From Eligibility Checklist to Required Documents, Everything You Need to Know
If you're a foreign national residing in Korea through marriage, you've likely come across the term "F-5 Permanent Residency."
While the F-6 Spouse Visa requires regular renewals and is subject to various conditions,
the F-5 visa offers a more stable and long-term residency option. Naturally,
many F-6 holders aim to switch to F-5 status—but doing so requires careful preparation, proper documentation, and, most importantly, meeting the eligibility criteria at the right time.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key requirements, ideal timing, and strategic considerations for transitioning from an F-6 visa to F-5 permanent residency in South Korea.
The F-6 visa is a renewable visa, meaning that you'll need to extend it periodically. In contrast,
the F-5 permanent residency visa is valid for ten years and offers greater security. It is not easily revoked due to reasons like moving homes, changing jobs, or divorce.
Advantages of the F-5 Visa Include:
✅Stable residency without needing extensions
✅Greater freedom in employment, business, and real estate transactions
✅More secure environment for raising children and planning education
✅Useful step toward eventual Korean citizenship
⚠️ Note: Even after acquiring an F-5 visa, you must continue meeting basic obligations,
such as paying taxes, avoiding legal violations, and reporting changes of residence. Failing to do so may result in the revocation of your permanent residency.
As a marriage-based immigrant, the eligibility criteria for the F-5 visa are relatively strict. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Ongoing Marital Relationship with a Korean Spouse
You must be currently married to a Korean citizen.
✅ Exception: If you've lived in Korea for over 5 years or are raising children, some requirements may be relaxed.
2. Minimum Duration of Marriage and Stay
✔You must have been married for at least 2 years
✔You must have held the F-6 visa for at least 2 years
✅ Exception: If you have children, F-6 stay of 1 year or more may suffice.
3. Meet Income Requirements
✔You must not be a welfare recipient.
Must earn at least 100% of the median income based on household size.
✔ For example, as of 2025, a two-person household should earn approx. KRW 3.27 million/month
✔Must provide evidence such as:
Income certificates from the National Tax Service, Health insurance payment records, Payslips
4. Korean Language Proficiency
✔Complete Level 5 of the KIIP (Korean Immigration & Integration Program)
OR Pass the Comprehensive Evaluation Test (score of 60+)
❗️It is recommended to start preparing for the language requirement at least 6 months in advance of your intended application date.
5. Proof of Genuine Relationship
✔If divorced previously or separated for a long time, supporting documents may be required.
Provide evidence such as joint bank statements, photos, messages, etc.
❗Failure to provide sufficient proof of a genuine relationship can lead to disqualification.
6. Clean Legal and Financial Record
✔No criminal record (including repeated minor infractions)
✔No overdue taxes or unpaid health insurance premiums
📌 Important Reminders
✔Simply being married for a long time does not guarantee F-5 eligibility.
You must meet all requirements including income, language proficiency, and legal status.
✔If you're separated or divorced, you may still apply—but you must prove the need for permanent residency and/or your spouse's fault.
In such cases, seeking help from a certified immigration specialist is highly recommended.
🔖 Required Documents for F-5 Application
✔Visa application form
✔Passport and Alien Registration Card copies
✔Family and marriage certificates
✔Resident registration of Korean spouse
✔Evidence of relationship (photos, bank records, messages)
✔Income documents (e.g., income statement, tax records, insurance payments)
✔Housing contract
✔TOPIK Level 2 or higher, or KIIP Level 4 or higher completion
✔Criminal background check
✔Health check-up certificate
✔Application fee receipt
❗All documents must be issued within the last 3 months. Foreign documents must be translated, notarized, and apostilled or consular certified.
The ideal time is as soon as you meet all eligibility requirements. Key timing scenarios include:
✅ After 2 Years of Marriage + 2 Years of Stay on F-6
This is the most common and recommended time.
If income and language requirements are also met, apply without delay.
Start preparing 3–6 months in advance to gather necessary documents.
✅ When You Have Long-Term Residency Plans
If you’re planning for your child’s education, buying property, or securing employment, apply as early as possible.
✅ Just Before Your F-6 Expires
Instead of extending the F-6, consider applying for the F-5 visa.
As processing can take time, apply at least 3–6 months before expiration.
Hanguk Visa provides tailored visa solutions for foreigners living in Korea and couples preparing for international marriage.
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We offer support for personal and business visa applications, visa duration management, and other related services.
Our one-stop administrative services include document translation, notarization, apostille, and immigration coordination—to help reduce mistakes and delays.
We also provide legal and practical consultation for common challenges in international marriage visa applications,
offering the safest and most realistic strategies tailored to your unique case.
If you need detailed consultation, please feel free to contact us at the information below anytime.
📞 Tel: +82-2-3210-1113
✉ KakaoTalk Channel: 한국비자
📣 Instagram: @hanguk_visa
