What are the requirements to get permanent residence (F-5)?

The requirements for permanent residence (F-5) differ by type of status, such as general permanent residence (F-5-1), for adults who have stayed in Korea for 5 years or more under a set status such as F-2 or E-7. This answer focuses on the most common types.

First, choose your type

• General permanent residence (F-5-1) — an adult aged 19 or older who has stayed 5 years or more under a status from Resident (D-7) to Specially Designated Activities (E-7), or under Residence (F-2)
• Family permanent residence (F-5-4, etc.) — the spouse or minor child of a Korean citizen or permanent resident, with 2 years or more of stay (for marriage immigrants with F-6, 2 years or more)
• Overseas Korean permanent residence — an Overseas Korean (F-4) who has stayed continuously for 2 years or more and is recognized as needing to keep living in Korea
• Degree/skill permanent residence (F-5-9, 10, 15) — a person with a doctorate, or a bachelor's degree or higher, or a technical certificate, who is employed by a company in Korea (income at or above the amount set by the Ministry of Justice is required)
• Investment, special merit, etc. — 50 thousand... see note: investment of 500,000 USD + hiring 5 or more Korean nationals, etc.

Standards common to all types

1. Good conduct: You must not fall under the grounds for deportation in Article 46 of the Immigration Act (출입국관리법).
2. Ability to support yourself: This is checked by your income or assets.
3. Basic knowledge: You prove it with a pass certificate of the comprehensive assessment for permanent residence or a completion certificate of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램) (Korea Immigration Permanent Residence Eligibility Course), etc. Some people are exempt.

Income standard (by type)

• 2 times or more of the previous year's GNI per person: This applies to general permanent residence (F-5-1), pension recipients (F-5-13), points-system permanent residents (F-5-16), and R&D personnel of foreign-invested companies (F-5-26). Among general permanent residence applicants, professionals (E-5) completing a hospital resident program need GNI or more.
• Previous year's GNI per person or more: This applies to doctorate holders (F-5-9, F-5-15), bachelor's/master's/certificate holders (F-5-10), and spouses and minor children of permanent residents (F-5-4, F-5-18).
• Income review exempt: High-value investors (F-5-5), persons of special merit (F-5-12), children of permanent residents born in Korea (F-5-20), etc.

The GNI amount changes every year. Check the latest amount before you apply.

⚠️ Points to note

• You must submit a criminal record certificate from abroad. You need one from your country of nationality. You also need one from any third country where you lived for 1 year or more in the last 5 years. It is waived if you have stayed legally in Korea for 10 years or more.
• If false information in your application is found after you get permanent residence, it can be revoked.
• If you are not sure which type applies, or your income is below the standard, get advice from an administrative agent (행정사) (visa service in the app).

Tell me which visa you held and for how many years, and I will point out the matching permanent residence type in more detail. Check the final requirements and amounts at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.