What visa can a foreign child use to live in Korea?

It depends on the parent's status of stay. The most common case is Dependent (F-3). Depending on the parent's status, it can also be Visiting and Residing (F-1) or Residence (F-2).

By parent's status

• Dependent (F-3) — Spouse and minor children of people with a status from Culture and Arts (D-1) to Specific Activities (E-7) (for a person with no spouse). Technical Training (D-3) is excluded.
• Visiting and Residing (F-1-9) — Minor children of a parent with Overseas Korean (F-4) status. This is not F-3.
• Visiting and Residing (F-1-12) — Children of a parent with Residence (F-2) status.
• Residence (F-2) — Minor children of a Korean citizen or a person with Permanent Residence (F-5) status.

If a child is born in Korea and both parents are foreigners, you must apply to the immigration office (출입국) for a status of stay within 90 days from the date of birth. If even one parent is a Korean citizen, the child is a Korean citizen from birth. In that case, you do not do foreigner registration. You report the birth at the community service center (주민센터).

Documents for an F-3 application

• Basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee)
• Proof of family relationship — the original birth certificate from the home country (official documents must be verified), or a Korean birth certificate if the child was born in Korea
• Tuberculosis certificate — submit it if it applies to you

A visa is required when entering Korea. A child who wants to live with a parent already registered in Korea may get a single-entry visa for a stay of 1 year or less, at the discretion of the head of the overseas mission. The F-3 period of stay is usually matched to the parent's (the person being accompanied) period of stay.

💡 Good to know

An F-3 child can attend elementary, middle or high school, or university, within the period of stay without separate permission. The status that applies depends on the parent's status and the child's age. If you tell us the parent's visa type, we can guide you more accurately.

Please check the exact requirements again at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Comprehensive Information Center (1345).