How to Get an F-3 Dependent Companion Visa for Korea
If your spouse or parent holds an F-4 (Overseas Korean) or H-2 (Working Visit) visa and is living in Korea, you may be able to join them on an F-3 (동반 — dependent companion) visa. The F-3 is not a work visa — it is a residence visa that lets you live alongside your family member for the same period they are authorised to stay. This guide covers who qualifies, the sub-types (F-3-19 vs F-3-20), required documents, and the application process.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
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.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
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.
Who qualifies for F-3? (April 2025 rule update)
F-3 is the dependent companion status for immediate family of specific visa holders. The April 2025 standalone F-3 guidelines (F-3 지침 제정) significantly expanded who can bring family on F-3:
Before April 2025: F-3 was limited to spouses and minor children of F-4 and H-2 holders.
After April 2025 — F-3 now covers family of: • F-4 (Overseas Korean) holders → companions use F-3-19 • H-2 (Working Visit) holders → companions use F-3-20 • F-3-18: Family members of certain other long-term status holders added under the April 2025 guidelines
Who is eligible as a companion: • Spouse • Minor children (under 19) • Children between 18–25 if unmarried and the primary F-4/H-2 holder has been continuously resident in Korea for 3+ years may extend under limited circumstances
Who is NOT eligible: Parents of F-4 or H-2 holders must apply for F-1 (방문동거) instead. Siblings and extended family are also not eligible for F-3.
F-3 subtypes: F-3-18, F-3-19, F-3-20
F-3-18: New subtype established April 2025 under the standalone F-3 guidelines — covers dependent family in situations not previously covered by F-3-19 or F-3-20. The specific eligibility conditions are defined by the April 2025 F-3 guidelines from the Ministry of Justice.
F-3-19: Companion of F-4 (Overseas Korean) holder. Issued as a 1-year valid multiple-entry visa. The F-4 holder must have an active ARC and be currently residing in Korea.
F-3-20: Companion of H-2 (Working Visit) holder. Also issued as a 1-year valid multiple-entry visa tied to the H-2 holder's current stay period.
KIIP requirement for F-3-19 spouses (regional visa pilot areas): In designated regional depopulation areas (지역특화형 비자 zones), spouses of F-4 holders on F-3-19 must complete KIIP Stage 2 or above to continue renewing their F-3. This was added as part of the regional visa pilot program rules.
Can F-3 holders work in Korea?
No. The F-3 visa is a dependent residence visa and does not authorise paid employment. If you want to work in Korea, you must obtain your own qualifying work visa (e.g., H-2 if you are an ethnic Korean, E-7 if you are a specialist, etc.). The F-3 allows daily life — accessing healthcare, enrolling children in school, and general residence — but not employment.
Stay period and renewal
The F-3's stay period is always tied to the primary F-4 or H-2 holder's authorised stay. When the primary holder renews their status, the F-3 holder must also renew at the same time. If the primary holder leaves Korea permanently, the F-3 holder's basis for residence in Korea ends.
Step-by-step process
Confirm the primary holder's status in Korea
The F-4 or H-2 primary holder must have a valid, active status in Korea. Obtain a copy of their ARC (외국인등록증) or domestic residence certificate (거소신고증).
Gather family relationship documents
Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children). These must be official government documents, apostilled or notarised and authenticated at the Korean consulate, with a certified Korean translation attached.
Apply at the Korean consulate (if outside Korea)
If you are in your home country, apply for the F-3 visa at the Korean embassy or consulate. Present: your passport, application form, passport photo, the primary holder's ARC copy, and the family relationship documents. The consulate will issue a 1-year valid multiple-entry F-3 visa.
Apply for status change (if already in Korea)
If you are already in Korea on another status (e.g., you entered on a short-term visa and your family member's status changed), you can apply for F-3 at the local immigration office. Bring all the same documents plus your current ARC or entry stamp.
Register and get your ARC
After entering Korea on your F-3 visa, register as a foreign resident at the immigration office within 90 days. Obtain your ARC. Renew your F-3 status each year when your primary holder renews.
Tips from 행정사s
For children born in Korea to F-4 or H-2 parents: apply for the child's F-3 status within 90 days of birth — missing this window can make the child administratively undocumented.
Apostille requirements: if your home country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, apostille your marriage/birth certificate. If not, have it notarised and authenticated at the Korean consulate.
Keep your family relationship documents ready in Korean translation — immigration offices require certified translations.
Track both your own F-3 expiry and the primary holder's status expiry — they should be the same, but confirm at each renewal.
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HiKorea
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Frequently asked questions
My spouse has an F-4. Can I get an F-3?
Yes. The spouse and minor children of F-4 holders qualify for F-3-19 (1-year valid multiple-entry companion visa, introduced January 2025).
Can I study in Korea on F-3?
Yes. F-3 holders can enrol in Korean schools and universities without needing a separate study visa. Your residence in Korea is authorised by F-3, and education is not restricted.
What happens to my F-3 if my spouse (the primary holder) leaves Korea?
Your F-3 status is dependent on the primary holder's continued residence in Korea. If the primary holder permanently departs, your basis for F-3 ends. You would need to either depart Korea or change to another qualifying status if possible.
Can the F-3 lead to permanent residency?
Not directly. However, long-term residence on F-3 combined with meeting F-5 criteria independently (income, language, societal integration) can eventually qualify you for F-5. Your years of F-3 residence may count toward the continuous-residence requirement. Consult an 행정사 for your specific situation.