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 the area where you live. You must apply through that mission.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Korean embassy or consulate handles Overseas Korean F-4 visa applications for residents of your city?”
Download the application form
Download the Visa Application Form, also called Form 17.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the form in Korean or English and sign it. Attach a recent colour photograph measuring 3.5 by 4.5 centimetres.
See how to complete itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the South Korean Overseas Korean F-4 visa application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book an appointment with your consulate if it requires one for an Overseas Korean visa application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for a South Korean Overseas Korean F-4 visa at the consulate serving your city?”
Hand in your application
Submit your signed form, documents, passport and photograph to your consulate, following its instructions for applying in person, by mail or through an authorised agency. Pay the fee in the way the consulate instructs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Korean Overseas Korean F-4 visa application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate to decide and respond if it asks for more information or documents. Once approved, get your visa or visa grant notice.
Check your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check the result of my South Korean Overseas Korean F-4 visa application?”
Travel to South Korea
Travel to South Korea with your passport and supporting original documents. Your visa lets you seek entry to South Korea.
See entry guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter South Korea with an Overseas Korean F-4 visa?”
Once in South KoreaOnce in South Korea
Find your immigration office
If you will stay in South Korea for 91 days or more, find the immigration or foreigner office responsible for where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Korean immigration office handles an Overseas Korean F-4 residence report for your city?”
Report your residence
If you will stay in South Korea for 91 days or more, report your residence at your immigration office within 90 days of entry. Receive your overseas Korean residence card to document your residence in South Korea.
Find reporting instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I report my residence and get an Overseas Korean F-4 residence card in South Korea?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get your birth certificate and your parent’s birth certificate, showing the link from you through your parent to your Korean grandparent. Get them from the offices that hold the records, and bring originals and copies as your office requires. If a name has changed and the records do not clearly show the connection, include the name-change record.
Grandparent’s citizenship records
Get your Korean grandparent’s basic certificate or a certified copy of their archived family register through South Korea’s family-registration certificate service or a Korean consulate. If their loss of Korean citizenship has not yet been reported, the receipt for that report may be used for the application.
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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