Long-term residency status for those with strong ties to Korea.
Stay Duration
1–5 years per renewal (F-2-7 duration is tiered by points: 130+ pts → 5 yr; 120–129 → 3 yr; 110–119 → 2 yr; 80–109 → 1 yr)
Processing
2–4 weeks
Visa Fee
$74.63 (status change) / $44.78 (extension)
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The F-2 visa grants long-term residency status to foreigners who have established significant ties to Korea through marriage to a Korean national, previous long-term legal residence, or qualification under the point-based system. It offers broad work rights and a path toward F-5 permanent residency. A key sub-type is F-2-99 (기타 장기체류), which allows long-term foreign residents in non-specialist visa categories to obtain long-term residency status after 5+ years of continuous legal stay.
There are multiple F-2 sub-categories: spouses of Korean nationals (in conjunction with F-6), long-term residents who have held legal status for 5+ years, qualified overseas Koreans, recipients of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP), and point-based system qualifiers (F-2-7). F-2-99 (기타 장기체류) is available to foreign nationals in professional/skilled/investment/trade visa categories (E-1–E-7, D-5–D-9, D-2, etc.) who have continuously stayed 5+ years, maintain stable housing, meet a financial self-sufficiency test, and demonstrate basic Korean language/culture aptitude. As of September 2025, accompanying family members (spouse and minor children) of F-2-99 holders can also obtain F-2-99 status once they individually meet the residence period and basic aptitude requirements.
F-2-7 (points-based): 80+ points from age/education/Korean language/income scoring (max 170); applicants must be in professional or skilled status (E-1–E-7-1, D-5–D-9) and actively employed
Eligible sub-categories: listed company (KOSPI/KOSDAQ) employees; advanced industry employees with GNI 1.5×+ income; professional visa holders (E-1–E-7-1) with 3+ years continuous legal stay (or ₩40M+ income for time exemption); domestic master's+ graduates employed in professional visa category within 5 years of graduation
F-2-7S (potential talent): STEM specialized university or government research institute master's/PhD holders — may qualify without meeting the 80-point threshold if recommended by the university president
F-2-99 (기타 장기체류 — other long-term resident): 5+ years continuous legal stay in eligible status (E-1–E-7, D-5–D-9, D-2, F-6, etc.); stable housing; annual income ≥ approx. ₩40M (based on previous year GNI — exact threshold updated annually); assets ≥ ₩30M; Korean language/culture basic aptitude met (KIIP Stage 1+, pre-assessment ≥41 pts, or Korean school graduation). F-2-99 holders may continue working in their previous visa's activity scope without additional restrictions. Since September 2025, spouses and minor children can independently apply for F-2-99 once they meet the residence period and basic aptitude requirements.
Valid passport + current ARC
Visa change/extension application form
Proof of legal residence history (ARC history, re-entry records)
Financial documents (bank statements, tax records)
Criminal background check
TOPIK certificate (if applicable)
KIIP completion certificate (if applicable)
Additional documents based on sub-category (marriage certificate, etc.)
Identify your F-2 sub-category
Determine which pathway applies to you — long-term residence, spouse of Korean national, overseas Korean, or points-based. Each has different requirements.
Calculate points (if applicable)
For the points-based F-2, score yourself using the official worksheet covering age, education, TOPIK level, income, and volunteer activities.
Apply at your regional immigration office
Submit your application in person at the immigration office that covers your Korean address. Appointments are required.
Receive F-2 and register
Once approved, receive your new ARC with F-2 status. You now have full work rights without needing a separate work permit.
Need help with your F-2 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles F-2 applications.
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