South Korea (KR)
South Korea is a high-income East Asian democracy with world-class broadband, dense public transport, export-led technology giants, sophisticated healthcare, a powerful popular culture sector and one of Asia's most convenient urban lifestyles for expats who can adapt to Korean-language administration.
Capital: Seoul
Region: Asia
Language: Korean
Currency: KRW (₩)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 65)
Emergency: 119
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in South Korea.
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Permanent Residency
Name
F-5 Permanent Residence Visa
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have resided continuously in South Korea for at least 5 years on a qualifying status may apply for F-5 permanent residence. The general income threshold is approximately 2 times the per-capita GNI; holders of advanced degrees may qualify at approximately 1 times GNI. Korean language integration (KIIP completion or TOPIK) and strict tax and social insurance compliance are required.
Duration
Permanent once granted — the F-5 visa has no expiry date
Requirements
- ✓5 years of continuous lawful residence in South Korea on a qualifying status
- ✓Manufacturing/industrial sector exception: 4 years in some categories
- ✓Stable income meeting the income threshold (approximately 2x per-capita GNI; 1x GNI for advanced degree holders)
- ✓KIIP (Korea Immigration Integration Program) completion or TOPIK language evidence
- ✓Tax and social insurance compliance — NHIS premium payment history, NPS contributions and NTS (National Tax Service) records are cross-checked and must be clear
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Application at the local Immigration Office or online at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr)
In 2026, immigration authorities actively cross-check NHIS, NPS and NTS records — gaps in insurance or unpaid taxes have resulted in rejections. Clear all arrears before applying. The F-5 grants open work rights across all sectors and employers without sponsorship.
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Citizenship
Name
South Korean Citizenship by Naturalisation
Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have held F-5 permanent residence for at least 5 years — giving an approximate total of 10 years from first entry on a qualifying work or residence visa — may apply for naturalisation. Applicants must pass the Korean Nationality Test (Korean language, culture, history and civic knowledge), demonstrate a stable livelihood and be of good character. South Korea generally does not permit dual citizenship for ordinary naturalised adults — prior nationality must be renounced.
Duration
Permanent once granted
Requirements
- ✓F-5 permanent residence held for at least 5 years (approximately 10 years total from first qualifying entry)
- ✓Pass the Korean Nationality Test covering language, culture, history and civic knowledge
- ✓Ability to maintain a stable livelihood in Korea
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Renunciation of prior citizenship within 1 year of citizenship grant (general rule — exceptions apply for some categories)
- ✓Application to the Immigration Office
South Korea permits dual citizenship only in limited exceptions: (1) persons aged 65 or older; (2) persons of distinguished contribution to Korea; (3) foreign spouses under the F-6 marriage route in some cases. Male applicants and male children should seek specific advice on military service (Mandatory Military Service) obligations before naturalising. Processing typically takes 6–12 months after application.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Marriage-Based Route (F-6 Spouse Visa)
Eligibility
Foreign nationals married to a Korean citizen on an F-6 spouse visa may apply for F-5 permanent residence after 2 years of marriage and lawful residence, and subsequently for naturalisation. The marriage-based naturalisation route is generally shorter than the standard 10-year path.
Duration / Outcome
F-5 after 2 years of marriage; naturalisation typically 2–3 additional years after F-5
Requirements
- ✓Valid marriage to a Korean citizen registered under Korean law
- ✓2 years of continuous lawful residence in Korea on F-6 status
- ✓Stable household income meeting threshold
- ✓Pass the Korean Nationality Test
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Genuine and subsisting marriage (interviews to verify authenticity)
Divorce, domestic violence and child custody issues can affect F-6 status — seek advice immediately if circumstances change. Dual citizenship exceptions for the F-6 marriage route apply in some cases — confirm current rules with the Immigration Office before applying.
F-2 Points-Based Long-Term Residence
Eligibility
Qualified foreign residents who score above the minimum threshold on the points system (assessing age, income, education level, Korean language ability and integration) may obtain F-2 long-term residence — a stepping stone toward F-5 permanent residence.
Duration / Outcome
Renewable residence leading to F-5 eligibility
Requirements
- ✓Points scoring above the minimum threshold (age, income, education, TOPIK/KIIP, integration)
- ✓Stable income evidence
- ✓Tax compliance records
- ✓TOPIK or KIIP language evidence
F-2 provides a practical route for skilled workers who do not yet qualify for F-5. Time on F-2 counts toward the F-5 residence requirement.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
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Dual citizenship is not allowed — South Korea generally prohibits dual citizenship for naturalised adults. Upon naturalization, the prior nationality must be renounced within 1 year of the citizenship grant. Limited exceptions where dual citizenship is permitted: (1) persons aged 65 or older naturalising in Korea; (2) persons granted citizenship for distinguished contribution; (3) some F-6 marriage-route cases. Korean citizens who acquire foreign citizenship generally lose Korean citizenship, but Korean nationals who acquired foreign nationality before age 22 may apply to retain Korean citizenship by pledging not to exercise foreign nationality inside Korea. Military service (mandatory for male Korean citizens) is a critical consideration — seek specific advice before naturalising if you have male children.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
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