1. Overview
F-5-4 is the permanent residence (F-5) sub-status for the spouse or minor child of a person who holds permanent residence (F-5) and has stayed in Korea for 2 years or more, as recognized by the Minister of Justice (Annex 1-3, item 2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act). Spouses and minor children of points-based permanent residents (F-5-16), tourism/leisure facility investors (F-5-17) and public-benefit project investors (F-5-21/23) follow separate categories. Ethnic Chinese born in Korea are F-5-8, not F-5-4. Details differ by case, so confirm them with the local immigration office.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Spouse: holds F-2 status as the spouse of an F-5 holder, has maintained a legal marriage and family relationship for 2 years or more while staying in Korea (the spouse must have held F-5 for at least 2 years), and the marriage continues until the decision date (divorce or de facto marriage is not permitted)
- Minor child: holds F-2 status as the minor child of an F-5 holder, has maintained the family relationship for 2 years or more while staying in Korea, is a minor under the Civil Act on the application date, the F-5 parent has parental authority and custody until the decision date, and is not a dual national holding Korean nationality
- Stay: from 2 years before the application date to the decision date, the applicant must stay under one of the eligible statuses (D-7 to E-7, F-2, F-4, H-2); no complete departure, and the stay periods can be combined
- Livelihood: annual income of at least the previous year per-capita GNI, or net assets of at least the previous year average
- Basic literacy (Korean society) requirement applies
- Spouses and children of points-based permanent residents (F-5-16), tourism/resort facility investors (F-5-17), and public-interest investors (F-5-21/23) follow separate rules
3. Required Documents
Required documents and requirements may vary by case. Please confirm with the competent immigration office.
4. Procedure
- Confirm eligibility (spouse or minor child of an F-5 holder, F-2 status, 2 years or more)
- Prepare the common documents and the family relationship documents
- Apply for a permanent residency status change at the competent immigration office
- Review (disqualification, livelihood, basic literacy and other requirements)
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does the process take?
A. Processing time varies depending on the competent Immigration Office.
Q. Who is eligible for F-5-4?
A. The spouse or minor child of an F-5 permanent resident who holds F-2 status and has stayed in Korea for 2 years or more and is recognized by the Minister of Justice.
Q. What if my application is denied?
A. Depending on the denial reason, additional documents, appeals, re-applications, or judicial review are possible options. Strategy varies by case — we recommend consultation first.
Q. How can I request a consultation?
A. You can start a consultation right away with the QR codes at the top of the site (KakaoTalk, WeChat, LINE, WhatsApp). Consultation hours are weekdays 09:30–17:30 (KST).