[For Foreigners Residing in Korea]

Detailed Guide to the Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa

Established to expand exchange between the Republic of Korea and overseas Koreans and to improve the legal status of overseas Koreans within the country, the Overseas Korean (F-4) status of stay is generally a visa with few employment restrictions and significant freedom in economic activities.

1. Eligibility and Scope of Activities for the F-4 Visa

A. Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals who were citizens of the Republic of Korea at the time of birth (including overseas Koreans who emigrated before the establishment of the Korean government) and have acquired foreign nationality.

• Direct descendants of the above individuals who have acquired foreign nationality.

B. Important Notes Regarding Military Service

• Male individuals who renounced or lost their Korean nationality for the first time after the enforcement of the revised Overseas Koreans Act on May 1, 2018 are restricted from obtaining F-4 status until December 31 of the year they turn 40, if they have not completed or been exempted from military service.

C. Expanded Eligibility for Overseas Korean (F-4) Status

Continuously expanding to promote exchange between Korea and overseas Koreans and improve their legal status. Includes cases with a lower probability of engaging in simple labor.

D. Scope of Employment Activities

• Employment is generally permitted without restrictions.

• Employment is prohibited in: ① Simple labor (e.g., unskilled factory workers, domestic helpers) — however, F-4 holders residing in pilot areas for regional specialized visas are permitted. ② Businesses that violate good morals, such as gambling or entertainment establishments. ③ Sectors where restrictions are necessary for the public interest or employment order.

• Individuals seeking employment in professions requiring specific qualifications or licenses must possess those qualifications.

2. Key Procedures and Required Documents for the F-4 Visa

A. Visa Issuance Procedure (Diplomatic Missions Abroad)

• Common Documents

  1. Visa application form (Form No. 17)

  2. Passport and its copy

  3. One photograph — 3.5 x 4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months

  4. Fees

  5. Documents proving Overseas Korean status (e.g., birth certificate, household register, family relationship documents)

  6. Documents proving Korean language proficiency (if applicable)

  7. Overseas criminal record certificate (if applicable)

B. Domestic Stay Management Procedures

1. Notification of Residence — Within 90 days of entry, report to the relevant Immigration Office within 90 days of arrival.

   • One photograph, fees, documents proving place of residence (e.g., lease agreement)

2. Extension of Stay Period

   • Generally up to 3 years (For F-4-30 students: initial 2 years, subsequent extensions of 2 years)

   • Documents: Application form, fees, documents proving place of residence.

3. No need to report changes or additions to place of employment (due to no employment restrictions).

C. Photograph Specifications and Measurements

• 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months, color passport-style photo.

D. Submission Standards for Korean Language Proficiency Proof

• Eligibility for Submission: Applicants for F-4/H-2 visa issuance, registration, extension, or change (excluding change to F-5).

• Recognized Documents

  • Social Integration Program pre-assessment: 21 points or more / Completion certificate: Level 1 or higher.

  • TOPIK: Level 1 or higher / King Sejong Institute: Beginner Level 1B or higher / Education Center courses: Level 2 or higher.

• Exemptions: Those who have previously submitted recognized documents, former citizens of the Republic of Korea, individuals aged 60 or older, those who have resided with F-4 status for over 3 years, holders of national technical qualifications, individuals enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school, those issued F-4 before September 2, 2019, etc.

E. Submission Standards for Overseas Criminal Record Certificate

• Eligibility for Submission: Applicants for F-4/H-2 visa issuance, and F-4/F-5 status change.

• Scope of Submission: Country of nationality + any third country where continuous residence of one year or more has been made in the last 5 years.

• Exemptions: 8 categories in total including minors under 14 years old, those born in Korea or who stayed in Korea for less than 6 months after entry, and those applying for a status change within 3 months of visa issuance (refer to original table).

• Validity Period: 6 months from the date of issuance.

F. Persons Subject to Denial of F-4 Status

• Individuals falling under Article 5(2)(1) and (2) of the Overseas Koreans Act.

• Those with suspended sentences for serious violent crimes or major offenses (drugs, voice phishing, drunk driving 3+ times) are prohibited for 7 years from the date of sentencing.

• Other suspended sentences (within the last 5 years) or fines totaling 7 million KRW or more (within the last 3 years), or immigration violation fines totaling 7 million KRW or more (within the last 3 years).

• Individuals with an overseas criminal record (subject to the standards mentioned above).

3. Family Accompanying and Visiting (F-1, F-3)

Commonly Required Documents: Visa application form, passport, one photograph, fees, proof of primary visa holder's status (e.g., resident registration card), family relationship documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (F&A)

Q1. What activities are permitted?
A1. Most employment activities are permitted without restriction. However, activities such as simple labor, entertainment businesses, or businesses that harm public morals are restricted. Professional occupations require relevant qualifications.

Q2. What is the maximum period of stay?
A2. A maximum of 3 years per period. For F-4-30 students, the initial period is 2 years, with subsequent extensions of 2 years.

Q3. What documents are required for extension?
A3. Application form, fees, and proof of place of residence (e.g., lease agreement). Extensions may be restricted due to legal violations.

Q4. Do I need to report changes in my place of employment?
A4. No.

Q5. Is a Korean language test score mandatory?
A5. Generally required for submission. However, there are many exemption categories (e.g., those aged 60+, F-4 holders for over 3 years, etc.).

Q6. Is an overseas criminal record certificate mandatory?
A6. Generally required (country of nationality + third country). Exemption conditions exist (e.g., minors under 14).

Q7. Can I apply for permanent residency (F-5)?
A7. Yes, if you have resided continuously in Korea with F-4 status for 2+ years and meet the income and asset requirements.

Q8. Can I start a business?
A8. Yes. Requirements include investment of 300 million KRW or more, or investment of 200 million KRW or more plus employment of one Korean national for 6 months or more. This applies within the first year of stay.

Photo Specification Summary: 3.5 x 4.5 cm, color, taken within the last 6 months.

Important: This guide presents information based solely on documentary facts and maintains the original order without duplication. All content has been included without omission, so please refer to it.