Korea F-3 VisaDependent Companion Visa

Overview

The F-3 visa (동반, dongban — 'accompaniment') allows the spouse and minor children of certain long-term visa holders to reside in Korea for the same duration as the primary visa holder. It is primarily issued to family members of F-4 (Overseas Korean) and H-2 (Working Visit) holders. The F-3 does not permit independent employment — the holder may reside in Korea and engage in daily life, but work or business activities require a separate visa status.

Who is the F-3 visa for?

The spouse and minor children (under 19) of F-4 (Overseas Korean) or H-2 (Working Visit) visa holders who are residing in Korea. Note that parents of F-4 holders do not qualify for F-3 — they receive an F-1 (Visit/Cohabitation) visa instead.

Eligibility requirements

• Spouse or minor child (under 19) of an F-4 or H-2 visa holder currently residing in Korea
• Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate), officially translated and apostilled or authenticated
• Primary holder must have a valid F-4 or H-2 status in Korea (ARC or 거소신고증)
• Minor children born in Korea: application must be filed within 90 days of birth
• Minor children (unaccompanied, i.e., parent abroad): may extend until age 25 if the F-4/H-2 parent has continuously stayed in Korea for 3+ years

Required documents

• 1.Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
• 2.Primary holder's Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Certificate of Overseas Korean Residence (거소신고증)
• 3.Marriage certificate (for spouse applicants) — apostilled or consular-authenticated, with certified Korean translation
• 4.Birth certificate (for child applicants) — apostilled or consular-authenticated, with certified Korean translation
• 5.Primary holder's proof of continued stay in Korea (if extending)
• 6.F-3-19 applicants (F-4 family): additional proof may be required per consulate

How to apply — step by step

1. 1

   Confirm the primary holder's status

   The primary F-4 or H-2 holder must already have a valid status in Korea. Obtain a copy of their ARC or 거소신고증 before starting your application.

2. 2

   Prepare family relationship documents

   Obtain official marriage or birth certificates from your home country, have them apostilled (if your country is party to the Hague Convention) or notarised and authenticated at the Korean consulate.

3. 3

   Apply at the Korean consulate (new entry) or immigration office (extension)

   If you are outside Korea, apply for the F-3 visa at the Korean embassy or consulate. If you are already in Korea on another status, apply for a status change at your local immigration office.

4. 4

   Register on arrival

   After entering Korea on an F-3 visa, register as a foreign resident at your local immigration office within 90 days and obtain your ARC.

5. 5

   Renew with the primary holder

   When the primary F-4 or H-2 holder renews their status, renew your F-3 at the same time. Your stay period is always tied to the primary holder's authorised stay.

F-3 visa — frequently asked questions