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The popularity of emigration of foreign citizens to South Korea is explained by the high standard of living in the Republic. The country is consistently in the top ranks of the ranking of the most prosperous countries in the world. Statistics show that recently foreigners have become more interested in learning the Korean language. People immigrating to this country are attracted by the social security of the population, an adequate level of income for a decent life, and impressive rates of economic development.
According to the latest changes in the Korean migration legislation, the requirements for incoming citizens have begun to soften. Having become the holder of a residence permit, a foreigner can get an education, develop business projects, and officially get a job in any organization.
Social services and state protection with developed democratic institutions become available to the holder of a residence permit. Citizens who have received a permit receive the right to settle in Korea with their next of kin, and if they comply with a number of requirements, become holders of a Korean passport.
Types of residence permit
When coming to South Korea, foreigners can apply for several types of temporary residence, depending on the available grounds and the purpose of the visit. Upon admission to a school or university, the applicant receives a D-4 visa, which is equivalent to the status of a residence permit. Since the beginning of 2024, freelancers and businessmen working remotely can obtain a digital nomad visa.
Participation in the resettlement program for ethnic Koreans can be considered the basis for granting a residence permit. To do this, you need to prove the presence of close relatives who are citizens of South Korea.
Residence permit for the purchase of real estate
The program has been in effect since 2010. Wealthy citizens of other countries can obtain a residence permit for the purchase of real estate worth 500 million Won or $435,000. In this case, an F-2 visa is issued for a period of 2 years with the possibility of extension upon request. The applicant's spouses and children can also apply for the status. Subject to the preservation of the property, the candidate will be able to apply for permanent residence after 5 years of residence in the country.
A foreign investor cannot become a member of the loan program for the purchase of real estate. The property acquired cannot be mortgaged, but it is allowed to lease. Funds are allowed to invest only in projects approved by the South Korean government. All risks are borne by the investor. The state does not guarantee a refund in case of bankruptcy of a private developer. After obtaining permanent residence, the investor has the right to sell the object while maintaining the status of a permanent resident.
Necessary justifications
To become the owner of a residence permit, you must meet the following conditions:
- Buy a property worth from $435,000.
- Notify the local Ministry of Justice of your intention to obtain an F-2 visa.
- Submit documents confirming the fact of investment.
List of documents
The package of documents includes:
- A certificate from the Land Registry and Cadastre.
- A statement from the candidate.
- International passport.
- Photo for the F-2 visa.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
Student residence permits
Students and students coming to study in South Korea from other countries can expect to receive a D-4 visa. The document entitles the holder to stay in the country during the entire period of study. In addition, students can apply for a D-2 visa. It is considered long-term and gives the right of residence in Korea to students of schools, colleges, universities, participants in master's and postgraduate programs.
The holder of a study visa (equivalent to a residence permit) can submit a request for permanent resident status 3 years after the initial permit is issued.To do this, it is necessary to confirm the completion of the social integration program. The higher the score you get, the more likely you are to get permanent residence.
Necessary justifications
The candidate has the following requirements:
- Admission to a local university, school, college.
- Knowledge of the Korean language is desirable, but not necessary (in South Korea, there are educational programs in English).
- Confirmation of the availability of funds to pay for studies (tuition for foreigners is paid – from $5,000 per year).
List of documents
The required package of documents includes:
- A certificate from the educational institution confirming the admission of the candidate.
- Statement.
- International passport.
- Photo for a visa.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
Residence permit for financially independent (freelance, digital nomad)
In 2024, the South Korean Immigration Department began accepting applications for a digital nomad visa from freelancers and full-time employees working remotely. According to the measures taken, the issuance of such visas is considered a trial. At the moment, applications are being considered, which will make it possible to freely enter and live in the country with the status of a residence permit.
By decision of the government, the Digital Nomad visa is issued for a period of 2 years. When submitting an application, the candidate may include a spouse and children under the age of 18. The application can be submitted for consideration at the embassy in the applicant's country of residence. It is worth noting that at the moment the project is under development, therefore, up-to-date information on the requirements for a candidate should be clarified in official sources.
Necessary justifications
To become a Digital Nomad visa holder, you must:
- Be of legal age.
- Have proof of an annual income exceeding the average earnings in the country.
- Confirm remote employment.
- At least 1 year of work experience.
List of documents
The package of required documents includes:
- A certificate confirming the annual income.
- Statement.
- Confirmation of employment and freelancer status.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
- International passport.
- Photo for a visa.
Residence permit by marriage
The conclusion of an official marriage with a citizen of the Republic of Korea entitles the spouse to obtain a residence permit for a period of 3 years. If necessary, the permit can be extended after the specified period. However, as a rule, after 3 years of marriage, if all the requirements are met, the candidate can send a request for citizenship.
Necessary justifications
To join the program, you must meet several conditions:
- To form an official alliance with a Korean.
- Submit a marriage certificate.
List of documents
The dossier in its standard form looks like this:
- A marriage certificate.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
- International passport.
- Photo for a visa.
Family reunion
A citizen of another state can obtain a residence permit on the basis of family reunification only if his relatives have been residents of the country for more than 5 years. The invitation must be signed by the Migration Service.
First, a foreigner receives a residence permit for a period of 1 year. If the requirements of the legislation are met, after the expiration of the period, it can be extended for a similar period. After that, the candidate can apply for permanent residence.
Necessary justifications
The applicant must meet the following requirements:
- There must be close relatives who have been permanent residents of the Republic for at least 5 years.
- Be able to submit documents confirming the relationship.
- Issue an invitation certified by the Migration Service.
List of documents
The applicant's dossier must include the following personal documentation:
- Documents confirming the relationship.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
- International passport.
- Photo for a visa.
Work permit
Foreign citizens who are invited to South Korea for official employment can apply for a residence permit for a period of 1 year. To do this, they need to apply for an E-7 visa. It is important to keep in mind that the registration of the document is not handled by the candidate, but by the employer. This type of residence permit is allowed to be extended upon request. The applicant's close relatives also receive temporary resident status.
Necessary justifications
The following requirements are imposed on a foreigner:
- A job invitation from a Korean employer.
- Documents confirming the employee's qualifications.
List of documents
The checklist includes:
- A job offer.
- An employment contract.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance, which is issued by the employer.
- International passport.
- Photo for a visa.
Residence permit for business and sole proprietor
An investor who invests more than $500,000 in a business project that will develop on the territory of the Republic receives a D-8 visa. The permit gives the right to participate in any commercial programs.
Individual entrepreneurs who create private companies and develop start-ups can count on obtaining this visa. Spouses and minor children of applicants can apply for an F-2 visa.
Necessary justifications
The candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Have a bachelor's degree.
- It is necessary to draw up a detailed business plan that will allow the authorities to assess the prospects of the project.
List of documents
The dossier consists of:
- Educational documents.
- A business plan.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
- International passport.
- Photo for a visa.
Extension of a residence permit
After the expiration of the residence permit, a foreign citizen can apply to the Department of Migration Affairs to extend the permit. This should be done no later than 30 days before the expiration date of the current document. The applicant must submit:
- Documents confirming the grounds for extending the residence permit.
- International passport.
- Valid insurance covering medical risks.
Foreigners are often interested in the question: for what maximum period is a residence permit issued in the Republic of Korea? Most often, the validity period of the document is limited to 1 year, but the holder of the status has the right to extend temporary residence for 2 years. When 3 years have passed after the issuance of the first permit, the foreigner must either leave the country or begin a new stage of legalization.
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