Does receiving a fine (criminal fine) affect my visa extension?

Yes, it can. A fine is a criminal penalty, so it is checked under the good conduct requirement when your extension or change is reviewed. But not every fine leads to a denial. The result depends on the amount, how much time has passed, and your visa status.

What the review looks at

• They check whether 3 years have passed since the day you paid the fine. For Residence (F-2) and Permanent Residence (F-5), if 3 years have not passed, you are treated as not meeting the good conduct requirement.
• For a fine of 3,000,000 KRW or more, a change to F-2 can be denied if 3 years have not passed since the judgment became final. If 3 years have passed, points are deducted (감점) in the F-2 points system.
• For a Skilled Worker Residence (F-2-6) extension, you must have no serious crimes in the 10 years before you apply. Fines of 1,000,000 KRW or less, suspended prosecution, and suspended sentences also count toward the number.
• If you have a record of breaking the law, you may have to complete law-abiding citizen education (준법시민교육) before your extension is approved. For an F-2 extension, violations within 5 years from the day the case ended (such as the day you paid the fine) are covered.

⚠️ Do not confuse this with an administrative fine (과태료)

An administrative fine (과태료) is an administrative penalty, so it is different from a criminal fine. For example, when counting "people who broke the Immigration Act 3 or more times in 5 years," administrative fines are not counted. Unpaid taxes are bad for your extension review, so pay them all in advance.

If your fine is large or 3 years have not passed, it is safer to get a consultation from the K-VISA AI administrative agent (행정사) (Visa Service in the app) before you apply. Check once more for your own visa status at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.