F statuses are Korea’s long-term residence statuses. F-2 (residence), F-4 (overseas Korean), F-5 (permanent residence) and F-6 (marriage migrant) give you much more freedom to work and stay than a job-linked E visa. F-5 has no fixed end date, though the card itself must be renewed every 10 years.
Key facts
| F-2 | Long-term residence, including the points-based F-2-7 and regional programs |
| F-4 | Foreign nationals of Korean descent |
| F-5 | Permanent residence; most common routes need 5 years on E or F-2, or 2 years as a Korean’s spouse |
| F-6 | Spouses of Korean citizens, and some parents of Korean children |
| Fees | Change to F-5: ₩200,000; F-6 grant: ₩40,000; F-6 extension: ₩30,000 (as of October 2026) |
| Help | 1345 and your local immigration office |
F-2: Residence (거주)
F-2 is a group of sub-types for people expected to stay long term. The best known are:
- F-2-7 (points-based): awarded to people who reach the pass mark on a scale for age, education, Korean ability, income and other factors. It allows work in most fields without being tied to one employer.
- Regional residence programs: set by the Ministry of Justice for people who live and work in designated population-decline areas.
- Family-linked sub-types, such as spouses and children of permanent residents.
Requirements and point tables change often. Check the current version on HiKorea before you apply.
F-4: Overseas Korean (재외동포)
F-4 is for foreign nationals who once held Korean nationality, and for their descendants as set by the Overseas Koreans Act and its decree (generally where a parent or grandparent held Korean nationality). F-4 holders can live in Korea long term and work in most fields, but a list of restricted activities applies. Ask 1345 whether your planned job is allowed.
F-6: Marriage migrant (결혼이민)
F-6 covers:
- spouses of Korean citizens,
- a parent raising a child born from a marriage with a Korean citizen,
- a spouse who cannot continue the marriage because the Korean partner died, disappeared, or for another reason that is not the migrant’s fault.
F-6 holders can work in any job. The first visa normally requires the Korean spouse to meet income and housing conditions and the couple to show they can communicate. Those amounts are updated, so check them when you apply.
For long-term plans, note that marriage migrants can apply for naturalization (귀화) on simplified terms after living in Korea for 2 years while married to a Korean.
F-5: Permanent residence (영주)
The enforcement decree lists who may become a permanent resident. The main routes are:
| Route | Basic condition |
|---|---|
| General | Adult who has lived in Korea 5 years or more on D-7 to E-7 statuses or F-2 |
| Family of Koreans or F-5 holders | Spouse or minor child who has lived in Korea 2 years or more |
| F-4 overseas Koreans | 2 years or more of continuous stay on F-4, with Ministry approval |
| F-2-7 points holders | 3 years or more on the points-based F-2 |
| Investors | US$500,000 invested under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and 5 or more Koreans employed |
| Startup founders (D-8) | 3 years on the startup D-8, with ₩300 million in investment attracted and 2 or more Korean employees, plus other set conditions |
| PhD holders and professionals | Foreign PhD with a Korean employer, a Korean PhD, or a degree plus 3 years in Korea and a salary above a set level |
| Others | Outstanding ability, special merit to Korea, age 60+ with a foreign pension above a set amount, some long-serving H-2 workers |
On top of the route, immigration checks income (usually measured against Korea’s gross national income per person), basic knowledge of Korean language and society, usually shown by completing the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램, KIIP) or passing its test, and good conduct, including criminal and tax records. Long trips abroad can break the required continuous stay.
Because these conditions are set in Ministry guidelines and change, treat the table as a map, not a checklist. Confirm the exact current numbers with HiKorea or 1345 before applying.
Unpaid health insurance premiums, unpaid taxes or a drunk-driving record can lead to refusal or delay. Clear any arrears months before you apply.
Life as a permanent resident
- Your permanent resident card (영주증) is valid for 10 years. You must renew it before it expires; not doing so can bring a fine of up to ₩2 million.
- You can leave Korea and come back within 2 years without a re-entry permit (1 year for most other statuses).
- F-5 status can be cancelled for serious crimes or long absence, so it is permanent but not unconditional.
- F-5 is not citizenship. You keep your passport and cannot vote in national elections.
Common questions
Do years on D-2 count toward F-5?
Not for the general 5-year route, which counts D-7 to E-7 and F-2 years. Studying in Korea can still help in other ways, for example a Korean degree earns points under F-2-7.
Can I work on F-2, F-5 or F-6 without an employer sponsor?
Generally yes. F-5 and F-6 holders can work freely, and F-2 holders can work in most fields depending on the sub-type.
If I divorce, do I lose F-6?
Not automatically. If the marriage ended through no fault of yours, or you are raising a Korean child, you may keep F-6. Get advice early from 1345 or free legal help.
Where do I take the KIIP?
Through the Socinet portal (socinet.go.kr) run by the Ministry of Justice. See Learning Korean for classes.
Official sources
- Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, annex 1-3: who qualifies for F-5
- Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, annex 1-2: long-term statuses (F-2, F-4, F-6)
- Immigration Act art. 33 (permanent resident card) and art. 100 (fines)
- Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, arts. 44-2 and 72 (re-entry exemption, fees)
This guide explains the general rules as of the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the office named here (or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center) before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.