Long-Term Residency·12 min read

F-5 Permanent Residency in Korea: All 27 Pathways Explained

South Korea's (permanent residency) visa has 27 sub-types — making it one of the most complex but also most flexible permanent residency systems in the world. There is a pathway for almost every type of long-term resident: workers, investors, spouses, ethnic Koreans, people with exceptional talent, and more. The challenge is knowing which path applies to you and how to meet its specific requirements. This guide explains all the major F-5 pathways, their key criteria, and which is fastest for different situations.

Review & source basis

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.

The universal requirements that most F-5 pathways share

Regardless of which F-5 sub-type you pursue, most pathways require: (1) a minimum period of continuous residence in Korea; (2) sufficient income — typically above the previous year's per capita GNI or a specified multiple thereof; (3) Korean language ability — at least TOPIK Level 2 (or KIIP Level 4 completion) for most pathways; (4) basic Korean civic knowledge (waived if you complete KIIP Level 5); (5) no serious criminal record or immigration violations; and (6) stable housing. The specific thresholds vary by sub-type — these are the floors, not the only requirements.

The 5-year general residence pathway (F-5-6)

F-5-6 is the 'standard' permanent residency path for most long-term workers and residents. Requirements: 5 years of continuous residence in Korea on qualifying status (D or E series work visas, or F-2 long-term residence), income above the per capita GNI, TOPIK Level 2 or KIIP Level 4, basic civic knowledge test, and no immigration violations. The 5 years do not need to be on a single visa type — E-7 + F-2 time combines, for example. KIIP Level 5 completion waives the language and civics tests and is treated as a positive factor.

The F-2-7 → F-5 pathway

Many residents first obtain F-2-7 (points-based long-term residency) and then upgrade to F-5 after meeting the F-5 requirements on F-2 status. The F-2-7 → F-5 path is popular because F-2 gives you greater freedom (broader work permissions) while you accumulate the additional residence time and meet the F-5 criteria. F-2 residence time counts fully toward F-5 qualifying residence.

Special fast-track pathways

Several F-5 sub-types allow faster permanent residency than the standard 5 years: F-5-8 (large-scale investor — maintains ₩500M+ investment, employs 5+ Korean nationals — can qualify in 3 years), F-5-11 (exceptional talent — scientists, athletes, artists, academics of international distinction — assessed case by case), F-5-13 (advanced degree holder from a Korean university — Korean PhD or master's with 2+ years post-graduation work in Korea, on a qualifying E-series visa — can qualify in 3 years). High-skill workers in shortage occupations and contributors to Korean national interests have additional dedicated sub-types.

Pathways for family members

F-5-2 is for the spouse of a Korean national ( marriage visa holders) — requires 2 years of marriage and residence. F-5-14 is for the minor child of an holder. F-5-5 is for ethnic Koreans ( holders) with 5 years of continuous residence in Korea. These family-linked pathways generally have lower income requirements than the standard worker pathways.

Investment immigration pathways (F-5-21, F-5-22, F-5-23)

Korea has dedicated permanent residency pathways for foreign investors:

F-5-21: Tourism/resort real estate investment permanent residency

For foreign nationals who invested in government-designated tourism/resort real estate zones (예: Gangwon Jeongdongjin, Jeju Island designated areas) and have maintained the investment for 5 years on investment residency status.

• Investment threshold: Approximately USD 500,000 in a qualifying designated zone

• Path: (investment) → 5 years → F-5-21

F-5-22: Public interest fund investment permanent residency

For foreign nationals who invested in government-designated public interest funds (공익사업 투자이민 펀드) and maintained the investment for 5 years on investment residency.

• Investment threshold: Approximately KRW 500 million in a qualifying fund

• Path: (investment) → 5 years → F-5-22

F-5-23: Cross-scheme investment permanent residency

For investors who have moved between the real estate and public interest fund investment schemes and cumulatively meet the 5-year investment duration requirement.

Key rule for all investment pathways: The investment must be maintained continuously. Withdrawing or selling before the 5-year mark resets the timeline. Annual proof of continued investment is required at each renewal.

Special pathways: F-5-20 (Korea-born child of PR holder) and K-STAR

F-5-20: Child of F-5 holder born in Korea

A child born in Korea to at least one parent who holds permanent residency qualifies for F-5-20. The application must be made within 1 year of the child's birth. Missing this 1-year window means the child must qualify via another pathway later.

F-5-S1 and F-5-S2: K-STAR permanent residency

These are K-STAR dedicated permanent residency pathways:

• F-5-S1: For K-STAR program participants (foreign scientists and technology talent at 32 designated Korean universities) who have maintained -7S (K-STAR resident) status and meet the K-STAR PR scoring threshold

• F-5-S2: For the spouse and dependent children of -S1 holders

• K-STAR PR has a shorter residence requirement than the standard F-5-6 pathway — see the K-STAR Visa Program guide for the full scoring table

Step-by-step process

Identify your qualifying pathway

Match your current visa status, years of residence, income, and qualifications to the F-5 sub-type requirements. Common pathways: E-7 workers → F-2-7 → F-5-6; F-6 (Korean spouse) → F-5-2; F-4 (ethnic Korean) → F-5-5; D-8 investor → F-5-8.

Check continuous residence — avoid gaps

Immigration counts continuous residence in Korea for F-5 purposes. Trips outside Korea reduce your continuous residence — if you are away for more than a certain number of days per year (varies by sub-type; typically no single trip over 1 year), it can reset or pause the clock. Track your in/out dates carefully.

Meet the income threshold

Prepare proof of income at the required level: salary slips, tax payment certificate (납세사실증명), or business income statements. The income requirement is evaluated over the most recent year.

Meet Korean language and civics requirements

Obtain TOPIK Level 2 or higher, or complete KIIP Level 4 (language) and Level 5 (civics). KIIP Level 5 completion waives the separate civics test. Start KIIP early — it takes 1–2 years to complete all levels.

Prepare the full document package and apply

Core documents: passport, ARC, application form, passport photos, entry/exit record (출입국 사실증명), income proof, tax payment certificate, residential registration or lease agreement, TOPIK certificate or KIIP completion certificate, criminal background check, and sub-type-specific additional documents. Submit at your local immigration office.

Tips from 행정사s

Start preparing for F-5 at least 1 year before you become eligible — the document gathering, KIIP completion, and TOPIK testing all take time.
A single serious immigration violation (overstay, unauthorised work) can disqualify you from F-5 permanently or for a significant period. Maintain a clean record.
Income stability matters: erratic income or periods of unemployment close to the application date are red flags. Aim for consistent above-threshold income for at least 1 year before applying.
Consult an 행정사 6–12 months before applying — they can flag any issues with your specific record and give you time to address them.
F-5 approval letters can take 1–6 months for complex cases. Apply well in advance of any planned international travel.

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Frequently asked questions

Does F-5 ever expire?

The F-5 status itself does not expire — it is permanent residency. However, the ARC card that proves your F-5 status must be renewed every 10 years (the card expires but the status does not). You also lose F-5 status if you voluntarily depart Korea and do not return within a specific period (usually 2 years without a re-entry permit), or if you acquire Korean citizenship.

Can I work anywhere in Korea on F-5?

Yes. F-5 holders have no employment restrictions — you can work in any industry, change jobs freely, start a business, or remain employed without immigration permission for each job change. This is one of the major advantages of F-5 over most work visas.

Does F-5 lead to Korean citizenship?

F-5 is a prerequisite for applying for Korean naturalisation (귀화), but it does not automatically grant citizenship. Korean naturalisation requires additional years of residence, a Korean language and civics test, and an interview. Korea generally does not permit dual citizenship for adults (with limited exceptions for those who had dual citizenship from birth).

My spouse is Korean — how quickly can I get F-5?

F-5-2 (spouse of Korean national) typically requires 2 years of marriage with actual residence in Korea on F-6 status. Some variations allow it sooner if you have a child with your Korean spouse or if your spouse has a disability and requires care. Consult an 행정사 for the exact requirements for your situation.