For foreigners making Korea their long-term home, F-2 (Resident) and F-5 (Permanent Resident) offer the most freedom.
📗 F-2 Resident Visa
Long-term residency with few employment restrictions.
Subcategories
- F-2-1: Family of Korean national
- F-2-7: Points-based (most common for skilled workers)
- F-2-99: Other grounds
F-2-7 Points (80/120 needed)
| Category | Max |
|---|---|
| Age | 25 |
| Education | 35 |
| Korean (TOPIK) | 20 |
| Income | 25 |
| Additional | 15 |
📘 F-5 Permanent Resident
No renewal, work in any field.
Requirements
- F-2 for 2+ years (or qualifying visa 5+ years)
- Income above GNI per capita
- Korean language ability
- KIIP completion recommended
- Clean criminal and tax record
Fast Track
- D-8 investors: 500M+ KRW, 5+ Korean employees
- Highly skilled: Advanced degree + high income
- KIIP Level 5: Major advantage
🎓 KIIP Program
Free government Korean language and culture courses. Level 5 satisfies F-2/F-5 requirements. Offered nationwide.
📍 Apply
- Local immigration office
- Hi-Korea
- 1345