When can you lose F-5 permanent resident status, and what should you do to keep it?

You can lose Permanent Residence (영주, F-5) status if it is revoked or if it is lost. The reasons and procedures for the two are different.

When permanent residence is revoked

• If you got it by improper means, such as false documents: in this case it is always revoked¹
• If you were given a final sentence of 2 years or more in prison (imprisonment with or without labor) for breaking certain laws, such as the Criminal Act or the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes¹³
• If your prison sentences in the last 5 years add up to 3 years or more¹
• If you received permanent residence on a condition, such as maintaining an investment, and you broke that condition¹²
• If you did something against the national interest, such as in national security, diplomacy, or the national economy¹

The old practice guidelines do not list breaking an investment condition, but the current law includes it. Even if your permanent residence is revoked, if you need to keep living in Korea and meet the requirements, you can apply for another stay status¹.

When permanent residence is lost

• If you stay abroad longer than your re-entry permit (exemption) period, you may lose permanent residence⁴.
• If there is an unavoidable reason, it may be reviewed and you may be able to change back to permanent residence⁴. But this is not guaranteed.

💡 What to do to keep it

• When leaving Korea for a long time: Always check your re-entry permit exemption period before you leave. It is generally said that you are exempt if you return within 2 years, but you need to confirm this. If you need to stay abroad longer, it is common to get a re-entry permit before you leave.
• Follow the law: Avoid crimes and law violations.
• Be honest in your documents: If the amounts on income documents, such as a withholding tax receipt, are different from your income certificate, it may be treated as improper acquisition³.
• Report changes: If your alien registration details, such as your address, change, report it within the deadline. Whether you met your reporting duty is also checked during the permanent residence review⁴.
• Manage your permanent resident card: In general, the card also has an expiration date. Get it reissued before it expires.

If you have already received a notice of revocation or loss, do not handle it alone. Get help from K-VISA AI Administrative Agent consultation (Visa Service in the app). For final confirmation, contact HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).