| 📋 F-4 | 📋 F-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | F-4 | F-5 |
| Category | residence | residence |
| Who it is for | Ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship (gyopo) | Long-term residents (5+ years) |
| Duration | 3 years (renewable) | Permanent (residence card renewed every 10 years) |
| Allows work | Yes | Yes |
| Processing time | 1–2 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Government fee | ~$80 USD / 약 ₩110,000 | ₩200,000 |
| Key requirement | Proof of Korean ancestry (parent or grandparent was a Korean national) | Minimum 5 years of continuous residence in Korea |
| Renewal | Renewable every 3 years. No activity restrictions, no renewal limits. | Permanent status. Only the physical card needs renewal every 10 years. |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the F-4 and F-5 visa?
- The F-4 (F-4 Overseas Korean Visa) is for Ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship (gyopo), while the F-5 (F-5 Permanent Resident Visa) is for Long-term residents (5+ years).
- Can I switch from the F-4 to the F-5 visa?
- Changes of status are decided case by case by Korean immigration (HiKorea). Confirm your eligibility, documents and timing at your local immigration office before your current status expires.
- Which visa lets me work in Korea, F-4 or F-5?
- The F-4 allows work. The F-5 allows work.
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