What can and can't I do with an F-5 Permanent Resident visa?

If you have Permanent Residence (F-5) status, you are not restricted in your activities by your status of stay¹. In general, this means:

• Freedom to work: You can work for a company in any type of job. You can also work part-time or do several jobs at the same time.
• Starting a business and self-employment: You can register a business and run it yourself.
• Changing jobs: You do not need separate permission when you change workplaces.
• Long-term stay: Unlike other statuses, you do not have to keep extending your period of stay.
• Other: In general, if you meet the requirements, you also get the right to vote in local elections.

What you must not do or should be careful about

Permanent residents are still foreigners, so the Immigration Act (출입국관리법) still applies to you.

• Crimes: If you are punished for a serious crime, your permanent residence status can be cancelled, or you can be deported.
• False documents: If it is found that you got your status with false documents, your permit can be cancelled.
• Long stays abroad: If you want to stay abroad longer than a certain period, you need a re-entry permit before you leave. If you stay past the period without a permit, you may lose your status. Please check the exact period.
• Reporting duty: If your address or passport information changes, you must report it within the set deadline. If you are late, you may have to pay a fine.
• Rights only for citizens: You do not have rights that are open only to Korean citizens, such as voting in presidential or National Assembly elections, or some civil servant positions.

⚠️ Things to note

Your permanent resident card also has an expiry date. You must get it reissued before it expires. Please be sure to check the re-entry permit period, reporting deadlines, and card expiry date at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345. If your status may be cancelled, try a K-VISA AI Administrative Agent consultation.