F-5 Permanent Residency & High-value Investment Visa
Guide to obtaining permanent residency (F-5) in Korea through investment immigration
What is F-5 Permanent Residency?
F-5 Permanent Residency allows foreigners to reside and work freely in Korea without any limitation on the period of stay. You can freely engage in economic activities without a separate work permit and enjoy great convenience in immigration procedures.
Foreign investors can obtain F-5 permanent residency through investment above a certain amount, commonly known as investment immigration or high-value investment visa.
Investment Immigration Routes
High-value Investment (F-5-7)
KRW 500M+Foreigners investing above the threshold set by the Minister of Justice. Must employ 5 or more Korean nationals.
Learn More →Real Estate Investment Immigration (F-5-8/9)
KRW 500M ~ 1.5BInvestment in designated real estate (resort condos, pensions, resorts, etc.) in areas designated by the Ministry of Justice.
Learn More →Public Interest Investment Immigration (F-5-10)
KRW 500M+Obtain permanent residency by investing in public interest projects designated by the Minister of Justice.
Learn More →Benefits of F-5 Permanent Residency
- No limitation on period of stay (re-entry permit required)
- Freedom of employment (no separate work permit required)
- Eligible for National Health Insurance
- Children's education benefits
- Real estate acquisition and financial transaction convenience
- Eligible for naturalization after 5+ years of stay
General Requirements
- - Good conduct including compliance with Korean laws
- - Sufficient assets or ability for the applicant or cohabiting family to maintain basic livelihood
- - No criminal record
- - Investment must be maintained (permanent residency may be revoked if investment is withdrawn)
Investment Immigration Routes
Related Services
PR Strategy Consultation
We design the optimal permanent residency strategy tailored to your investment scale and objectives.
Request ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What is Korean permanent residency (F-5)?
Korean permanent residency (F-5) is a residence status that lets you live and work freely in Korea with no limit on your period of stay. Once granted, you no longer need to renew your stay and can engage in economic activity without a separate work permit. It is the most stable status for foreigners and an important step before applying for naturalization.
What are the requirements for Korean permanent residency (investment immigration)?
There are three main investment paths: (1) High-value investment (F-5-7): invest USD 500,000+ to establish a Korean corporation and hire 5+ Korean nationals — eligible to apply after 6 months; (2) Real estate investment immigration (F-5-8/9): invest KRW 500 million-1.5 billion in real estate in a government-designated area and maintain it for 5 years; (3) Public-interest investment immigration (F-5-10): invest KRW 500 million+ in a government-designated public project for immediate or 5-year residency.
What documents are required to apply for Korean permanent residency?
Main documents for an F-5 application: (1) integrated application form; (2) passport; (3) photo; (4) investment verification documents (proof of investment, corporate registration, etc.); (5) criminal record certificate; (6) employment-related documents (varies by path); (7) proof of financial capacity. Because requirements vary by path and circumstances, we recommend consulting a licensed administrative agent.
What are the benefits of obtaining Korean permanent residency?
Main benefits: (1) no limit on period of stay (no annual renewal); (2) freedom to work (no separate work permit); (3) national health insurance enrollment; (4) educational benefits for children; (5) easier real estate and financial transactions; (6) eligibility to apply for naturalization after 5+ years of residence.