Permanent Residence Visa (F-5)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 3650 days
- Processing time
- 2-6 months
- Fee
- USD 90 (multiple entry)
- Validity
- Indefinite, with re-entry permit renewal every 10 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
All nationalities eligible, but must have resided in Korea for at least 5 consecutive years (varies by sub-category)
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Financial
Must demonstrate stable income above the GNI per capita level, regular tax payments, and financial stability
Minimum funds: Above GNI per capita (varies annually)
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Criminal record
Must have a clean criminal record in Korea and home country
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Visa history
Must have maintained legal residence status in Korea for at least 5 consecutive years (less for certain categories like marriage immigrants)
Required history: 5+ years legal residence in Korea
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: One recent passport-sized color photograph
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: USD 30,000; Months required: 12
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Police clearance
Countries required: Home country and Korea; Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Permanent residence application form; Form url: https://www.hikorea.go.kr
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card at immigration office; Amount: USD 90
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: TOPIK Level 5 or KIIP Level 5 social integration program; Minimum score: TOPIK Level 5
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather residence history documents, financial proof, tax payment records, criminal background checks, and Korean language proficiency certificate
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Online application
Complete permanent residence application form (apply at Korean immigration office, not embassy)
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Fee payment
Pay application fee (approximately USD 90)
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Document submission
Submit application at the Korean Immigration Office (Hi Korea) - this is done in-country
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Interview
Attend interview at immigration office if required
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Processing wait
Wait 2-6 months for processing and background verification
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Visa collection
Receive F-5 permanent residence card