Overseas Korean (F-4) Visa — Eligibility, Stay Period, Employment Restrictions, and Application Procedures

Visa Issuance at an Overseas Diplomatic Mission (재외공관)

• Documents proving Korean-language proficiency or documents confirming that you are exempt from submitting them
• An overseas criminal record certificate or documents confirming that you are exempt from submitting one
• Documents proving that you or your direct ascendant was a Republic of Korea national
• Documents proving the reason for and date of acquisition of foreign nationality
• For applicants who are direct descendants: documents proving the relationship between the applicant and their direct ascendant

You may apply for an F-4 visa at an overseas diplomatic mission. Check the requirements for submitting an overseas criminal record certificate and documents proving Korean-language proficiency.

Change of Status of Stay in Korea

• Overseas Korean Integrated Application Form (재외동포 통합신청서)
• Passport and a copy
• One standard-size photograph
• Proof of place of residence
• Tuberculosis test certificate
• Certificate of completion of the Early Adaptation Program
• Documents proving foreign Korean-nationality origin
• Overseas criminal record certificate
• Documents proving Korean-language proficiency

You may change your status in Korea only if the required documents for your category can be issued in Korea or verified through the Immigration Information System. You must complete the Early Adaptation Program (조기적응프로그램) before applying for a change of status; exemptions apply to some applicants.

Domestic Residence Report

• Overseas Korean Integrated Application Form
• Passport and a copy
• One standard-size photograph
• Proof of place of residence
• Certificate of completion of the Early Adaptation Program

If you intend to stay for 90 days or longer, you must report to the Immigration Office with jurisdiction over your place of residence within 90 days of entering Korea. A fee applies.

Extension of Stay

• Application form
• Documents proving Korean-language proficiency
• Proof of place of residence

A fee applies. The period of stay depends on factors such as whether you submit documents proving Korean-language proficiency. An extension may be restricted if you have violated the law.

Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Status of Stay

• Overseas Korean Integrated Application Form
• Passport and a copy
• Overseas Korean Residence Report Card
• Official documents proving employment in an occupation involving simple labor
• Employment contract
• Business registration certificate

You may apply if you intend to continue working at a workplace where you reported the start of employment under H-2. Submission may be waived if official documents can be verified through the Immigration Control Information System (출입국관리정보시스템). A fee applies.

Q. Can I apply for F-4?

You may be eligible if you acquired foreign nationality after having held Republic of Korea nationality from birth, or if you acquired foreign nationality as a direct descendant of such a person. You must prove your status as an overseas Korean, for example through family relations.

Q. Do I need to submit documents proving Korean-language proficiency when I apply for an F-4 visa?

In principle, you must submit documents proving Korean-language proficiency. Exemptions may apply to people who previously held Republic of Korea nationality, people aged 60 or older, and others. People aged 13 or younger are also exempt from submitting F-4 Korean-language documents.

Q. Do I need to submit an overseas criminal record certificate?

You may be required to submit one when applying for an F-4 visa or for permission related to your stay in Korea. Exemptions apply to some applicants, including people aged 60 or older, so check the criteria in the attached materials against your circumstances.

Q. Can I work in Korea on an F-4 visa?

You may engage in employment that is not restricted. You may not engage in simple labor, employment contrary to public order such as activities involving gambling or other speculative behavior, or other occupations that are specifically restricted. You must also hold any separate qualifications required by law for the work.

Q. What occupations am I not allowed to work in on an F-4 visa?

Occupations involving simple labor include parcel delivery workers, restaurant delivery workers, building cleaners, and apartment security guards. For the full scope of restricted occupations, check the Notice on the Scope of Restricted Employment Activities included in the manual.

Q. When do I need to report my place of residence after entering Korea on an F-4 visa?

If you intend to stay for 90 days or longer, you must report your place of residence within 90 days of entering Korea. Report to the Immigration Office (출입국·외국인관서) with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Q. Can I change another status of stay to F-4 while in Korea?

You may change your status of stay in Korea only if the relevant documents can be issued in Korea or verified through the Immigration Information System (출입국정보시스템). Procedures for certain overseas Koreans from CIS countries and holders of the Region-Specific Overseas Korean (F-4-R) status are also available.

Q. What is the maximum stay period I can receive when extending my stay?

You may be granted a stay of up to three years if you submit documents proving Korean-language proficiency or are exempt from submitting them. In principle, if you do not submit the documents, you will be granted one year; if you are registered for and attending the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (사회통합프로그램), you will be granted two years.

Q. Can I continue working at my former H-2 workplace after changing to F-4?

You may obtain permission for activities outside your status of stay if you intend to continue working at a workplace where you reported the start of employment under H-2. You will need an application, your Overseas Korean Residence Report Card (거소신고증), documents proving your employment, an employment contract, and other documents.