Permanent Resident(F-5)
| Scope of Activities | Not subject to activity restrictions based on the type of status |
| Eligible Persons | Persons who do not fall under any of the subparagraphs of Article 46(1) of the Act, but meet any of the following :
1. Adults under the Korean Civil Code who have been residing in Korea for 5 years or more with a status of stay listed in Annex 1-2, from 10. Long-term Assignment (D-7) to 20. Specific Activities (E-7), or with Residence (F-2) status in Annex 1-2. 2. Spouses or minor children of Korean nationals or holders of permanent residency (F-5) who have resided in Korea for 2 years or more, and persons who applied for granting of status of stay under Article 23 of the Act by virtue of being born in Korea, provided that at the time of birth their father or mother held F-5 status, as recognized by the Minister of Justice. 3. Foreign investors who invested at least USD 500,000 under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and employ five or more Korean nationals. 4. Persons holding Overseas Korean (F-4) status under Annex 1-2, number 26, who have continuously resided in Korea for 2 years or more and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in Korea. 5. Foreign nationals of Korean descent under Article 2(2) of the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans who meet the nationality acquisition requirements under the Nationality Act. 6. Persons who previously held Residence (F-2) status under Annex 1 of the former Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act (as amended before April 18, 2002, Presidential Decree No. 17579), including those who previously held equivalent status, and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in Korea. 7. Persons recognized by the Minister of Justice who meet either of the following: * a. Persons who obtained a doctoral degree abroad and are employed by a domestic company, etc., at the time of applying for F-5 status. * b. Persons who completed a regular program at a domestic graduate school and obtained a doctoral degree. 8. Persons holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in fields designated by the Minister of Justice, or a technical qualification designated by the Minister, who have resided in Korea for 3 years or more and, when applying for F-5 status, are employed by a domestic company receiving wages above the amount designated by the Minister of Justice. 9. Persons recognized by the Minister of Justice as having exceptional ability in certain fields such as science, business, education, culture and arts, or sports. 10. Persons recognized by the Minister of Justice as having made special contributions to Korea. 11. Persons aged 60 or older receiving a pension above the amount designated by the Minister of Justice from abroad. 12. Persons engaged in employment under Visiting Employment (H-2) status listed in Annex 1-2, number 29, who meet all requirements under Residence (F-2), items 1) to 3), and are recognized by the Minister of Justice considering factors such as length of service, employment region, industry characteristics, manpower shortage, and public employment preference. 13. Persons residing in Korea for 3 years or more under Residence (F-2) status listed in Annex 1-2, number 24, subparagraph, and recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in Korea. 14. Persons who, after obtaining Residence (F-2) status listed in Annex 1-2, number 24, sub-subparagraph, have maintained continuous investment for 5 years or more, and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in Korea, along with their spouse and children (only children meeting conditions designated by the Minister). 15. Persons residing continuously in Korea for 3 years or more under Corporate Investment (D-8) status listed in Annex 1-2, number 11, subparagraph (d), who have attracted at least KRW 300 million in investment and employ two or more Korean nationals, meeting conditions designated by the Minister of Justice. 16. Persons who invested at least the amount designated by the Minister of Justice, conditioned on maintaining investment for 5 years or more, and meet conditions designated by the Minister. 17. Persons holding Corporate Investment (D-8) status listed in Annex 1-2, number 11, subparagraph (a), who have continuously resided in Korea for 3 years or more as essential personnel at an R\&D facility under Article 25(1)(4) of the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, as recognized by the Minister of Justice. 18. Persons residing in Korea for 2 years or more under Residence (F-2) status listed in Annex 1-2, number 24, subparagraph (c). |
| Maximum Period of Stay That May Be Granted at One Time | No limit |
| Activities Beyond the Scope of Status of Stay | Not applicable |
| Change or Addition of Workplace | Not applicable |
| Granting of Status of Stay | If a child is born in the Republic of Korea to a parent holding permanent residency (F-5) status and the parent applies for granting of status of stay for the child, the child may be granted F-5 status.
a. The application for status of stay must be submitted within 90 days from the date of birth. ※ Children born overseas are excluded. b. Required Documents ① Application form (Form No. 34), passport, one standard-sized photo, and fee ② Documents proving family relationship (e.g., birth certificate) ③ Documents proving nationality of the country of origin |
| Permission to Change Status of Stay | # Grant of Permanent Residence (F-5) Status, excluding overseas Koreans
□ Types of Permanent Residence Status and Detailed Codes | Detailed Code of Permanent Residence Status | Eligible Person (Title) | Enforcement Decree, Attached Table 1-3 | | ------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | | F-5-1 | A person who has resided in Korea for 5 years or more (hereinafter referred to as “General Permanent Resident”) | Subparagraph 1 | | F-5-2 | Spouse of a Korean national | Subparagraph 2 | | F-5-3 | Minor child of a Korean national | Subparagraph 2 | | F-5-4 | Spouse or minor child of a permanent resident (excluding those who obtained permanent residence through the points system) (hereinafter referred to as “Spouse or Minor Child of a General Permanent Resident”) | Subparagraph 2 | | F-5-5 | An investor of USD 500,000 or more who employs at least 5 Korean nationals (hereinafter referred to as “Large-Scale Investor”) | Subparagraph 3 | | F-5-6 | A person who has resided in Korea for 2 years or more with Overseas Koreans (F-4) status (* subject to separate guidelines) | Subparagraph 4 | | F-5-7 | A foreign national of Korean descent who meets the requirements for naturalization (* subject to separate guidelines) | Subparagraph 5 | | F-5-8 | Ethnic Chinese residing in Korea who were born in Korea | Subparagraph 6 | | F-5-9 | Holder of a doctoral degree in a high-tech industry and employed by a domestic company (hereinafter referred to as “Doctor in High-Tech Field”) | Subparagraph 7(a) | | F-5-10 | Holder of a bachelor’s degree in a high-tech field, a master’s degree or higher in a general field, or a technical qualification certificate, and employed by a domestic company (hereinafter referred to as “Holder of Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree or Certificate”) | Subparagraph 8 | | F-5-11 | A person with outstanding ability in a specific field such as science, management, education, culture and arts, or sports (hereinafter referred to as “Individual with Special Ability”) | Subparagraph 9 | | F-5-12 | A person with special merit to the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as “Special Contributor”) | Subparagraph 10 | | F-5-13 | A person aged 60 or older who receives a pension from abroad (hereinafter referred to as “Pension Beneficiary”) | Subparagraph 11 | | F-5-14 | A person who has worked in manufacturing, etc. for 4 years or more with Employment Visit status (* subject to separate guidelines) | Subparagraph 12 | | F-5-15 | A person who has obtained a doctoral degree after completing a regular course at a domestic graduate school and is employed by a domestic company (hereinafter referred to as “General Doctoral Degree Holder”) | Subparagraph 7(b) | | F-5-16 | A person who has resided in Korea for 3 years or more with Residence (points system) status (hereinafter referred to as “Points-Based Permanent Resident”) | Subparagraph 13 | | F-5-17 | A person who has continuously invested for 5 years or more with Residence status by investing in tourism and resort facilities (hereinafter referred to as “Tourism/Resort Facility Investor”) | Subparagraph 14 | | F-5-18 | Spouse or minor child of a Points-Based Permanent Resident (F-5-16) (hereinafter referred to as “Spouse or Minor Child of a Points-Based Permanent Resident”) | Subparagraph 2 | | F-5-19 | Spouse or unmarried child of a Tourism/Resort Facility Investor (F-5-17) (hereinafter referred to as “Spouse or Unmarried Child of a Tourism/Resort Facility Investor”) | Subparagraph 14 | | F-5-20 | Child born in Korea to a permanent resident (hereinafter referred to as “Child of Permanent Resident Born in Korea”) | Subparagraph 2 | | F-5-21 | A person who has continuously invested for 5 years or more with Residence status by investing in public-interest projects (hereinafter referred to as “General Public-Interest Investor”) | Subparagraph 14 | | F-5-22 | Spouse or unmarried child of a General Public-Interest Investor (F-5-21) or Retired Immigrant Public-Interest Investor (F-5-23) (hereinafter referred to as “Spouse or Unmarried Child of a Public-Interest Investor”) | Subparagraph 14 | | F-5-23 | A retired immigrant who has continuously invested in public-interest projects for 5 years or more and holds assets of at least KRW 300 million in Korea (hereinafter referred to as “Retired Immigrant Public-Interest Investor”) | Subparagraph 14 | | F-5-24 | A person with Technology Startup (D-8-4) status who has attracted investment of KRW 300 million or more and employs at least 2 Korean nationals (hereinafter referred to as “Technology Startup Investor”) | Subparagraph 15 | | F-5-25 | A person who has pledged to invest at least KRW 3 billion for 5 years or more (hereinafter referred to as “Conditional Large-Scale Investor”) | Subparagraph 16 | | F-5-26 | A person who has worked for 3 years or more as essential professional staff in an R\&D facility invested in by foreigners (hereinafter referred to as “R&D Personnel of a Foreign-Invested Enterprise”) | Subparagraph 17 | | F-5-27 | A person who has resided in Korea for 2 years or more with Refugee Resident status (* subject to separate guidelines) | Subparagraph 18 | □ All of the following requirements must be met ※ F-5-2/3, F-5-6, F-5-7, F-5-14, F-5-27 are subject to separate guidelines 1. Requirement of Good Conduct, including Compliance with Korean Laws A person is deemed to satisfy the requirement of good conduct if none of the following apply. 1) Domestic Criminal Record Criteria a) A person who has been sentenced for a “specified violent crime” as defined in Article 2 of the *Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes. b) A person who has been sentenced to imprisonment or heavier punishment for violating the Immigration Control Act or other laws, and less than 5 years have passed since the sentence was fully served or exempted. c) A person who has been sentenced to a suspended sentence of imprisonment or heavier punishment for violating the Immigration Control Act or other laws, and less than 5 years have passed since the sentence was finalized. d) A person who has been fined for violating the Immigration Control Act or other laws, and less than 3 years have passed since the fine was paid. * If the fine was converted to detention due to non-payment, the completion date of detention is considered the payment date. * The same applies to those with an obligation to pay confiscation or additional fines. e) A person who violated Article 7(1) or (4), or Article 12(1) or (2) of the Immigration Control Act, and less than 5 years have passed since the violation. f) A person who has violated the Immigration Control Act 3 times or more in the past 5 years from the application date (excluding administrative fines). g) A person who was deported under Article 59(2) of the Immigration Control Act and less than 7 years have passed since departure, or who was ordered to leave under Article 68 and less than 5 years have passed since departure. h) A person who has been fined at least KRW 5 million for violating the Immigration Control Act within the past 3 years, or whose fines amount to KRW 7 million or more in total. i) A person who, having violated domestic laws and fallen under Article 46(1) of the Immigration Control Act (subject to deportation), was exceptionally granted stay for humanitarian reasons, but less than 5 years have passed since such permission. 2) Overseas Criminal Record Criteria a) A person who has been sentenced abroad for a “specified violent crime” under Article 2 of the *Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes*, or for threats, extortion, fraud, three or more DUI offenses, voice phishing, or drug-related crimes. b) A person who has been sentenced abroad to imprisonment or an equivalent punishment for other crimes (application for permanent residency restricted for 10 years from the date of sentencing). c) Overseas criminal records must be submitted in accordance with Attachment 1: Certificate of Overseas Criminal Record. However, overseas criminal record verification may be omitted if the applicant falls under one of the following: 1. Applicants for F-5-5 (Large-Scale Investor), F-5-9 (Doctor in High-Tech Field), F-5-15 (General Doctoral Degree Holder), F-5-11 (Individual with Special Ability), or F-5-12 (Special Contributor). 2. Applicants who are under the criminal age of responsibility as of the application date (as of April 2022, under 14 years old; subject to changes if the law is amended). 3. Persons born in Korea or who entered before age 14 and have not stayed abroad for 6 consecutive months after age 14. 4. Persons who previously submitted a criminal record certificate from their home country, are currently residing in Korea, and have not stayed abroad for 6 consecutive months. 5. Persons who submitted a criminal record certificate when applying for a visa at a Korean mission abroad, and apply for F-5 status change within 3 months from the visa issuance date. 6. Persons for whom issuance of a certificate is difficult due to age restrictions or residence requirements of the issuing country (must provide evidence that submission is impossible). 7. Persons who have continuously and lawfully resided in Korea for 10 years or more up to the application date. ※ Applicants must submit a certificate of criminal record issued by their country of nationality, and also submit a certificate from any third country where they have resided for at least 1 year within the last 5 years from the application date. ※ Applicants who stayed abroad for 6 months or more must submit a criminal record certificate issued by the government of the country of stay during that period. However, if issuance is impossible due to age restrictions or residence requirements of the issuing country, the applicant may provide proof and be exempted. 3) Implementation of Law-Abiding Citizenship Education (1) Eligible Participants : Applicants scheduled for approval of permanent residence (F-5) status change who, within the last 10 years from the application date, have been confirmed to have violated Korean law. However, the following persons are excluded (not required to participate in education) : Exempted from Education The following persons may be granted permission to change to F-5 status without completing the education program: 1. A person who has previously completed “Law-Abiding Citizenship Education” and has no further record of legal violations. 2. A person meeting the following conditions : * Has no more than one legal violation, and * Has received a non-prosecution disposition, or a fine/penalty/administrative surcharge of KRW 1 million or less (including exemption from disposition/imposition). (2) Education Application : Apply when identified as subject during the application process. * Before improvement of the Social Integration Information Network * In-person application : Applicant is guided regarding the 3-hour Law-Abiding Citizenship Education, applies, and receives a receipt of application. * Email application : Applicant submits the application form to the representative email address of the Immigration Integration Support Center of the competent immigration office. * After improvement of the Social Integration Information Network : Online application available at [www.socinet.go.kr](http://www.socinet.go.kr). 2. Livelihood Maintenance Requirement The applicant, or their cohabiting family, must meet the livelihood maintenance standard based on income or assets as specified below. Income and assets cannot be combined when calculating eligibility. The livelihood maintenance requirement differs depending on the detailed F-5 category (income only, income or assets, etc.). However, the applicant’s own income or assets must amount to at least 50% of the required standard, except in cases where the applicant is raising a minor child or is a minor child themselves. * For applicants under F-5-10 (Holder of Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree or Certificate) or F-5-13 (Pension Beneficiary), only the applicant’s own income is recognized as the source of livelihood. a. Eligible Income/Asset Holders * Principle : Applicant, spouse (excluding common-law), minor children, and parents (excluding spouse’s parents) who continuously cohabited with the applicant during the income calculation period and shared livelihood. *If registered address (residence) is the same, cohabitation is recognized in principle. b. Income Calculation Period * Principle : The calendar year prior to the year of application (“the previous year”). Example : For applications filed on January 1, 2022 or December 31, 2022 → income for the period Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 is calculated. (※ Not income for the 365 days preceding the application date.) * Exception : If public tax documents such as income certificates for the previous year are not yet available at the time of application, the year before the previous year (“two years prior”) is used. Example : * (Case ①) Application filed on Feb 1, 2020, but 2019 income certificate unavailable → 2018 income is used for assessment. * (Case ②) Application filed on Sep 1, 2020, and 2019 income certificate available → 2019 income is used for assessment. c. Asset Holding Standard * Assets : Financial or tangible assets continuously held for at least 6 months from acquisition date until the F-5 application date. * Both financial and tangible assets must retain their value until approval is granted. ○ Scope of Recognition * The combined net household assets (excluding liabilities) of the applicant or family members living together, including both financial and tangible assets, must be at least equal to or greater than the average net assets published in the Household Finance and Welfare Survey by Statistics Korea for the previous year. * For reference, Statistics Korea announced that as of the end of March 2021, the average net assets per household were 414.52 million KRW. * (Financial assets) : Installment/deposit savings, funds, insurance, stocks, bonds, and rental deposit money (jeonse/wolse). * For funds, insurance, stocks, bonds, etc., the (estimated) redemption value is recognized as assets. * (Tangible assets) : Officially announced appraisal values or publicly posted market prices by commercial banks for real estate such as houses or land. * (Liabilities) : Debts listed in the credit information report of the applicant and family members living together. ○ Basis of Calculation & Required Documents * Certified copies of real estate register, real estate sales contracts, lease contracts, (savings/deposit) balance certificates, etc. D. Types of Recognized Income * Income must fall under one or more of the categories of composite income defined in Article 4(1) of the Income Tax Act, and only income for which income tax has been paid will be recognized. * Exception : Applicants for permanent residence as pension recipients (F-5-13) will only have pension income received from overseas recognized. * Income that is subject to income tax but for which income tax has not been paid will not be recognized. * However, for tax-exempt income under Article 12 of the Income Tax Act, income may be recognized upon review of supporting documents. * Assets such as real estate are not recognized as income. * However, if income is generated from assets and income tax has been paid, both the income and the tax payment are recognized. * Example : If the applicant owns a house and receives rental income, it is recognized as business income (㉰). E. Supporting Documents for Recognized Income & Determining Impact on National Finances * Official documents proving income and related taxes paid, such as a Certificate of Income Statement issued by the tax office. * Official documents confirming full payment of mandatory charges such as national and local taxes, customs duties, health insurance premiums, etc. * Submission may be waived if the immigration office confirms through internal systems that there are no unpaid charges. * Supporting documents for tax-exempt income under Article 12 of the Income Tax Act. F. Standard for Comparing Recognized Annual Income * Principle : Per capita Gross National Income (GNI) of the previous year at the time of application. * Exception : If the previous year’s per capita GNI has not yet been announced, the per capita GNI of the year before last will be applied. G. Review of Livelihood Maintenance Requirement * For each permanent residence eligibility category, review is conducted as follows : 1. First, whether the income source has any negative impact on national finances. 2. Then, compare annual income with per capita GNI of the previous year or the year before last to determine if the livelihood maintenance requirement is met. 1) Review of Negative Impact on National Finances * Considered to negatively affect national finances in the following cases : ㉮ Failure to pay national or local taxes, or customs duties. ㉯ Failure to pay health insurance premiums, fines, etc. ㉰ Engaging in income-generating activities not permitted under the applicant’s stay status. ㉱ Engaging in activities against public morals, gambling-related, or entertainment service industries. ㉲ Any other circumstances deemed by the immigration office head as negatively affecting national finances. * If the applicant is responsible for such negative impact → considered as lacking livelihood maintenance ability. * If a family member is responsible → that family member will be excluded as an income source. Exemptions & Relaxations # Exemptions * High-value investors (F-5-5) * Individuals with special skills (F-5-11) * Persons of special merit (F-5-12) * Tourism/resort facility investors (F-5-17) * Children born in Korea to permanent residents (F-5-20) * Spouses or unmarried children of tourism/resort facility investors (F-5-19) * Public-interest business general investors (F-5-21) * Spouses or unmarried children of public-interest business investors (F-5-22) * Retired immigrant investors in public-interest projects (F-5-23) * Technology start-up investors (F-5-24) * Conditional high-value investors (F-5-25) * Individuals who entered Korea for study-work programs and successfully graduated from the relevant degree course (limited to permanent residence codes tied to degree completion). # Relaxations * Ethnic Chinese born in Korea (F-5-8) : * If living with 2 or fewer family members (spouse, parents, children), annual income will be deemed sufficient if it is at least 70% of the previous year’s per capita GNI. * If living with 3 or more family members, annual income must be at least equal to the previous year’s per capita GNI. * If annual income requirement is not met, it will still be recognized if, as of the application date, the applicant and cohabiting family (spouse, children, or parents) continuously resided together for at least 1 year and owned real estate or received rental income worth at least 60 million KRW. (No differentiation based on family size). 3. Basic Knowledge Requirement A person is deemed to have met the basic knowledge requirement if they fall under any of the following : a. Completed Level 5 of the Social Integration Program. b. Scored 60 points or higher (out of 100) on the Comprehensive Test for Permanent Residency or Naturalization. c. Acquired TOPIK Level 4 or higher (applies only to applicants who applied on or before March 31, 2019). ※ Exception : Among F-5-1 applicants, those holding an E-5 (Professional) visa and completing a residency course at a domestic hospital will be considered to have satisfied the requirement if they have achieved TOPIK Level 5 or higher. Applicable Applicants (Subject to Review) * General permanent residents (F-5-1) and their spouses (F-5-4) * Point-based permanent residents (F-5-16) and their spouses (F-5-18) * Bachelor’s/Master’s degree or license holders (F-5-10) Exemptions Exempt Groups (by permanent residence category applied for) * High-value investors (F-5-5) * Ethnic Chinese born in Korea (F-5-8) * Ph.D. holders in advanced fields (F-5-9) * Individuals with special skills (F-5-11) * Persons of special merit (F-5-12) * Pension recipients (F-5-13) * Ph.D. holders in general fields (F-5-15) * Tourism/resort facility investors (F-5-17) * Spouses or unmarried children of tourism/resort facility investors (F-5-19) * Children born in Korea to permanent residents (F-5-20) * Public-interest business general investors (F-5-21) * Spouses or unmarried children of public-interest business investors (F-5-22) * Retired immigrant investors in public-interest projects (F-5-23) * Technology start-up investors (F-5-24) * Conditional high-value investors (F-5-25) * R&D personnel of foreign-invested companies (F-5-26) Exempt Individuals (regardless of PR type applied for) ① Foreign minors under age 15 (under Civil Act) ② Foreign minors aged 15 or older enrolled in a regular educational institution * Public/private schools, international schools, alternative schools, or institutions specializing in minor education ③ Applicants eligible for an exemption PR category (e.g., a person eligible for F-5-9 Advanced Field Ph.D. but applying for F-5-1 General PR) ④ Individuals who completed a regular Ph.D. program at a domestic graduate school and obtained the degree Common Documents (Required for All PR Categories) The following documents are mandatory for all permanent residence applications (in addition to category-specific requirements) : 1. Integrated application form (including revenue stamp) 2. Passport 3. Forigner Registration Card * If unavailable: one passport photo taken within the past 6 months + PR issuance fee 4. Proof of residence * Valid documents as of application date (e.g., real estate lease contract, certified real estate register) 5. Overseas criminal background certificate * May be omitted if not specifically requested 6. Letter of Guarantee (except for exempt applicants) * Exemption applies to : * Tourism/resort facility investors (F-5-17) * Their spouses or minor children (F-5-19) * Public-interest business general investors (F-5-21) * Retired immigrant investors in public-interest projects (F-5-23) * Spouses or unmarried children of public-interest business investors (F-5-22) * Also exempt if : a. Applicant is a person obligated under Article 79 of the Act & Article 89 of the Enforcement Decree b. Overseas Chinese who entered Korea before August 15, 1948 (Korean government establishment date) and their direct descendants, currently on F-2 residence status c. Japanese spouses of Koreans and their direct descendants, currently on F-2 residence status 7. Documents related to livelihood maintenance (annual income) * Public certificates proving full payment of national/local taxes (tax payment or non-arrears certificate) * Official income certificates (e.g., Certificate of Income Statement issued by tax office) showing total income and taxes paid 8. Proof of basic knowledge requirement (except exempt applicants) * At least one of the following (valid as of application date if time-limited): * Pass certificate of Immigration PR Qualification Test (Comprehensive Test for Permanent Residency) * Pass certificate of Immigration Naturalization Qualification Test (Comprehensive Test for Naturalization) * Certificate of completion of Social Integration Program (PR course) * Certificate of completion of Social Integration Program (Naturalization course) * TOPIK certificate Level 4–6 (only for PR applicants who applied before March 31, 2019) 9. Basic information form for PR applicants (to be completed and submitted by applicant) * To expedite review and avoid unnecessary field investigations * Note : If false information is discovered after PR is granted, PR may be revoked under Article 89-2(1)2 of the Immigration Control Act □ Submission Standards for Overseas Criminal Background Certificate 1. Countries for Submission ○ Country of nationality ○ Third country (only if the applicant has continuously resided there for one year or more within the last five years as of the application date) 2. Exemptions (If any of the following apply) ❍ Applicants under 14 years of age as of the application date ❍ Persons born in Korea or who entered Korea under age 14 and did not reside abroad continuously for six months or more after turning 14 ❍ Applicants who submitted an overseas criminal background certificate during visa issuance and apply for F-5 (permanent residency) status within three months of visa issuance ❍ Persons for whom the issuing country has age restrictions or residency requirements that prevent issuance (applicant must demonstrate why issuance is impossible) * Example : Canadian citizens under 18 years old ❍ Persons for whom issuance is impossible due to natural disasters, war, or similar circumstances recognized by the head of the overseas mission or immigration office (applicant must demonstrate difficulty in obtaining the certificate) ❍ Applicants for any of the following categories: High-value investor (F-5-5), Advanced Field Ph.D. (F-5-9), General Field Ph.D. (F-5-15), Specific Skill Holder (F-5-11), Special Merit (F-5-12) ❍ Persons who previously submitted a criminal background certificate from their home country and have not resided abroad continuously for six months or more ❍ Persons who have continuously and legally resided in Korea for more than 10 years as of the application date ※ Applicants must submit a criminal background certificate issued by their country of nationality, and if applicable, a certificate from any third country where they have resided for more than one year within the last five years. ※ For applicants who resided abroad for six months or more, the certificate must cover the period of overseas residence. If issuance is impossible due to age restrictions or residency requirements, submitting evidence of such difficulty allows exemption. □ Requirements for Overseas Criminal Background Certificate 1. Issuing Authority and Content ○ Must be an official document issued by an authorized agency in the applicant’s country of nationality (or third country), covering all criminal records in that country. ① Certificates issued by Korean missions not located in the country of nationality/third country (except the Embassies of Russia and Turkmenistan in Korea) are not recognized. ② If the issuing country’s system or agency for criminal background verification is inadequate, certificates from local competent authorities may be accepted. * China : “All documents equivalent to criminal record certificates” (including police station-issued documents) accepted * USA : Ideally, FBI-issued certificate (obtained directly by applicant or through an FBI-certified channeler); state-issued certificates accepted only if they cover nationwide criminal records 2. Authentication Procedure ○ Depends on whether the issuing country is a signatory to the Apostille Convention : ① Apostille Convention countries : Verify apostille from the issuing country * Exception : If a citizen of an Apostille country cannot obtain an apostille for unavoidable reasons, consular verification at the Korean mission in the issuing country is allowed ② Non-Apostille countries: Consular verification at the Korean mission in the issuing country * China exception : Must obtain notarization by Chinese notary + Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification, then consular verification at Korean mission ○ If there is no Korean mission in the issuing country, consular verification may be waived 3. Validity Period ○ Must be issued within 6 months of the permanent residency application date 4. Submission Timing and Other Notes ○ Submit original certificate and a notarized translation at the time of PR application * Translation must include translator’s name, contact information, and a copy of their ID □ Annual Income Requirements by PR Category  □ Permanent Residence (F-5) Applicant Basic Information Form (To be completed by the applicant) ※ The questions may be subject to change Permanent Residence (F-5) Applicant Basic Information (To be completed by the applicant) ○ This form is prepared to facilitate the prompt processing of the permanent residence application. Failure to answer or submit this form may delay the review. ○ Applicants should complete all questions to the best of their ability and submit all relevant supporting documents. 1. Please provide your personal information (applicant) ○ Name in English : ○ Nationality : ○ Address in country of nationality : ○ Foreigner Registration Number : ○ Contact Information : 2. Please indicate (√) which permanent residence status you are applying for  3. Please indicate (√) whether you have submitted the following documents. ※ Do not mark the column for public official qualification review a) Common submission documents ※ Documents ⑤, ⑥, ⑦, ⑧ need not be marked if the applicant is exempt from review  b) Documents required by specific permanent residence status  4. Please provide information for the following questions: ① Applicant’s Educational Background School Name / Period of Attendance / Location / Remarks 00 Elementary School / 1990\~1996 / / Graduated 00 Middle School / / / Dropped out 00 High School / / / Graduated 00 University / / / Mechanical Engineering Department / Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering ※ Include all schools attended abroad. Only the years need to be provided for attendance periods. For universities, specify the major and degree obtained in the remarks column. ② Applicant’s Family (within 4th degree of kinship) Relationship Name (English or Korean) Date of Birth or Alien Registration Number Address Presence in Korea (Occupation & Contact Information) Father Deceased Mother 640101-6554152 ○○ City ○○ District ○○ Dong 00~00 Resident (Unemployed, 010-0000-0000) Spouse Resident Children Not resident ※ Except for father, mother, spouse, and children, only include relatives residing in Korea at the time of application. ※ If the applicant’s family is residing in Korea at the time of application, they must hold appropriate residence status as of the time the permanent residence is granted. ③ Countries outside Korea and the applicant’s nationality where the applicant has stayed continuously for more than six months Period (Year and Month only) Country Purpose Sep 2101 ~ Jan 20022 USA Visit siblings Year Month ~ Year Month Employment ④ Applicant’s employment over the last three years ○ Period of Employment : YYYY MM ~ YYYY MM ○ Employer Name : ○ Employer Address & Contact : ○ Job Experience at Workplace : ○ Average Monthly Wage : ○ Description of Workplace : ○ Specific Duties at Workplace : ⑤ Whether the applicant has previously entered or exited a country illegally, or whether nationality, name, or date of birth has ever changed; if yes, please provide details. ⑥ Whether the applicant has violated Korean law and received any punishment in the last five years; if yes, specify the agency and the type of punishment received. ⑦ Whether the applicant is currently under investigation, prosecution, or trial for violating Korean law; if yes, specify the law violated and the agency (court) handling the case. ⑧ Reason for applying for permanent residence I acknowledge that if any of the above information is false, the change of residence status to permanent residence may be denied. If false information is discovered after the permanent residence is granted, the permanent residence status may be canceled in accordance with Article 89-2, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 2 of the Immigration Control Act. Date (YYYY MM DD) Applicant Name (Signature) □ Calculation of Domestic Stay Period The period of stay in Korea is calculated by summing the days of continuous stay in the country, but periods for extending stay for departure or periods of deferred departure deadlines are counted as departure periods. * However, if each temporary overseas departure period is within 90 days and the total of such departure days does not exceed 180 days per year, it is recognized as continuously staying in Korea and the departure period is included in the stay period. □ Loss of Permanent Residency ○ If the resident does not enter Korea within the re-entry exemption period (within 2 years from the date of departure) or within the re-entry permit period. □ Cancellation of Permanent Residency Permanent residency is canceled in the following cases: 1. If permanent residency was obtained by false or other fraudulent methods. 2. If convicted of a crime under any of the following laws and sentenced to imprisonment or confinement of 2 years or more : ① 「Criminal Act」, ② 「Act on the Punishment of Violent Crimes, etc.」, ③ 「Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes」, ④ 「Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles against Sexual Abuse」, ⑤ 「Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes」, ⑥ 「Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes」, ⑦ 「Narcotics Control Act」, ⑧ 「Special Act on the Control of Health Offenses」. 3. If, within the last 5 years, the total period of imprisonment or confinement for violations of Korean law is 3 years or more. 4. If a conditional permanent resident (F-5-25) withdraws part or all of the amount deposited in a public interest investment immigration fund (principal-guaranteed, interest-free type) within 5 years from the date of obtaining permanent residency. 5. If subject to deportation for any of the following reasons : a) Committing a crime of rebellion under Part 2, Chapter 1, or a crime of treason under Chapter 2 of the 「Criminal Act」. b) Committing a crime of murder under Chapter 24, rape or molestation under Chapter 32, or robbery under Chapter 38 of the 「Criminal Act」 and being sentenced to imprisonment or confinement of 5 years or more and released. c) Committing a crime in violation of the 「Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes」, 「Narcotics Control Act」, 「National Security Act」, or 「Special Act on the Control of Health Offenses」 and sentenced to imprisonment or confinement of 5 years or more and released. d) Committing a crime in violation of Articles 5-2, 5-4, 5-5, 5-9, or 11 of the 「Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes」 and sentenced to imprisonment or confinement of 5 years or more and released. e) Committing a crime in violation of Article 4 of the 「Act on the Punishment of Violent Crimes, etc.」 and sentenced to imprisonment or confinement of 5 years or more and released. f) Violating Article 12-3 (1) or (2) of the 「Immigration Control Act」, or instigating or aiding such violation. 6. Committing acts contrary to the national interest of the Republic of Korea in terms of national security, diplomatic relations, or the national economy. Common Requirements ▖ The applicant for permanent residency must not be a dual national holding Korean nationality. ▖ The applicant for permanent residency must not have experience of engaging in or operating entertainment services (including similar businesses) against public morals or social order from the required stay period for each detailed qualification until the decision of review. * However, sectors approved under the permission for activities outside the stay status are recognized (income from illegal employment is not recognized). 1. General Permanent Resident〔F-5-1〕 a. Target (No. 1 of Appendix 1-3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act) ○ Adults under the Korean Civil Act who have stayed in Korea for 5 years or more under the stay statuses from No. 10 (D-7) to No. 20 (E-7 Specific Activity) in Appendix 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, or under No. 24 (F-2 Resident) of Appendix 1-2. b. Requirements ○ Continuous stay in Korea for 5 years or more as of the application date under the stay statuses defined in ‘a. Target’ above. * Stay periods can be summed if the applicant continuously stayed under the above ‘a. Target’ stay statuses without complete departure. * Must maintain economic activities permitted under the current stay status (sectors approved under the permission for activities outside the stay status are recognized). ○ If the applicant holds an investment for business (D-8) stay status, the average annual sales for the two years preceding the year of application\* must be 1 billion KRW or more. Example) For applicants with application dates of 2018.1.1 and 2018.12.31, the results from 2016.1.1 to 2017.12.31 are considered. ○ If the applicant holds a trade management (D-9) stay status, the average annual export amount for the two most recent years preceding the year of application must be 500 million KRW or more, or average annual sales must be 1 billion KRW or more. * Exemptions apply for installation, operation, maintenance of export equipment, shipbuilding, and equipment supervision. ○ If the applicant holds a job-seeking (D-10) stay status, must possess at least a bachelor’s degree and have an employment contract that satisfies the guidelines for E-1~E-7 (excluding E-6 entertainment industry workers). ○ If the applicant holds a specific activity (E-7) stay status, must possess at least a bachelor’s degree. ○ Ability to maintain livelihood (satisfying at least one of the following) : * Income: 2 times or more the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) of the previous year. * For general permanent residents (F-5-1) applying with professional occupation (E-5) stay status undergoing a residency program in a domestic hospital, the standard is at least 1 times the previous year’s per capita GNI. * Assets: Average net assets of 1.5 times or more in the previous year. c. Required Documents ○ D-7 : Certificate of employment or dispatch order ○ D-8, D-9 : Proof of sales or export amounts, etc. ○ D-10, E-7 : Relevant degree certificate, employment contract, etc. 2. Marriage Immigrant (F-5-2), Minor Child of a National (F-5-3) a. Foreign spouse maintaining a normal marriage (legal marriage) with a Korean spouse and continuously staying in Korea for 2 years or more under the spouse of a national (F-6-1) status. 1. Permit Requirements a) Maintaining a normal marital life with the Korean spouse. b) Continuous stay in Korea for 2 years or more under the Marriage Immigrant (F-6) status. c) Good Conduct Requirement * Article 10-3(2)(1) of the Immigration Control Act: Must have good conduct, including compliance with the laws of the Republic of Korea. d) Ability to Maintain Livelihood * Article 10-3(2)(2) of the Immigration Control Act: Must have the ability to maintain livelihood through income or assets of self or family members living together. * Income standard: Combined income of self or family members living together must be equal to or higher than the previous year’s per capita Gross National Income (GNI) announced by the Bank of Korea. * Household asset standard: Combined assets of self and family members living together must be equal to or above the median level (net asset “median” from the Household Finance and Welfare Survey). ※ Income standard and household asset standard cannot be combined. *(Family members living together) Those who have continuously lived with the applicant for more than 1 year : ① applicant’s spouse, ② applicant’s direct family, ③ spouse’s direct family. e) Basic Knowledge Requirement * Article 10-3(2)(3) of the Immigration Control Act: Must have the basic knowledge necessary to continue living in Korea, such as Korean language skills and understanding of Korean society and culture. * Completion of Social Integration Program under Article 39(1) of the Immigration Control Act. * Comprehensive evaluation score of 60 or more out of 100 according to Article 48(2)(3) of the Enforcement Decree. - According to the Ministry of Justice notice (relaxation and exemption criteria for permanent residency), the livelihood ability and basic knowledge requirements can be relaxed or exempted (check eligibility and required documents with 1345 or local immigration office). 2. Required Documents Common Documents * Passport, Alien Registration Card, Integrated Application Form, standard photo, fee, proof of residence. Family Relationship Verification * Korean spouse’s basic certificate, marriage certificate, family relation certificate, resident registration copy. * If children exist: children’s family relation certificate. Proof of Normal Marital Life * Photos (3 or more) of family events (marriage of relatives, school admission/graduation, holidays, travel, daily life) taken together during marital life. Good Conduct Documents * Criminal record certificate issued within 6 months. Livelihood Documents * Income exceeding per capita GNI : proof of income of applicant or family members living together (may request withholding tax certificate, salary deposit records, other sales/costs or income proof documents). * Household assets above median : proof of assets for applicant and family members living together (bank transaction records, deposit/savings certificates, lease contracts, real estate registration, credit report). Basic Knowledge Documents * Social Integration Program Completion Certificate (Korean Immigration Eligibility Program or Naturalization Program). * Comprehensive Evaluation Score 60+: KIPRAT or KINAT pass certificate. Other documents as recognized necessary by the Commissioner (e.g., proof for relaxation/exemption eligibility). b. Parent or mother/father raising a child born from marriage (including de facto marriage) with a Korean spouse, continuously staying in Korea for 2 years or more under F-6 status. 1. Permit Requirements a) Raising a child born from a relationship with a Korean (former) spouse. b) Continuous stay for 2 years or more under F-6 status. c) Good Conduct Requirement: Same as above. d) Ability to Maintain Livelihood: Same as above. e) Basic Knowledge Requirement: Same as above. 2. Required Documents Common : same as above Family verification: marriage certificate with Korean (former) spouse, child’s basic certificate and family relation certificate. Child raising verification: photos of family events, holidays, daily life with child (3 or more), expenses for child-rearing (pocket money, tuition, medical). Good conduct, livelihood, and basic knowledge: same as above c. Person whose normal marital relationship cannot be maintained due to death, disappearance, or other reasons not attributable to self, who has continuously stayed in Korea for 2 years or more under F-6 status. 1. Permit Requirements a) Confirmation that the marital relationship was terminated due to fault of Korean (former) spouse and that the applicant maintained a normal marital life until the termination. b) Continuous stay under F-6 status for 2 years or more. c) Good conduct, livelihood ability, basic knowledge : same as above. 2. Required Documents Common: same as above Family verification: marriage certificate with Korean (former) spouse, child’s certificates if applicable Proof of spouse’s fault for marital breakdown: photos, messages, witness statements, divorce judgment, medical certificates, criminal record, etc. Good conduct, livelihood, basic knowledge: same as above d. Minor foreign child of a Korean, continuously staying in Korea for 2 years or more under F-2 Resident status. 1. Permit Requirements a) Minor foreign child of a Korean. b) Continuous stay for 2 years or more under F-2 Resident status. c) Good conduct: must comply with Korean laws. d) Ability to maintain livelihood: not applicable. e) Basic Knowledge Requirement * Must have Korean language skills and understanding of Korean society and culture necessary to continue living in Korea. * Completion of Social Integration Program. * Comprehensive evaluation score of 60 or more out of 100. * For children below compulsory school age: basic knowledge requirement exempt. * For ages of compulsory schooling up to 15 years: exemption possible if enrolled in schools under Elementary and Secondary Education Act (excluding foreign schools under same Act). * For 15 years or older: exemption possible if at least one of the following : ① Graduated from schools under Elementary and Secondary Education Act (excluding foreign schools), ② Passed equivalent diploma test for schools under the same Act (excluding foreign schools), ③ Attended schools under the same Act for 2 years or more. 2. Required Documents Common Documents * Passport, foreigner Registration Card, Integrated Application Form, standard-sized photo, fee, proof of residence. Family Relationship Verification Documents * Basic certificate, marriage certificate, family relation certificate, resident registration copy of the Korean father or mother. * Family relation documents such as the birth certificate of the minor child (applicant) (if necessary, may also require photos taken together, child-rearing proof documents, etc.). Good Conduct Requirement Documents (excluding criminal minors) * Overseas criminal record certificate (issued within 6 months from the application date). Basic Knowledge Requirement Documents * (Completion of Social Integration Program) “Social Integration Program Completion Certificate” (Korean Immigration Eligibility Program or Korean Immigration Naturalization Eligibility Program). * (Comprehensive evaluation 60 points or higher) “Korean Immigration Eligibility Test Pass Certificate” (KIPRAT) or “Korean Immigration Naturalization Eligibility Test Pass Certificate” (KINAT). * (For those who completed formal education) Graduation certificate, equivalency test pass certificate, enrollment certificate, etc. < Integrated Civic Education Customized for Permanent Residents/Naturalized Citizens (Law-abiding Civic Education) > □ Target : Applicants for change to Permanent Resident (F-5) status who, within the last 10 years from the application date, have confirmed violations of domestic law but meet the good conduct requirement and are scheduled for approval. However, the following individuals are excluded (participation in education not required). Exemption from Education ◌ The following individuals may be granted Permanent Resident (F-5) status change approval even if they do not complete the education : 1. Those who have previously completed the “Law-abiding Civic Education” and have no additional legal violations. 2. Those who meet all of the following requirements: * Only one legal violation. * Non-prosecution disposition or imposition of a fine, penalty, or administrative fine of 1 million KRW or less (including exemption from disposition or imposition). ※ If 10 years have passed from the case closure date (date of non-prosecution disposition, payment date of fine, etc.), the education requirement is exempted. □ Applying for Education ○ Apply for education through the Social Integration Information Network ([www.socinet.go.kr](http://www.socinet.go.kr)) website. Other documents recognized as necessary by the Commissioner for review. < Integrated Civic Education Customized for Permanent Residents/Naturalized Citizens (Law-abiding Civic Education) > □ Target : Applicants for change to Permanent Resident (F-5) status who, within the last 10 years from the application date, have confirmed violations of domestic law but meet the good conduct requirement and are scheduled for approval. However, the following individuals are excluded (participation in education not required). Exemption from Education ◌ The following individuals may be granted Permanent Resident (F-5) status change approval even if they do not complete the education : 1. Those who have previously completed the “Law-abiding Civic Education” and have no additional legal violations. 2. Those who meet all of the following requirements: * Only one legal violation. * Non-prosecution disposition or imposition of a fine, penalty, or administrative fine of 1 million KRW or less (including exemption from disposition or imposition). ※ If 10 years have passed from the case closure date (date of non-prosecution disposition, payment date of fine, etc.), the education requirement is exempted. □ Applying for Education ○ Apply for education through the Social Integration Information Network ([www.socinet.go.kr](http://www.socinet.go.kr)) website. 3. Spouses or Minor Children of General Permanent Residents〔F-5-4〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 2) ○ Spouses or minor children of persons with Permanent Resident status (F-5) who have resided in the Republic of Korea for more than 2 years and are recognized by the Minister of Justice. * However, spouses and children of point-based Permanent Residents (F-5-16), tourism and resort facility investors (F-5-17), or public interest project investors (F-5-21/23) follow separate regulations. b. Requirements 1. Spouse of a Permanent Resident (F-5) ○ Must hold Residence (F-2) status as the spouse of a Permanent Resident (F-5) and have maintained legal marriage and family relationships in Korea for at least 2 years. * Means that the applicant’s spouse must have obtained F-5 status at least 2 years prior. ○ Must have maintained the following statuses from 2 years before the application date until the review decision: D-7 (Long-term Resident), D-8\~E-7 (Specific Activities), F-2 (Residence), F-4 (Overseas Korean), H-2 (Visiting Employment) as listed in Appendix 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree. ☞ No full exit from Korea; only continuous stay under the listed statuses is considered for cumulative periods. ○ Must maintain the marriage until the review decision (※ Divorce or common-law marriage not allowed). 2. Minor child of a Permanent Resident (F-5) ○ Must hold Residence (F-2) status as the minor child of a Permanent Resident (F-5) and have maintained family relations in Korea for at least 2 years\*. * Means that the applicant’s parent (father or mother) must have obtained F-5 status at least 2 years prior. ○ Must be a minor under Civil Law as of the application date. ○ Until the review decision, the parent holding F-5 status must have custody and parental authority. * For adopted children, the period is counted from the legal establishment of the family relationship. ○ Must not hold dual nationality with Korean citizenship. 3. Ability to maintain livelihood (satisfy at least one of the following) ○ Income : at least per capita GNI of the previous year. ○ Assets : at least average net assets of the previous year. c. Required Documents ○ Family relationship proof documents, birth certificate, etc. 4. High-value Investor〔F-5-5〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 3) ○ Foreign investors who have invested USD 500,000 under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and employ at least 5 Korean nationals. ※ Employees or staff other than the investor are not included. b. Requirements (Exemption from livelihood requirement) 1. Sole Investor ○ Must maintain investment of USD 500,000 or more under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. ○ Must directly employ at least 5 Korean nationals for more than 6 months under full-time regular employment contracts. 2. Joint Investor ○ Must maintain investment of USD 500,000 or more under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. ※ If the applicant’s share of the joint investment is less than USD 500,000, eligibility for F-5-5 does not apply. ○ Must directly employ at least 5 Korean nationals for more than 6 months under full-time regular employment contracts. * When counting employed nationals, each national is counted separately per investor. * If an employed national has been counted in another F-5 applicant’s employment within 6 months before the application date, that national is excluded from the count. c. Required Documents ○ Certificate of Foreign-Invested Enterprise Registration, complete corporate registration certificate, business registration certificate. ○ Proof of regular employment of Korean nationals: * List of subscribers to the 4 major social insurance programs, income certificate of employed Koreans. * Employment contract, regular employment confirmation, etc. 5. Korean-born Resident Chinese〔F-5-8〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 6) ○ Those who had Residence (F-2) status under the previous Enforcement Decree (before partial amendment by Presidential Decree No. 17579, promulgated and enforced on April 18, 2002) and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing continued residence in Korea. b. Requirements ○ Korean-born resident Chinese who previously held Residence (F-2) status under the pre-amendment Enforcement Decree (including those who held equivalent prior statuses) and meet one of the following: 1. Continuously stayed in Korea without full exit under D-7~E-7, F-2 statuses. 2. Stayed under F-2 previously, exited fully, and re-entered to continuously stay in Korea for at least 2 years under D-7~E-7, F-2 statuses. * Cumulative periods are allowed. 3. Stayed under F-2 previously, exited fully, and re-entered to stay under F-1, F-3, or the statuses in 2) for at least 4 years continuously in Korea. * Cumulative periods are allowed. ○ Ability to maintain livelihood (satisfy at least one of the following) * For cohabiting family (spouse, parents, children) of 2 or fewer: at least 70% of per capita GNI of the previous year. * For cohabiting family of 3 or more: at least per capita GNI of the previous year. * If annual income is insufficient, assets of at least 60 million KRW in the names of cohabiting family (spouse, children, applicant’s parents) for one year from the application date are considered to meet the livelihood requirement. ※ Number of cohabiting family members irrelevant. c. Required Documents ○ Family association copy issued by the Chinese Association, birth certificate, etc. 6. Doctorate in Advanced Fields〔F-5-9〕 and General Fields〔F-5-15〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 7) ○ Persons who obtained a doctoral degree in a certain field abroad and are employed in domestic companies at the time of applying for Permanent Resident (F-5) status, recognized by the Minister of Justice. ○ Persons who completed a regular course at a domestic graduate school and obtained a doctoral degree, recognized by the Minister of Justice. b. Requirements 1. Holder of an advanced technology field doctoral degree obtained abroad and employed by a domestic company〔F-5-9〕 ○ Must have obtained a doctoral degree in an advanced technology field\* abroad before the application date and must have been continuously employed for 1 year or more in a full-time regular employment form in a field related to the obtained degree in a domestic company until the application date. * Fields announced pursuant to Article 5 of the Industrial Development Act, including IT, technology management, nano, digital electronics, bio, transport and machinery, new materials, environment and energy, etc. ○ Continuity of employment is recognized and employment period counted in total if the total days of interruption during company changes within 1 year do not exceed 30 days. 2. Persons who obtained a doctoral degree by completing a regular course at a domestic graduate school〔F-5-15〕 ○ Must have completed a regular doctoral program at a domestic graduate school and obtained a doctoral degree before the application date, and must have been continuously employed in a domestic company for 1 year or more in a full-time regular employment form until the application date, in a field not violating public morals or social order (including similar industries). * Refers to cases meeting doctoral program (D-2-4) or study abroad (D-2) requirements; cases where the degree was obtained without completing the prescribed program at a domestic graduate school are not included. * Regardless of whether the field is related to the obtained doctoral degree. ※ Continuity of employment is recognized and employment period counted in total if total interruption during company changes within 1 year does not exceed 30 days. 3. Ability to maintain livelihood (satisfying at least one of the following) ○ Income : Previous year per capita Gross National Income (GNI) or more ○ Assets : Previous year average net assets or more c. Required Documents ○ Copy of doctoral degree certificate ※ “Transcript, etc.” may be additionally requested ○ Copy of company business registration certificate, certificate of employment ○ 4 major social insurance subscriber list, employment contract, or other verification documents for full-time employment, etc. 7. Holder of Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree or Technical Certification〔F-5-10〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 8) ○ Persons who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field designated by the Minister of Justice, have stayed in Korea for 3 years or more, and at the time of applying for F-5 status are employed by a domestic company receiving wages above the amount designated by the Minister of Justice. ○ Persons who hold a technical certificate designated by the Minister of Justice, have stayed in Korea for 3 years or more, and at the time of applying for F-5 status are employed by a domestic company receiving wages above the amount designated by the Minister of Justice. b. Requirements ○ Must satisfy all of the following 1), 2), 3), 4) 1. Must hold at least one of the following degrees or technical certifications : ㉮ Bachelor’s degree or higher in advanced technology fields * Fields announced pursuant to Article 5 of the Industrial Development Act, including IT, technology management, nano, digital electronics, bio, transport and machinery, new materials, environment and energy, etc. ㉯ Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering (including non-advanced technology fields) obtained from a domestic university/graduate school after completing a regular course ㉰ Master’s degree (including science or non-advanced technology fields) obtained from a domestic university/graduate school after completing a regular course ㉱ Technical certificate issued by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea or equivalent certificate\* * Certificate recognized by the Korean government under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) 2. Must have continuously stayed in Korea for 3 years or more before the application date according to the following : ○ (Foreign degree or certificate holder) Must have worked for 3 years or more in a domestic company in the field related to the degree or certificate and continuously stayed in Korea * Total interruption during company changes within 3 years not exceeding 90 days counts as continuous employment. ○ (Domestic degree holder) From 3 years before the application date until the review decision, must not have worked in fields not permitted by the residence type, and must have worked 3 years or more in fields not violating public morals or social order (including similar industries), continuously staying in Korea. * Total interruption during company changes within 3 years not exceeding 90 days counts as continuous employment. 3. At the time of application, must have been employed in a domestic company in a full-time regular employment form for 1 year or more * Total interruption during company changes within 1 year not exceeding 30 days counts as continuous employment. ○ For ㉮ and ㉱ in 1), work only in the field related to the degree or certificate ○ For ㉯ and ㉰ in 1), work must not be in fields violating public morals or social order (including similar industries) 4. Ability to maintain livelihood ○ Income : Previous year per capita GNI or more c. Required Documents ○ Copy of degree or certificate ※ “Transcript, etc.” may be additionally requested ○ Copy of company business registration certificate, certificate of employment ○ 4 major social insurance subscriber list, employment contract, or other verification documents for full-time employment, etc. 8. Holder of Specific Field Competency〔F-5-11〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 9) ○ Persons with outstanding abilities in specific fields such as science, management, education, culture and arts, sports, recognized by the Minister of Justice b. Requirements (exemption from livelihood requirement) ○ Must satisfy at least one of the mandatory items, and the total points of mandatory and optional items must meet one of the following Mandatory items total Mandatory + optional items total Domestic stay period 30 points or more 50 points or more Acquired regardless of domestic stay period 20~29 points 100 points or more Acquired regardless of domestic stay period 10~19 points 100 points or more Foreign registration after 1 year or more domestic stay ○ The contents and points of mandatory items and optional items are classified as follows □ Mandatory items: total 245 points  ※ If multiple single items are applicable, the scores will be added together; however, in cases of overlapping scores within the same single item, only the highest score will be recognized □ Optional items: total 205 points  ※ If multiple applicable optional items exist, sum all of them, but if points overlap within optional items, only the highest point is counted (however, all additional points are recognized) Details of Optional Items - Annual income : Based on the previous year's per capita Gross National Income (GNI) announced by the Bank of Korea; applies only to the applicant's domestic income (excluding accompanying family, etc.), according to ‘Income Statement’ issued by the head of tax office - Domestic assets: Includes all movable and immovable assets in the applicant’s name, but only net assets after deducting debts, etc. apply (confirm defaults and debts via credit information report, etc.) - Academic background: Includes both domestic and foreign degrees, applies only if already obtained (excluding expected degrees) ☞ (Domestic degree) Only recognized if obtained after completing a course at a school recognized under Article 2 of the Higher Education Act (Foreign degree) Only recognized if obtained after completing a course at a formal educational institution equivalent to a school under the Domestic Higher Education Act - Basic competency: Completion of the social integration program supervised by the Ministry of Justice or passing the comprehensive evaluation without completion - National employment: Points awarded according to the number of nationals employed continuously in regular full-time positions for more than 6 months as of the application date Number of nationals employed / 1-5 / 6-10 / 11-15 / 16-20 / 21-25 / 26 or more National employment points / 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 * Management experience: Applicant has invested own capital as a representative in a domestic business for more than 3 years as of the application date Own capital / 100M–500M KRW / 600M–1B KRW / 1.1B–1.5B KRW / 1.6B–2B KRW / 2.1B–2.5B KRW / 2.6B KRW or more Management experience points / 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 * Recommendation letter: Head of constitutional agency, minister-level central government official, member of National Assembly, head of metropolitan local government ☞ Final decision on additional points is determined by the Minister of Justice * Tax payment record: Average annual income tax paid over the previous 2 years before the year of application must be 4 million KRW or more Example) For applicants with F-5 application dates on 2022.1.1 and 2022.12.31, the total tax paid from 2020.1.1 to 2021.12.31 is divided by 2 * Social service: Volunteer activities within 1–3 years prior to application, at least 6 times per year and a total of 50 hours or more, 5 points awarded; maximum 10 points for total annual score ☞ Only recognized if verified through 1365 Volunteer Portal ([www.1365.go.kr](http://www.1365.go.kr)) or Social Welfare Volunteer Certification Management System ([www.vms.or.kr](http://www.vms.or.kr)) * Domestic study: Studied at a domestic university for 4 years or more and obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher ☞ Recognized if studied at a school eligible under student visa (D-2) - Schools under Article 2(1)–(4) of the Higher Education Act, universities established by special laws (including night graduate schools), Korea Polytechnic University multi-possibility technology degree courses * Work-study linked study abroad: Graduated normally from the corresponding degree program at the time of selection c. Submission documents ○ Proof of awards or career in the relevant field ○ Proof of publications or research achievements such as Science Citation Index (SCI) ○ Documents proving recognition in specific fields such as science, management, etc. ○ Other documents proving applicable score-based items 9. Special Merit Person〔F-5-12〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 10) ○ Person recognized by the Minister of Justice as having special merits in Korea b. Requirements (exemption from livelihood requirement) ○ Persons who received orders or medals for contributions to Korea’s independence or national development (hereinafter, national merit recipients) and their spouses and children ○ Spouses and children of persons specially naturalized as direct descendants of national merit recipients ○ Direct descendants of national merit recipients (including great-grandchildren) who completed a regular course at a domestic university and obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher, or have experience of employment, assignment, investment, or trade for more than 1 year in Korea c. Submission documents ○ Statement of reason, orders/medals (awardee), family relations and other supporting documents 10. Pension Beneficiary〔F-5-13〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 11) ○ Persons aged 60 or older who receive a pension equal to or greater than the amount determined by the Minister of Justice from abroad b. Requirements ○ The annual pension received from abroad during the 1 year prior to application must be at least twice the previous year's per capita GNI announced by the Bank of Korea * If the previous year’s per capita GNI is not announced, use the per capita GNI of the year before last c. Submission documents ○ Copy of pension certificate and pension deposit passbook 11. Points-based Permanent Resident〔F-5-16〕 and Their Spouse and Minor Children〔F-5-18〕 a. Target 1. Points-based permanent resident〔F-5-16〕 (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 13) ○ Persons who have stayed in Korea for more than 3 years under the residence status corresponding to 24. Residence (F-2) subparagraph in Appendix 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in Korea 2. Spouse or minor children of points-based permanent resident〔F-5-18〕 (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 2) ○ Persons who are spouses or minor children of a person with permanent resident status (F-5) and have stayed in Korea for more than 2 years, recognized by the Minister of Justice b. Requirements 1. Points-based permanent resident〔F-5-16〕 ○ Must have continuously stayed in Korea under points-based residence status (F-2-7) from 3 years prior to the application date until the application date ○ Must have no work or operation experience in entertainment services (including similar industries) violating good morals or public order from 3 years prior to the application date until the final decision date ○ Livelihood capability (must meet one of the following) * Income : 2 times the previous year’s per capita GNI * Assets : 1.5 times the previous year’s average net assets 2. Spouse〔F-5-18〕 of points-based permanent resident (F-5-16) ○ Must be the spouse of a person who changed from points-based residence (F-2-7) to points-based permanent resident (F-5-16) and hold residence status (F-2-71) while maintaining marital relationship and staying in Korea for more than 2 years * Means the applicant’s spouse must have obtained points-based permanent resident status (F-5-16) at least 2 years before the application date ○ Must maintain marital relationship until the final decision (※ Divorce or de facto marriage not allowed) ○ Must have no work or operation experience in entertainment services (including similar industries) violating good morals or public order from 2 years prior to the application date until the final decision date 3. Minor children〔F-5-18〕 of points-based permanent resident (F-5-16) ○ Must be minor children of a person who changed from points-based residence (F-2-7) to points-based permanent resident (F-5-16), hold residence status (F-2-71), and maintain family relationship while staying in Korea for more than 2 years * Means the points-based permanent resident parent (F-5-16) must have obtained the status at least 2 years before the application date ○ Must be a minor under civil law as of the application date ○ Points-based permanent resident parent (F-5-16) must retain parental authority and custody until the final decision 4. Livelihood capability of F-5-18 applicant (must meet one of the following) ○ Income : Previous year’s per capita GNI or more ○ Assets : Previous year’s average net assets or more c. Submission documents ○ Copy of employer’s business registration certificate, employment contract, and certificate of employment ○ Family relationship proof (applicable to spouse or minor children of points-based permanent resident) 12. Tourist/Resort Facility Investor〔F-5-17〕 and Their Spouse and Unmarried Children〔F-5-19〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 14) ○ Persons who have maintained a continuous investment for more than 5 years after receiving the residence status corresponding to 24. Residence (F-2) in Appendix 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in Korea, and their spouse and children (only children meeting the Minister of Justice’s requirements) b. Requirements (exemption from livelihood requirement) 1. Tourist/Resort Facility Investor〔F-5-17〕 ○ Must maintain continuous investment for a total of 5 years or more under the tourist/resort facility investor residence status (F-2-8) at the application date (※ Focus on ‘investment’ rather than ‘residence’) * If the investor leaves the country completely (based on re-entry permit expiration) and re-obtains the same residence (F-2) status, sum the investment period before departure and after re-obtaining status ○ If the investment requirement was lost temporarily, sum the previous holding period from the point of restoration to calculate continuous investment period ○ Maintain investment status for more than 5 years without losing investment requirements such as lease or collateral of the investment facility ○ The total period invested in tourist/resort facilities and public project investment (converted investment) exceeding 5 years is also recognized 2. Spouse〔F-5-19〕 of Tourist/Resort Facility Investor (F-5-17) ○ Must hold residence (F-2-8) as the spouse of Tourist/Resort Facility Investor (F-5-17) for more than 5 years at the application date and continuously reside in Korea * Must maintain the investment status meeting residence (F-2) requirement as the investor ○ Spouse must hold F-5-17 permanent resident status at the application date ※ If spouse in joint application is not approved for F-5-17 status, applicant’s permanent resident status change is automatically denied - Must maintain marital relationship and stay in Korea together from 2 years prior to application until final decision (※ Divorce or de facto marriage not allowed) 3. Unmarried children〔F-5-19〕 of Tourist/Resort Facility Investor (F-5-17) ○ Must hold residence (F-2-81) as unmarried children of Tourist/Resort Facility Investor (F-5-17) for more than 5 years and continuously reside in Korea * Must maintain investment status meeting residence (F-2) requirement as the investor ○ Must remain unmarried until final permanent resident decision ※ If parent in joint application is not approved for F-5-17 status, applicant’s permanent resident status change is automatically denied c. Submission documents ○ Documents proving maintenance of investment such as real estate registry (issued within 5 days prior to application) ○ Family relationship proof (applicable to spouse or unmarried children) ○ Proof of unmarried status (applicable to unmarried children only) 13. Children Born in Korea to Permanent Residents〔F-5-20〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No. 2, latter part) ○ Persons who applied for residence status under Article 23 of the Act due to being born in Korea, whose parent held permanent resident status (F-5) at the time of birth and are recognized by the Minister of Justice b. Requirements (must meet all the following, exemption from livelihood requirement) ○ ㉮ At least one parent must hold permanent resident status in Korea, and ㉯ The parent without permanent resident status must legally reside in Korea under any long-term residence status excluding seasonal worker (E-8), non-professional employment (E-9), seafarer employment (E-10), tourist employment (H-1), or other (G-1) status (※ Excludes children born abroad) ○ Parents must have legal marital relationship ☞ If parents registered marriage after the child’s birth, not eligible ○ Parents and applicant must have legal family relationship and actually live together as a family in Korea ○ Applicant must be a biological child of the parents, with joint parental authority and custody ☞ Adopted child relationships not eligible ○ Birthplace: Must be in Korea (※ Excludes those born abroad) ○ Application date for permanent resident: Less than 1 year from birth ☞ If more than 1 year after birth, F-5-20 cannot be applied; exceeding 90 days incurs penalty under Articles 23 and 86 of the Immigration Control Act d. Required Documents ○ Family relationship verification documents\* (in the case of China, household register, etc.), birth certificate, etc. * If submission of family relationship verification documents is difficult, marriage certificate of parents and DNA test results (if only the father holds permanent residence) may also be used as family verification documents. ○ Confirmation of non-Korean nationality\* * “The applicant does not hold Korean nationality, and if the above is false, they may face disadvantages such as cancellation of permanent residence” must be handwritten (confirmed) by the applicant’s father or mother (no specific form required). ○ DNA test results ☞ If confirmation of biological parentage is required due to the legal maintenance period of parents’ family relationship being less than one year prior to the applicant’s birth, this applies. 14. Public Interest Project Investor〔F-5-21/23〕 and Their Spouse and Unmarried Children〔F-5-22〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No.14) ○ Persons who have held residence status under 24. Residence (F-2) of Appendix 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act and have maintained continuous investment for 5 years or more, and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residence in Korea, and their spouse and children (only children meeting conditions set by the Minister of Justice). b. Requirements (Exemption from financial ability requirement) 1. General Public Interest Project Investor〔F-5-21〕 ○ At the time of application, must have continuously maintained investment for a total of 5 years or more under Public Interest Project investment residence status (F-2) (*emphasis on ‘investment maintenance’, not merely ‘residence’). * If complete departure (foreign registration cancellation) occurs and the same residence status (F-2) is reacquired, the maintenance period before departure and after reacquisition are counted together. ○ If the total period invested under the real estate investment immigration program and public interest project investment immigration program (conversion investment) exceeds 5 years, it is also recognized (provided the public interest project investment period is at least 2 years). ○ Must maintain the investment state for 5 years\* without recovering the invested principal. * Regardless of the investment management results of the investment institution, as long as the investor does not recover the principal, the investment is considered maintained. 2. Retirement Immigration Investor〔F-5-23〕 ○ At the time of application, must have continuously maintained investment for a total of 5 years or more under retirement immigration investment residence status (F-2) (*emphasis on ‘investment maintenance’, not merely ‘residence’). * Same rule for complete departure and reacquisition as above. ○ Applicant or spouse must have domestic assets of 300 million KRW or more, excluding the investment principal. ※ Only domestic assets are recognized; foreign assets are excluded. 3. Spouse or unmarried children of public interest (retirement immigration) investor〔F-5-22〕 ○ At the time of application, the applicant’s spouse, father, or mother must hold a public interest project investor permanent residence (F-5-21/23) and continue to maintain the investment state fulfilling the residence (F-2) requirement. ○ If the applicant’s spouse, father, or mother applies together while holding public interest project investment residence status (F-2), they may apply even if they do not meet the permanent residence requirement (F-5-21/23). ☞ If the spouse, father, or mother’s F-5-17 permanent residence change is not approved in a joint application, the applicant’s permanent residence change will also be automatically denied. ○ Must have held residence (F-2) for 5 years or more as a spouse or unmarried child of F-5-21/23 investor and continue to reside in Korea. d. Required Documents ○ Documents proving maintenance of the investment (issued within 5 days before the permanent residence application). ○ Retirement immigrants must additionally submit documents proving domestic assets of 300 million KRW or more (excluding investment funds). ○ Family relationship verification documents (for spouse or unmarried child). ○ Proof of unmarried status (for unmarried children only). 15. Technology Startup Investor〔F-5-24〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No.15) ○ Persons who have held residence status under 11. Business Investment (D-8) sub-item for 3 years or more in Korea and meet the requirements set by the Minister of Justice, such as attracting investment of 300 million KRW or more from investors and employing two or more Korean nationals. b. Requirements (Must satisfy all requirements; exemption from financial ability requirement) ○ Must have continuously resided in Korea for 3 years or more under Technology Startup (D-8-4) status as of the application date (past residence period excluded). * Technology Startup (D-8-4) refers to a person who has obtained an associate degree or higher in Korea, or a bachelor’s degree or higher abroad, or a founder recommended by the head of the related central administrative agency who owns intellectual property or equivalent technical capabilities. ○ Must have attracted 300 million KRW or more in investment from domestic/foreign investors or secured equivalent capital. ※ If the total of the attracted investment and company capital is 300 million KRW or more, it is recognized. ○ Must employ two or more Korean nationals full-time for 6 months or more as of the application date. c. Required Documents ○ Business registration certificate, corporate registration certificate, business registration certificate. ○ Documents proving investment of 300 million KRW or more from investors or equivalent capital (financial statements, investment fund records, etc.). ○ Documents proving employment of two or more Korean nationals for 6 months or more. * Four major social insurance registration list, proof of income of employed Koreans. * Employment contract, regular employment confirmation, etc. 16. Conditional High-Value Investor〔F-5-25〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No.16) ○ Persons who have invested an amount equal to or greater than the amount publicly announced by the Minister of Justice on the condition of maintaining the investment for 5 years, and who meet the requirements set by the Minister of Justice. b. Requirements (Exemption from financial ability requirement) ○ Prior to the application date, must have deposited 3 billion KRW or more in the Public Interest Project Investment Immigration Fund (principal-guaranteed, no interest) of the Korea Development Bank as designated by the Minister of Justice. ○ Must pledge to maintain the investment for 5 years. ※ If part or all of the deposited amount is withdrawn prematurely, the permanent residence will be canceled. c. Required Documents ○ Investment deposit confirmation (issued by Korea Development Bank) ○ Documents verifying foreign currency remittance (e.g., foreign exchange purchase certificate) ○ Investment maintenance pledge 17. R&D Personnel of Foreign-Invested Companies〔F-5-26〕 a. Target (Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, Appendix 1-3, No.17) ○ Persons holding Business Investment (D-8) “a” subcategory residence status under Appendix 1-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, who have been continuously residing in Korea for 3 years or more as essential personnel of R&D facilities under Article 25(1)4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, and recognized by the Minister of Justice. b. Requirements ○ Must have continuously resided for 3 years or more under Business Investment (D-8) “a” subcategory residence status. ○ Must hold a domestic or foreign bachelor’s degree or higher. ○ Must have continuously worked for 3 years or more as essential personnel of R\&D facilities under Article 25(1)4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. * If the total number of days of work interruption during company changes over the 3-year period is within 90 days, continuity of work is recognized and counted toward the work period. ○ Financial ability (must satisfy one of the following) - Income : 2 times or more the previous year’s per capita Gross National Income (GNI) - Assets : 1.5 times or more the previous year’s average net assets c. Required Documents ○ Copy of R&D facility designation (official letter from Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy), dispatch order or certificate of employment, proof of income, etc. |
| Permission to Extend Period of Stay | Not applicable |
| Re-entry Permit | Persons intending to re-enter within 2 years from the date of departure are exempt from re-entry permit.
If re-entry is intended after more than 2 years from the date of departure, an extension of the re-entry permit must be obtained at a Korean diplomatic mission before the period expires (permit valid for up to 3 months). * Scope of the head of mission’s authority: within 3 months from the date when the 2-year period from departure expires. |
| Foreigner Registration | Application form (Form No. 34), one standard-sized photo, and fee
Proof of residence |
