What is the F-4 overseas Korean visa
F-4 is the status for overseas Koreans. It allows a wider range of activity than other work visas, but certain occupations classed as simple manual labour are restricted.
Who this covers
- Former Korean nationals and their direct descendants who meet the requirements
- Requirements differ by country and generation, so check your own case
Steps
- Prepare documents proving Korean ancestry.
- Apply at a Korean embassy abroad or within Korea.
- Register as a foreign resident once granted.
- Check whether a job is in a restricted occupation before taking it.
What you need
- Passport, application form
- Proof of ancestry — old family register, family relation certificates, birth or marriage records
- Translation and apostille may be required
Where to go
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr
- The Korean embassy or consulate in your country
- 1345 Immigration Contact Center
Questions people ask
Which jobs are restricted? Some occupations classed as simple manual labour. Check on HiKorea before starting work.
Can my family come too? Accompanying status (such as F-1) is possible in some cases. Check the conditions.
Take care
Ancestry documents are a common target for forgery. If a broker produces them, you are the one punished.
Related
h2-visa-basics · apostille-documents
Source
Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08