Permanent Residence
F-5
F-5 is Korea's permanent residence status. It is granted under many categories, such as 5 years on E-7 or F-2 status, 2 years as the spouse or minor child of a Korean national or permanent resident, or qualifying investment. Applicants must also show good conduct, enough income or assets, and basic Korean language and knowledge of Korean society.
Life in South Korea
Money
3
Currency
South Korean Won
KRW
South Korean Won
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
6–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 10%
Plus local income tax of 10% of national income tax (top combined 49.5%); 45% applies above KRW 1 billion.
Living
1
Happiness
#65 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term residents of Korea (workers, spouses, investors, overseas Koreans, highly qualified people) who meet one of the F-5 categories.
Eligibility
Work-based residenceGeneral category
You need to be an adult who has held E-7 or F-2 status for at least 5 years.
5 years
Time held in status
- Applies to the general category
Official wording
Adult who has held E-7 or F-2 status for at least 5 years.
FamilyFamily category
You need to be the spouse or minor child of a Korean national or permanent resident, after at least 2 years of stay.
2 years
Stay required
- Applies to the family category
Official wording
Spouse or minor child of a Korean national or permanent resident after at least 2 years of stay.
InvestorsInvestor categories
You need to be a foreign investor meeting one of two investment tests.
Investment tests
- Option 1: investmentat least
- USD 500,000
- Option 1: Korean employeesKorean nationals employed
- 5 or more
- Option 2: investmentat least
- KRW 3,000,000,000
- Option 2: maintainedat least
- 5 years
- Applies to investor categories
Official wording
Foreign investor of at least USD 500,000 employing 5 or more Korean nationals; or investor of at least KRW 3,000,000,000 maintained for at least 5 years.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPoints-based F-2
- Document checklistIntegrated application form
- FeesChange of status fee
The full requirements are for members
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- 4 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in South Korea
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