Understanding F-5 permanent residence

F-5 means you no longer repeat extension applications. The requirements come in several tracks and differ by category, so check your own case.

Who this covers

• People who have lived in Korea legally for a qualifying period
• People converting from F-6, F-2 and other qualifying statuses
• People meeting income/asset, good conduct and Korean language or social integration requirements

Steps

1. Identify your track and its requirements. Check case by case on HiKorea or with 1345.
2. Meet the requirements. Period of residence, income evidence, completing the Social Integration Program.
3. Apply on HiKorea or book a visit.
4. Submit documents and go through review. Review takes time.
5. Check the result and receive your permanent residence card. The card must be renewed periodically.

What you need

• Passport, Alien Registration Card, application form
• Income and asset evidence
• Korean language ability or Social Integration Program completion
• Criminal record documents
• Additional documents by track, and the fee — check current details on HiKorea

Where to go

• HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr
• Your immigration office
• 1345 Immigration Contact Center

Questions people ask

Can permanent residents vote? Permanent residents meeting certain conditions can vote in local elections. Presidential and National Assembly elections require citizenship.

How is permanent residence different from naturalisation? Permanent residence lets you keep living here while keeping your foreign nationality; naturalisation means acquiring Korean nationality.

Where do I take the Social Integration Program? At operating institutions nationwide. Check the Social Integration Network via HiKorea.

Take care

Requirements vary a lot by track. Don't rely on internet posts or what a friend says — confirm your own case with 1345 or your immigration office. Fines and legal violations during your stay affect the review.

Related

f6-visa-basics · social-integration-program

Source

Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08