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The Overseas Korean (F-4) residency status is a visa granted to overseas Koreans with foreign nationality to allow long-term stay and economic activities in South Korea.
This is based on the "Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans".
Purpose
Supports overseas Koreans who have acquired foreign nationality to stay relatively freely in Korea and engage in economic activities.
Visa Type
Multiple Entry Long-Term Stay Visa
Stay Period
Initially granted for a maximum of 2 or 3 years, extendable (up to 3 years at a time).
Key Benefits
Freedom in employment activities (except some restricted occupations) and issuance of domestic residence registration card (residence card).
F-4 Visa Application Eligibility Requirements
F-4 visas are mainly divided into those who previously held South Korean nationality and their direct descendants, with specific eligibility categories.
Principal (F-4-11)
A person who held South Korean nationality by birth and has acquired foreign nationality.
Direct Descendants (F-4-12)
Direct descendants of a person who held South Korean nationality and has acquired foreign nationality. (If parents or grandparents held Korean nationality).
Special Eligibility (F-4-27 etc.)
Holders of nationally certified technical qualifications (technician level or higher).
Elderly Koreans (F-4-25)
Overseas Koreans with foreign nationality aged 60 or older.
Social Integration Program
Those who have completed level 4 or higher of the Social Integration Program or have been assigned to level 5 in the preliminary evaluation.
Military Service Obligation Restrictions
For South Korean males who lost or renounced nationality without fulfilling military service obligations and became foreigners, F-4 visa issuance is restricted until January 1 of the year they turn 41.
Scope of Employment Activities for F-4 Visa
Unlike other employment visas (E-series), the F-4 visa is not limited to permitted occupations and allows most employment activities freely, but some occupations are restricted to protect public interest and maintain domestic employment order.
Restricted Employment Fields (Employment Prohibited)
Simple Manual Labor
- Construction simple laborers (general construction site laborers)
- Unloading and loading simple workers, moving company carriers
- Mail carriers, delivery personnel, food/newspaper delivery workers, etc.
- Building cleaners, security guards, gas station attendants, flyer distributors, etc.
Acts Against Good Morals or Social Order
Entertainment workers in bars/rooms salons, employees in lodging facilities/bathhouses, employees in establishments prohibited for youth entry/employment, etc.
Other Cases That May Harm Public Interest
Street vendors, golf course caddies, etc.
Exceptional Employable Occupations (Some simple manual labor allowed)
Fast food counter staff, cooking assistants in restaurants/restaurants/hotels/schools, etc., are employable.
Residents/employees in population-declining areas recognized by the Minister of Justice may be permitted some simple manual labor.
Domestic Residence Registration and Stay Extension
Upon entering Korea with an F-4 visa, you will receive a domestic residence registration card (residence card) through domestic residence registration.
Domestic Residence Registration
After entering with an F-4 visa, report to the immigration office under your address jurisdiction within 90 days; the residence card serves as domestic ID.
Stay Period Extension
Applications can be made from 4 months before the expiration date up to the expiration date, via HiKorea e-service or in person.
Address Change
If you change your residence, report to the city/county/district office or immigration office under the new address jurisdiction within 14 days.