[May 2025 Latest] Everything About the Korean Residence (F-2) Visa! [For Foreigners Residing in Korea]

1. Eligible Persons and Scope of Activities

Eligible Persons

• a. Minor children of Korean nationals or spouse and minor children of persons holding the Permanent Resident (F-5) status of stay
• b. Persons born from a marital relationship (including de facto marital relationship) with a Korean national, recognized by the Minister of Justice
• c. Persons recognized as refugees
• d. Foreign investors under the 「Foreign Investment Promotion Act」, etc., who fall under any of the following categories:
• Foreign nationals who have invested 500,000 US dollars or more and have continuously resided in Korea for three years or more with the Enterprise Investment (D-8) status of stay
• Executives and employees dispatched to domestic foreign investment enterprises under the 「Foreign Investment Promotion Act」 by a foreign corporation that has invested 500,000 US dollars or more, and who have continuously resided in Korea for three years or more
• Foreign nationals who have invested 300,000 US dollars or more and employ two or more Korean nationals
• e. Persons who have lost their Permanent Resident (F-5) status but are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in Korea, considering the protection of their domestic living relationships and interests (excluding those who have been forcibly expelled)
• f. Persons who have continuously resided in the Republic of Korea for five years or more with a status of stay other than diplomatic (A-1) to Agreement (A-3), have their center of living in Korea, and are recognized by the Minister of Justice
• g. Persons appointed as public officials under the 「State Public Officials Act」 or 「Local Public Officials Act」 and recognized by the Minister of Justice
• h. Persons whose age, educational background, income, etc., meet the criteria prescribed and publicly announced by the Minister of Justice
• i. Foreign nationals who have invested in assets such as real estate, or who are executives or shareholders of a corporation, according to the criteria prescribed and publicly announced by the Minister of Justice, including the investment region, investment subject, and investment amount. In this case, the Minister of Justice will determine the number of individuals to be granted the status of stay considering the investment amount for corporations.
• j. Persons recognized by the Minister of Justice as having made special contributions to the Republic of Korea or contributed to the promotion of public interest
• k. Spouse and children of persons falling under subparagraphs 'g' through 'j' (only children who meet the criteria prescribed by the Minister of Justice)
• l. Persons who meet the criteria prescribed and publicly announced by the Minister of Justice, considering the target industries and regions, residency and employment status in the region, and the duration thereof, in order to support manpower supply and demand and regional vitality recovery in areas with declining populations, etc., as defined in Article 2, subparagraph 9 of the 「Act on the Balanced National Development and Promotion of Regional Competitiveness」

2. Maximum Duration of Stay Granted at Once

• 5 years

3. Activities Other Than Permitted Status of Stay

1. Criteria for Permission of Activities Other Than Status of Stay for Other Long-Term Residents (F-2-99)

Employment activities are limited to cases permitted by laws and regulations*. Whether or not permission for activities other than the status of stay is required depends on whether the person is engaged in activities in the same field as their previous status of stay**.

• * Employment activities under the status of stay of Short-term Employment (C-4) in Table 1 of Annex 1, and Professor (E-1) to Seafarer Employment (E-10), and Visiting Employment (H-2) in Table 1 of Annex 1 of the 「Immigration Act Enforcement Rules」
• ** According to Article 23 of the 「Immigration Act Enforcement Rules」, persons falling under subparagraph 'g' (Other Long-Term Residence) of the status of residence can engage in employment activities referred to in Article 23, Paragraph ① of the Enforcement Rules without permission for activities other than the status of stay, if they continue activities in the same field as their previous status of residence.

a. Cases Where Permission for Activities Other Than Status of Stay is Not Required

• When intending to engage in other employment activities while engaging in employment activities in the field corresponding to the status of stay immediately prior to obtaining the status of residence
• Example) If a person with a Foreign Language Instructor (E-2) status obtains the status of stay for Other Long-Term Residence (F-2-99) and then engages in foreign language instruction activities, they can engage in employment activities under the status of stay of Short-term Employment (C-4) in Table 1 of Annex 1, and Professor (E-1) to Seafarer Employment (E-10), and Visiting Employment (H-2) in Table 1 of Annex 1 without permission for activities other than the status of stay.

b. Cases Where Permission for Activities Other Than Status of Stay is Required

• When intending to engage in employment activities in a different field without engaging in employment activities in the field corresponding to the status of stay immediately prior to obtaining the status of residence for long-term residence (F-2-99)
• Permission will be granted based on the guidelines stipulating the permitted employment activities, and permission will be granted if there are no separate provisions in the relevant guidelines.
• When a person who obtained the status of stay for long-term residence (F-2-99) as an accompanying family member (spouse or minor child) immediately prior to obtaining the status of residence intends to engage in employment activities
• Permission will be granted based on the guidelines stipulating the permitted employment activities, and permission will be granted if there are no separate provisions in the relevant guidelines.

2. Criteria for Permission of Activities Other Than Status of Stay for Talented Individuals under the Points System (F-2-7)

• Accompanying family members can also be employed after obtaining the status of residence for Family of Resident (F-2-71), provided that the holder of the points-based talented individual visa meets the annual income requirements.
• * Limited to employment activities specified in Article 23, Paragraph ② of the 「Immigration Act Enforcement Rules」
• If the holder of the talented individual visa does not meet the annual income requirements, accompanying family members can reside with the status of Visiting Companion (F-1), but employment and various profit-making activities are prohibited.
• However, those who meet the requirements for Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Teacher at an International School (E-7), or Proofreader (E-7) at government agencies, public organizations, etc., can be employed after obtaining permission for activities other than the status of stay in advance.
• If employed in a restricted employment field* or in occupations that may negatively affect the domestic labor market and socioeconomic order, the extension of the period of stay may be restricted or the permission for stay may be canceled.

\* Restricted Employment Fields

• Gambling business operations as prescribed in Article 2, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 1 of the 「Act on Special Cases Concerning Regulation and Punishment of Speculative Acts」 and Article 1-2 of its Enforcement Decree, etc.
• Entertainment establishment (Danran Jujeom) and Entertainment bar (Yuhyeong Jujeom) operations as prescribed in Article 36 of the 「Food Sanitation Act」 and Article 21, Subparagraph 8, Item 8 of its Enforcement Decree, etc.
• Businesses that are contrary to good morals among businesses that regulate moral conduct as prescribed in Article 2 of the 「Act on the Regulation of Entertainment Businesses」 and Article 2 of its Enforcement Decree, etc.
• Entertainment establishment (Danran Jujeom) as prescribed in Article 21, Subparagraph 8, Item 'c' of the 「Food Sanitation Act Enforcement Decree」 and Entertainment bar (Yuhyeong Jujeom) as prescribed in Item 'd' of the same subparagraph.
• Businesses that provide services where physical contact between unspecified persons or exposure of private parts occurs, or where sexual acts or similar acts are likely to occur, as determined by the Youth Protection Committee and publicly announced by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, and which are designated as establishments where youth are prohibited from entering or being employed.
• Businesses that are determined by the Youth Protection Committee and publicly announced by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family according to the criteria prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as businesses that produce, manufacture, or distribute youth harmful media or substances, and businesses where youth entry and employment are considered harmful to youth.

Public Announcement on Determination of Establishments Where Youth Entry/Employment is Prohibited [Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Public Notice No. 2013-52, August 13, 2013, partially amended] (Subject to amendment in case of revision)

Facility Type: a. Facilities with private rooms, enclosed spaces, or partitions, or similar facilities.

Equipment Type:

• a. Facilities with separate installations such as restrooms or bathtubs.
• b. Facilities equipped with bedding, beds, or chairs/sofas that can be converted into beds.
• c. Facilities equipped with computers, TVs, video equipment, karaoke machines, etc.
• d. Facilities equipped with adult dolls (real dolls) or sex-related instruments such as masturbation devices.

Business Type:

• a. Businesses where physical contact occurs, such as kissing, caressing, decadent massage, nude shows, or where exposure of sexual body parts or sexual acts or similar acts are likely to occur.
• b. Businesses where adult videos or games, or gambling games, etc., are likely to be distributed, primarily for adults.
• c. Businesses where adult dolls (real dolls) or sex-related instruments such as masturbation devices can be used.
• \*\*【Business Examples】\*\* Kissing rooms, conversation rooms, prostate massages, glass rooms, adult PC rooms, resting hotels, doll experience rooms, etc.

Activities that deviate from the status of other residents, and other fields where the Minister of Justice deems it necessary to restrict employment.

4. Change or Addition of Workplace

• Not applicable

5. Grant of Status of Stay

• When the Korean spouse of a person with Permanent Resident (F-5) status loses their Korean nationality by acquiring the spouse's nationality, the status of residence for Residence (F-2) will be granted (duration: 1 year).

Required Documents:

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), passport, one standard-sized photograph, fee
• ② Certificate of nationality acquisition

1. Children Born in Korea of Talented Individuals under the Points System (F-2-7)

a. Eligibility Requirements

1) Applicant (Minor Child) Requirements

• Minor children born in Korea to talented individuals under the points system (F-2-7, F-2-7S)
• Must not have any disqualifying reasons (refer to reasons for change of status of stay)

2) Applicant's Primary Resident (Father or Mother) Requirements

• Must be legally residing in Korea with the status of stay for Talented Individual under the Points System (F-2-7 or F-2-7S)
• However, the applicant's father or mother must meet the requirements for changing their status of stay to Spouse of Talented Individual under the Points System (F-2-71) in Korea.
• * If the applicant's father or mother is residing in Korea with a short-term status of stay or a long-term status of stay that does not allow for a change of status in Korea according to various guidelines (e.g., short-term visa, miscellaneous (G-1), tourist employment (H-1), etc.), the requirement is not met.

※ Children born in Korea to parents who entered Korea with a short-term status of stay (B-1, B-2, C-3) will not be granted a long-term status of stay and must depart and re-enter with the relevant visa.

3) Requirements for Talented Individuals under the Points System (F-2-7)

• The primary resident's annual income is equal to or higher than the most recent per capita national income (all other eligibility requirements are met).

b. Status of Stay and Duration of Stay

• The status of stay and duration of stay will be the same as that of the applicant's father or mother (primary resident).
• If the primary resident holds F-2-7S status, regardless of the primary resident's income requirements, the child born in Korea will be granted F-2-71 status with the same duration of stay as the primary resident (5 years) (when the primary resident extends their period of stay after 5 years, the F-2-71 extension review will apply).

c. Required Documents

• Birth certificate, certificate of sponsorship
• Same as documents for review of change of status of stay

6. Permission for Change of Status of Stay

1. Permission for Change to Residence Status for Children of Korean Nationals

a. Eligible Persons: ① Minor foreign children of Korean nationals ② Children born from a marital relationship (including de facto marital relationship) with Korean nationals

※ Previously, minor foreign children of overseas Koreans who acquired Korean nationality through marriage to a Korean national were granted Visiting Companion (F-1) visas and status of stay.

※ Dual nationals holding Republic of Korea nationality will be subject to the 「Guidelines on the Entry and Stay of Dual Nationals」.

List of Research Institutes under the 「Act on the Establishment, Operation, and Fostering of Government-Funded Research Institutes in Science and Technology」 (Effective September 14, 2021)

• Korea Institute of Science and Technology
• Korea Basic Science Institute
• Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute
• Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology
• Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information
• Korea Food Research Institute
• Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
• Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials
• Korea Aerospace Research Institute

※ The period of legal stay in Korea, including the period of stay with short-term status, will be calculated, excluding periods of departure from Korea exceeding 30 days.

7. Permission for Extension of Period of Stay

1. Required Documents for Extension of Period of Stay for the Following Persons

8. Re-entry Permit

Implementation of Re-entry Permit Exemption System (Amended Enforcement Rules effective December 1, 2010)

• Registered foreigners who intend to re-enter Korea within one year from the date of departure are exempt from the re-entry permit.
• If the remaining period of stay is less than one year, re-entry is exempted within the remaining period of stay.
• ※ However, individuals subject to entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions must visit the Immigration Office (Branch Office or Liaison Office) having jurisdiction over their place of residence to obtain a re-entry permit.

Multiple Re-entry Permit (Re-entry restrictions apply to nationals of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya. However, for marriage immigrants (F-6), students (D-2), and general trainees (D-4) from these countries, it is possible.)

• This applies when intending to re-enter within two years after departure, beyond the remaining period of stay.
• Application Documents: Application form (Form No. 34), original passport, alien registration card, fee

9. Alien Registration

Required Documents:

• ① Application form (Form No. 34), one standard-sized photograph, fee
• ② Documents proving place of residence
• ③ Additional documents may be requested as necessary

※ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: What is the maximum duration of stay for an F-2 (Residence) visa?

A1: The maximum duration of stay that can be granted at once for an F-2 (Residence) visa is 5 years.

Q2: What types of employment activities can F-2 visa holders engage in? Are there any restricted fields?

A2: F-2 visa holders can engage in employment activities corresponding to C-4 (Short-term Employment), E-1 (Professor) to E-10 (Seafarer Employment), and H-2 (Visiting Employment) statuses as stipulated in the 「Immigration Act Enforcement Rules」. However, employment in fields contrary to good morals, such as gambling businesses, entertainment establishments, and entertainment bars, is restricted.

Q3: What are the requirements for changing to an F-2 (Residence) status?

A3: The categories of persons eligible for change to F-2 (Residence) status are very diverse, and the detailed requirements vary for each type. Major eligible persons include minor foreign children of Korean nationals, foreign investors who have invested 500,000 USD or more, certain long-term residents who have continuously stayed in Korea for 5 years or more, talented individuals who meet the points system, and region-specific talented individuals for settling in areas with declining populations.

Q4: Can the spouse of a talented individual under the points system (F-2-7) also be employed in Korea?

A4: Yes, it is possible. If the primary resident, the talented individual under the points system (F-2-7), meets the annual income requirements, the spouse can be employed after obtaining the status of Family of Resident (F-2-71). However, if the income requirements are not met, the spouse will be granted the status of Visiting Companion (F-1) and employment is generally prohibited. (However, employment may be possible with prior permission if they meet specific professional qualifications.)

Q5: How is income verified for an F-2 visa holder when extending their period of stay?

A5: It varies depending on the type of F-2 visa. For example, for 'Other Long-Term Residents (F-2-99)', documents related to annual income and proof of economic activities must be submitted when applying for an extension of the period of stay. On the other hand, for minor children of Korean nationals (F-2-2) or recognized refugees (F-2-4), submission of income-related documents is not explicitly stated. You should check the required documents for your specific status.

Q6: If I am an F-2 visa holder and leave Korea and re-enter, do I need a re-entry permit?

A6: For registered foreigners, if you intend to re-enter Korea within one year from the date of departure, the re-entry permit is exempted. If your remaining period of stay is less than one year, re-entry is exempted within that remaining period. If you wish to re-enter after more than one year, you must obtain a multiple re-entry permit before departure.

Q7: Can minor foreign children of Korean nationals obtain an F-2 (Residence) status?

A7: Yes, they can. Minor foreign children of Korean nationals are eligible for the grant of Residence (F-2) status and can apply for a change of status of stay in accordance with the relevant procedures.

Q8: What should my previous visa status have been to change to F-2 (Residence) status?

A8: The previous status of stay requirements for changing to F-2 status vary depending on the specific type. For example, for 'General Long-Term Residents', a period of stay of 5 years or more with a D-7 (On-site) to E-7 (Specific Activities) or F-2 (Residence) status is required. Other types (high-value investors, talented individuals under the points system, etc.) may require a period of stay that meets their respective requirements.

Q9: Is it free for F-2 visa holders to change their place of employment?

A9: Yes, an F-2 (Residence) visa is not tied to a specific employer, so the procedures for reporting or obtaining permission for 'Change or Addition of Workplace' are marked as 'Not applicable' in the manual. You can freely change your place of employment within the scope of permitted employment activities.

Q10: What documents are required for alien registration when changing to an F-2 visa?

A10: For alien registration, you generally need to submit an integrated application form, one standard-sized photograph, the fee, and documents proving your place of residence. However, depending on the circumstances under which you obtained F-2 status, additional documents may be required for review.