How to Get an F-3 Dependent Companion Visa for Korea
If your spouse or parent holds an F-4 (Overseas Korean) or H-2 (Working Visit) visa and is living in Korea, you may be able to join them on an F-3 (동반 — dependent companion) visa. The F-3 is not a work visa — it is a residence visa that lets you live alongside your family member for the same period they are authorised to stay. This guide covers who qualifies, the sub-types (F-3-19 vs F-3-20), required documents, and the application process.
Who qualifies for F-3?
F-3 is available to the spouse and minor children (under 19) of F-4 (Overseas Korean) or H-2 (Working Visit) holders currently residing in Korea. It is not available to parents of F-4 or H-2 holders — parents must apply for an F-1 (방문동거) visa instead. Children over 18 are generally not eligible for F-3 except in limited circumstances (unaccompanied minors who were on F-3 and whose F-4/H-2 parent has continuously stayed in Korea for 3+ years may extend until age 25).
F-3-19 vs F-3-20 — which applies to you?
F-3-19 is the companion sub-type for family members of F-4 (Overseas Korean) holders — introduced in January 2025 as a 1-year valid multiple-entry visa. F-3-20 is the companion sub-type for family members of H-2 (Working Visit) holders — also issued as a 1-year valid multiple-entry visa. The distinction matters for the application process and for which primary holder's documents you present.
Can F-3 holders work in Korea?
No. The F-3 visa is a dependent residence visa and does not authorise paid employment. If you want to work in Korea, you must obtain your own qualifying work visa (e.g., H-2 if you are an ethnic Korean, E-7 if you are a specialist, etc.). The F-3 allows daily life — accessing healthcare, enrolling children in school, and general residence — but not employment.
Stay period and renewal
The F-3's stay period is always tied to the primary F-4 or H-2 holder's authorised stay. When the primary holder renews their status, the F-3 holder must also renew at the same time. If the primary holder leaves Korea permanently, the F-3 holder's basis for residence in Korea ends.
단계별 과정
Confirm the primary holder's status in Korea
The F-4 or H-2 primary holder must have a valid, active status in Korea. Obtain a copy of their ARC (외국인등록증) or domestic residence certificate (거소신고증).
Gather family relationship documents
Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children). These must be official government documents, apostilled or notarised and authenticated at the Korean consulate, with a certified Korean translation attached.
Apply at the Korean consulate (if outside Korea)
If you are in your home country, apply for the F-3 visa at the Korean embassy or consulate. Present: your passport, application form, passport photo, the primary holder's ARC copy, and the family relationship documents. The consulate will issue a 1-year valid multiple-entry F-3 visa.
Apply for status change (if already in Korea)
If you are already in Korea on another status (e.g., you entered on a short-term visa and your family member's status changed), you can apply for F-3 at the local immigration office. Bring all the same documents plus your current ARC or entry stamp.
Register and get your ARC
After entering Korea on your F-3 visa, register as a foreign resident at the immigration office within 90 days. Obtain your ARC. Renew your F-3 status each year when your primary holder renews.
이민 전문가의 팁
- For children born in Korea to F-4 or H-2 parents: apply for the child's F-3 status within 90 days of birth — missing this window can make the child administratively undocumented.
- Apostille requirements: if your home country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, apostille your marriage/birth certificate. If not, have it notarised and authenticated at the Korean consulate.
- Keep your family relationship documents ready in Korean translation — immigration offices require certified translations.
- Track both your own F-3 expiry and the primary holder's status expiry — they should be the same, but confirm at each renewal.
도움이 필요하신가요?
검증된 이민 전문가와 상담하세요
저희 전문가들은 how to get an f-3 dependent companion visa for korea 사례를 정기적으로 처리하며 한국 출입국관리소가 요구하는 사항을 정확히 알고 있습니다.
전문가 찾기자주 묻는 질문
My spouse has an F-4. Can I get an F-3?
Yes. The spouse and minor children of F-4 holders qualify for F-3-19 (1-year valid multiple-entry companion visa, introduced January 2025).
Can I study in Korea on F-3?
Yes. F-3 holders can enrol in Korean schools and universities without needing a separate study visa. Your residence in Korea is authorised by F-3, and education is not restricted.
What happens to my F-3 if my spouse (the primary holder) leaves Korea?
Your F-3 status is dependent on the primary holder's continued residence in Korea. If the primary holder permanently departs, your basis for F-3 ends. You would need to either depart Korea or change to another qualifying status if possible.
Can the F-3 lead to permanent residency?
Not directly. However, long-term residence on F-3 combined with meeting F-5 criteria independently (income, language, societal integration) can eventually qualify you for F-5. Your years of F-3 residence may count toward the continuous-residence requirement. Consult an immigration specialist for your specific situation.