1350.
Re-entry rules are from the Ministry of Justice residence manual (March 2026, pp. 327–328); insurance amounts from Easy Law (easylaw.go.kr, 15 June 2026). National Pension refund eligibility, faithful-worker re-entry conditions, and the exact severance payout timing vary by case and are not asserted here — confirm them with NPS, EPS, or your Employment Center before acting.