Permanent residency in South Korea — the most stable long-term status.
Stay Duration
Indefinite (ARC renewed every 10 years; no annual renewals)
Processing
3–6 months
Visa Fee
$149.25
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The F-5 visa grants permanent residency status in Korea, allowing indefinite stay and unrestricted work rights without needing to renew your visa. It is the most stable long-term immigration status short of Korean citizenship and is the goal of most long-term foreign residents.
Foreign nationals who have maintained legal residence in Korea for the required period and meet financial, language, and character requirements. Multiple pathways exist: general long-term residence, spouse of Korean national, overseas Korean, skilled worker (E-7), investor, and more.
F-5-1: 5+ years continuous legal residence in Korea on most long-stay visas (including E/D/F series)
F-5-2: Spouse or minor child of a Korean national or F-5 holder, 2+ years residence in Korea
F-5-5: Foreign investor — minimum USD $300,000 investment, employing 2+ Korean nationals
F-5-9: PhD obtained abroad in specified advanced field + currently employed at a Korean company
F-5-10: Bachelor's or master's degree in government-specified field + 1+ year Korea residence + currently employed with qualifying salary
F-5-15: Domestic Korean university PhD graduate + employed in Korea
F-5-16: F-2-7 (points-based residency) holder for 5+ continuous years
F-5-11: Person with special contribution to Korea (as recognized by Ministry of Justice)
F-5-13: Age 60+ receiving a foreign pension of qualifying amount
All routes require: no serious criminal record, tax compliance, sufficient income/assets to support themselves
Valid passport + current ARC
F-5 application form
Entire residence history in Korea (immigration records)
Income proof: tax returns, certificate of employment, bank statements (3 years)
Health insurance enrollment certificate
TOPIK Level 3+ certificate or KIIP completion certificate
Korean society knowledge test result (basic civics test, taken at immigration)
Criminal background check
Real estate or lease contract (proof of stable housing)
Verify you meet the residency requirement
Confirm you have 5 years of continuous legal residence (no period of illegal stay, and no single absence exceeding 1 year).
Prepare income documentation
Gather 3 years of income tax returns and employer certificates showing consistent income above the minimum threshold.
Pass the society knowledge test
Take the Society Integration Program test (사회통합프로그램) or KIIP at a designated testing center. This covers Korean history, law, and culture.
Submit to the immigration office
Submit your complete application at your local immigration office. Processing typically takes 3–6 months due to thorough background checks.
Receive your F-5 ARC
Once approved, receive your permanent residency ARC. Renew it every 10 years — no annual immigration visits required.
Need help with your F-5 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles F-5 applications.
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