Comments on: F5 Visa in South Korea | Getting A Permanent Visa in Korea

By: Seoul Law Group

Seoul Law Group — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:58:03 +0000

In reply to John. Thank you for your detailed comment. The F-5 requirements and exemptions can vary by category and individual circumstances, and they may change over time. We will review the points you raised against the latest guidelines. For advice on a specific situation, you are welcome to book a consultation with us.

By: John

John — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:01:00 +0000

There are a few important things that is either not addressed or misleading in your article.
1. Finances: There are other exemptions to the income requirement, such as total assets and paying property taxes. It’s not just investor-type visas.
2. Criminal History: Why would an applicant require an apostilled criminal history report from the home country if the applicant had been residing continually in Korea? The applicant had already submitted the original criminal history report during the first visa application two or more years ago. I don’t believe another report is required as long as the applicant did not stay overseas for more than six consecutive months.
3. Korean Language: Many people are exempt from this requirement, such as those who previously held Korean citizenship, graduated from elementary school or higher in Korea, minors under 13, anyone aged 60 or older, or F-4 visa holders who have been in the country for 3 years.

By: Seoul Law Group

Seoul Law Group — Thu, 28 May 2026 23:54:48 +0000

In reply to Kimhayoung.

Thank you for contacting Seoul Law Group. Please EMAIL US at info@seoullawgroup.com with a description of your situation so that we may assist you. Thank you

By: Seoul Law Group

Seoul Law Group — Thu, 28 May 2026 23:53:18 +0000

In reply to Abdul Karim.

Hello Abdul, we have received your inquiry and have gotten back to you. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out via info@seoullawgroup.com.

By: Abdul Karim

Abdul Karim — Thu, 28 May 2026 03:37:50 +0000

Hello, my name is Abdul Karim. I am currently in Korea on an E-3 researcher visa, and my ARC is valid until February 28, 2027. I came to Korea in November 2022 and have continuously stayed on E-3 status. I have a foreign PhD in Computer Science/AI and currently work full-time as a researcher/research professor at Hallym University. My current annual salary is about 47 million KRW.

I would like to check whether I may be eligible for F-5 permanent residency, especially under F-5-9 overseas PhD/high-tech field or F-5-11 special talent route.

Could you please advise:

1. Which F-5 category is most suitable for my case?
2. Is KIIP/TOPIK required or exempt for this route?
3. Is my current salary enough, or do I need income above GNI?
4. Do I need a criminal background certificate from my home country?
5. What documents are needed from my professor/Hallym University?
6. What is your consultation fee and full service fee if I proceed?

Thank you.

By: Kimhayoung

Kimhayoung — Sun, 24 May 2026 22:50:58 +0000

Kimhayoung F5-5-1 visa-free

By: Seoul Law Group

Seoul Law Group — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 02:13:37 +0000

In reply to Bibi Lee.

Thank you for contacting Seoul Law Group. Please EMAIL US at info@seoullawgroup.com with a description of your situation so that we may assist you. Thank you.

By: Bibi Lee

Bibi Lee — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 23:21:53 +0000

Hi!
My husband is Korean national and we have been married for over 3 years. I would like to apply for F-5 next year, but it is very likely that my husband will be employed and receiving his paycheck by a company abroad (USA). Is it still possible to apply and receive the visa?

Thank you and have a nice day!

By: Seoul Law Group

Seoul Law Group — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:40:04 +0000

In reply to Unwizerwa Dany.

Thank you for contacting Seoul Law Group. Please EMAIL US at info@seoullawgroup.com with a description of your situation so that we may assist you. Thank you.

By: Unwizerwa Dany

Unwizerwa Dany — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:44:21 +0000

Hello .my name is dany . A batchelor holder and have been working in korea under E7-1 visa for 4 years . Any advice on that f5 visa