South Korea•Asia2–3 months
$130 USD
Varies by filing options
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
South Korea's permanent residence status, granted via 5+ year residence, Korean-spouse, USD 500K+ investor, retiree, or exceptional-talent pathways.
The F-5 is South Korea's permanent residence status — the indefinite endpoint for foreign nationals who have proven long-term commitment, talent, investment, or family ties. Holders work in any sector without sponsorship, access health and social services, and travel freely. F-5 is a family of sub-categories, each with a route from a prior long-term visa.
Pathways include 5+ years on a qualifying visa (F-2, D-7, E-1 to E-7), 2+ years as the spouse of a Korean on F-6, USD 500,000+ investment with 5 Korean employees, exceptional global talent, and retirees aged 60+ with pension. Income routes typically require 2x prior-year GNI per capita, or 1x for graduates of Korean universities. KIIP or TOPIK Level 3 is required.
This visa is ideal for long-term residents ready to settle, foreign investors hiring Korean staff, spouses of Korean nationals, and globally recognized professionals seeking unrestricted work rights and a path to naturalization.
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Must have maintained legal residence in Korea for a specific period (typically 5+ years for general F-5-1, though this varies by sub-category).
Must demonstrate financial stability (income/assets) meeting the threshold set by the Ministry of Justice.
Must possess basic Korean language proficiency (KIIP completion or TOPIK level 3+).
Must have a clean criminal record (foreign criminal history certificate required).
Must pass the Korean society knowledge test (or equivalent).
Must have stable housing in Korea.
Must meet specific criteria for the chosen sub-category (e.g., investor, skilled professional, spouse of a Korean national).
Min. Income
50,000,000 EUR/yr
Investment
500,000 EUR
Valid passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC).
F-5 application form.
Entire residence history in Korea (immigration records).
Proof of income (e.g., tax returns, certificate of employment, bank statements).
Proof of stable housing (e.g., lease contract, real estate registration).
Foreign criminal history certificate (apostilled or consular legalized).
Korean language proficiency proof (KIIP certificate or TOPIK score).
Korean society knowledge test result.
Identity guarantee (if applicable).
Additional documents specific to the sub-category (e.g., degree certificates, business registration, investment proof).
| F-5 Permanent Resident Application | — |
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