South Korea offers a variety of immigration options that allow foreigners to integrate into society and access social services. Find out what options there are for obtaining a residence permit in South Korea, as well as the document requirements and conditions for obtaining a residence permit

South Korea consistently ranks high in international rankings for well-being and prosperity. One of the main factors attracting potential migrants is the high social security of the population, a stable income level that ensures a comfortable life, as well as impressive rates of economic development.

Changes in South Korea’s migration legislation are facilitating the immigration process. Recent reforms allow foreigners who have received a residence permit to expand their opportunities.

Foreigners who have a residence permit gain access to state social services and can take advantage of the rights provided by South Korea’s developed democratic institutions. This opens up new horizons for long-term residence and integration into Korean society.

This article discusses the ways to move to South Korea available in 2025.

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Types of Residence Permits in South Korea

Foreigners who plan to stay in South Korea for an extended period of time can apply for different types of residence permits depending on the purpose of their visit. All categories of permits allow them to legally reside in the country, work, study, and in some cases, obtain citizenship.

D-4 Student Visa

Students who come to study in South Korea receive a D-4 visa, which entitles them to stay in the country for the entire period of their studies. There is also the option of applying for a long-term D-2 visa, which is issued to students at universities, colleges, and those enrolled in master's and doctoral programs.

- Advantages: After three years of study, a student can apply for permanent residence by successfully completing a social integration program.

- Required documents: certificate from the educational institution, international passport, photo for visa, certificate of no criminal record, health insurance, proof of funds for education (from $ 5,000 per year).

F-2 visa for purchasing real estate

Foreigners who have purchased real estate for an amount of 500 million won (approximately 435 thousand US dollars) can obtain a residence permit (F-2 visa). This visa is issued for a period of two years with the possibility of extension, and includes the spouse and children of the applicant.

- Conditions for obtaining a residence permit: after 5 years of residence and maintaining the real estate, you can apply for permanent residence.

- Restrictions: the purchased real estate cannot be mortgaged, although it can be rented out. Investments are allowed only in projects approved by the South Korean government.

- Required documents: land registry certificate, visa application, passport, visa photo, criminal record certificate, health insurance.

Visa for financially independent individuals (digital nomads)

In 2024, South Korea introduced a visa for freelancers and remote workers, allowing them to live and work in the country for 2 years.

- Visa requirements: proof of annual income exceeding the average salary in the country, work experience of at least 1 year, confirmation of remote worker status.

- Required documents: annual income certificate, visa application, proof of employment, criminal record certificate, health insurance, passport, visa photo.

Resettlement Program for Ethnic Koreans

Ethnic Koreans who have relatives who are South Korean citizens can apply for a residence permit through the resettlement program, which greatly simplifies the emigration process.

Visa for marriage to a South Korean citizen

Concluding an official marriage to a South Korean citizen entitles the spouses to receive a residence permit for a period of 3 years. After three years of marriage, provided that all requirements are met, candidates can apply for citizenship.

- Necessary conditions: official marriage to a South Korean citizen, submission of a marriage certificate.

- Necessary documents: marriage certificate, certificate of no criminal record, health insurance, passport, visa photo.

Family Reunification Visa

Foreigners who have relatives in South Korea can obtain a residence permit based on family reunification if the relatives have lived in the country for more than 5 years.

- Conditions: The applicant must provide documents confirming kinship and receive an invitation from the migration service.

- Required documents: documents confirming family ties, a certificate of good conduct, health insurance, a foreign passport, a photo for the visa.

Work Visa in South Korea

Foreigners invited to work in South Korea can obtain an E-7 visa for 1 year with the possibility of extension. It is important that the document is issued by the employer, and the applicant's close relatives can also obtain temporary resident status.

- Required documents: job offer, employment contract, criminal record certificate, health insurance (issued by the employer), passport, visa photo.

Business and investment visa (D-8 visa)

Foreigners who invest more than $500,000 in business projects in South Korea can obtain a D-8 visa. This visa gives the right to participate in commercial programs and start a business.

- Required documents: education documents, business plan, criminal record certificate, health insurance, passport, visa photo.

General requirements for obtaining a residence permit

Regardless of the type of visa, to obtain a residence permit in South Korea you must:

- Confirm your purpose of stay in the country (study, investment, work, family ties).

- Get medical insurance and confirm the absence of a criminal record.

- Have financial stability (if necessary).

Extension of residence permit in South Korea

After the expiration of the residence permit, a foreign citizen can apply for its extension to the Migration Service Office. This must be done no later than 30 days before the expiration of the current document.

The applicant must provide:

- Documents confirming the grounds for the extension of the permit.

- International passport.

- A valid health insurance policy covering all medical risks.

Usually, the validity of the permit is limited to one year, but it can be extended for another two years.

Rights and Responsibilities of Foreigners with a Residence Permit in South Korea

Residence permit holders have a number of rights and responsibilities

Rights of a residence permit holder in South Korea

- Right to work: Foreigners who have obtained a residence permit can work in the country provided that they meet the requirements of the visa (for example, for businessmen or employees).

- Right to social services: Residence permit holders have access to health insurance and other social services.

- Educational opportunities: Foreigners can receive education at Korean educational institutions.

Responsibilities of a residence permit holder in South Korea

- Payment of taxes: Foreigners who work or have income in Korea must pay taxes in accordance with local laws.

- Renewal of documents: It is important to apply for a residence permit extension in a timely manner and comply with immigration laws.

Tips for foreigners who want to settle in Korea

- Learn the language and culture

Knowledge of the Korean language and culture will help you adapt to new living conditions faster.

- Find housing and open a bank account

These are the first steps you need to take after arriving in Korea.

- Don't be afraid to ask for help

If you have difficulties with paperwork or adaptation, contact support organizations.

South Korea offers various options for obtaining a residence permit that allow foreigners to integrate into society through study, work or investment. The country provides wide access to social services, which ensures a comfortable stay. However, for successful immigration, it is important to comply with the requirements of migration legislation and prepare the necessary documents.

Book a consultation with a migration lawyer to get the most accurate and personalized recommendations for obtaining a residence permit in South Korea.

Visit World's qualified specialists are your reliable support during the move!

Reminder! Living in South Korea will provide expats with many opportunities, but it also has certain disadvantages. When planning to move here, you should be prepared for certain advantages and disadvantages. We have already told you about the pros and cons of living in South Korea and what to pay attention to when planning to move to the country.

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