F-5 Permanent Residency Common Documents Korea

F-5 Common Documents — The documents listed on this page are required for all F-5 permanent residency application types in Korea. Additional type-specific documents are required on top of these. Based on the official Immigration & Foreigner Policy Manual.

1. Overview

The F-5 visa is Korea's permanent residency status, divided into 27 detailed categories (F-5-1 to F-5-27). Regardless of which pathway applies to you, a core set of common documents is required for all applications. Additional documents specific to your eligibility type must be submitted on top of these.

2. Common Required Documents (All F-5 Types)

Document	Details	Notes
Integrated application form	Official immigration application form (revenue stamp included)	Required for all F-5 types
Passport	Current passport	Submit with the application
Alien Registration Card (ARC)	Current foreigner registration card	If you have no ARC: 1 passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months and the permanent residence card issuance fee
Photo (only if no ARC)	Passport-style photo	Taken within the last 6 months
Income proof	Certificate of income amount issued by the tax office, showing total income and income tax paid (submitted for each income earner)	Part of the livelihood (annual income) requirement documents; exempt types exist
Tax payment certificate	Tax payment certificate or arrears certificate for national and local taxes	Part of the livelihood requirement documents; unpaid taxes are treated as negative
Residence proof	Valid lease agreement or full certified copy of the real estate register as of the application date	Confirming Korea address
Overseas criminal record certificate	Certificate from your country of nationality (and from a third country if you lived there for 1+ year in the last 5 years)	Omitted for exempt persons
Identity guarantee	Identity guarantee letter	Exempt for certain types, such as tourism/resort facility and public-interest business investors
Basic knowledge proof	Certificate of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) permanent residence or naturalization test, or KIIP completion certificate	At least one document; not required for exempt types
Applicant basic information	Basic information form completed by the applicant	False statements found after approval can lead to cancellation of permanent residence
Application fee	Government fee payable at the immigration office	Amount varies — confirm current fee

3. Type-Specific Additional Documents

Depending on your specific F-5 eligibility pathway, additional documents will also be required. Common examples:

F-5-1 (Long-term resident): Proof of continuous legal stay for 5+ years
F-5-16 (Points-based residence for 3+ years): Proof of 3+ years of stay under the points-based residence status
F-5-2 (Spouse of Korean national): A separate guideline applies
F-5-21 (Public-interest business investor): Proof of continuous investment for 5+ years
F-5-11 (Outstanding ability in a specific field): Documents proving outstanding ability in science, business, education, culture, arts or sports

The required documents differ by F-5 eligibility type.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does the F-5 application process take?

A. Processing time varies depending on the competent Immigration Office.

Q. What if I have a tax delinquency?

A. Unpaid national, local or customs taxes are treated as having a negative effect on state finances, and the applicant is then reviewed as not meeting the livelihood requirement. Please clear them before applying.

Q. Can I stay in Korea during the F-5 application?

A. Yes. F-5 is applied for as a change of status at the immigration office while you are residing in Korea. Please keep your current stay period valid while the application is being processed.

Q. Can I get a consultation in my language?

A. Yes. Contact us in English, Korean, Chinese, or Japanese.