비자 비교 — 대한민국
F-2-7 and are both powerful long-term status categories in Korea — but they're for very different people. F-4 is a heritage-based status for ethnic Koreans who hold foreign nationality (재외동포). F-2-7 is a merit-based status open to any highly qualified foreign national who scores 80+ on Korea's K-Point system. Both give near-unrestricted work rights, but the path to permanent residency differs.
Points-Based Long-Term Resident
Merit-based points system (age, education, language, salary, work experience)
Heritage-based — former Korean citizen or descendant of one |
| Korean ancestry required? | No | Yes — required documentation of Korean lineage |
| Work restrictions | Unrestricted — any sector, any employer, freelance OK | Unrestricted EXCEPT unskilled labor (단순노무) not allowed |
| Korean language required? | Not required — but TOPIK adds up to 20 K-Points | Not required |
| Initial duration | Up to 3 years (extendable to 5) | 3 years (extendable) |
| Path to F-5 PR | ✓ Apply after 3 years on F-2-7 + income + TOPIK 3+ | Apply after 5 years on F-4 + income + Korean language |
| Difficulty to obtain | Moderate–High — 80+ K-Points is competitive | Moderate — documentation of lineage can be complex |
| Family included? | Dependents can get F-3 |
| Military service risk | ✓ N/A — only Korean nationals are subject | Male F-4 holders who previously held Korean citizenship may face 국적이탈 restrictions — check MOIS |
Who qualifies
F-2-7
Any foreign national scoring 80+ K-Points
F-4
Foreign nationals of Korean descent (재외동포) — must prove Korean lineage
Eligibility basis
F-2-7
Merit-based points system (age, education, language, salary, work experience)
F-4
Heritage-based — former Korean citizen or descendant of one
Korean ancestry required?
F-2-7
No
F-4
Yes — required documentation of Korean lineage
Work restrictions
F-2-7
Unrestricted — any sector, any employer, freelance OK
F-4
Unrestricted EXCEPT unskilled labor (단순노무) not allowed
Korean language required?
F-2-7
Not required — but TOPIK adds up to 20 K-Points
F-4
Not required
Initial duration
F-2-7
Up to 3 years (extendable to 5)
F-4
3 years (extendable)
Path to F-5 PR
F-2-7
Apply after 3 years on F-2-7 + income + TOPIK 3+
F-4
Apply after 5 years on + income + Korean language
Difficulty to obtain
F-2-7
Moderate–High — 80+ K-Points is competitive
F-4
Moderate — documentation of lineage can be complex
Family included?
F-2-7
Dependents can get
F-4
Dependents can get ; some get concurrent
Military service risk
F-2-7
N/A — only Korean nationals are subject
F-4
Male holders who previously held Korean citizenship may face 국적이탈 restrictions — check MOIS
F-2-7이런 분께 적합합니다…
You are not of Korean descent but have strong academic/professional credentials
You score 80+ K-Points (or are close and building toward it)
You want recognized long-term status based on your skills rather than heritage
F-4이런 분께 적합합니다…
You are of Korean descent (former Korean citizen or descendant) and hold foreign nationality
You want to live and work in Korea based on your ethnic Korean heritage
You do not meet the K-Point threshold for F-2-7 but qualify via lineage
You want work freedom in Korea without passing a points system test
일반적인 경로:
Many overseas Koreans (재외동포) use as their primary long-term status. Those aiming for faster may build up Korean work experience and TOPIK score to convert to F-2-7 — since F-2-7 → F-5 takes 3 years vs F-4 → F-5 which takes 5 years. Choosing the right route depends on your timeline and qualifications.
Who qualifies for F-4?
Foreign nationals who were previously Korean citizens, or who are descendants of former Korean citizens (including 2nd and 3rd generation overseas Koreans). You must provide documents such as a family register (가족관계증명서) or equivalent proof of Korean lineage. 고려인 (ethnic Koreans in CIS countries) also qualify.
Can F-4 holders work any job in Korea?
How do I calculate my K-Point score for F-2-7?
K-Points come from: age (max 25 pts — younger scores higher), education (max 35 pts — PhD = 35, MA = 30, BA = 25), Korean language / TOPIK score (max 20 pts), Korean work experience (max 15 pts), annual salary, and bonus points for graduating from a Korean university, working in a priority industry, or holding certain certifications. You need 80+ out of 120.
Can I hold both F-4 and F-2-7?
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작성자 James Chae — 엑스퍼트 사피엔스 공동창업자
플랫폼 전문 분야: 출입국 컨설팅 및 비자 서비스 · 검토됨 4월 2026