1. General Permanent Resident (F-5-1)
a. Target
○ A person who has reached the age of majority according to the "Civil Code" of the Republic of Korea and has resided in the Republic of Korea for five years or more with residency qualifications ranging from D-7 to E-7 and residence qualifications (F-2)
b. Requirements ○ Based on the applicant's residency qualification specified in "a. Target" above, the applicant must have continuously resided in the Republic of Korea for five years as of the application date. ○ If the applicant has a corporate investment (D-8) residency status, the average annual sales for the two years prior to the application year (the year before and the year before that of the application date) should be 1 billion KRW or more.
Example) For someone applying for permanent residency on 2018.1.1 and someone on 2018.12.31, the performance from 2016.1.1 to 2017.12.31 is considered. ○ If the applicant has a trade management (D-9) residency status, the average annual export amount for the two most recent years prior to the application year should be 500 million KRW or more, or the average annual sales should be 1 billion KRW or more. However, those involved in export facility installation, operation, maintenance, shipbuilding, and equipment manufacturing supervision are exempted.
○ If the applicant has a specific activity (E-7) residency status, they should have at least a bachelor's degree. c. Required Documents ○ For D-7: Certificate of Employment or Dispatch Order
○ For D-8, D-9: Documents proving sales or export amounts ○ For E-7: Relevant degree certificate, etc.
2. Marriage Immigrant (F-5-2), National's Minor Child (F-5-3)
a. A foreigner who maintains a normal marital life (legal marriage) with a Korean spouse and has continuously resided in Korea for two years or more with a national's spouse (F-6-1) qualification.
1) Permit Requirements
a) Maintain a normal marital life with a Korean spouse.
b) Have a spouse immigrant (F-6) qualification and continuously reside in Korea for 2 years or more.
c) Conduct Requirements
- Conduct should be upright, including compliance with the laws of the Republic of Korea.
d) Livelihood Maintenance Capability Requirements
- The ability to maintain livelihood through personal income, family income, and assets, etc.
･ The combined income of the applicant and the family they live with must be at least the previous year's per capita gross national income (GNI) as specified by the Bank of Korea.
･ The combined assets of the applicant and the family must be above the median level.
(Family members living together) Includes ① the applicant's direct family, ② the Korean (former) spouse's direct family (if they have continued to form a family community after divorce or separation). |
e) Basic Skills Requirements
- Possession of basic skills required for living in Korea, such as Korean language proficiency and an understanding of Korean society and culture.
- Completion of a social integration program.
- A score of at least 60 points (out of 100) on the comprehensive evaluation.
According to the Ministry of Justice's announcement (regarding the relaxation and exemption criteria for permanent residency eligibility requirements), the livelihood maintenance capability requirements and basic skills requirements may be relaxed or exempted. |
2) Required Documents
Common Documents
･ Passport, Alien Registration Card, Integrated Application Form, Standard-sized Photo, Fees, Proof of Residence
Family Relationship Verification Documents
･ Korean spouse's basic certificate, Marriage certificate, Family relationship certificate
･ (In case of having children) Child's family relationship certificate
Confirmation Documents for Maintaining a Normal Marital Life
･ Photos taken together as a couple during family events, holidays, travel, daily life, etc. (at least 3 photos)
Documents for Good Conduct Requirement
･ Criminal record certificate from abroad (issued within 6 months from the application date)
Documents for Demonstrating Livelihood Maintenance Ability
･ (Income equivalent to or exceeding the Gross National Income per capita) Proof of income of the applicant or family members living together (when necessary, proof of employment income, salary deposit details, and other documents proving income such as sales and expenses can be requested).
･ (Assets above the median level) Proof of assets of the applicant and family members living together (transaction details, savings certificates, lease agreements, real estate registration, etc.) and credit report.
Basic Qualification Documents
･(Completion of Social Integration Program) "Social Integration Program Completion Certificate" (Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification or Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification).
･ (Comprehensive Evaluation 60 points or more) "Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification Test Pass Certificate" (KIPRAT) or "Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification Test Pass Certificate" (KINAT).
Other documents deemed necessary for evaluation by the director (e.g., documents proving reasons for exemption or relaxation of requirements).
b. For those who have children born from a marriage (including de facto marriages) with a Korean citizen and have been residing in Korea for more than 2 years under a marriage immigrant (F-6)
1) Eligibility Criteria
a) Raising a child born from a relationship with a Korean (former) spouse.
b) Continuous residence in Korea for more than 2 years under a marriage immigrant (F-6) visa.
c) Good Conduct Requirement
- Must have good conduct, including compliance with South Korean laws.
d) Ability to Maintain Livelihood Requirement
- Must have the ability to maintain livelihood through personal or family income, assets, etc.
･ The combined income of the applicant or the family they live with should be at least the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of the previous year as announced by the Bank of Korea.
･ The total assets of the applicant or the family they live with should be above the median level.
(Family living together) ① Direct family of the applicant, ② Direct family of the Korean (former) spouse (even after the marriage has ended due to the spouse's death, etc., if they still form a family community). |
e) Basic Qualification Requirement
- Must possess basic qualifications necessary to continue living in South Korea, such as Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean society and culture.
- Completion of the Social Integration Program.
- Comprehensive evaluation score of 60 points or more (out of 100).
According to the Ministry of Justice's announcement (relaxation and exemption criteria for permanent residency qualifications), one can receive relaxation or exemption from the ability to maintain livelihood and basic qualification requirements. |
2) Required Documents
Common Documents
･ Passport, Alien Registration Card, Unified Application Form, Standard Specification Photo, Fee, Proof of Residence, Family Relationship Verification Documents
･ Basic certificate of the Korean (former) spouse, Marriage Relationship Certificate
Family Relationship Certificate.
･ For children born from the relationship with the Korean (former) spouse: Basic certificate and Family Relationship Certificate.
Proof of Childcare for Children Born from the Relationship with the Korean (former) Spouse
･ Photos (at least 3) taken during family events (relative's wedding, school entrance/graduation, holidays, trips, daily life, etc.) while raising the child.
･ Expenditure details necessary for child-rearing (allowance, tuition, medical expenses, etc.).
Good Conduct Requirement Documents
･ Overseas Criminal Record Certificate (issued within 6 months from the application date).
Ability to Maintain Livelihood Requirement Documents
･ Income proof of the applicant or the family they live with (if necessary, employment income withholding receipt, salary deposit details, and other income proof documents like sales and expenses can be requested).
･ (Assets at or above the median level) Proof of assets for both the applicant and the family living together (deposit and withdrawal transaction details, savings certificates, lease contracts, real estate registration details, etc.) and credit information inquiry.
Basic Qualification Documents
･ (Completion of Social Integration Program) "Social Integration Program Completion Certificate" (Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification Course or Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification Course).
･ (Comprehensive Evaluation of 60 points or more) "Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification Test Pass Certificate" (KIPRAT) or "Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification Test Pass Certificate" (KINAT).
Other documents deemed necessary for the review by the head of the office (proof of reasons for those eligible for relaxed requirements/exemptions, etc.).
C. Individuals who were residing in the country after marrying a Korean citizen and, due to reasons beyond their control such as the death or disappearance of their spouse, cannot maintain a normal marital relationship, and have been residing in the country for more than 2 years under the marriage immigrant (F-6) status.
1) Approval Requirements
a) Marriage relationship ended due to the fault of the Korean (former) spouse.
The applicant and the Korean spouse maintained a normal marital life until the relationship ended, and the primary responsibility for the end of the marriage is confirmed to be with the Korean (former) spouse.
b) Continuous residence in the country for more than 2 years under the marriage immigrant (F-6) status.
c) Good Conduct Requirement
- Must comply with South Korean laws and have good conduct.
d) Ability to Maintain Livelihood Requirement
- The applicant or the family living together should have the ability to sustain their livelihood through income, assets, etc.
･ The combined income of the applicant or the family living together should be at or above the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita announced by the Bank of Korea for the previous year.
･ The total assets of the applicant or the family living together should be at or above the median level.
(Family living together) ① Direct family of the applicant, ② Direct family of the Korean (former) spouse (even after the marriage has ended due to the spouse's death, etc., if they still form a family community). |
e) Basic Qualification Requirement
- Must have basic qualifications necessary for continuous living in South Korea, such as Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean society and culture.
- Completion of the Social Integration Program as per Article 39, Paragraph 1.
- A comprehensive evaluation score of 60 points (out of 100) or more as per Article 48, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph 3.
According to the Ministry of Justice Announcement (Announcement on Relaxation and Exemption Standards for Permanent Residency Requirements), you can receive relaxation or exemption from the livelihood maintenance requirement and basic qualification requirement. |
2) Required Documents
Common Documents ･ Passport, Alien Registration Card, Integrated Application Form, Standard Specification Photo, Fee, Proof of Residence Document
Family Relationship Verification Documents
･ Basic Certificate, Marriage Relationship Certificate, Family Relationship Certificate of the Korean (former) spouse
･ If there are children born in relation to the Korean (former) spouse: Child's Basic Certificate, Family Relationship Certificate
Documents to Verify the Reason for Marriage Termination with the Korean (former) Spouse
･ Photos taken together during marriage, exchanged message history, surrounding person verification, etc. Marriage life verification documents
･ Divorce judgment, diagnosis, investigation and crime history proof, surrounding person verification, etc. Korean (former) spouse's fault verification documents
Good Conduct Requirement Documents
･Overseas Crime History Proof (issued within 6 months from the application date)
Livelihood Capability Requirement Documents
･ Proof of income of the applicant or family living together (if necessary, wage withholding receipt, salary deposit details, and other income verification documents may be required)
･ Proof of assets of the applicant and family living together (deposit/withdrawal transaction details, savings certificate, lease contract, real estate registration details, etc.) and credit information inquiry
Basic Qualification Requirement Documents
･ ("Social Integration Program Completion Certificate" (Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification Course or Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification Course)
･ "Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification Test Pass Certificate" (KIPRAT) or "Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification Test Pass Certificate" (KINAT)
Other documents deemed necessary for review by the head, etc. (evidence of the reason for relaxation/exemption of requirements, etc.)
d. For the minor foreign child of a citizen, who has been continuously residing in the country with a residence (F-2) status for more than 2 years.
1) Approval Requirements
a) Minor foreign child of a citizen b) Continuously residing in the country with a residence (F-2) status for more than 2 years c) Good conduct requirement - Must have a good character and comply with South Korean laws d) Ability to support oneself: Not applicable e) Basic qualification requirement
- Must possess basic qualifications necessary for continuous living in South Korea, such as Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean society and culture. - Completion of the social integration program - Comprehensive evaluation score of 60 points (out of 100)
･ For those under 15 years old, if enrolled in a school defined by the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" (excluding foreign schools defined by the same act), the basic qualification requirement can be exempted. ･ For those 15 years old and above, if they meet any of the following conditions, the basic qualification requirement can be exempted: ① Graduated from a school defined by the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" (excluding foreign schools defined by the same act).
② Passed the equivalency examination for graduation from a school defined by the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" (excluding foreign schools defined by the same act).
③ Have been attending a school defined by the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" (excluding foreign schools defined by the same act) for more than 2 years.
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 of a South Korean citizen parent, marriage certificate, family relationship certificate, resident registration document ･ Birth certificate or other family relationship verification documents for the minor child (applicant) (photos taken together, proof of upbringing, etc. may be required) Good conduct requirement documents(excluding juvenile offenders) ･ Criminal record from abroad (issued within the last 6 months)
Basic qualification requirement documents ･ "Social Integration Program Completion Certificate" (Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification Course or Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification Course)
･ "Korean Immigration Permanent Residency Qualification Test Certificate" (KIPRAT) or "Korean Immigration Naturalization Qualification Test Certificate" (KINAT) ･ (For regular education course graduates) Graduation certificate, equivalency examination pass certificate, enrollment verification, etc. Other documents deemed necessary for the evaluation by the head of the office, etc.
3. Spouse or Minor Child of a General Permanent Resident [F-5-4]
a. Target ○ Individuals who are the spouse or minor child of a person with permanent residency (F-5) status, have resided in South Korea for more than 2 years, and are recognized by the Minister of Justice. b. Requirements 1) Spouse of a person with permanent residency (F-5) status ○ Must be the spouse of a person with permanent residency (F-5) status, possess a residence (F-2) status, and have continuously maintained the marital relationship while residing in South Korea for more than 2 years*. * This means that the spouse of the applicant obtained the permanent residency (F-5) status at least 2 years ago. ○ Must maintain the marital relationship until the decision date (※ Divorce or de facto relationships are not allowed).
2) Minor child of a person with permanent residency (F-5) status ○ Must be the minor child of a person with permanent residency (F-5) status, possess a residence (F-2) status, and have continuously maintained the family relationship while residing in South Korea for more than 2 years*. * This means that the parent of the applicant obtained the permanent residency (F-5) status at least 2 years ago. ○ Must be a minor according to the Civil Law as of the application date. ○ Until the decision date, the parent with permanent residency (F-5) status must have custody and parental rights. ○ Must not be a dual citizen holding South Korean nationality. c. Required Documents ○ Documents verifying family relationships, birth certificates, etc.
4. Significant Investor Foreigners
a. Target
○ Foreign investors who have invested USD 500,000 according to the "Foreign Investment Promotion Act" and employ more than 5 citizens.
※ Excludes employees other than the investor.
b. Requirements
1) Sole Investor
○ The applicant must be the direct employer of at least 5 citizens employed full-time* for more than 6 months.
- If a citizen who was once employed is applied to the employment count of another permanent residency applicant within 6 months before the application date, that citizen will be excluded from the direct employment count.
* Full-time employment refers to direct employment (employment and use coincide) in a full-time permanent position.
2) Joint Investors
○ Each investor must invest USD 500,000 or more according to the "Foreign Investment Promotion Act" and employ more than 5 citizens, meeting the requirements for sole investors.
※ When counting the number of citizen employees (more than 5), each investor must employ different citizens.
c. Required Documents
○ Foreign Investment Company Registration Certificate, Corporate Registration Document, Business Registration Certificate
○ Documents verifying the employment of full-time citizens
- List of insured employees for the four major insurances, income verification of employed citizens
- Employment contract, full-time employment verification, etc.
5. Ethnic Chinese Born in South Korea [F-5-8]
a. Target
○ Individuals who previously had residence (F-2) status according to the former "Immigration Control Act Enforcement Decree" (referring to the one before its amendment by Presidential Decree No. 17579, announced and implemented on April 18, 2002) and are deemed by the Minister of Justice to need continuous residence in South Korea.
b. Requirements
○ Must be an Ethnic Chinese born in South Korea and meet one of the following conditions
1) Currently residing with a residence (F-2) status as of the application date.
2) Previously resided with a residence (F-2) status but currently residing with a visitation-residence (F-1) status due to the expiration of the re-entry permit period.
3) Previously resided with a residence (F-2) status (including equivalent previous statuses) and returned to South Korea to settle after emigrating abroad.
c. Required Documents
○ Family registry issued by the Overseas Chinese Association, birth certificate, etc.
6. PhD in Advanced Fields [F-5-9] and PhD in General Fields [F-5-15]
a. Target ○ Individuals who obtained a doctoral degree in certain fields abroad and are employed in a domestic company at the time of applying for permanent residency (F-5) status, as recognized by the Minister of Justice. ○ Individuals who completed a regular course in a domestic graduate school and obtained a doctoral degree, as recognized by the Minister of Justice. b. Requirements 1) Individuals with a doctoral degree in advanced technology fields from abroad and employed in a domestic company [F-5-9]
○ Must have obtained a doctoral degree in an advanced technology field* abroad before the application date.
(※ Excludes those expecting to obtain the degree) * As designated by the "Industrial Development Act" Article 5, including IT, technology management, nano, digital electronics, bio, transportation and machinery, new materials, environment, and energy. ○ Must have been employed full-time in a domestic company or equivalent for more than 1 year.
※ If the place of employment changes, the employment period from the previous employer can be combined.
2) Individuals who completed a regular course in a domestic graduate school and obtained a doctoral degree [F-5-15] ○ Must have completed a regular doctoral course* in a domestic graduate school and obtained a doctoral degree before the application date.(※ Excludes those expecting to obtain the degree) * Refers to a doctoral course (D-2-4) or other student (D-2) requirements. Those who obtained a degree without completing the prescribed course in a domestic graduate school are not eligible. ○ Must have been employed full-time in a domestic company* for more than 1 year. * The field of employment is not limited to the field of the doctoral degree obtained.
※ If the place of employment changes, the employment period from the previous employer can be combined. c. Required Documents ○ Copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
※ "transcript" can be requested.
○ Copy of the business registration certificate of the affiliated company, employment verification letter.
○ List of insured employees for the four major insurances, employment contract, and other documents verifying full-time employment status, etc.
7. Bachelor's/Master's Degree Holders and Certificate Holders [F-5-10]
a. Target
○ Individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a field designated by the Minister of Justice, who have resided in South Korea for more than 3 years, and at the time of applying for permanent residency (F-5) status, are employed in a domestic company and receive a salary above an amount set by the Minister of Justice.
○ Individuals with a technical qualification designated by the Minister of Justice, who have resided in South Korea for more than 3 years, and at the time of applying for permanent residency (F-5) status, are employed in a domestic company and receive a salary above an amount set by the Minister of Justice.
b. Requirements
○ Must meet all of the following 1), 2), and 3) requirements
1) possess at least one of the following degrees or qualifications - Bachelor's degree or higher in advanced technology fields*
As designated by the "Industrial Development Act" Article 5, including IT, technology management, nano, digital electronics, bio, transportation and machinery, new materials, environment, and energy.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering obtained after completing a regular course in a domestic university (including fields other than advanced technology). - Master's degree or higher obtained after completing a regular course in a domestic graduate school (including fields other than engineering or advanced technology).
- Technical qualification issued by the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation or an equivalent qualification*.
* Qualifications recognized by the South Korean government through a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
2) Must have continuously resided in South Korea for more than 3 years according to the following criteria*.
* Excludes periods of previous stay when the person had completely left the country. ○ For those who obtained a degree or qualification abroad, they must have worked in a related field in South Korea and continuously resided for more than 3 years.
○ For those who obtained a degree in South Korea, they must have continuously resided in South Korea for more than 3 years after obtaining the degree.
3) Must have been employed full-time in a domestic company for more than 1 year at the time of application. * If the place of employment changes, the employment period from the previous employer can be combined. ○ For those who obtained ㉮ or ㉱ in 'b. Requirements' 1), they must work in a field related to the degree or qualification.
※ Do not interpret the related field too narrowly. If it's difficult to determine, approval can be sought from the headquarters.
○ For those who obtained ㉯ or ㉰ in 'b. Requirements' 1), there are no restrictions on the field of employment. c. Required Documents ○ Copy of the degree or qualification certificate.
※ If there's suspicion of forgery, the original can be requested. If it's difficult to verify the completion of a regular doctoral course with the degree certificate alone, additional documents like a "transcript" can be requested.
○ Copy of the business registration certificate of the affiliated company, employment verification letter.
○ List of insured employees for the four major insurances, employment contract, and other documents verifying full-time employment status, etc.
8. Individuals with Exceptional Abilities in Specific Fields [F-5-11]
a. Target
○ Individuals with outstanding abilities in specific fields such as science, management, education, culture and arts, sports, etc., as recognized by the Minister of Justice.
b. Requirements
○ Must meet one of the following conditions and score at least one item from the essential criteria below:
① If the score for a single essential item is 30 points or more, and the combined score of essential and optional items is 50 points or more (permanent residency status granted immediately regardless of the duration of stay in South Korea).
② Individuals with a total score of 20 or more in the mandatory items and a combined score of 100 or more in both mandatory and optional items (immediate permanent residency granted regardless of the duration of stay in Korea).
③ Individuals with a combined score of 80 or more in both mandatory and optional items, and who have registered as a foreigner and have been residing in Korea for more than 1 year.
< Scoring System for Individuals with Skills in Specific Fields >
□ Mandatory Items: Total 245 points
※ If multiple single items apply, all are added together. However, if scores overlap within a single item, only the highest score is recognized.
□ Optional Items: Total 205 points
※ If multiple optional items apply, all are added together. However, if scores overlap within an optional item, only the highest score is recognized (but all bonus points are added together). <Details of Optional Items> - Annual Income: Based on the Bank of Korea's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita from the previous year, only the applicant's domestic income (based on the 'Income Amount Certificate' issued by the tax office) is considered.
- Domestic Assets: Includes both movable and immovable assets under the applicant's name, but only net assets (excluding debts) are considered (credit information inquiry, etc. to check for default and debt). - Education: Both domestic and foreign degrees are included, but only those already obtained (not those expected to be obtained). ※ For domestic degrees, only those obtained after completing a course recognized by the "Higher Education Act" Article 2 are considered. - Basic Qualifications: Participation in the social integration program education conducted by the Ministry of Justice or passing the comprehensive evaluation. - Recommendation Letter: From the Constitutional Institution Head, Central Government Minister, Member of Parliament, or Head of a Metropolitan Autonomous Entity.
- Studying in Korea: Studied for more than 2 years at a domestic university and obtained at least an associate degree. ※ Recognized if studied at a school that qualifies for a D-2 visa *Schools from Article 2, No. 1 to 4 of the "Higher Education Act", professional colleges or higher established by special laws (including night graduate schools), and the multi-skilled degree program of Korea Polytechnic University. - Tax Payment Record: The average income tax paid over the 2 years before the year of application is 4 million KRW or more.
Example) For someone applying for permanent residency on 2018.1.1 and someone on 2018.12.31, the total tax paid from 2016.1.1 to 2017.12.31 is divided by 2. - Domestic Stay: Legally resided in Korea for more than 3 years (total past stay is combined). - Social Service: More than 1 year of domestic social service activities
(including activities for the public interest as a member appointed/commissioned by the government or a metropolitan local government).
- Employment of Koreans: Employing at least 2 Koreans as full-time employees for more than 6 months as of the application date.
- Owning a House: Owning a domestic house worth more than 200 million KRW (only the applicant's property is considered, and points can overlap with the 'Domestic Assets' item) - Business Experience: Proving more than 3 years of substantial management experience as a representative of a domestic or foreign company.
- Accompanying Family Stay: Limited to spouses and children, and they must have been continuously residing in Korea for more than 6 months after registering as a foreigner. - Work-Study Program: Graduated normally from the degree program at the time of selection
(no double points for studying in Korea if points for the work-study program are given).
c. Required Documents
○ Award or career certificates in the relevant field
○ Proof of publication or research achievements such as the Science Citation Index (SCI)
○ Documents proving recognition in specific fields such as science or business
○ Other documents proving relevant scores
9. Special Contributor [F-5-12]
a. Target
○ Individuals recognized by the Minister of Justice for their special contributions to South Korea.
b. Requirements
○ Individuals who meet any of the following
1) Contribution to national independence and development
① Individuals or their family members who have received awards for their contributions to the independence or development of South Korea.
* Spouses and children of national meritorious persons or those who have been specially naturalized as dDirect descendants of national meritorious persons.
** Direct descendants (up to great-grandchildren) of national meritorious persons who have obtained at least a bachelor's degree by completing a regular course at a domestic university or have a career of more than 1 year in employment, residence, investment, or trade in Korea.
② Individuals appointed or commissioned as members of the government or local autonomous entities who have continuously worked for the public interest for over 5 years.
2) Contribution to the improvement of international relations and elevation of international status.
① Individuals with a career as members of diplomatic missions or consular offices in South Korea who have made significant contributions to the promotion of friendship or cultural exchange between South Korea and the sending country.
② Individuals who have worked in positions equivalent to or higher than the Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary-General of an international organization affiliated with South Korea and have made significant contributions to enhancing Korea's international status.
③ Individuals who have contributed to the promotion of international exchanges in the economic, social, cultural, and scientific fields of South Korea.
3) Contribution in the fields of society, welfare, and employment.
① Individuals who have made significant contributions to the social development of South Korea and have been recommended by the relevant ministry.
② Clergy who have contributed significantly to the social and welfare fields of South Korea through more than 5 years of volunteer work.
③ Executives (only auditors or directors) dispatched to foreign-invested companies located in Korea by foreign corporations that have invested more than USD 5 million according to the "Foreign Investment Promotion Act" and have been continuously residing in Korea for more than 3 years.
※ Grant permanent residency to 1 executive for every 10 regular employees employed. However, a maximum of 10 executives per corporation can be granted permanent residency.
* After 10 executives receive permanent residency, vacancies must occur due to loss, return, etc. of permanent residency (F-5) status before they can be filled.
4) Contribution to national security and social order.
① Individuals who have contributed to national security by providing important information such as national secrets, leakage of cutting-edge industrial information, terrorism, etc., and have been recommended by the head of an external information-related agency.
② Individuals who have made significant contributions to the detection of international criminal organizations such as human trafficking, drugs, illegal entry, passport forgery, etc., and have been recommended by the central head of an investigative agency.
* Heads of central agencies related to the National Intelligence Service, Prosecutor General, and National Police Agency.
5) Contribution in other fields.
① Individuals who have made significant contributions to the protection of the lives and property of citizens from crimes, disasters, accidents, etc.
② Other individuals who have made significant contributions to national development and the promotion of national interests, similar to the above targets, and have been recognized by the Minister of Justice for their contributions.
c. Required Documents
○ Statement of reasons, award and medal certificate (for awardees), proof of merit, recommendation letter (for the relevant person), and other supporting documents* etc.
* For foreign-invested companies, this includes the foreign investment company registration certificate, the full statement of corporate registration, business registration certificate, and documents proving the regular employment of domestic employees (proof of income of domestic employees, employment contract, list of subscribers to the four major insurances, confirmation of regular employment, etc.).
10. Pension Beneficiary [F-5-13]
a. Target
○ Individuals over 60 years old receiving a pension from abroad that meets the amount set by the Minister of Justice.
b. Requirements
○ The annual pension received from abroad in the year prior to the application date should be at least twice the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of the previous year.
* If the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita for the previous year is not announced, the GNI per capita for the year before the previous year is used as the standard.
c. Required Documents
○ Pension certificate and pension deposit passbook.
11. Point-based Permanent Resident [F-5-16] and their Spouse and Minor Children [F-5-18]
a. Target
1) Point-based Permanent Resident [F-5-16]
○Individuals who have stayed in South Korea for over 3 years with a residence (F-2) status and are deemed necessary by the Minister of Justice to continue residing in South Korea.
2) Spouse or Minor Children of Point-based Permanent Resident [F-5-18]
○ Spouse or minor children of a person with F-5 status who have resided in South Korea for over 2 years.
b. Requirements
1) Point-based Permanent Resident [F-5-16]
○ Continuously resided in South Korea for more than 3 years as of the application date with point-based residency status (F-2-7).
○ No experience in non-professional jobs or entertainment service jobs (including similar industries) for 3 years as of the application date.
2) Spouse of Point-based Permanent Resident (F-5-16) [F-5-18]
○ Residing in South Korea while maintaining a marital relationship for more than 2 years* with the residency status (F-2-71) as the spouse of someone with point-based permanent residency status (F-5-16).
* This means that the spouse of the applicant acquired the point-based permanent residency status (F-5-16) at least 2 years before the application date.
○ Maintain the marital relationship until the review decision date
(※ Divorce or common-law marriage is not allowed).
○ No experience in non-professional jobs or entertainment service jobs (including similar industries) for the most recent year before the application date.
3) Minor Child of Point-based Permanent Resident (F-5-16) [F-5-18]
○ Residing in South Korea for more than 2 years* with the residency status (F-2-71) as the minor child of someone with point-based permanent residency status (F-5-16).
* This means that the father or mother who is a point-based permanent resident acquired the point-based permanent residency status (F-5-16) at least 2 years before the application date.
○ The child should be a minor as per the Civil Law as of the application date.
○ The point-based permanent resident (F-5-16) should have custody and parental rights until the review decision date.
○ The child should not have dual citizenship, including South Korean nationality.
c. Documents to be submitted
○ Copy of the company's business registration certificate, copy of the employment contract, certificate of employment.
○ Family relationship proof documents (relevant for the spouse or minor child of the point-based permanent resident).
12. Real Estate Investors [F-5-17] and their spouses and unmarried children [F-5-19]
a. Target
○ Individuals who have maintained their investment status for more than 5 years after obtaining a residence (F-2) qualification and are recognized by the Minister of Justice as needing to continue residing in South Korea, and their spouses and children (only children meeting the criteria set by the Minister of Justice are applicable).
b. Requirements
1) Real Estate Investor [F-5-17]
○ Must have continuously maintained the investment under the real estate investment residence (F-2) qualification for a total of 5 years or more as of the application date (emphasis on 'investment' for more than 5 years, not 'residence').
* After a complete departure (cancellation of foreigner registration), if one re-acquires the same residency status (F-2) (foreigner registration), the period of stay before the complete departure and the period of stay after re-acquisition are combined and recognized.
○ If the investment requirements are lost during the period, the duration of maintaining the investment status is calculated by combining the previous holding period from the time the investment requirements are restored.
○ Must have maintained the investment status for more than 5 years without losing the investment requirements due to leasing or setting up collateral for the investment facility.
○ If the combined duration of investment in the real estate immigration target and the public business investment immigration target (conversion investment) is more than 5 years, it is also recognized.
2) Spouse of Real Estate Investor [F-5-19]
○ Individuals who have maintained their residence (F-2) qualification as the spouse of a real estate investor (F-5-17) for more than 5 years.
○ As of the application date, the applicant's spouse must possess the permanent residency qualification of the real estate investor (F-5-17).
3) Unmarried Children of Real Estate Investor [F-5-19]
○ Individuals who have maintained their residence (F-2) qualification as the unmarried child of a real estate investor for more than 5 years.
○ As of the application date, the applicant's parent must possess the permanent residency qualification of the real estate investor (F-5-17).
c. Required Documents
○ Documents proving the maintenance of the investment, such as a real estate registration certificate (issued within the last 5 days prior to the application date).
○ Family relationship proof documents (applicable for spouses or unmarried child
○ Documents proving unmarried status (only applicable for unmarried children).
13. Children Born in Korea of Permanent Residents [F-5-20]
a. Target ○ Those who, at the time of birth in South Korea, had one or both parents residing in South Korea with permanent residency (F-5) status and are recognized by the Minister of Justice. b. Requirements ○ At the time of birth in South Korea, one or both parents should have been residing with permanent residency (F-5) status. (Children born abroad are excluded) ○ As of the application date, they should be minors according to the Civil Law. c. Required Documents ○ Family relationship verification documents (For China, the household register, etc.), birth certificate, etc. * If it's difficult to submit family relationship verification documents, a marriage certificate of the parents and a genetic test result (only if the father has permanent residency) can also be accepted.
14. Investors in Public Interest Projects [F-5-21/23] and Their Spouses and Unmarried Children [F-5-22]
a. Target ○ Those who, after obtaining a residence (F-2) qualification, have continuously maintained their investment status for over 5 years and are recognized by the Minister of Justice, as well as their spouses and children (only children meeting the criteria set by the Minister of Justice are eligible). b. Requirements 1) general investors in public interest projects [F-5-21] ○ As of the application date, they should have continuously maintained their investment in public interest projects with a residence (F-2) qualification for over 5 years.
(※ Emphasis on 'maintaining investment' for over 5 years, not 'residence')
* If you re-acquire the same residence (F-2) qualification after complete departure (cancellation of foreigner registration), the period of maintenance before the complete departure and the period of maintenance after re-acquisition will be combined and recognized.
○ If the combined period of investment in real estate immigration and public interest project investment immigration (converted investment) is over 5 years, it will be recognized (however, the public interest project investment period must be over 2 years).
○ Maintain the investment status for 5 years* without withdrawing the standard investment amount.
* Regardless of the loss of principal in the investment results of the investment institution, as long as the investor does not withdraw the standard amount, it is considered to have maintained the investment.
2) Public Interest Project Retired Immigrant Investor [F-5-23]
○ As of the application date, they should have continuously maintained their investment as a retirement immigration investor (F-2) for over 5 years. (※ Emphasis on 'maintaining investment' for over 5 years, not 'residence')
* If you re-acquire the same residence (F-2) qualification after complete departure (cancellation of foreigner registration), the period of maintenance before the complete departure and the period of maintenance after re-acquisition will be combined and recognized.
○ Apart from the investment, the applicant or their spouse should have domestic assets worth at least 300 million won.
※ Only domestic assets are recognized, and foreign assets are excluded.
3) Spouse or Unmarried Child of a Public Interest Project Investor [F-5-21] [F-5-22]
○ Those who have maintained their residence (F-2) qualification as a spouse or unmarried child of a public interest project investor for over 5 years.
○ As of the application date, one of the applicant's spouse, father, or mother should possess permanent residency (F-5-21) qualification as a public interest project investor.
○ Unmarried children should be unmarried as of the application date.
4)Spouse or Unmarried Child [F-5-22] of a Public Interest Project Retired Immigrant Investor [F-5-23] ○ Those who have maintained their residence (F-2) qualification as a spouse or unmarried child of a public interest project retired immigrant investor for over 5 years. ○ As of the application date, one of the applicant's spouse, father, or mother should possess permanent residency (F-5-21) qualification as a public interest project retired immigrant investor. ○ Unmarried children should be unmarried as of the application date. c. Required Documents ○ Documents proving the maintenance of the investment (issued within 5 days before the application date for permanent residency).
○ For retired immigrants, additional documents proving domestic assets worth at least 300 million won.
○ Family relationship verification documents (for spouses or unmarried children).
○ Documents proving unmarried status (for unmarried children only).
15. Tech Startup Investors [F-5-24]
a. Target
○ Those who have continuously resided in South Korea with a corporate investment (D-8) qualification for over 3 years, have attracted an investment of at least 300 million won from investors, employed at least two Korean nationals, and meet other criteria set by the Minister of Justice.
b. Requirements (All of the following must be met)
○ They should have continuously resided in South Korea with a tech startup (D-8-4) qualification for over 3 years as of the application date (excluding past residence periods).
* Those who have obtained at least an associate degree in South Korea or a bachelor's degree or higher abroad or those recommended by the head of the relevant central administrative agency who possess intellectual property rights or equivalent technical skills, etc. (hereinafter referred to as 'tech startup (D-8-4)').
○ They should have attracted an investment of at least 300 million won from domestic or foreign investors or secured an equivalent amount of capital.
※ If the sum of the attracted investment and the company's capital is at least 300 million won, it will also be recognized.
○ They should have continuously employed at least two Korean nationals as full-time employees for over 6 months prior to the application date.
c. Required Documents
○ Business registration certificate, full statement of corporate registration, and investor registration certificate.
○ Documents proving the attraction or security of an investment of at least 300 million won, Documents proving that they have the equivalent capital (financial statements, investment fund introduction statement, etc.)
○ Documents proving the continuous employment of at least two Korean nationals as full-time employees for over 6 months, such as the list of subscribers to the four major insurances, income proof of the employed Korean, employment contract, and full-time employment verification.
16. Conditional High-value Investors [F-5-25]
a. Target
○ Those who invest an amount specified by the Minister of Justice, with the condition of maintaining the investment status for over 5 years, and meet other criteria set by the Minister of Justice.
b. Requirements
○ They should have deposited an investment of at least 1.5 billion won in the public interest project investment immigration fund (principal guaranteed, interest-free type) of the Korea Industrial Bank as of the application date.
○ They should pledge to maintain the investment status for 5 years.
※ If a part or all of the deposited amount is withdrawn prematurely, the permanent residency qualification will be revoked.
c. Required Documents
○ Investment deposit confirmation (issued by the Korea Industrial Bank)
○ foreign currency inflow-related verification documents
○ a pledge to maintain the investment
17. R&D Personnel of Foreign Investment Companies [F-5-26]
a. Target
○ Those who, after obtaining a corporate investment (D-8) qualification, have continuously resided in South Korea for over 3 years as essential professional personnel in research and development facilities and are recognized by the Minister of Justice.
b. Requirements
○ They should have continuously resided in South Korea with a corporate investment (D-8) qualification for over 3 years.
○ They should possess at least a bachelor's degree from a domestic or foreign institution.
○ They should have continuously resided in South Korea for over 3 years as essential professional personnel in research and development facilities designated according to the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act.
c. Required Documents
○ Copy of the designation of the research and development facility (official document from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy), dispatch order or employment verification.