South Korea•AsiaF-3 — Dependent Family Visa (F-3)
At a Glance
2–4 weeks
KRW ₩60,000
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Allows spouses and minor children to accompany or join foreign nationals holding qualifying long-term work or residency visas in Korea.
The F-3 Dependent Family Visa allows spouses and minor children to join foreign nationals holding qualifying long-term Korean visas (D and E series roles). It facilitates family unity for international professionals. Applicants must provide apostilled proof of family relationship and maintain the primary holder's valid long-term status.
Dependents cannot work independently without separate authorization. The visa is renewable, processes in 14–28 days, and lasts as long as the primary visa holder's status. Fees are US$60 (consular) plus KRW 60,000 (~US$45) for domestic extensions. Tuberculosis testing is required.
This visa is ideal for spouses and minor children of researchers, corporate transferees, and professionals on long-term Korean visas seeking family reunification.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be the legal spouse or minor child (under 19) of a primary long-term visa holder (e.g., D-1, D-2, D-4, D-5, D-6, D-7, D-8, D-9, E-1 through E-7).
Must provide official proof of family relationship (marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children).
Documents must be apostilled or consular-authenticated and translated into Korean.
Primary visa holder must maintain a valid long-term visa status in Korea.
Must not engage in independent employment without obtaining separate work authorization.
Must undergo a tuberculosis test at a designated medical institution.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Visa application form and passport-sized photo
Valid passport of the applicant
Copy of the primary visa holder's Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Apostilled/authenticated marriage certificate (for spouses)
Apostilled/authenticated birth certificate (for children)
Proof of financial support from the primary visa holder
Tuberculosis test result
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Spouses and minor children can accompany or join primary visa holder without separate employment sponsorship
- Processing takes just 14-28 days, allowing families to reunite relatively quickly
- Renewable status — dependents remain qualifying as long as primary holder maintains valid visa
- No income or education thresholds required; qualification tied solely to family relationship
- Extended stay possible: up to 1 year per grant with renewal options matching primary holder
- Clear pathway for family unity — official government category designed to keep families together
- Straightforward documentation requirements using standard vital records (marriage, birth certificates)
Worth Knowing
- Visa validity is entirely dependent on primary holder's status — cannot remain if primary visa expires
- Independent employment not permitted; separate work authorization required if dependent wishes to work
- Applicants under 19 years old limited to minor-child status; aging out requires visa switch at 19
- Only available to spouses and unmarried children under 19 — adult children and extended family non-qualifying
Application Process
Main applicant sponsorship
Work or resident visa holder sponsors
Gather family documents
Marriage/birth certificates, family relations
Apply abroad
Must apply at Korean embassy (as of April 2025)
Visa processing
2-4 weeks
Visa issuance
Dependent family visa
Application Forms
| F-3 Dependent Visa Application | — |
Related visas
More visas in South Korea
Family visas in other countries
- Bereaved Partner Visa
United Kingdom
- Aged Dependent Relative Visa
Australia
- Family Visit Visa
Kuwait
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