Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by a South Korean citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Korea
You can live in South Korea for the period granted, and can seek an extension.
A multiple-entry visa is normally valid for five years, with stays of up to two years.
The longest stay allowed is three years, but the period actually granted controls.
Study in South Korea
You can study in South Korea.
Work in South Korea
You can generally take and change jobs without being tied to one employer or workplace, and you can run a business.
Some jobs are restricted, and certain professions require a South Korean licence.
Leave and return
After reporting your residence, you can leave and return during your permitted stay without a separate re-entry permit.
Your residence-report card can stand in for a resident-registration card, foreigner-registration card and related certificates in procedures and transactions.
Own and use property
You can rent or buy a home, use banking services and make everyday contracts.
After reporting your residence, you generally have the same land rights as a South Korean citizen to buy, hold, use and sell land.
Exceptions include protected military-facility areas.
Use public healthcare
After six months living in South Korea, you are generally enrolled in National Health Insurance, unless an exemption applies.
You pay premiums and receive the same insurance coverage as South Korean citizens.
Some students who meet school, income and property conditions get a premium reduction.
How to apply
From outside South KoreaFrom outside South Korea
Find your consulate
Find the South Korean embassy or consulate responsible for where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Korean consulate covers your city for an Overseas Korean visa application?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsDownload the application form
Download the Visa Application Form for your Overseas Korean visa.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign the Visa Application Form in Korean or English, and attach your photograph.
Get form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the South Korea Overseas Korean visa application form?”
Hand in your application
Ask your consulate how to submit your application and whether you need an appointment, then bring your completed form, passport and documents. Pay the visa fee at the consulate using the method it tells you to use.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Korea Overseas Korean visa application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate's decision and respond if it asks for more information or documents. You may be able to follow your visa's progress on the Korea Visa Portal.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check my South Korea Overseas Korean visa application status on the Korea Visa Portal?”
Travel to South Korea
Once your visa is issued, travel to South Korea.
Find entry informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter South Korea with an Overseas Korean visa?”
Once in South KoreaOnce in South Korea
Find your immigration office
If you intend to stay for 91 days or longer, find the immigration office responsible for your address in South Korea.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Korea immigration office covers your city for an Overseas Korean residence report?”
Report your residence
If you intend to stay for 91 days or longer, report your address at the immigration office within 90 days of entering South Korea and get your Overseas Korean residence report card. The report lets you use the card as your record of residence in South Korea.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I report my South Korea address and get an Overseas Korean residence report card at the immigration office serving your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Adoption records
Get a certified copy of the South Korean archived family register showing your adoption or your South Korean adoptive parent, or a South Korean family-register or basic certificate accepted by the office. If the record does not establish your adoption, add an official, certified adoption certificate. Apply for the certificate yourself; if you are a minor, your adoptive parent can apply for you.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Residence and record reporting
If you plan to stay more than 90 days, report your residence or follow foreigner-registration rules within 90 days of entry.
Report a move from your reported address within 14 days, and keep your passport, nationality and other required records current.
Missing required reports can bring penalties or loss of status.
Restricted work
Some types of work are not permitted with this status.
Working unlawfully can lead to penalties or loss of status.
Stay period and renewal
Leave or extend your stay before your permitted period ends.
Extensions are normally filed from four months before expiry through the expiry date; filing late can bring a penalty.
Status can end
Your status ends if your permitted stay expires without a timely extension, you change status, your permission is cancelled or you are deported.
Serious crime or false statements, immigration violations or prohibited activity can lead to cancellation.
So can conduct threatening security, public order, public welfare or South Korea’s interests.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Expats in Korea
English Facebook group for people living in South Korea interested in South Korean visas
Join on FacebookEvery Expat in Korea
English Facebook group for people living in South Korea interested in South Korean local life
Join on FacebookForeigners in Seoul
English Facebook group for people living in South Korea interested in South Korean local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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