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F-6
결혼이민 (F-6)Marriage Migrant (F-6)
Residence visa for foreigners married to Koreans
Family
Validity
Up to 3 years / Single-entry visa with a stay period of up to 90 days (multiple-entry for U.S. nationals); applicants must apply for Alien Registration and extension within 90 days after entry.
Processing Time
Varies (typically 5-10 business days)
Application Fee
Varies (please check with the embassy or consulate)
Subcategories
F-6-1
Spouse of Korean National
Foreigner whose marriage is validly established in both countries and who intends to reside in Korea to continue marital life with a Korean national.
F-6-2
Parent Raising Child
Parent raising or intending to raise in Korea a minor child born in marriage (including de facto marriage) with a Korean national after marital relationship has ended.
F-6-3
Marriage Termination (No Fault)
Person who, while staying in Korea in marital relationship with a Korean national, cannot maintain normal marital relationship due to death, disappearance, or other reasons not attributable to themselves.
Eligibility Requirements
- Spouse of a Korean national
- Parent (father or mother) raising or intending to raise a minor child born within a marriage (including de facto marriage) with a Korean national after marital relationship termination
- Person who was married to a Korean national and residing in Korea but cannot maintain normal marital relationship due to spouse's death, disappearance, or other reasons not attributable to the applicant, recognized by the Minister of Justice
- Marriage to a Korean national; raising a minor child born within a marriage (including de facto marriage) with a Korean national; or residing in Korea after marriage breakdown (death, disappearance, or other non-attributable reasons) recognized by the Minister of Justice.
Required Documents
- 1Visa application form
- 2One passport-sized photo
- 3Applicant’s passport (valid for at least 6 months) and copy
- 4Visa application fee
- 5Invitation letter from Korean spouse
- 6Letter of guarantee
- 7Foreign spouse’s statement of marital background (in English)
- 8Copy of Korean spouse’s passport
- 9Korean spouse’s Basic Certificate (detailed, issued within 3 months)
- 10Marriage Certificate (detailed)
- 11Family Relation Certificate (detailed)
- 12Resident Registration Certificate (original)
- 13Housing requirement documents (real estate register; if leased, lease contract copy)
- 14Proof of relationship (photos, family photos, SNS/chat records, etc., within 5 pages)
- 15Application form (Form No. 34)
- 16Passport
- 17Photo (standard size)
- 18Fee
- 19Korean spouse’s family relation certificate (detailed)
- 20Korean spouse’s resident registration certificate
- 21Invitation letter for foreign spouse
- 22Marriage background statement by foreign spouse
- 23Certificate of completion of International Marriage Guidance Program (unless exempt)
- 24Korean spouse health certificate (unless exempt)
- 25Foreign spouse criminal record certificate (issued within 3 months, unless exempt)
- 26Foreign spouse health certificate including TB test (issued within 6 months; TB certificate required even if otherwise exempt)
- 27Country-specific documents (e.g., Philippines CFO certificate)
- 28Income Amount Certificate (mandatory)
- 29Credit Information Report (mandatory)
- 30Employment income documents (withholding receipt, employment certificate, business registration if applicable)
- 31Business income documents (business registration, income proof)
- 32Other income proof (e.g., lease contract, bank statements)
- 33Asset proof (deposits, insurance, securities over KRW 1,000,000 maintained for 6+ months; real estate register and official price)
- 34Family income statement and proof (if supplementing income; only co-residing direct family members)
- 35If a child is born to a couple: child's Family Relation Certificate (or birth certificate)
- 36If a couple resided abroad together for over 1 year with no domestic income: cohabitation proof
- 37If a foreign spouse previously held an F-6 visa (without spouse change or marriage interruption)
- 38Completion certificate of Korean language course (120+ hours)
- 39TOPIK Level 1 or higher
- 40Designated Korean language institution certificate
- 41Degree in Korean language-related major
- 42Proof of overseas Korean status (if applicable)
- 43Proof of 1+ year residence in Korea (foreign spouse)
- 44Proof of 1+ year residence in foreign spouse’s language country (Korean spouse)
- 45Naturalization proof of Korean spouse from foreign spouse’s language country
- 46Other communication proof (language test score or embassy interview pass)
- 47Child born to a couple
- 48Marriage broker registration certificate copy
- 49Guarantee insurance certificate copy
- 50Contract copy
- 51Copy of introducer’s ID
- 52Visa application form, passport, photo, fee
- 53Proof of parent-child relationship (Basic Certificate, birth certificate, DNA test if applicable)
- 54Proof of child custody (court decision including custody, confirmation from Korean relative within 5 degrees, etc.)
- 55Criminal record certificate
- 56Health certificate
- 57Certificate of income amount (National Tax Service)
- 58Credit information report
- 59Employment income withholding receipt (if applicable)
- 60Certificate of employment
- 61Business registration certificate (if applicable)
- 62Property documents (real estate register, bank statements, etc.)
- 63Family income statement (if supplementing with family income)
- 64Completion certificate from Korean language institution (120+ hours)
- 65TOPIK level 1 or higher score report
- 66Proof of long-term stay in Korea or relevant country
- 67Other proof of communication ability (language test/interview)
- 68Real estate register (if owned)
- 69Lease contract copy (if rented)
- 70Child’s family relation certificate or birth certificate
- 71Marriage relation certificate showing divorce
- 72Divorce judgment or mediation documents
- 73Evidence of Korean spouse’s fault (e.g., police report, medical certificate, court decision)
- 74Death certificate
- 75Basic certificate showing death
- 76Marriage relation certificate
- 77Court decision of disappearance
- 78Child’s basic and family relation certificate
- 79Proof of custody (court decision, resident registration, etc.)
Extension & Renewal
F-6-1: 1 year per extension (up to 3 years if raising a child). F-6-2: up to 3 years. F-6-3: 1 year per extension. Special provisions apply for cases of separation, divorce litigation, and disappearance.
Living Guide: Important Information
Benefits & Exemptions
- +Child born to the coupleExemption from income and communication requirements; simplified document list
- +Previous F-6 holder without spouse change or marriage interruptionExemption from income and communication requirements; simplified document list
- +Completion of Early Adaptation Program (for designated 7 countries)Grant of 2-year stay upon first extension
Restrictions
- !status_change_limitationShort-term visa holders (B-1 to C-4), individuals who are staying illegally, certain criminal offenders, and those who have been granted an extension of departure are generally not eligible to change to F-6-1.
- !Restriction of Activity ScopeThe authenticity of the marital relationship, which is a prerequisite for the residence status, must be maintained. If it is confirmed to be a sham marriage (such as false marriage registration), the residence status will be revoked, and a departure order or forced deportation may be issued.
- !Cancellation/Loss of QualificationIf a marriage is terminated due to divorce or other reasons and the responsibility lies with the foreign national, the extension of stay may be restricted or the residency status may be revoked. However, exceptions apply in cases recognized by the Minister of Justice, such as the death or disappearance of the Korean spouse, or circumstances beyond the foreign national's control that prevent the maintenance of a normal marital relationship.
- !Restrictions on Change/Extension of Stay StatusWhen applying for an extension of stay, the actual maintenance of the marital relationship, cohabitation, ability to support oneself (income requirements), housing requirements, and criminal history will be reviewed. If these requirements are not met, the extension may be restricted.
- !Employment RestrictionsIn principle, there are no restrictions on employment activities; however, in accordance with relevant laws such as the "National Public Service Act," you may not engage in positions or occupations that require Korean nationality. Additionally, industries that require separate permits must meet the requirements stipulated by the applicable laws.
- !Obligation to ReportIn the event of a change of address, passport, residence, or changes in marital status (such as divorce or separation), you are required to report to the relevant immigration office within 14 days in accordance with the Immigration Control Act. Failure to report may result in the imposition of a fine.
- !Other Legal RestrictionsIf you have received a criminal punishment (such as imprisonment of one year or more) or have significantly disrupted the order of stay due to violations of the Immigration Control Act, you may be subject to cancellation of your residence status, denial of extension of your stay, departure orders, or forced deportation.
Exceptions & Special Conditions
- U.S. nationalEligible for a multiple-entry visa instead of a single-entry 90-day visa.
- Nationals from high-risk tuberculosis countries (35 countries as of April 1, 2020)You must submit a medical certificate related to tuberculosis.
- All submitted documents, unless otherwise stated.The validity period is 3 months from the date of issue.
- Birth of a child between a coupleExemption from income and language requirements
- The couple resided abroad for over one year following their marriage, without any domestic income.Income requirement exemption
- Previous stay in Korea under F-6 without change of spouse or interruption.Exemption from income and language requirements
- Exemption from the International Marriage Guidance Program (long-term relationship, pregnancy, humanitarian reasons)Exemption from the requirements for program completion, health certificate, and criminal record certificate.
Procedures
Extension
F-6-1: 1 year per extension (up to 3 years if raising a child). F-6-2: up to 3 years. F-6-3: 1 year per extension. Special provisions are available for cases of separation, divorce litigation, and disappearance.
Status Change
Changing to F-6-1 is generally not permitted for holders of short-term visas, individuals who are staying illegally, certain offenders, or those who are under a departure extension; however, exceptions may apply for cases related to pregnancy, childbirth, or child-rearing.
Workplace Change
There are no restrictions on employment activities, regardless of the visa subcategory.
2026 Income Requirement (Annual Gross Income, KRW)
| Household Size | Income Requirement (KRW) |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | 25,195,752 |
| 3 persons | 32,154,216 |
| 4 persons | 38,968,428 |
| 5 persons | 45,340,314 |
| 6 persons | 51,335,712 |
| 7 persons | 57,090,900 |
| Each additional member (8+) | +5,755,188 per person |
2025 Income Requirement (Annual Gross Income, KRW)
| Household Size | Income Requirement (KRW) |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | 23,595,948 |
| 3 persons | 30,152,118 |
| 4 persons | 36,586,638 |
| 5 persons | 42,649,152 |
| 6 persons | 48,388,830 |
| 7 persons | 53,930,568 |
| Each additional member (8+) | +5,541,738 per person |
TB High-Risk Countries (35 countries as of 2020.04.01)
| Country |
|---|
| Nepal |
| Timor-Leste |
| Russia |
| Malaysia |
| Mongolia |
| Myanmar |
| Bangladesh |
| Vietnam |
| Sri Lanka |
| Uzbekistan |
| India |
| Indonesia |
| China |
| Cambodia |
| Kyrgyzstan |
| Thailand |
| Pakistan |
| Philippines |
| Laos |
| Kazakhstan |
| Tajikistan |
| Ukraine |
| Azerbaijan |
| Belarus |
| Moldova |
| Nigeria |
| South Africa |
| Ethiopia |
| DR Congo |
| Kenya |
| Mozambique |
| Zimbabwe |
| Angola |
| Peru |
| Papua New Guinea |
Income Requirement (2024 Standard)
| Household Size | Income (KRW) |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | 22,095,654 |
| 3 persons | 28,287,942 |
| 4 persons | 34,379,478 |
| 5 persons | 40,174,410 |
| 6 persons | 45,710,214 |
| 7 persons | 51,089,964 |
| Each additional member | +5,379,750 |
Income Requirement (2025 Standard)
| Household Size | Income (KRW) |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | 23,595,948 |
| 3 persons | 30,152,118 |
| 4 persons | 36,586,638 |
| 5 persons | 42,649,152 |
| 6 persons | 48,388,830 |
| 7 persons | 53,930,568 |
| Each additional member | +5,541,738 |
Income Requirement (2026 Standard)
| Household Size | Income (KRW) |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | 25,195,752 |
| 3 persons | 32,154,216 |
| 4 persons | 38,968,428 |
| 5 persons | 45,340,314 |
| 6 persons | 51,335,712 |
| 7 persons | 57,090,900 |
| Each additional member | +5,755,188 |
International Marriage Guidance Program Designated Countries
| Country |
|---|
| China |
| Vietnam |
| Philippines |
| Cambodia |
| Mongolia |
| Uzbekistan |
| Thailand |
TB High-Risk Countries (as of 2020.04.01)
| Country |
|---|
| Nepal |
| Timor-Leste |
| Russia |
| Malaysia |
| Mongolia |
| Myanmar |
| Bangladesh |
| Vietnam |
| Sri Lanka |
| Uzbekistan |
| India |
| Indonesia |
| China |
| Cambodia |
| Kyrgyzstan |
| Thailand |
| Pakistan |
| Philippines |
| Laos |
| Kazakhstan |
| Tajikistan |
| Ukraine |
| Azerbaijan |
| Belarus |
| Moldova |
| Nigeria |
| South Africa |
| Ethiopia |
| DR Congo |
| Kenya |
| Mozambique |
| Zimbabwe |
| Angola |
| Peru |
| Papua New Guinea |
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.