Can I stay abroad for more than 1 year with an F-2 residence visa?

Yes, you can. But you must get a multiple re-entry permit before you leave Korea. If you stay abroad for over 1 year without a permit, you cannot come back in with your current status of stay.

If you have an F-2 and have registered as a foreigner, you do not need a re-entry permit if you return within 1 year of the day you left. If your remaining period of stay is shorter than 1 year, you must return within that period. To stay abroad for more than 1 year, up to 2 years, get a multiple re-entry permit before you leave.

How to apply

• Where to apply: e-Application on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), or visit your local immigration office
• Documents: Integrated application form, passport, Alien Registration Card
• Fee: 50,000 KRW

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• The re-entry permit period cannot be longer than your remaining period of stay. If your period of stay may end while you are abroad, check how to extend it before you leave.
• If you are subject to entry restrictions or visa issuance restrictions, you need a separate re-entry permit even if you return within 1 year.
• A long stay abroad can hurt you later when you extend your F-2 or change to another status. Some F-2 reviews check that 'the time spent abroad in the 5 years before the application date is not longer than the time spent in Korea'.

Before you leave, check your remaining period of stay and the possible re-entry permit period once more on HiKorea or by calling 1345.