Can I work on an F-6 visa?

Yes. The F-6 visa grants full work authorization — you can be employed anywhere without needing a separate work permit.

What happens to my F-6 visa if I get divorced?

Your F-6 status is tied to the marriage. If you divorce, you must report to immigration. In certain cases — such as if the divorce was due to the Korean spouse's fault, or if you have custody of a Korean child — you may be able to remain in Korea or change your visa status.

How long until I can get permanent residency (F-5)?

After 2 years of living together in Korea with your Korean spouse, you may apply for F-5 directly. This is one of the fastest pathways to permanent residency.

Is there an income requirement for the Korean spouse?

Yes. The 2026 income threshold is determined by household size (인원수) and is updated each January. It scales from a 2-person to 7+ person household, with each additional member beyond 7 adding approximately ₩5,755,188 per year to the threshold. The requirement is based on the Korean government's standard-of-living benchmarks, not simply minimum wage. Exemptions apply if: (1) you already have a child together, (2) the couple has lived abroad together for 1+ year with no Korean income in that period, or (3) the foreign spouse previously held F-6 status with the same Korean spouse. If income is insufficient, co-resident direct-line family members (parents, grandparents, children) who share the Korean spouse's household registration may supplement the income calculation.

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Family Visa

Korea F-6 VisaMarriage Migrant Visa

Spouse of a Korean national — live and work in Korea with a path to permanent residency.

Reviewed March 2026 — sourced from official Korean government portals

Stay Duration

1 year initially; extended to 2–3 years upon renewal based on marriage status

Processing

2–6 weeks

Overview

The F-6 visa (Marriage Migrant visa) is issued to foreign nationals who are legally married to a Korean citizen. It provides residence rights in Korea and a clear pathway to permanent residency (F-5) for those in genuine marital relationships.

Who is the F-6 visa for?

Foreign nationals legally married to a Korean citizen. The marriage must be registered in Korea's family register (가족관계기록부). Applicants from certain countries must complete the International Marriage Guidance Program (국제결혼 안내프로그램) before the Korean spouse can submit a sponsorship application. Cannot change status from short-stay visa inside Korea — must apply at consulate abroad (limited exceptions for pregnancy, childbirth, child custody).

Eligibility requirements

Legally married to a Korean citizen (혼인관계증명서 required)
Marriage registered in Korean family register — Korean spouse files at local 주민센터
Korean spouse must demonstrate financial ability to support household
Applicants from designated countries: Korean spouse must complete International Marriage Guidance Program before application
Cannot apply for status change from short-stay visa (B-1, B-2, C-series) except in exceptional circumstances

Required documents

1.
Valid passport + visa application form + passport photo
2.
Korean spouse's invitation letter (외국인 배우자 초청장, Korean language)
3.
Sponsor guarantee (신원보증서) signed by Korean spouse
4.
Marriage background statement (결혼배경진술서, English) written by applicant
5.
Korean spouse's 기본증명서(상세), 혼인관계증명서(상세), 가족관계증명서(상세), 주민등록등본
6.
Korean spouse's proof of income (소득세 납부증명서 from National Tax Service)
7.
Korean spouse's International Marriage Guidance Program certificate (if applicable)
8.
Korean spouse's health certificate (required for certain nationalities)
9.
Criminal background check from applicant's home country

How to apply — step by step

1
Register your marriage in Korea
Your Korean spouse must register the marriage at the local district office (주민센터) in Korea. Make sure you also have a certified marriage certificate from your home country.
2
Prepare and apostille documents
Obtain an apostilled marriage certificate and criminal background check from your home country. Have them translated into Korean.
3
Satisfy the communication requirement (의사소통 요건)
You must demonstrate basic communication ability in Korean. Accepted evidence: TOPIK Level 1 or above, 120+ hours of Korean study at a Korean Education Centre or Sejong Institute, a Korean language degree, proof of 1+ year of continuous prior residence in Korea, or proof that the Korean spouse lived 1+ year in your home country. If none of these apply, the consulate may administer a language evaluation.
4
Apply at the Korean consulate
Submit your application at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing is 2–6 weeks.
5
Enter Korea and register

Need help with your F-6 visa?

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Key Immigration Terms

Unfamiliar with a term?

Korea F-6 VisaMarriage Migrant Visa

Overview

Who is the F-6 visa for?

Eligibility requirements

Required documents

How to apply — step by step

Key Immigration Terms

F-6 visa — frequently asked questions

What visa can the F-6 lead to?

Related visa types

Related Guides

Compare F-6 With Other Visas