How does an F-5 permanent resident invite a spouse, children, or parents?

A permanent resident (F-5) can bring a spouse and minor children under a Residence (F-2) or Permanent Residence (F-5) family status. Parents are usually difficult, because they are not covered by the Parent Invitation (F-1-15), which only certain designated inviters can use. The requirements differ by status, so I will explain by family member.

How it differs by family member

• Spouse and minor children: The spouse of a Permanent Residence (F-5) holder and the holder's minor children fall under the Residence (F-2) status. If you bring them from abroad, they get a visa at a Korean overseas mission (재외공관) and then enter Korea.
• Children born in Korea: A child of a permanent resident who is born in Korea has the F-5-20 category. If both parents are foreigners, you must apply to Immigration (출입국) for a status of stay within 90 days of the birth date.
• Parents: Parent Invitation (F-1-15) can only be made by certain designated inviters, such as top-level talent, investors (D-8, etc.), professionals (E-1 to E-7), and international students. There is no confirmed basis that a permanent resident can invite their own parents. It depends on your personal situation, so you need a consultation.

Application steps (spouse and children)

1. Prepare family relationship documents (marriage and birth certificates, etc.). Documents from your home country usually need notarization or an apostille.
2. Usually, the inviter applies to Immigration for a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서) (HiKorea hikorea.go.kr).
3. Send the certificate to your family. They then apply for a visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in their country.
4. Register as a foreigner within 90 days after entering Korea.

⚠️ Points to note

• For the spouse or children of a permanent resident to get Permanent Residence (F-5) later, there are conditions, such as staying continuously in F-2 status for at least 2 years. A spouse must keep both a legal marriage and a real family relationship. If you divorce and then reunite, the continuity of the marriage is not recognized.
• Documents, income, and guarantor requirements differ for each family relationship. Be sure to check the exact list on HiKorea.

If you want to bring your parents, instead of an invitation, we recommend checking whether a visit (short-term) visa or another status fits. You can check this in a K-VISA AI administrative agent consultation (the Visa Service in the app). For final confirmation, use HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Support Center (외국인종합안내센터) (1345).