F-2 residence visa
Korea's points-based visa: score 80+ and break free from employer sponsorship.
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 is the biggest lever), 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 the big milestone: it breaks the link between your job and your right to stay. This is the practical map — but scoring and eligibility are set by the Ministry of Justice and change, so always 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 — with key 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 is the heaviest lever, 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 scales with 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.
Strategy to hit 80
- Check your taxable income (소득금액증명서) — it's the biggest lever and the most misunderstood.
- Use the ₩40M waiver if you can — apply after 1–2 years instead of waiting 3, valuable before you age out of the 30–34 bracket.
- Add Korean points — TOPIK 3+ or KIIP; KIIP Level 5 also gives a +10 bonus and doesn't expire (TOPIK expires after 2 years).
- Bank bonuses — volunteer hours (1365 portal), a Korean degree, top-university credentials.
- Clear your record — resolve any fines; 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 eventually 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; you can reach 80 without them. But TOPIK/KIIP are often the easiest points to add.
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 — 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 — confirm at hikorea.go.kr, via 1345, or with a licensed 행정사 before applying. General information, not immigration advice.
Working toward F-2-7?
Compare point strategies with others who've applied — post in the community and tag it Immigration.