A South Korean Resident Visa allows foreigners to live in South Korea for an extended period, either for work, family, or other specific reasons. These visas are generally part of the F-Series, which includes visas for long-term residents, family members, and permanent residency. Below are the common types of Resident Visas and their application process.
Types of Resident Visas (F-Series):
- F-2 Long-Term Resident Visa:
- For foreigners who have been living in South Korea under certain visa types (like work or study) and want to reside long-term. This visa is often issued based on points earned through the Point-Based Immigration System.
- F-3 Dependent Family Visa:
- For family members (spouse or children) of foreigners who hold a work visa (e.g., E-Series). This allows family members to reside with the primary visa holder in South Korea.
- F-4 Overseas Korean Visa:
- For ethnic Koreans (of South Korean descent) who have gained foreign citizenship but wish to live in South Korea long-term.
- F-5 Permanent Resident Visa:
- Grants permanent residency status. It is usually available to foreigners who have held an F-2 or E-Series visa for a long period or meet certain investment or marriage conditions.
- F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa:
- For foreigners who are married to South Korean citizens. This allows the foreign spouse to live and work in South Korea.
Eligibility:
- F-2 Visa (Long-Term Resident):
- Applicants who have resided in South Korea for a certain number of years under work or student visas.
- Eligibility for this visa can be determined through a point-based system, where points are awarded for factors such as age, income, language proficiency, and education.
- F-3 Visa (Dependent Family):
- For the spouse or children of a foreign worker or student holding a valid visa in South Korea.
- F-4 Visa (Overseas Korean):
- Ethnic Koreans who have foreign citizenship but want to return to South Korea to live long-term.
- F-5 Visa (Permanent Residency):
- Foreigners who have resided in South Korea under an F-2 or E-Series visa for a long time and meet criteria related to income, job stability, and social integration.
- F-6 Visa (Marriage Migrant):
- Foreigners married to a South Korean citizen. The South Korean spouse must act as the visa sponsor.
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Required Documents for Resident Visas:
The required documents vary based on the specific visa type, but generally include:
- Completed Visa Application Form:
- Available from the Korean Visa Portal or the local embassy.
- Valid Passport:
- At least six months of validity remaining.
- Passport-Sized Photograph:
- Usually 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm with a white background.
- Visa Application Fee:
- Varies by visa type and nationality.
- Proof of Relationship (for family visas):
- Marriage certificate for spouses or birth certificate for children under the F-3 or F-6 visa categories.
- Proof of Financial Stability:
- Bank statements, employment records, or proof of income (especially for F-2 and F-5 visas).
- Health Certificate:
- Some visa categories may require a medical check.
- Criminal Record Check:
- For certain visa categories, such as F-5 (permanent residency) or F-2 (long-term residency), you may be required to submit a police clearance or criminal background check from your home country.
- Korean Language Proficiency:
- For F-2 and F-5 visas, applicants may be required to demonstrate Korean language skills, often proven through the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean).
Application Process:
- Step 1: Prepare Documents:
- Gather all the necessary documents based on your visa type. It is essential to consult with the South Korean immigration office or embassy to ensure you have all required paperwork.
- Step 2: Submit Application:
- Submit your completed application along with the supporting documents to the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country or at a Korean Immigration Office if applying within South Korea.
- Step 3: Wait for Processing:
- Processing times vary but typically range from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the visa type and your nationality.
- Step 4: Visa Issuance:
- Once approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport, and you can reside in South Korea based on the visa conditions.
Alien Registration Card (ARC):
- After arriving in South Korea on a resident visa, you must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days. This is your primary form of identification while living in the country and is necessary for things like opening a bank account, getting a phone contract, etc.
Permanent Residency (F-5 Visa):
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Foreigners who have lived in South Korea for a certain number of years under a long-term visa (typically F-2 or E-Series).
- Must meet income requirements, Korean language proficiency (TOPIK Level 3 or higher), and possibly other conditions depending on the visa category.
- Benefits:
- No need for visa renewals: Permanent residents can live in South Korea without the need for further visa renewals.
- Work without restrictions: You can work in any profession without needing a specific work visa.
Key Considerations:
- Korean Language Requirement:
- For many resident visas, especially F-2 and F-5, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in Korean, either through an exam (TOPIK) or proof of attendance at a Korean language course.
- Financial Stability:
- You may need to prove financial stability for certain visas, such as F-2 and F-5, through bank statements or proof of steady income.
- Family Sponsorship:
- For the F-3 or F-6 visas, your family members (spouse or children) are your sponsors and need to provide documents proving their relationship to you.