F-4
재외동포 (F-4)Overseas Korean (F-4)
Visas available for overseas Koreans for long-term stay and employment in Korea.
Up to 3 years per grant (multiple visa). Extension is permitted for up to 3 years per application. Certain subcategories (e.g., F-4-30) have specific initial and extension limits.
Varies (typically 5-10 business days)
Varies (please consult with the embassy or consulate)
Subcategories
Former Korean National
Person who previously held Korean nationality by birth and acquired foreign nationality.
Lineal Descendant of Former Korean National
Lineal descendant of a former Korean national who acquired foreign nationality.
Certain Long-term Stayers
Person who stayed in Korea for 6+ months under D-1, D-5 to D-9, E-1 to E-7.
Associate Degree or Higher / Government Scholarship
Holder of associate degree or higher (domestic or overseas) or government scholarship student (overseas associate degree holders require TOPIK level 3 or KIIP level 4+).
OECD Permanent Resident
Permanent resident of an OECD country.
Corporate Executive/Manager
Corporate representative, registered executive, or managerial employee meeting tenure and company age requirements.
Self-employed Representative (USD 100,000+ sales)
Representative of personal business with annual sales exceeding USD 100,000.
Multinational/Professional
Executives/employees of multinational companies, journalists, lawyers, CPAs, doctors, certified artists, engineers, etc.
Overseas Korean Organization Representative
Representative/deputy of recognized overseas Korean or cultural organization.
Former/Current Public Official
Former/current National Assembly member or public official (5+ years).
Professor/Teacher
University professor (including associate/lecturer) or primary/secondary teacher.
Business Investor in Korea
Investor of KRW 300 million+ (or KRW 200 million+ with employment of at least one Korean for 6+ months).
Long-term H-2 Worker
H-2 holder with 2+ years in specified sectors or 4+ years continuous employment.
Age 60 or Older
Overseas Korean aged 60 or older (excluding pure tourism).
National Technical Qualification Holder
Holder of Korean national technical qualification (Craftsman level or above).
KIIP Level 4+
Completed KIIP level 4+ or assigned level 5 through evaluation.
Korean High School Graduate
Graduate of Korean high school or equivalent.
Child Enrolled in Korean School
Child of overseas Korean enrolled in Korean elementary/middle/high school.
National Professional Qualification Holder
Holder of national professional qualification (e.g., care worker).
Former F-4 Holder
Person previously holding F-4 status but not falling under other categories (excluding deportees).
Eligibility Requirements
- 1) A person who previously held Republic of Korea nationality by birth (including those who emigrated before the establishment of the Government of the Republic of Korea) and acquired foreign nationality; 2) A lineal descendant of such person who acquired foreign nationality.
- Overseas Koreans (former Korean nationals and their lineal descendants with foreign nationality) may reside in Korea with broad employment freedom except for simple labor, immoral/illegal sectors, and other restricted occupations designated by the Minister of Justice.
Required Documents
- 1Visa application form
- 2Passport and copy
- 3Photo
- 4Fee
- 5Proof of overseas Korean status (family registry, birth certificate, etc.)
- 6Korean language proficiency proof (unless exempt)
- 7Overseas criminal record certificate (unless exempt)
- 8Visa Issuance Application Form
- 9Passport and copies
- 101 photograph
- 11Commission
- 12Documents proving foreign nationality (family relationship certificate, certificate of disqualification, birth certificate, etc.)
- 13Korean Language Proficiency Documentation
- 14Certificate of Criminal Record from Abroad
- 15Proof of former Korean nationality
- 16Proof of acquisition of foreign nationality
- 17Proof of ancestor’s Korean nationality
- 18Proof of lineal relationship
- 19Proof of foreign nationality acquisition
- 20Investment proof (KRW 300M+ or KRW 200M+ with employment plan)
- 21Business registration
- 22Lease contract
- 23Tax documents
- 24Certificate of Fact of Being a Citizen of the Republic of Korea
- 25Documents proving the reasons and dates for acquiring foreign nationality
- 26Documents proving the nationality of direct ancestors of the Republic of Korea
- 27Documents proving direct lineage relationship
- 28Documents proving the acquisition of foreign nationality by oneself and direct ascendants
- 29Official document equivalent to the corporate registration certificate
- 30Certificate of Employment
- 31Non-Employment Affidavit for Restricted Employment Activities
- 32Corporate Representative's Guarantee Certificate (for Employees)
- 33Copy of the national technical qualification certificate (original to be presented)
- 34Social Integration Information Network Verification Document
- 35Graduation certificate or Certificate of passing the GED
Extension & Renewal
Application must be submitted before the expiration of the stay period, with a maximum extension of up to 3 years for one time.
Living Guide: Important Information
Benefits & Exemptions
- +Proof of Korean Language ProficiencyIssuance of a visa for 2 years and a residence permit for a maximum of 3 years
Restrictions
- !Prohibition of simple labor activities
- !Prohibition of acts contrary to good morals and other social order, including gambling activities
- !Employment restrictions for the public interest or to maintain domestic employment order
- !Restriction on eligibility for males who have not fulfilled military service (up to 40 years old)
- !Eligibility restrictions for those convicted of specific violent crimes
- !Restrictions on those convicted of serious social crimes (drug offenses, voice phishing, habitual drunk driving)
- !Restriction on those sentenced to imprisonment for more than one year within the last five years
- !Restriction on those who have been sentenced to a fine of 7 million won or more within the last 3 years
- !Restriction for those who have been fined more than 7 million won for violating the Immigration Control Act within the last 3 years
- !Restrictions on holders of overseas criminal records
Exceptions & Special Conditions
- A male who renounced or lost Korean nationality after May 1, 2018.F-4 status is restricted until December 31 of the year in which the individual turns 40, unless military service has been completed or the individual is exempted.
- Resident of a regional specialized visa pilot areaYou may engage in certain otherwise restricted simple labor within the designated area.
- Men who have not fulfilled their military service (who have lost or renounced their nationality after May 1, 2018)Restriction on granting F-4 status until December 31 of the year in which the individual turns 40, prior to fulfilling or being exempted from military service.
- Aged 60 years or older.Exemption from Submission of Criminal Record Certificate
- Submission of Korean language proficiency is not provided.A stay period of only one year will be granted.
Procedures
Application must be submitted before the expiration of the stay period, with a maximum extension of up to 3 years for a single application.
Eligibility for a change of status is possible for certain individuals within the country (such as domestic graduates and those who have obtained certifications).
Employment is permitted in fields other than restricted occupations (there is no obligation to report changes in the workplace).
Spouses and minor children can accompany on F-3, while parents can visit on F-1.
Countries Requiring Apostille
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Asia/Oceania | New Zealand, Mongolia, Japan, etc. |
| Europe | Germany, France, UK, etc. |
| North America | USA, Canada |
| Others | Please see the full list in the appendix. |
Duration of stay based on the submission of Korean language proficiency
| Classification | Submission | Not submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Visa issuance | 2-Year Multiple Entry Visa | 1-year multiple visa |
| Residence Permit/Extension | Up to 3 years | 1 year |
Submission Criteria for Overseas Criminal Record Certificate
| Classification | Content |
|---|---|
| Submission Target | F-4 visa applicants and applicants for status change |
| Scope of Submission | Country of nationality and a third country where you have resided for more than one year within the last five years |
| Validity period | Within 6 months from the date of issuance |
Source: Official Immigration Guidelines
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Korean immigration website to submit your application.
Important Notice
This information is for reference only. Visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Always verify with official sources before applying.