Deep coverage22 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for South Korea.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
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Online travel authorization for nationals of visa-waiver countries visiting Korea for tourism, family visits, events or non-remunerated business for up to 30-90 days depending on nationality. Fee is KRW 10,000, decisions are generally issued within 72 hours, and an approved K-ETA is valid for 3 years for multiple entries. Nationals of 67 countries/territories (incl. US, UK, EU states, Australia, NZ) are temporarily EXEMPT from the K-ETA requirement through 31 December 2026, though they may still apply voluntarily to skip the arrival card.
Government fee
₩10,000
Service fee
₩74,000
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (6)
Valid passportPassport from a K-ETA eligible (visa-waiver) country, valid for the period of stay.
Passport bio-page photoClear photo/scan of the passport information page uploaded in the application.
Facial photoRecent face photo meeting K-ETA photo specifications.
Email addressValid email to receive the K-ETA approval result.
Travel and accommodation detailsAddress of stay in Korea and trip purpose entered in the online form.
Credit/debit cardFor payment of the KRW 10,000 fee plus card commission.
Tourist Visa
Short-Term Visit Visa C-3-9 (Tourist)
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Consular short-stay visa for nationals not eligible for visa-free entry/K-ETA, covering tourism and visiting friends or relatives for up to 90 days. Typically issued single-entry with 3-month validity; the standard single-entry fee is USD 40 (fees vary by nationality under reciprocity, and the visa is not extendable for tourism). All foreign visitors must also submit an e-Arrival Card online before entry.
Government fee
$40
Service fee
$160
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted and signed Korean visa application form.
PassportValid passport plus a copy of the bio page.
Passport photoOne colour photo (3.5x4.5cm) taken within 6 months.
Proof of fundsBank statement/balance certificate covering the trip.
Travel itineraryRound-trip flight reservation and accommodation booking.
Proof of employment or tiesOptionalEmployment certificate, business registration or enrollment letter showing ties to home country.
Visa fee paymentUSD 40 for single entry up to 90 days (varies by nationality).
Transit Visa
Visa-Free Airport Transit
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Passengers transiting Incheon Airport airside for under 24 hours (same calendar day at other airports) do not need a visa. Transfer passengers holding an onward ticket departing within 72 hours may additionally enter the Seoul metropolitan area visa-free under the guided Transit Tourism Program (free tours; KRW 10,000 entry-procedure fee). Nationals subject to K-ETA remain exempt while in airside transit.
Max stay
3 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportPassport valid for the journey.
Onward ticketConfirmed ticket to a third country (within 72 hours for the transit tour program).
Visa for destinationValid visa/entry permission for the onward destination where required.
Transit tour registrationOptionalRegistration for the Incheon Airport transit tour (advance or on arrival) if leaving the airport.
Short-term visa for business meetings, market research, contract negotiation, after-sales service and similar non-remunerated commercial activities up to 90 days. Requires an invitation from a Korean company; paid work in Korea is not allowed. Nationals of visa-waiver countries can conduct the same activities visa-free/with K-ETA.
Government fee
$40
Service fee
$160
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted and signed application form.
Passport and copyValid passport plus bio-page copy.
PhotoOne passport photo taken within 6 months.
Invitation letterInvitation from the Korean host company stating purpose and duration.
Korean company business registrationCopy of the inviter's business registration certificate.
Employer letterLetter from the applicant's employer confirming the business trip.
Visa fee paymentUSD 40 single entry (varies by nationality/reciprocity).
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
2 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Student Visa D-2
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For degree-seeking students (associate to PhD, plus exchange and research) admitted to a Korean higher-education institution. Financial proof of roughly USD 20,000 / KRW 20 million in a certified bank balance is the standard benchmark for 2025-2026 intakes; part-time work is allowed with a permit. Stay is granted for the program duration in up to 2-year increments, and graduates can switch to the D-10 job-seeker visa (exempt from its points test on first application) or E-7 work status.
Work: up to 20 h/week
Study: Full-time degree enrollment
Service fee
₩300,000
Document checklist (8)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport.
Certificate of admissionStandard admission certificate issued by the Korean university.
Bank balance certificateApprox. USD 20,000 / KRW 20M, issued within 30 days, in the applicant's or sponsor's account.
Final education certificatesApostilled diploma and transcripts of highest education.
University business/establishment registrationCopy of the institution's registration certificate.
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalRequired for nationals of TB high-risk countries.
Financial sponsor documentsOptionalSponsor letter and family-relation proof if funds are parental.
Language Course Visa
General Trainee (Korean Language) Visa D-4-1
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For students enrolled in Korean language programs at university-affiliated language institutes. Financial proof of about KRW 10 million (metropolitan-area institutes) or KRW 8 million (provincial) / approx. USD 10,000 is required; part-time work is only permitted after 6 months with approval. Issued in 6-month increments up to a 2-year maximum, after which students typically progress to D-2 degree study.
Study: Korean language training
Service fee
₩300,000
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport.
Certificate of admissionAdmission letter from the university language institute.
Bank balance certificateKRW 8-10M+ certified balance issued within 30 days.
Final education certificateProof of last completed education.
Study planOptionalBrief plan of language study and goals.
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalFor nationals of designated TB high-risk countries.
Not yet researched
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
5 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa F-1-D
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Launched January 2024 for remote employees and freelancers (18+, 1+ year in their field) working for foreign employers/clients while staying in Korea; local employment is prohibited. Requires annual income of at least twice Korea's previous-year GNI per capita (currently approx. KRW 88.1 million / USD 65,800 per year) plus private medical/repatriation insurance (KRW 100 million, consulates cite EUR 70,000 equivalent) covering the stay. Issued as a 1-year multiple-entry visa, extendable in Korea for one additional year (2 years max); spouse and minor children may accompany; fee varies by nationality (USD 45 at US missions).
Work: Remote work for foreign employer
Family: Accompanying family, no work
Service fee
₩300,000
Processing time
25 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Min. income / month
₩7,341,667
Document checklist (8)
Visa application formCompleted and signed application form.
Valid passportPassport with 6+ months validity and copy.
PhotoOne passport-style photo taken within 6 months.
Criminal record check with apostilleNational-level police certificate (e.g. FBI for US) issued within 6 months, apostilled.
Employment/engagement verificationEmployer letter or freelance/service contracts proving 1+ year career and remote work arrangement.
Income evidencePay stubs, bank statements and/or tax returns showing income of 2x Korean GNI per capita.
Private health insurancePolicy covering medical treatment and repatriation (KRW 100M / EUR 70,000 level) for the full stay.
Family relation documentsOptionalMarriage/birth certificates for accompanying spouse or minor children.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Technology Startup Visa D-8-4 (OASIS)
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Startup residence status for founders of a newly incorporated technology/idea-based Korean company, scored under the OASIS startup immigration points system (80 points incl. a mandatory item such as a registered patent or OASIS program completion; bachelor's degree or Korean associate degree required). The usual 2026 path is OASIS training -> D-10-2 startup-preparation visa -> D-8-4 after incorporation; no fixed minimum capital applies, unlike the D-8-1 investor route. Renewable while the business operates and counts toward long-term residence.
Work: Work tied to own startup
Study: OASIS program study allowed
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children via F-3
Service fee
₩370,000
Document checklist (7)
Visa/status application formApplication for D-8-4 status or change of status.
Passport (and ARC if in Korea)Valid passport; alien registration card for in-country change.
Patent or IP registrationRegistered patent/utility model or other mandatory-item proof.
Degree certificateBachelor's degree (any country) or associate degree from a Korean institution.
Corporate registrationCertificate of incorporation and business registration of the new startup.
Business planTechnology-based business plan.
Skilled Work Visa
Special Occupation Visa E-7 (Skilled Professional)
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Employer-sponsored work visa for designated occupations (67 professional, plus semi-professional and skilled categories). Requires a relevant master's degree, bachelor's plus 1 year of experience, or 5 years of experience, and a minimum salary - at least KRW 31,120,000/year for E-7-1 professionals under the 2026 standard (effective 1 Feb 2026); semi-skilled categories have lower thresholds. Granted in increments up to 3 years, renewable indefinitely, and counts toward F-2-7/F-5 residence; graduates can bridge to it via the D-10 job-seeker visa (points-based, 6-month increments up to 2 years).
Work: Work in designated occupation
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children via F-3
Service fee
₩300,000
Document checklist (8)
Visa application formCompleted application form with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport.
Employment contractSigned contract with the sponsoring Korean employer meeting the salary floor.
Degree certificateApostilled/legalized diploma relevant to the occupation.
Career certificateProof of required work experience from previous employers.
Employer documentsBusiness registration certificate, tax payment records of the sponsoring company.
Job description / sponsorship statementStatement of the position and reason for hiring a foreign national.
Visa issuance confirmation numberOptionalMany applicants first obtain a CVIC issued through the Korean immigration office.
Skilled Work Visa
Skilled Worker Points Visa E-7-4 (K-Point)
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Points-based upgrade for long-term non-professional workers (E-9 manufacturing, E-10 vessel crew, H-2) with 4+ years of legal stay in the past 10 years, scored on income (recent average at least KRW 25M/year), Korean language, age and bonus points (200+ points typically needed). The 2026 quota is about 33,000-35,000 with year-round online application via HiKorea/K-Work since 30 Jan 2026. Allows family invitation and leads to F-5 permanent residence after continued residence.
Work: Skilled work, points-based
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children via F-3
Service fee
₩300,000
Document checklist (7)
Application for status changeFiled online via HiKorea/K-Work or at immigration office.
Passport and alien registration cardProof of current E-9/E-10/H-2 status.
Employment contractContract of 2+ remaining years with current employer at qualifying salary.
Income evidenceTax/income records showing 2-year average earnings of at least KRW 25M.
Korean ability certificateTOPIK score or KIIP completion certificate for language points.
Certificates/qualificationsOptionalNational technical qualifications or degrees for bonus points.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Intra-Company Transferee Visa D-7
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For employees with 1+ year of service at a foreign company who are dispatched to its Korean branch, subsidiary or affiliate in a managerial, executive or specialist role (D-7-1), or staff of overseas affiliates of Korean companies sent to headquarters (D-7-2). The 1-year service requirement can be waived for key-industry/national projects or where the foreign company invested over USD 500,000 in the Korean entity. Issuable for up to 3 years (commonly 1 year initially) and extendable for the assignment duration.
Work: Work tied to transferring firm
Study: Study allowed alongside role
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children via F-3
Service fee
₩370,000
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted application form with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport.
Dispatch/secondment orderLetter of assignment from headquarters specifying role and duration.
Certificate of employmentProof of at least 1 year of employment at the sending entity.
Korean entity registrationBusiness registration certificate of the Korean office.
Income/payroll evidenceOptionalStatement of salary arrangements during the assignment.
Not yet researched
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
3 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Public Business Investment Immigration (F-2/F-5)
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Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business: investing at least KRW 1.5 billion (raised threefold from KRW 500M in 2023) in a designated KDB-managed public fund or development project grants F-2 residence with free economic activity for the investor, spouse and unmarried children. Maintaining the investment for 5 years allows change to F-5 permanent residence. A lower-threshold retiree variant (age 55+, combining investment with proven assets) has existed within this scheme - confirm current retiree conditions with immigration, as Korea has no general retirement visa.
Work: Work allowed under F-2
Study: Study allowed under F-2
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children included
Min. investment
₩1,500,000,000
Document checklist (6)
Visa/status application formApplication for F-2 residence status.
Passport and photoValid passport and recent photo.
Investment deposit certificateProof of KRW 1.5B+ deposited into the designated public investment fund.
Proof of source of fundsEvidence funds originate from the applicant's own overseas assets.
Criminal record checkPolice certificate from country of residence.
Family relation documentsOptionalFor accompanying spouse and unmarried children.
Grants F-2 residence (free employment, business and study; spouse and unmarried children included) for investing at least KRW 1 billion in designated tourism/leisure real estate (condominiums, resorts) in MOJ-gazetted zones - Jeju, Incheon FEZ (Songdo/Yeongjong/Cheongna), Pyeongchang Alpensia, Yeosu Gyeongdo, Busan Haeundae/East Busan. Maintaining the investment for 5 years qualifies the holder for F-5 permanent residence. The threshold was doubled from KRW 500M to KRW 1B in May 2023; Jeju announced in February 2026 that its scheme is extended to 31 December 2026 (sunset dates for other zones were set at 30 April 2026 - verify zone-by-zone before relying on this route).
Work: Work allowed under F-2
Study: Study allowed under F-2
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children included
Min. investment
₩1,000,000,000
Document checklist (7)
Visa/status application formApplication for F-2 residence status.
Passport and photoValid passport and recent photo.
Real estate purchase contractContract for designated tourism/leisure facility property of KRW 1B+.
Property registration certificateCertified copy of real-estate register in the applicant's name.
Proof of payment/remittanceEvidence the full investment amount was paid from the applicant's own funds.
Designation confirmationConfirmation the property is within an MOJ-designated investment-immigration zone.
Family relation documentsOptionalMarriage/birth certificates for accompanying spouse and unmarried children.
Business Investor Visa
Corporate/Business Investment Visa D-8
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For essential executives/specialists of a foreign-invested company under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act: minimum FDI of KRW 100 million per individual investor with at least 10% voting equity, remitted from the investor's own overseas funds through a Korean foreign-exchange bank. Investments under KRW 300 million face site inspections and extensions require evidence of real business activity (revenue, tax filings). Stay granted in increments (up to 5 years possible, commonly 1-2 years), renewable, with a path to F-5 permanent residence.
Work: Work tied to invested business
Study: Study allowed alongside business
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children via F-3
Min. investment
₩100,000,000
Document checklist (8)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport.
Foreign investment notificationFDI report/registration under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
Proof of capital remittanceBank evidence of KRW 100M+ wired from the investor's overseas account.
Corporate registration documentsKorean company registration certificate and business registration.
Shareholder registryShowing the applicant holds 10%+ of voting shares.
Business planPlan demonstrating a genuine, viable business with office premises.
Office lease contractOptionalEvidence of dedicated business premises.
Not yet researched
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
2 routes
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
General retirement visa
Not available
South Korea has never offered a general retirement/pensioner visa. The only retiree-specific route is a variant of the public-business investment immigration scheme (age 55+, investment plus ~KRW 300M asset proof), whose thresholds rose sharply in 2023.
One-year holiday-plus-work visa under bilateral MOUs with roughly 25-29 partners including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chile and Argentina (the US runs a separate WEST/student-linked variant). Applicants are generally aged 18-30 (up to 35 for some partners), must apply in their home country, show return funds, and may work part-time (capped around 25 hours/week); quotas and conditions vary by nationality. Single participation per lifetime; not extendable beyond the program terms.
Work: up to 25 h/week
Study: Language courses only, not degree
Service fee
₩300,000
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Passport of partner countryValid passport; application filed in the country of nationality.
Proof of fundsBank statement showing sufficient funds for initial stay and return (amount varies by country, typically ~USD 3,000).
Travel/holiday planItinerary showing holiday is the primary purpose.
Return or onward ticketTicket or funds to purchase one.
Criminal record checkOptionalRequired by many missions.
Medical/travel insuranceOptionalCoverage for the stay, required by several partners.
3 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Dependent Family Visa F-3 (and F-1 Family Visitor)
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F-3 covers the spouse and unmarried minor children of holders of work/study statuses (D-1 to E-7, excluding some categories); validity tracks the principal's permit and employment is not allowed without a separate permit. Since April 2025, in-country F-3 filings are no longer accepted - families apply via a visa issuance confirmation number alongside the principal's application or at a consulate after the principal's residence card is issued. Parents, adult children and other relatives (e.g. parents accompanying minor international students, with proof of ~KRW 20M+/year in funds) use the F-1 visiting-family status instead.
Service fee
₩370,000
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport of the dependent.
Family relation documentsApostilled marriage/birth certificates proving relationship to the principal.
Principal's visa/residence card copyEvidence of the sponsor's valid D/E status in Korea.
Principal's employment certificateProof of the sponsor's employment or enrollment.
Proof of financial capacitySponsor's income or bank balance showing ability to support dependents.
Visa issuance confirmation numberOptionalIf applying via the VICN route filed in Korea.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Marriage Migrant Visa F-6
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For foreign spouses of Korean nationals with a marriage registered in both countries. The Korean inviter must meet an annual income threshold (KRW 25.19 million for a 2-person household under the 2026 standard, effective 2 Jan 2026; assets convertible at 5%, and exemptions apply if the couple has a child or lived abroad together 1+ year), plus the couple must share a communication language (TOPIK level 1 or evidence/interview). Initially granted about 1 year, renewable, with eligibility for F-5 permanent residence after 2 years of marriage-based residence and a naturalization path.
Service fee
₩370,000
Document checklist (9)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport of the foreign spouse.
Marriage certificates (both countries)Korean marriage relation certificate and home-country marriage certificate.
Invitation letter and inviter's documentsKorean spouse's family relation certificate, resident registration and ID.
Income amount certificateNTS income certificate of the Korean spouse meeting the household threshold.
Proof of communication abilityTOPIK 1 / KIIP certificate or evidence of a shared language.
Criminal background checkApostilled national police certificate of the foreign spouse.
Health certificateMedical certificate including TB screening where required.
Evidence of genuine relationshipPhotos, communication records, proof of meetings.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Overseas Korean Visa F-4
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Quasi-free residence status for ethnic Koreans with foreign nationality: former Korean nationals and lineal descendants of someone who held Korean nationality at birth (the third-generation cap was removed in 2019, so 4th generation and beyond qualify with documentation). Permits stays of up to 3 years per period with near-unrestricted economic activity - manual-labor restrictions were significantly relaxed from 2026, with 10 of 39 restricted sectors fully opened in February 2026 - and is renewable indefinitely with a straightforward F-5 path. Applicants need lineage proof via Korean family registers and a clean background check.
Max stay
1,095 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Foreign passport and copyCurrent foreign nationality passport.
Proof of Korean lineageFamily relation certificate, removed family register (jejeok) or parents'/grandparents' Korean documents.
Proof of loss of Korean nationalityNationality loss report or naturalization certificate of the applicant/ancestor.
Proof of overseas residenceEvidence of residence abroad (residence certificate, foreign ID).
Criminal background checkOptionalRequired for certain age groups/countries; clean record needed.
Employment/occupation evidenceOptionalRequired for some Chinese/CIS-nationality applicants under specific F-4 sub-tracks.
Not yet researched
Dependent Relative Visa
3 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Professor (E-1) / Researcher (E-3) Visas
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Korea's academic-talent statuses: E-1 covers professors and lecturers at universities and affiliated research institutes; E-3 covers researchers in science, engineering, humanities and advanced technology at government-funded, defense or corporate research institutes. Typical qualification is a doctorate, or a master's plus 3 years of research experience (waived for graduates of Korean universities or authors of SCIE/SSCI-indexed theses). Granted for up to 5 years per issuance, extendable, usually via a Confirmation of Visa Issuance obtained by the inviting institution; both count toward F-2-7 and F-5.
Work: Work as professor/researcher
Study: Study allowed alongside role
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse & children via F-3
Service fee
₩370,000
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted application with photo.
Passport and copyValid passport.
Confirmation of Visa Issuance numberIssued via the inviting university/institute's application in Korea.
Employment/appointment contractContract with the Korean university or research institute.
Degree certificatesDoctorate, or master's degree with proof of 3+ years research career.
Career/research certificatesPublication lists or prior employment certificates.
Institution registration documentsEstablishment permit/registration of the inviting institution.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Points-Based Residence Visa F-2-7
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Long-term residence status for skilled foreign residents (typically holders of E-1 to E-7 or D-series visas with 1+ year in Korea) who score at least 80 points on a scale rating age, education, Korean ability (TOPIK/KIIP), income and bonus items. Permits granted for 1-5 years depending on score/income, allow nearly unrestricted employment, and lead to F-5 permanent residence after 3 years on F-2-7. Spouses and children can obtain dependent statuses (F-2-71/F-1-12).
Document checklist (7)
Application for status changeFiled at immigration office with points self-assessment table.
Passport and alien registration cardProof of current qualifying visa status.
Income certificateNational Tax Service income amount certificate for points scoring.
Degree certificatesApostilled diplomas for education points.
TOPIK or KIIP certificateKorean language/integration evidence.
Employment certificateProof of current employment in Korea.
Criminal record / tax complianceOptionalClean Korean criminal and tax record evidence.
Permanent Residence
Permanent Residence F-5
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Korea's permanent residence status with 27 sub-tracks: the general track requires 5+ years of continuous legal residence, income around 1-2x GNI per capita (2026 benchmark approx. KRW 52.4M, applied per the latest published GNI), KIIP completion/Korean proficiency and a clean record; faster tracks exist for F-2-7 holders (3 years), spouses of Koreans (2 years), investors and E-7-4 skilled workers (5-year pathway). F-5 is open-ended (residence card renewed every 10 years) and permits unrestricted work.
Document checklist (7)
Application for permanent residenceFiled at the competent immigration office.
Passport and alien registration cardEvidence of qualifying residence history.
Income amount certificateNTS certificate showing income meeting the GNI benchmark for the track.
KIIP completion or Korean testKIIP Level 5 completion (or equivalent permanent-residence Korean test).
Criminal record certificatesKorean and home-country police certificates.
Proof of assets/housingOptionalLease or ownership documents and asset evidence where required.
Tax payment certificatesEvidence of tax compliance in Korea.
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