Do I need a re-entry permit if I leave Korea alone on an F-3 dependent visa and come back later?

If you have completed foreigner registration, you usually do not need a re-entry permit. You just need to come back within 1 year of the day you left. This is the same even if you leave alone.

But if your remaining period of stay is shorter than 1 year, you must return before your period of stay ends. There are exceptions for people who are banned from entry or whose visa issuance is restricted. In this case, you must visit the immigration office with jurisdiction (관할 출입국) in person and get permission.

⚠️ If you will be away for more than 1 year

If you plan to stay abroad for more than 1 year, up to 2 years, get a multiple re-entry permit before you leave.

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

💡 Good to know

F-3 is a status that you can only hold if there is a main resident (a spouse or parent). If the main resident leaves Korea or their status changes while you are abroad, you may have problems when you re-enter. Before you leave, check both of your periods of stay and your stay situations together.

Before you leave, check your remaining period of stay once more on HiKorea or by calling 1345.