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F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 months

Estimated Cost

USD $60

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Points-based long-term residence status for skilled foreigners already in Korea, granted in 3-year increments and the principal pathway to F-5 permanent residence.

The F-2 Long-term Residency Visa, sub-code F-2-7, lets foreigners already on a Korean work or study visa (E-1 to E-7, D-2, D-8, D-10) convert to a flexible residence status. Points are awarded for age, education, income, Korean-language ability, and prior residence, with 80 points the typical threshold.

F-2 holders get open work authorisation — no employer sponsor required — and can change jobs or start a business without re-applying. The status is granted for up to 3 years per issuance and is renewable indefinitely. After meeting income and residence conditions, F-2 residents are the primary feeder pool for F-5 permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for mid-career professionals, founders, and Korean-university graduates who have built a base in Korea and want to decouple their stay from a specific employer while moving toward permanent residence.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

South Korea

F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing2–3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a registered foreigner currently holding a qualifying visa status (e.g., D-2, D-10, E-1 through E-7, D-8, etc.).

Must meet specific criteria for the chosen F-2 sub-category (e.g., scoring 80+ points on the F-2-7 points-based system, or meeting investment/residency thresholds for F-2-99).

Must have a clean criminal record and no history of violating the Immigration Control Act.

Must demonstrate financial independence or meet minimum income requirements (often linked to GNI per capita).

Must possess basic Korean language proficiency (e.g., TOPIK score or completion of the Social Integration Program).

Must intend to reside in Korea long-term and have a stable living base.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

44,051,000 KRW/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Integrated visa application form

Valid passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Recent passport-sized photograph

Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement or housing confirmation)

Criminal background check (apostilled/authenticated)

Degree or graduation certificates

Employment contract and proof of income (e.g., tax payment certificates)

Proof of Korean language proficiency

Business registration and corporate financial documents (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Open work authorisation — no employer sponsor needed
3-year stay per grant, renewable indefinitely
Direct pathway to F-5 permanent residence
Self-petitioned: applicant controls the application
Family members qualifying for F-3 dependent visas
TOPIK Korean-language proficiency boosts the points score

Worth Knowing

Points-based threshold (typically 80+) must be met across education, income, age, and language
Applicant must already hold a qualifying Korean work or study visa
Fees and exact processing times vary by consulate and nationality
Cannot apply from outside Korea without a qualifying prior visa status
Immigration Control Act violations or unresolved tax delinquency disqualify applicants