South Korea Permanent Residency Guide

When applying for Permanent Residence visa (F-5 type) in South Korea, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

Once you meet the residency requirements in Korea for the F-5 visa, you can begin the permanent residency application. The necessary documents vary based on your previous visa and the specific F-5 category, but generally, you’ll need to submit:

1. Passport:
   • Ensure your passport is valid and has sufficient validity.
2. Alien Registration Card (ARC):
   • Provide a copy of your Alien Registration Card.
3. Filled-out Application Form:
   • Complete the application form for permanent residency.
4. Proof of Income or Savings:
   • Employment contract
   • Pay slips
   • Bank statements
5. Rental Contract:
   • Provide a copy of your rental contract or proof of residence.
6. Proof of Clear Criminal Record:
   • Obtain a criminal record certificate from your home country and, if applicable, from Korea.
7. KIIP Certificate (Level 5):
   • Provide a certificate from the Korean Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) demonstrating completion of Level 5.
8. Proof of Education:
   • Copies of educational certificates and transcripts.
9. Proof of Marital Status:
   • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
   • Family registry (if applicable).
10. Proof of Capital:
    • Documents demonstrating financial stability or investments, if required.
11. Additional Supporting Documents:
    • Any additional documents that may be required based on your specific situation.

Important note: Ensure that all documents are up-to-date, and translations into Korean may be required for documents in other languages. It’s advisable to check the official immigration website or contact the immigration office for the most accurate and current information regarding the required documents for permanent residency in Korea.

Note: Always remember to check the specific requirements with the immigration office or embassy as they may vary based on individual circumstances and are subject to change. Additionally, translations of documents may be required if they are not in Korean or English. It is recommended to consult with immigration authorities or seek professional advice to ensure a smooth application process.

Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.

South Korean Visa Application Form

• You need to fill out the application form completely and honestly, using a black or dark blue pen.
• Make sure your writing is clear and easy to read.

South Korean Electronic Visa Application Form

• You can apply for a visa by filling out a form online and submitting it through the Visa Portal. After that, you should visit the Korean embassy or consulate in your country.
• Make sure to fill out this form completely and correctly.
• Use big letters for Korean and capital letters for English.
• For questions where you can choose more than one answer, mark [√] all that apply.
• If you pick ‘Other,’ tell us more in the space provided.

The F-5 visa is South Korea’s permanent residence visa. To qualify for the F-5 permanent residence visa in South Korea, you need to meet specific eligibility requirements.

1. Investing 600 million KRW or more in a Korean business and hiring five or more locals.
2. Marrying a Korean citizen or an F-5 holder.
3. Earning a degree in South Korea, living there for three years, and having sufficient income.
4. Obtaining a doctorate in South Korea and working in high-tech fields.
5. Running a business under a D-8-4 start-up visa for three years, making at least 300 million KRW, and hiring two Korean employees.
6. Being recognized by the Ministry of Justice for exceptional talent in specific fields.
7. Holding an F-2 visa for five years with sufficient income and understanding of Korean culture.
8. Holding an F-4 Overseas Korean Visa for at least two years with sufficient income or property tax payments.

Before you can apply for permanent residence, you need to first obtain another long-term residency visa from the F-type category, such as F-2-7 or F-2-99. These are popular options for the transition to permanent status.

For Getting the F-2-7 Visa:

• Holders of E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6, E-7, D-2, D-5, D-6, D-7, D-8, D-9, and D-10 visas can apply for the F-2-7 visa after working in the country for one year. However, obtaining this visa involves meeting specific requirements assessed through a point-based system. To qualify, applicants need to accumulate 80 points out of a possible 120, based on various criteria, including:

To qualify for the F-2-7 visa, applicants are assessed based on a point system considering various factors:

1. Age:
   • 30-35 years: 25 points (highest)
   • 51 years and over: 15 points (lowest)
2. Income:
   • Earning over 100 million KRW (85,000 USD) annually: 10 points
   • Earning less than 20 million KRW (17,000 USD) annually: 1 point
3. Education:
   • High school diploma: 15 points
   • PhD: 33-35 points (depending on the subject)
4. Korean Language Proficiency:
   • Proficiency categorized into six levels by TOPIK
   • Highest level: 20 points
   • Lowest level: 10 points
5. Social Integration Program (KIIP):
   • Points awarded based on completed levels of the Korean Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP)
   • Maximum points: 28
6. Bonus Points:
   • Volunteering, study experiences in Korea, and professional experiences abroad
   • Additional 1-5 points

The F-2-7 visa is valid for up to three years. It’s important to note that every point matters, as applications falling one point short of the minimum requirement may be rejected. Additionally, participation in the Korean Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) can provide a valuable avenue for earning extra points.

For Getting F-2-99 Visa:

If you don’t meet the requirements for the F-2-7 visa, you can check if you qualify for the F-2-99 visa. The F-2-99 visa is less strict in terms of criteria since there is no point-based evaluation system. The main requirement is the length of your stay in the country:

• Holders of D-1, D-5, D-6, D-7, D-8, D-9, E-6-1, E-6-3, F-1, and F-3 visas need to stay continuously in Korea for seven or more years.
• Holders of E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, and E-7 visas need to stay continuously in Korea for five or more years.

To maintain continuous stay, avoid leaving for more than one month. Also, meet these requirements:

• Good character (no criminal record, follow local laws, sufficient income, etc).
• Be an adult (over 18 years old).
• Savings (property or money) over 30 million KRW (25,500 USD).
• Previous year’s income higher than the country’s per capita income.
• Complete level 2 KIIP.
• Visa valid for 1–3 years.

The process for applying for a Permanent Residence visa (Type -F) in Korea typically involves the following steps:

1. Gather Documents:
   • Collect all necessary documents, including proof of residency, income, language proficiency, and financial stability.
2. Schedule an Appointment:
   • Contact the Korean Immigration Service (KIS) to schedule an appointment for your permanent residency application. Verify the necessary procedures and requirements specific to your situation.
3. Prepare Application Form:
   • Obtain the permanent residency application form from the KIS office or website. Fill out the form accurately and completely.
4. Submit Application:
   • Attend the scheduled appointment and submit the completed application form along with all supporting documents to the KIS office. Ensure that all documents are properly organized and meet the specified requirements.
5. Interview and Test:
   • Prepare for a potential interview and/or language proficiency test. The immigration authorities may conduct an interview to assess your suitability for permanent residency.
6. Application Fee:
   • Pay the required application fee. Check the current fee amount with the KIS office.
7. Waiting Period:
   • After submitting your application, be prepared for a waiting period during which the KIS will review your documents and assess your eligibility for permanent residency. This process may take several months.
8. Additional Requests:
   • Be responsive to any additional requests or inquiries from the KIS during the application review process. They may ask for clarification or additional documentation.
9. Decision:
   • The KIS will make a decision regarding your permanent residency application. Once a decision is reached, you will be notified of the outcome. If approved, you will receive a permanent residency card (F-5 visa).
10. Receive Permanent Residency Card:
    • Upon approval, the KIS will issue a permanent residency card, granting you the status of a permanent resident in Korea. This card allows you to reside in Korea without any time limit and engage in various activities, including work.
11. Renewal and Compliance:
    • Ensure compliance with any conditions set by the KIS to maintain permanent residency. Periodically check for renewal requirements if applicable.

Note: Remember that immigration policies and procedures may change, so it’s advisable to consult with the KIS or seek advice from legal professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your specific circumstances

Note: It’s important to note that each visa type has specific eligibility criteria, and individuals should carefully review the requirements and consult with the Korean immigration authorities or legal professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The pathway to permanent residency or citizenship in Korea can involve a combination of visa types and residency periods.