1. Eligible Persons and Scope of Activities

Basic Eligibility for Overseas Korean (F-4) Status

• A person who held Korean nationality by birth (including Koreans who emigrated before the establishment of the Republic of Korea government) and has acquired foreign nationality.
• A person who has acquired foreign nationality and is a direct lineal descendant of a person falling under the category above.

Military Service Restrictions for Males

Males who renounced or lost their Korean nationality on or after May 1, 2018, are restricted from being granted the Overseas Korean (F-4) status until December 31 of the year they turn 40, unless they have fulfilled their military service obligation or received an exemption.

Scope of Employment Activities

Holders of the Overseas Korean (F-4) status are permitted a wide range of employment activities, excluding certain occupations such as simple labor and gambling-related activities. However, professional occupations requiring specific qualifications under domestic laws necessitate possessing those qualifications. (Refer to Section 5. Additional Original Information for the scope of employment restrictions.)

2. Application for Change of Status of Stay

Change of Status within Korea

If relevant documents can be issued or verified within Korea as follows, one can apply for a change of status from another category to Overseas Korean (F-4) status.

• Graduates of Korean universities.
• Holders of nationally recognized technical qualifications in Korea.
• Individuals who have previously been registered as Overseas Koreans.
• Individuals intending to operate a private business in Korea.
• Staff or volunteers at Korean Overseas Korean Support Centers.
• Graduates of Korean high schools.
• Students currently enrolled in Korean elementary, middle, or high schools.
• Holders of caregiver qualifications, etc.

3. Application for Extension of Stay

Extension Application

To continue residing in Korea with Overseas Korean (F-4) status, an extension permit must be obtained before the expiration of the current period of stay.

Period of Stay

The period of stay granted at one time is generally up to 3 years.

However, for 'Overseas Korean Children Enrolled in Korean Elementary, Middle, and High Schools (F-4-30),' the initial grant is up to 2 years (until the end of March or September), and subsequent extensions are granted for 2 years each time.

Required Documents

Application form, fee, proof of residence (lease agreement, etc.).

Notes

Extension of stay may be restricted in cases of violation of Korean laws.

4. Registration of Residence in Korea

Reporting Obligation

If planning to stay in Korea for more than 90 days after entering with an F-4 visa, you must report your place of residence within 90 days of your arrival date to the competent Immigration Service Center (or branch office).

Required Documents

One passport-sized photo, fee, proof of residence.

5. Additional Original Information (All content outside the template)

Common Documents for Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa Application

The following documents are commonly required when applying for an Overseas Korean (F-4) visa at an overseas mission or for a change of status within Korea.

① Proof of Korean Language Proficiency

【Attachment 2】Criteria for Submitting Proof of Korean Language Proficiency

A. Submission Requirement

• Individuals applying for an Overseas Korean (F-4) visa at an overseas mission.
• Individuals applying for a change of status to Overseas Korean (F-4) within Korea.

B. Submitted Documents (One of the following)

• Social Integration Program Pre-Assessment Score Sheet (21 points or higher)
• Social Integration Program Completion Certificate (Level 1 or higher)
• Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Score Certificate (Level 1 or higher)
• Sejong Hakdang Completion Certificate (Beginner Level 1B or higher)

C. Exemption from Submission

• Common Exemptions
• Individuals whose submission of Korean language proficiency proof for a previous visa application is recognized.
• Individuals who previously held Korean nationality.
• Individuals aged 60 or older.
• Individuals aged 13 or younger.
• Individuals who have graduated from elementary school or higher in Korea.
• Specific Exemptions for Overseas Koreans (F-4)
• Individuals holding an Overseas Korean (F-4) visa and residing in Korea for 3 years or more.
• Individuals who have obtained a nationally recognized technical qualification (Level 3 or higher) in Korea.
• Applicants who are children of Overseas Koreans enrolled in Korean elementary, middle, or high schools (F-4-30).

D. Differential Grant of Stay Period Based on Korean Language Proficiency

• Visa Issuance: 2-year validity multiple-entry visa upon submission of documents; 1-year validity multiple-entry visa if documents are not submitted.
• Status of Stay Extension in Korea: Maximum 3 years upon submission of documents; 1 year if documents are not submitted.

② Overseas Criminal Record Certificate

【Attachment 1】Criteria for Submitting Overseas Criminal Record Certificate

A. Submission Requirement and Scope

• Applicants for Overseas Korean (F-4) visas must submit a criminal record certificate from their country of nationality.
• If an applicant has resided consecutively for one year or more in a third country within the last 5 years from the date of application, a criminal record certificate from that country must also be submitted.

B. Exemption from Submission

• Individuals under 14 years of age.
• Individuals aged 60 or older.
• National Merit recipients and their bereaved families.
• Individuals born in Korea or those who entered Korea before the age of 14 and have not continuously resided abroad for more than 6 months.
• Individuals who previously submitted a criminal record certificate and have not resided abroad for more than 6 months while staying in Korea.

C. Requirements for Criminal Record Certificate

• Issuing Authority: Must be an official document issued by the competent authority of the country of nationality (or residence).
• Authentication: For member states of the Apostille Convention, Apostille verification is required. For non-member states, consular authentication by the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Korea is required.
• Validity Period: The document must be issued within 6 months prior to the date of application.

D. Restrictions Based on Overseas Criminal Record

• Specific Violent Crimes: Visa issuance and change of status are not permitted.
• Drugs, Voice Phishing, Driving Under the Influence (3 or more offenses): Visa issuance and change of status are prohibited for 7 years from the date of sentencing.
• Other Imprisonment or Heavier Sentences: Visa issuance and change of status are prohibited for 5 years from the date of sentencing.

③ Proof of Foreign Nationality

Official documents proving that the applicant was or is a direct lineal descendant of a Korean national, such as family relation certificate, certificate of family register, household register, or birth certificate.

Detailed Categories and Additional Documents for Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa

Additional documents may be required depending on the following categories.

Employment Restrictions for Overseas Korean (F-4) Status Holders

The following fields are restricted for employment for Overseas Korean (F-4) status holders.

1. Simple Labor Activities

• Construction Laborers: Construction site laborers, demolition workers, etc.
• Other Simple Laborers: Delivery drivers for food, building cleaners, apartment security guards, gas station attendants, serving staff, kitchen assistants, street vendors, movers, etc.
• Exclusion: Simple labor in production lines of manufacturing companies may be permitted.

【Attachment 9】Specific Occupations Pertaining to Simple Labor Activities

2. Activities Contrary to Good Morals and Social Order

• Gambling Business Operations: Casinos, horse racing tracks, etc. (Exceptions apply for authorized occupations such as tour guides.)
• Entertainment Establishments: Working as entertainment staff in establishments like entertainment bars and clubs.
• Other Morality-Related Businesses: Business establishments offering services contrary to good morals.

3. Other Fields Requiring Restrictions to Protect Public Interest and Maintain Domestic Employment Order

【Attachment 9】Other Restricted Occupations

National Technical Qualifications for Obtaining Overseas Korean (F-4) Status

【Attachment 8】Job Fields and Categories for National Technical Qualifications Granting Overseas Korean (F-4) Status

Individuals who obtain a national technical qualification (Level 3 or higher) in the fields listed below while in Korea may apply for the Overseas Korean (F-4-27) status. (Some examples)

Restrictions on Granting Overseas Korean (F-4) Status

The granting of F-4 status may be restricted in the following cases.

• Cases where there is a risk of harming the interests of the Republic of Korea, such as national security, public order, public welfare, or diplomatic relations.
• Cases where a person has been sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier penalty for violating domestic laws.
• Cases where the cumulative amount of fines within the last 3 years is 7 million KRW or more.
• Cases where the cumulative amount of penalty surcharges for violations of the Immigration Act within the last 3 years is 7 million KRW or more.
• Cases with a history of serious crimes abroad, such as specific violent crimes, drug offenses, or voice phishing.

※ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Who are the basic eligible persons for the Overseas Korean (F-4) status?

A: Persons who previously held Korean nationality (including those who emigrated before the establishment of the government) and their direct lineal descendants are the basic eligible persons. However, males who renounced their nationality after May 1, 2018, must resolve their military service obligations to receive an F-4 visa before turning 41.

Q2: Is proof of Korean language proficiency required to obtain an F-4 visa? Are there any exemptions?

A: Yes, generally, proof of Korean language proficiency (e.g., TOPIK Level 1 or higher, or completion of Social Integration Program Level 1 or higher) must be submitted. However, exemptions are granted to individuals aged 13 or younger or 60 or older, former Korean nationals, graduates of Korean elementary schools or higher, and those who have resided in Korea for 3 years or more with F-4 status.

Q3: What occupations are restricted when working in Korea with an F-4 visa?

A: Occupations such as construction site laborers, food delivery drivers, building cleaners, and security guards, which fall under 'simple labor,' and working as entertainment staff in establishments like entertainment bars, which are 'contrary to good morals,' are restricted. However, certain occupations such as production line work in manufacturing plants may be permitted.

Q4: Can I get an F-4 visa if I have a criminal record abroad?

A: Yes, it may be restricted. Particularly, serious crimes such as drug offenses, voice phishing, or driving under the influence (3 or more offenses) will result in visa refusal. If convicted of a crime with a sentence of imprisonment or heavier, visa issuance and status change are restricted for 5 years from the sentencing date.

Q5: Can Overseas Koreans who have graduated from high school in Korea also apply for an F-4 visa?

A: Yes, individuals who have graduated from high school or passed the GED in Korea can apply for a visa under the F-4-29 category. A graduation certificate or qualification certificate must be submitted.

Q6: What is the first thing I should do after entering Korea with an F-4 visa?

A: If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days after entry, you must report your place of residence to the competent Immigration Service Center within 90 days of your arrival date.

Q7: What is the period of stay for an F-4 visa, and is extension possible?

A: Typically, the period of stay granted is up to 3 years for initial issuance or extension. You can continue to stay by applying for an extension before the expiration of your current period of stay.

Q8: Can I get an F-4 visa if I intend to start a private business in Korea?

A: Yes, it is possible under the F-4-22 category. You can apply if you demonstrate an investment of 300 million KRW or more with your own assets, or an investment of 200 million KRW or more and a plan to employ at least one Korean national for 6 months or more.

Q9: What are the benefits of submitting proof of Korean language proficiency?

A: Submitting proof of Korean language proficiency upon visa application allows for a 2-year period of stay (1 year if not submitted) for visa issuance, and a maximum of 3 years for status change or extension within Korea (1 year if not submitted), making it advantageous to secure a longer period of stay.

Q10: Can I change to an F-4 visa if I have worked in a specific field for a long time with a Visiting Employment (H-2) status?

A: Yes, it is possible. If you have continuously worked for 2 years or more in fields such as childcare support, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, manufacturing of core industries, or provincial manufacturing businesses with the Visiting Employment (H-2) status, you can apply for a change to the F-4-24 status.