Visa GNI Standard 2026 — Income Multiples for E-7, F-2, F-5 and More

Overview

In the immigration manuals, 'GNI' means the previous year's GNI per capita announced by the Bank of Korea. Each status uses it with a different multiple, such as 'at least GNI', '80% of GNI' or 'twice GNI', for income or wage requirements. This article gathers the statuses where GNI appears in the Ministry of Justice Foreign Resident Stay Manual and Visa Issuance Manual (September 2026 edition) so the multiples can be compared side by side.

It covers multiples and who they apply to, not the GNI amount itself. The Bank of Korea announces the amount every year and the manuals do not list it in a table, so check the official announcement for the relevant year when you apply. For amounts that are fixed and announced each year, such as the E-7 wage requirement, the 2026 table printed in the manual is cited.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• The GNI multiples used for E-7 (wage requirement, talent tracks, E-7-S), F-2 (points-based, other long-term), F-5 (permanent) and F-1-D in the manuals
• The base year for GNI (previous year, or the year before if not announced) and the reference date used when the wage requirement is examined
• An overview built around comparing multiples; detailed scoring and documents are covered in the guide for each status

Who Qualifies

• Companies and foreign nationals preparing an E-7 hire who want to know what share of the previous year's GNI the wage requirement is
• Foreign nationals planning a move to points-based residence (F-2-7) or permanent residence (F-5) who want to compare income rules
• Remote workers considering a digital nomad (F-1-D) permit, which has an income requirement
• Applicants who need to check the income standard for a family member or guardian, such as the guardian of an international student

Required Documents

• Previous year's income certificate: issued by the tax office. Required for E-7 extensions and workplace changes, and the points-based income item is also based on the tax office certificate
• Employment contract: used to examine the E-7 wage requirement; it must state working hours against total monthly pay (annual salary)
• Check the announcement valid on the filing date: the E-7 wage requirement uses the amount announced on the filing date, and GNI is the amount announced by the Bank of Korea
• SME, venture or mid-sized company confirmation: for employers seeking the E-7 special rule at 70% of GNI
• Alternative to income: check each status list to see whether assets (average net assets) can substitute, as in F-5
• Proof of residence such as a lease: for F-1-D applicants seeking the eased rule for non-capital or population-decline areas

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• The GNI amount is not in the manuals. It is the figure the Bank of Korea announces each year, so check the official announcement for the relevant year. If the previous year's GNI is not yet announced on the filing date, F-5, other long-term residence and some others use the year before.
• The E-7 wage requirement is the standard fixed and announced by the Minister of Justice for the year, and the amount announced on the filing date is used. The special rule for SMEs, ventures and non-capital mid-sized firms (80% to 70%) lasts up to 3 years; after 3 full years, 80% of the previous year's GNI applies.
• Even 'at least GNI' differs by status in whose income counts (the applicant alone or with family) and whether assets can substitute. For example, other long-term residence (F-2-99) requires the applicant to meet 12 months of minimum wage, and the applicant with family to meet GNI.
• Standards can differ before and after a manual revision. This article follows the September 2026 edition; confirm the multiple and documents actually required with the Immigration Office that handles your case.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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