F-5 Permanent Residence
Long-term residents, investors, talent and family of Koreans granted indefinite permanent residence.
The F-5 Permanent Residence is a South Korean settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~₩200,000 / US$150 (permanent-residence grant)) and processing time (~6 months or longer), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the F-5 Permanent Residence is for
Long-term residents, investors, talent and family of Koreans granted indefinite permanent residence.
This is permanent residence; holders may later apply for naturalisation.
F-5 Permanent Residence - eligibility criteria
- Typically 5+ years of lawful continuous residence on an eligible status (less for F-6 spouses)
- Stable income (often ~2x GNI) and assets
- Pass the Korean Immigration Integration Programme or Korean-ability requirement
- Clean criminal and immigration record
- Investor / talent / overseas-Korean fast tracks have their own criteria
F-5 Permanent Residence cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the F-5 Permanent Residence (South Korea) is ~₩200,000 / US$150 (permanent-residence grant), with an indicative processing time of ~6 months or longer. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at HiKorea (Korea Immigration).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Inside Korea (application to immigration) |
| Length of stay | Permanent (residence card renewed every 10 years) |
| Work rights | Unrestricted work rights |
| Study rights | Unrestricted |
| Government fee | ~₩200,000 / US$150 (permanent-residence grant) |
| Processing time | ~6 months or longer |
| Route to PR | This is permanent residence; holders may later apply for naturalisation. |
Pathway & next steps
This is permanent residence; holders may later apply for naturalisation.
Many applicants also compare F-2-7 · F-2-7 Points-Based Residence, F-6 · F-6 Marriage Migrant (Spouse of a Korean), Citizenship · Naturalisation (Korean Citizenship). Run a free VisaChief check to see which South Korean route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common F-5 Permanent Residence pitfalls we fix
F-5 Permanent Residence - frequently asked questions
How much does the F-5 Permanent Residence cost?
The F-5 Permanent Residence government fee is ~₩200,000 / US$150 (permanent-residence grant). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at HiKorea (Korea Immigration) before applying.
How long does the F-5 Permanent Residence take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6 months or longer. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the F-5 Permanent Residence lead to permanent residence?
This is permanent residence; holders may later apply for naturalisation.
Can I work on the F-5 Permanent Residence?
Work rights: Unrestricted work rights.
Who can apply for the F-5 Permanent Residence?
Long-term residents, investors, talent and family of Koreans granted indefinite permanent residence.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official South Korea government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- HiKorea (Korea Immigration) - official South Korea immigration authority