If you have been living legally in Korea for 5 or more years on a work, study, or business visa, you may qualify for F-2-99 — the 기타 장기체류 (Other Long-Term Resident) sub-category of the visa. F-2-99 gives you near-unrestricted work rights, a stable multi-year stay permit, and a clear path to permanent residency. As of September 2025, spouses and minor children of F-2-99 holders can also apply independently for F-2-99 once they individually meet the requirements.
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
April 22, 2026
Source references
Stay-manual sections covering F-2-99 continuous-residence review, qualifying stay history, and long-term residency filing requirements.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
These points are drawn from Korea immigration manuals and recurring review patterns for higher-risk guide topics.
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau: Stay-manual sections on F-2 points review, continuous-residence handling, and subtype qualification.
F-2-99 (기타 장기체류 — 'other long-term residence') is a sub-category of the F-2 (Resident) visa intended for long-term foreign residents who do not qualify for F-2-7 (the points-based system requiring active professional employment) but have deep ties to Korea through extended lawful residence.
Unlike F-2-7, which requires an active employer sponsorship or a profession listed on the E-1 to E-7-1 qualifying visa list, F-2-99 is accessible to a broader range of long-term residents — including those who have been on D-2 (student), D-5–D-9 (business), F-6 (marriage migrant), or even E-9 (if in eligible status) for 5+ continuous years.
Key advantages of F-2-99:
To qualify for F-2-99, you must meet ALL of the following:
1. Minimum 5 years continuous legal stay in eligible status:
Eligible visa types: E-1 through E-7, D-5 through D-9, D-2, D-4, F-6, and other qualifying long-stay categories. Gaps in legal status (overstays, status violations) break the 5-year count and can disqualify your application. Short trips abroad (with re-entry permit) generally do not break continuity if your overall residence in Korea is maintained.
2. Stable housing:
You must have a fixed Korean address (demonstrated through 외국인등록증 or 국내거소신고증 address, rental agreement, or property ownership). Temporary addresses or goshiwon (고시원) accommodation may be accepted but are scrutinized more closely.
3. Income requirement:
Annual income ≥ approximately ₩40M (based on the prior year's per capita GNI — the exact threshold is updated each January). This is verified through: 근로소득원천징수영수증 (withholding tax receipt), 소득금액증명원 (income certificate from NTS), or bank statements for self-employed applicants. If your income is below the threshold, qualifying assets may supplement.
4. Asset requirement:
Assets ≥ ₩30M. Counted assets include: Korean bank deposits, Korean real property equity, and domestic investment accounts. Overseas assets may not be directly accepted — consult immigration on what is counted.
5. Korean language / culture aptitude:
One of the following: KIIP (Korea Immigration Integration Programme) Stage 1 completion or higher, pre-assessment (사전평가) score ≥ 41 points, or graduation from a Korean elementary, middle, or high school (while in Korea).
Before September 2025, spouses and minor children accompanying an F-2-99 holder typically received (dependent companion) status — which does not grant work rights or an independent path to .
From September 2025, spouses and minor children of F-2-99 holders can apply for their own F-2-99 status independently, provided they individually meet the residence period and basic aptitude requirements. This is a significant change because:
This change matters most for families where one partner has held a work visa while the other was on a dependent — if the F-3 holder has been in Korea 5+ years and meets the aptitude tests, they can now independently qualify for F-2-99.
F-2-99 is a status change (체류자격변경허가) applied for at your local immigration office in Korea. It cannot be applied for from abroad.
Documents typically required:
Fee: ₩100,000 (status change)
Processing time: 4–8 weeks. Complex cases (income borderline, gaps in residence) may take longer.
Tip: Apply before your current visa expires. If you are unsure whether you meet the 5-year continuous stay requirement, visit the immigration office counter or check HiKorea's residence history tool before submitting a formal application.
Holding F-2-99 status for a continuous 5 years makes you eligible for F-5-11 (기타 영주자격) permanent residency — one of the most accessible pathways for long-term residents who do not qualify through the faster investment, marriage, or professional-points routes.
F-5-11 requirements beyond the F-2-99 holding period:
Total timeline: 5 years on qualifying status → F-2-99 change → 5 more years on F-2-99 → F-5-11 permanent residency. Minimum 10 years total.
Start the 5-year clock documentation now — maintain clean ARC records, pay Korean income tax consistently, and build Korean bank deposits.
KIIP Stage 1 is the easiest aptitude requirement to meet (short online assessment) — complete it well before you hit the 5-year mark so it doesn't delay your application.
If your income fluctuates, bring 2–3 years of tax records to show a cumulative income picture rather than relying on a single-year certificate.
Overseas assets are generally not counted in the ₩30M asset requirement — build Korean bank savings or domestic investment to meet this threshold.
Need help with this?
Our specialists handle f-2-99 long-term residency in korea — who qualifies and how to apply cases regularly and know exactly what Korean immigration officers look for.
Verified professionals who can help with your visa application
Mr. Visa Korea lists certified immigration administrative agents (행정사) who have been verified by our team. Book a consultation directly — no cold calls, no guessing.
Verified profiles only
Direct consultation booking
Certified & reviewed
All agents on Mr. Visa Korea are certified immigration administrative agents (행정사) registered in Korea.
Unfamiliar with a term? Browse the full glossary
Visa Process
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
Visa Process
HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
Visa Process
Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Can I apply for F-2-99 while on an E-9 visa?
E-9 is not listed in the standard F-2-99 eligible visa categories (which focus on E-1–E-7, D-5–D-9, D-2, F-6). Long-term E-9 holders should pursue the E-7-4 upgrade pathway first, then use E-7-4 years toward F-2-7 or F-2-99 eligibility. Consult an 행정사 to confirm current eligibility for your specific situation.
Does time on F-3 (dependent) count toward the 5 years?
F-3 is a dependent visa and has historically not counted toward F-2-99 eligibility. The September 2025 change allows spouses to APPLY for F-2-99 independently, but the 5-year qualifying period must be accumulated on an eligible visa type (E-1–E-7, D-2, D-5–D-9, F-6, etc.), not on F-3 itself. Check with immigration for your specific circumstances.
What if I had a gap in legal status during the 5 years?
Any gap in legal status (overstay, visa expiry without timely extension) resets the 5-year continuity clock. Even a 1-day overstay can be disqualifying. If you had a past status violation, immigration will assess the severity. Minor administrative delays with documented cause may be treated more flexibly than deliberate overstays.
Can I work in any industry on F-2-99?
Yes. F-2-99 grants open work rights — you can be employed in any industry, change employers freely, start a business, or work part-time without additional immigration permits. This is one of the biggest advantages over remaining on a work-category visa.
Does F-2-99 require renewal?
Yes. F-2-99 is a stay permit with a duration based on your aptitude score — from 1 to 5 years per grant (120+ points → 5 yr; 90–119 → 3 yr; minimum → 1 yr). At each renewal you must show continued financial self-sufficiency and stable residence. Provided you maintain compliance, renewals are generally straightforward.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026