Guide · IMM · 101
F-2 residence visa
Korea's points-based visa. Score 80+ and you no longer need an employer to sponsor you.
In short
- The F-2-7 is Korea's points-based residence visa. Score 80+ points and you're no longer tied to one employer.
- Points come from age, education, Korean ability, and income (income counts the most), minus deductions for fines/violations.
- Normally needs 3 continuous years on a qualifying visa, but that's waived if your taxable income is ₩40M+.
- F-2-7 lets you change jobs, freelance, or start a business freely, and time on it counts toward F-5 permanent residence.
For anyone on an E-series work visa, the F-2-7 is a big step, because your right to stay no longer depends on your job. This page covers the basics. Scoring and eligibility are set by the Ministry of Justice and do change, so confirm on hikorea.go.kr or with a licensed 행정사 (immigration specialist) or 1345.
Who can apply
- Holders of qualifying professional visas, broadly E-1 to E-7-1 and D-5 to D-9. (E-7-2/3/4 and E-6-2 are excluded from the standard professional track.)
- 3 continuous years legal residence on that status. There are some waivers: taxable income ₩40M+ removes the 3-year wait entirely; certain Korean-university graduates (master's/PhD) can apply sooner.
- You then need 80+ points and a clean enough record (serious fines/violations can disqualify regardless of score).
How the points work (80+ to qualify)
Points are combined across categories (max well over 100). Income counts the most, then education, age, and Korean ability. Approximate 2026 values:
| Category | Approximate points |
|---|---|
| Income (taxable, prior year) | ₩30–40M: 30 · ₩40–50M: 40 · ₩50–60M: 45 · ₩60–70M: 50 · ₩100M+: up to 60 |
| Education | Bachelor's ~15–17 · Master's ~17–20 · PhD ~20–25 (STEM/2+ degrees higher) |
| Age | Peaks at 30–34 (max ~25); declines older |
| Korean ability (TOPIK/KIIP) | Up to ~20 (Level 5). Optional but often the easiest points to add |
| Bonuses | KIIP Level 5 (+10), Korean-university degree, top-500 university, 3+ yrs volunteering, etc. |
| Deductions | Criminal fines / immigration violations: −10 to −40 (a ₩3M+ fine within 3 yrs can disqualify) |
How long the visa lasts
Duration depends on your score/income. Roughly: 80–99 pts or income under GNI → 1 year; higher scores/income → 2, 3, or up to 5 years. Earning above GNI per capita (~mid-₩40M in 2026) is generally needed for a 3-year grant. At renewal you must still meet 80+ points and income ≥ GNI.
How to reach 80
- Check your taxable income (소득금액증명서). It counts the most, and people often look at the wrong number.
- Use the ₩40M waiver if you can. You can apply after 1–2 years instead of waiting 3, which helps if you're close to aging out of the 30–34 bracket.
- Add Korean points with TOPIK 3+ or KIIP. KIIP Level 5 also gives a +10 bonus and doesn't expire (TOPIK expires after 2 years).
- Collect bonus points: volunteer hours (1365 portal), a Korean degree, top-university credentials.
- Clear your record. Resolve any fines, since a serious one can disqualify you outright.
After F-2-7
It's valid ~2–3 years, renewable. After 5 continuous years of legal residence (E-7 + F-2-7 time counts) with the language and income requirements, you can apply for F-5 permanent residence, and later naturalization if you choose. Processing an F-2-7 application typically takes 3–4 weeks to a new ARC.
Common questions
Do I need Korean language for F-2-7?
No. Language points are optional and you can reach 80 without them. TOPIK/KIIP are often the easiest points to add, though.
Can I skip the 3-year wait?
Yes if your taxable income is ₩40M+, or via certain Korean-graduate routes. Otherwise 3 continuous years on a qualifying visa.
What changes once I have it?
Your visa is no longer tied to an employer. You can work anywhere, freelance, or start a business, and dependents can work.
Which income figure counts?
Your NTS taxable-income certificate (소득금액증명서), not your contract salary. Check it first.
Sources: Korea Immigration Service / Ministry of Justice 체류민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 (Mar 2026), Hi Korea, and 2026 F-2-7 guides. 80-point threshold; ₩40M 3-year waiver; income uses 소득금액증명서. Point values approximate and revised periodically.
Last verified: July 2026. Scoring, categories and thresholds change, so confirm at hikorea.go.kr, via 1345, or with a licensed 행정사 before applying. General information, not immigration advice.
Working toward F-2-7?
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