Conditions for obtaining permanent residency in Korea [F5 visa] in 2024

Obtaining permanent residency in Korea is one of the major interests of many foreigners. Many people want to obtain permanent residency in Korea because Korea offers various advantages such as high economic prosperity, high-quality education system, and rich cultural experiences. However, the process of obtaining permanent residency in Korea can be complicated and strict. Therefore, today, I would like to explain in detail the conditions for obtaining permanent residency in Korea in 2024.

1. Understanding permanent residency

Permanent residency refers to a legal status that gives a foreigner the right to reside in a country permanently. When you obtain permanent residency, you generally have the same rights as most citizens, but the main difference is that you do not have the right to vote or military service.

Obtaining permanent residency in Korea provides the following benefits:

1] Long-term residence and activities are possible

Once you obtain permanent residency, you do not need to obtain permission for activities other than your residence status, permission to change or add a place of work, or permission to extend the period of stay. In other words, you can freely engage in various activities without being tied to a specific occupation. 2] Providing a stable living foundation

2] The F-5 visa has limited grounds for forced deportation or cancellation of residence status. This is a very important factor for a stable life in Korea.

3] Expanding educational opportunities for children

The spouse and minor children of permanent residents can also receive permanent residence status if they meet certain requirements, allowing the entire family to enjoy a stable life in Korea.

4] Health insurance benefits

2. Types of permanent residence

There are several types of permanent residence in Korea. The most representative types are as follows:

[1] F-5 Visa

The F-5 visa is the most common type of permanent residence, and is the visa that most people aim for. To obtain it, you must meet various conditions.

[2] F-2-99 Visa

The F-2-99 visa is a visa given to foreigners who have resided in Korea stably for a certain period of time. This visa provides benefits for long-term residents, but is not completely the same as permanent residence.

[3] H-2 Visa

The H-2 visa is a visa that allows people with specific occupations or qualifications to work or reside in Korea. This is mainly given to professionals.

3. Conditions for acquiring permanent residency

In order to acquire permanent residency in Korea, the following conditions must be met:

[1] Period of residence

In order to obtain permanent residency in Korea, you must have legally resided in Korea for a certain period of time.

1] Generally, you must have legally resided in Korea for at least 5 years.

[2] Economic stability

You must maintain economic stability.

1] You must be able to prove a certain level of income.

2] Or, you must have sufficient assets.

[3] Korean language ability

Korean language ability is also an important factor.

1] You must prove basic Korean language skills.

2] This can be proven through a Korean language proficiency test, etc.

[4] Legal requirements

Legal requirements are also considered.

1] Even if there are no legal issues, you must have no criminal record.

[5] Proof of income and assets

Proof of income and assets are required to obtain permanent residency.

1] Monthly income must be continuously proven. 2] You must have sufficient bank assets.

[6] Family members

Family members can also be an important factor for permanent residency applicants. If your family lives in Korea with you, especially if you have a spouse or children, you must prove that they can live in Korea without any problems.

1] Proof of your spouse's stable residence and activities in Korea

2] Proof of your children's educational opportunities and living environment

By proving your family members' stable living environment, you can increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency.

4. Permanent residency application process

[1] Preparing required documents

The documents required for permanent residency application are as follows:

1] Passport and current visa

2] Proof of residence

3] Proof of income (tax return, pay stub, etc.)

4] Proof of assets (bank balance certificate, etc.)

5] Proof of Korean language proficiency (TOPIK score report, etc.)

6] Health checkup report

[2] Application process

1] Submission of documents: Prepare all required documents and submit them to the Immigration Office. 

2] Interview: After the submitted documents are reviewed, the applicant will be interviewed. This interview will check the applicant's Korean language skills, financial stability, family situation, etc.

3] Review and Approval: Once all procedures are completed, the final review will be conducted to determine whether or not to approve.

[3] Follow-up measures

Once the permanent residency is approved, the following follow-up measures are required:

[1] Obtaining a Resident Registration Number (RRN)

[2] Enrolling in health insurance

[3] Visiting and registering at the local foreigner support center

Acquiring permanent residency in Korea is a complex and difficult process, but it is possible to achieve it if you meet the necessary conditions and diligently follow the procedures. Permanent residents can enjoy a stable and abundant life in Korea and open up new opportunities.

5. Notes

[1] Renewal cycle: Please note that there are cases where you may need to renew your permanent residency periodically even after obtaining it.

Children born in Korea of ​​F-5 status holders must apply for a visa within 90 days of their birth date, and a fine may be imposed if the period is exceeded. The permanent resident card must be reissued within 2 years after 10 years from the date of issuance.

If you wish to maintain permanent resident status (F-5) after first obtaining it, it is important to understand the permanent resident card reissue procedure. The permanent resident card must be reissued within 2 years after 10 years from the date of issuance. If you exceed this period, additional sanctions or disadvantages may follow, so be careful not to miss the period.

Reissue applications can be made at the Immigration Office and it is recommended that you check and prepare the necessary documents and procedures in advance. If you are well aware of these regulations and follow them, you can continue to live a stable life in Korea.

[2] Reporting Changes: Important changes such as address, income, and family members must be reported to the Immigration Office.

Permanent residency is an important tool that can bring about great changes in your life. We hope that you will prepare carefully and successfully start your new life in Korea.

Easy-to-understand guide to Korea visa

Hello, everyone. Today, we will learn about Korean visas, or Korean visas. When you first hear the word visa, it may seem difficult and complicated, but in this article, I will kindly explain it so that you can easily understand it.

1. Basic concepts of Korea visa

A visa is a permit required to enter a specific country. Each country may have different types and requirements for visas issued to foreigners who wish to visit their country. Korea is no exception. Korean visas are largely divided into two types: short-term visas and long-term visas.

(1) Short-term visas

Short-term visas are mainly issued for purposes such as tourism, business, and family visits. These visas usually allow a stay of 90 days or less. The main types of short-term visas are as follows:

1) Tourist visa (C-3-9): Issued to foreigners visiting Korea for tourism purposes.

2) Business visa (C-3-4): Issued to foreigners visiting Korea for business purposes. 3) Short-term Employment Visa (C-4): This visa is issued for short-term work in Korea.

(2) Long-term Visa

A long-term visa is issued for the purpose of studying, researching, working, accompanying family, etc. This visa usually allows a stay of 90 days or more. The main types of long-term visas are as follows:

1) Student Visa (D-2): This visa is issued to continue studying at a university or graduate school in Korea.

2) Exchange Student Visa (D-2-6): This visa is issued to participate in an exchange student program.

3) Employment Visa (E-2): This visa is issued to foreigners who work in Korea for the purpose of teaching English, etc.

4) Family Dependent Visa (F-3): This visa is issued to visit or accompany family members who are staying in Korea for a long period of time.

2. Korean Visa Application Procedure

There are several steps to take to apply for a visa. We will explain the Korean visa application procedure step by step.

(1) Prepare the necessary documents

You must prepare the necessary documents for safe and quick visa issuance. Here are the documents you will generally need:

1) Passport: You will need a passport with sufficient validity.

2) Visa application form: You can download it from the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Korea or fill it out offline.

3) Photo: You will need a passport photo to attach to your visa application.

4) Proof of financial support: This is a document proving that you or your sponsor can support you financially during your stay.

5) Invitation letter (if required): If you have an inviter in Korea, you may need to submit an invitation letter as well. This is usually required for long-term visa applications.

(2) Submission of application form

After preparing the documents, you must visit the embassy or consulate to submit the application form. In some countries, you can also submit the application form online. You will also need to pay a fee when submitting the application form.

3. Visa issuance process and time required

After submitting the visa application form, a review period is required. Generally, the visa issuance time is approximately 5 to 10 days. However, depending on the applicant's circumstances or the workload of the embassy, ​​it may take longer. Once the visa is approved, the visa will be attached to your passport and returned to you.

4. Visa Extension and Change

If you need to extend or change your visa while staying in Korea, you can apply by visiting the Immigration Office. The required documents vary depending on the type of visa, so you should check in advance. Extension applications must be submitted before the expiration of the period of stay, and changes are required when changing to a new visa for a new purpose of stay.

We have looked at the basic concepts and application procedures for Korean visas. If you have any further questions, please visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Korea or contact the relevant organization.

Thank you!