What Is the F-2-7 (Point-Based Skilled Worker) Visa?
The F-2-7 is a long-term residency (F-2) status awarded to foreign nationals who score 80 or more points on Korea's immigration point system. Unlike work visas tied to a specific employer, the F-2 status grants open work authorization — you can work for any company, run your own business, or do both simultaneously.
For foreign investors already holding a D-8 (corporate investment) visa, the F-2-7 is typically the most practical next step toward permanent residency in Korea.
The Scoring System: 200 Points Maximum
Applicants need a minimum of 80 points to qualify. Points are awarded across several categories:
Age
- 25–29 years: 25 points
- 30–34 years: 20 points
- 35–39 years: 15 points
- 40–44 years: 10 points
- 45+: 0 points
Education
- Doctoral degree: 35 points
- Master's degree: 30 points
- Bachelor's degree: 25 points
- Associate degree: 20 points
Korean Language (TOPIK)
- Level 6: 20 points
- Level 5: 16 points
- Level 4: 12 points
- Level 3: 8 points
Annual Income
- 2x or more of national average: 20 points
- National average or above: 15 points
- 80% or more of national average: 8 points
Key Bonus Points
- STEM degree: +3 points on top of education score
- Korean STEM master's or PhD: +5 points
- Patent registrations: +5 per patent (max 20 points)
- Social Integration Program Level 5 completion: +20 points
- Korean degree: PhD +10 / Master's +5 / Bachelor's +3
- Investment bonus: +10 points (minimum ₩300 million invested + 2 or more Korean employees)
Why This Works Well for Investors
Foreign nationals who have incorporated a company in Korea, invested ₩300 million or more, and hired at least two Korean nationals automatically receive the 10-point investment bonus. When combined with moderate scores in age, education, and Korean language, reaching 80 points becomes very achievable.
Better yet, D-8 visa holders can change status to F-2-7 without leaving Korea — a significant advantage over applicants who must apply from abroad.
Required Documents
- Integrated application form (available at immigration office)
- Passport and alien registration card copy
- Score verification documents (degree transcripts, income proof, TOPIK certificate, etc.)
- Corporate registry certificate (for investors)
- Standard financial statement certificate (from National Tax Service)
- Employment insurance enrollment records (proof of Korean employees)
- Foreign-invested company registration certificate
From F-2 to F-5: The Path to Permanent Residency
After holding F-2 status for at least 3 years and meeting income and law-abiding requirements, you can apply for F-5 (permanent residency). Once granted, F-5 eliminates the need for periodic visa renewals and provides the most stable long-term status short of citizenship.
Application Process
- Self-calculate your score — use the official Hi Korea website
- Prepare documents — gather and translate/notarize all supporting materials
- Submit — visit your local immigration office or apply via the Hi Korea online system
- Wait for review — typical processing time is 2–4 weeks
- Collect your updated alien registration card
Common Mistakes
- Underounting available points (many applicants miss the investment bonus)
- Submitting documents without proper notarization
- Not accounting for income from corporate distributions vs. salary
- Applying too early before accumulating sufficient residency history
Professional Support
Vision Administrative Office specializes in F-2-7 applications for foreign investors — from initial score assessment to document preparation and submission. Our team understands both the investment visa rules and the point-system requirements.
Book a free consultation today to see exactly how many points you qualify for and what the fastest path to your F-2 looks like.