South Korea: F-5 Permanent Residence Visa 2026

Permanent residence via income threshold (GNI per capita) or points-based system.

Best For

Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements

Not Ideal For

Those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria

At a Glance

Visa Type
Long-Term Residence
Region
Asia
Visa Duration
Processing Time
3–6 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€60
Path to PR / Citizenship
Yes
Difficulty
6.5/10 — Difficult

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Required
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsor RequiredNo
Remote Income AllowedYes
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language Requirement

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against South Korea's F-5 Permanent Residence Visa.
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant South Korea immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€60). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 3–6 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income€3,084
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€60

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipNo
Years to Citizenship
Dual Citizenship AllowedNo
Spouse Work RightsYes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the F-5 Permanent Residence Visa?

Permanent residence via income threshold (GNI per capita) or points-based system.

Who is the F-5 Permanent Residence Visa best for?

Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements

How long does the F-5 Permanent Residence Visa take to process?

Processing typically takes 3–6 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the F-5 Permanent Residence Visa cost?

The application fee is €60. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the F-5 Permanent Residence Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

Find your best visa pathway

Take our free 3-minute quiz and get matched with programmes that fit your profile.

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Official source: https://www.immigration.go.kr

Last verified: 2026-03-05

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