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1) Common Eligibility Requirements
To obtain permanent residency, you must prove your ability to be self-sufficient and possess the basic qualities as a member of Korean society.
- Economic Self-Sufficiency
You or your accompanying family must have sufficient ability to maintain a livelihood in Korea (generally, income at or above GNI level, approximately 44.05 million KRW as of 2024, subject to annual changes).
- Basic Qualifications
You must have Korean language proficiency and understanding of Korean society and culture (e.g., completion of the Social Integration Program).
- Good Conduct
You must comply with Korean laws and not cause any social disturbances.
2) Eligibility for Status Change for Overseas Koreans
- Holders of Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa
Persons who have continuously resided in Korea for 2 years or more and meet certain income or asset requirements.
- Those Eligible for Nationality Acquisition
Overseas Koreans as defined in Article 2, Paragraph 2 of the Overseas Koreans Act, who meet the **nationality acquisition requirements (general naturalization, etc.)** under the Nationality Act.
- Holders of Visit and Employment (H-2) Visa
Persons working in permitted industries such as manufacturing, agriculture/livestock, fishery, caregiving, household helper, etc., and meeting certain employment duration and asset requirements.
3) Benefits and Activity Scope of Permanent Residency (F-5)
Overseas Koreans with Permanent Residency (F-5) status have no special restrictions on activities, including employment.
- Employment Activities
There are no special restrictions on employment activities, including simple labor.
- Residence Period
No need to extend the residence status; the permanent residency card needs to be reissued every 10 years.
- Exemption from Deportation
Compared to general foreigners, stricter criteria apply for deportation, providing very high residence stability.
4) Social Integration Program (KIIP) Completion Levels
To apply for permanent residency, you generally need to meet one of the following.
- Level 5 Completion
Persons who have completed all levels of the Social Integration Program (Basic/Advanced) and passed the comprehensive evaluation for permanent residency.
- Passed Comprehensive Evaluation for Naturalization
Persons who scored 60 points or higher in the comprehensive evaluation for naturalization, which is at a level eligible for naturalization application.
- Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK)
For some applicants, TOPIK scores may substitute, but completion of the Social Integration Program is strongly recommended.
5) Exemptions from Completion (Special Provisions for Overseas Koreans)
- Age 60 and Above
Senior applicants at the time of application may be exempt from basic qualification requirements.
- Holders of Domestic PhD Degrees
Those who obtained a PhD from a Korean university may be exempt due to recognition of expertise.
- Minors
Minors under 18 years old, etc.
6) Conditions for Status Revocation
Even after obtaining permanent residency (F-5), overseas Koreans may have their status revoked if any of the following apply, so special caution is required.
- Obtained Permanent Residency through False or Other Improper Means
※ This also applies if income amount certificate was not submitted and other documents like withholding tax receipts were submitted, but the amount differs from the income amount certificate.
- Involvement in Serious Crimes
If sentenced to imprisonment or detention of 2 years or more for crimes under the Criminal Act, Act on Punishment of Violent Acts, Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse, Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, Narcotics Control Act, or Special Act on Suppression of Health Crimes, or if the total confirmed sentence period within the last 5 years for violating Korean laws is 3 years or more.
- Harm to National Interests
Acts contrary to Korea's national interests in areas such as national security, diplomatic relations, and national economy.
7) Required Documents (Very Important)
The 'Income Amount Certificate' issued by the tax office is given the highest priority.
- Precautions
As mentioned earlier, if the withholding tax receipt issued by the company does not match the tax office's income amount certificate data, it may be considered an 'improper method' and lead to status revocation, so be sure to verify and submit.