Visa & Stay: Frequently Asked Questions

You must submit the extension application and documents before your period of stay ends. Once the expiry date passes, your case is no longer an extension application but an overstay, and it is handled differently. The most important thing is to have your documents ready and filed before the expiry date.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 25(1); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 31(1)

To engage in activities that fall under a status of stay different from your current one, you must obtain permission from the Minister of Justice to change your status of stay before starting those activities. You must not start the new activity (such as employment) before permission is granted. The requirements for a change differ according to the review criteria for each status of stay.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 24(1) and (3)

An administrative agent prepares the application forms and supporting documents needed for a change or extension of status of stay, a change of workplace, or a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance, checks for missing documents, and files them on your behalf. Whether permission is granted is decided by the immigration office's review, and no procedure can guarantee the outcome.

When an extension is not granted, a notice of denial is issued stating a departure deadline, which is set within 14 days from the date the notice is issued. If the Minister of Justice deems it necessary, the original expiry date of the period of stay may be set as the departure deadline. If a change of status of stay is denied, you may be allowed to continue staying under the status of stay you already hold, and in that case a departure deadline may not be stated.

Legal basis: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 33(1) and (2)

Each status of stay has an upper limit on the period of stay that can be granted at one time. It is 5 years for Professor (E-1) and Residential (F-2); 3 years for Specially Designated Activities (E-7), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Overseas Korean (F-4), and Marriage Migrant (F-6); 2 years for Study (D-2), General Training (D-4), and Foreign Language Instructor (E-2); and 1 year for Job Seeking (D-10) and Miscellaneous (G-1). Because these are upper limits, the period actually granted may be set shorter in the review, and the Minister of Justice may set a different limit or grant a period beyond it if deemed necessary.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 18-3, Annex 1

You pay the amounts set in the Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act: KRW 60,000 for permission to extend the period of stay (KRW 30,000 for Marriage Migrant F-6); KRW 100,000 for permission to change status of stay (KRW 200,000 for a change to Permanent Resident F-5); KRW 120,000 each for permission to change or add a workplace and for permission for activities outside one's status of stay (KRW 20,000 for part-time work by Study or General Training students, etc.); and KRW 35,000 for issuance or reissuance of a residence card. If you apply online for an extension of stay, a change of status of stay, or permission to change or add a workplace, the fee is reduced by 2/10. The service fee for having the documents prepared and filed on your behalf is separate.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 72, subparagraphs 2 to 6 and 10, Article 74(2)

Before your period of stay ends, submit an application for permission to extend your period of stay to the immigration office having jurisdiction, attaching the documents prescribed for each status of stay by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice (Annex 5-2 of the Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act). Because the required documents differ by status of stay, check the list based on the status of stay you currently hold. Documents that the officer in charge can verify through the shared use of administrative information do not need to be submitted, as that verification takes their place. If the extension is granted and you are a registered foreigner, the permitted period is entered on your residence card.

Legal basis: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 31(1) and (3); Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 76(2), subparagraph 6, and Article 76(3)

Yes, you can apply for a change of status to job-seeking (D-10) before your period of stay ends. D-10 is granted to people the Minister of Justice recognizes as doing training or job-seeking activities to find employment in the fields covered by Professor (E-1) through Special Activities (E-7), so the review starts from whether your major, degree and intended job fit those fields. The maximum period of stay granted at one time is 1 year, and because employment is not allowed in D-10 status, once you are hired you must obtain another change of status permission, such as to E-7.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 24(1); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 30(1) and Annex 1-2, No. 13; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 18-3 and Annex 1

The maximum period of stay for a dependent family member (F-3) is the period of stay granted to the principal person they accompany (the main status holder, such as E-7 or D-2). Therefore, the family member's period of stay is not set longer than the principal's. Even when the principal obtains an extension, the family member's period of stay does not extend automatically, so each family member must also apply for an extension of the period of stay before their own period ends.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 25(1); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 31(1) and Annex 1-2, No. 25; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 18-3 and Annex 1

Yes. A foreign national, a company employing foreign nationals, an industrial technology training company or a school attended by international students may entrust a registered agency with applications such as a visa issuance confirmation, permission for activities outside the status of stay, permission or reports for changing or adding a workplace, the grant or change of a status of stay, and extension of the period of stay. To become such an agency, an administrative agent must complete the required training and register with the Minister of Justice. Hwang Yunsang Administrative Office is registered as an immigration agency and prepares and submits these applications on your behalf.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 79-2(1)-(2)

As a rule, no. A foreigner admitted without a visa for tourism or transit (B-2) receives a period of stay of up to 30 days (or a period separately set by the Minister of Justice), and changes of status of stay or extensions are in principle not permitted. An exception may be granted where there is an unavoidable reason, but even then the stay cannot be extended beyond 90 days from the date of entry. If you plan to work or study in Korea, check the procedure for obtaining a visa that matches that purpose before you enter.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 7(2)3; Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 8(1)2; Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act, Article 15(2) to (4)

Yes. You can apply for an extension of the period of stay for departure. It applies where a registered foreigner has finished the activity of their status of stay and wishes to stay briefly for domestic travel or similar purposes, or cannot leave because there is no ship or flight or for another unavoidable reason. Submit an application for extension of the period of stay with documents explaining the reason to the immigration office; no fee is charged for this extension, and an extension of more than 30 days requires approval from the Minister of Justice.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act, Article 32(1) to (3)

If you will stay in Korea for more than 90 days from the date of entry, you must complete foreigner registration within 90 days from the date of entry at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you will stay beyond 90 days because you have been granted permission to change your status of stay, you register at the same time you receive that permission.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 31(1) and (4)

You obtain a reissued card from the immigration office having jurisdiction over your place of residence if your residence card is lost or damaged beyond use, if you have been granted permission to change your status of stay, or if you have filed a report of change because your name, sex, date of birth, or nationality changed. Attach 1 photo to the reissuance application, and if the reason is anything other than loss, also submit your original residence card.

Legal basis: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 42(1) and (2)

A foreign baby born in the Republic of Korea must obtain a status of stay within 90 days from the date of birth. When an application for the grant of a status of stay is submitted with the required documents to the immigration office having jurisdiction, the Minister of Justice grants the status with a set period of stay, and if the child will stay more than 90 days from that date, foreigner registration is completed at the same time the status is granted. A person who becomes a foreigner by losing or renouncing Korean nationality must obtain a status of stay within 60 days from the date that event occurred.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 23(1), Article 31(3); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 29(1) and (2)

Yes. A foreigner who was not issued a residence card because they were under 17 must apply for one at the immigration office having jurisdiction over their place of residence within 90 days from turning 17. Failing to apply is subject to an administrative fine of up to KRW 500,000. The permanent residence card issued to Permanent Residents (F-5) is valid for 10 years, so it must be reissued before it expires.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 33(1) to (4), Article 100(3), subparagraph 1

Submit a foreigner registration application to the immigration office having jurisdiction over your place of residence, attaching your passport and the documents prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice. Persons aged 17 or older who are required to register must also provide biometric information, and if they refuse, they may not be granted permissions under the Immigration Act, such as an extension of stay. Once registration is complete, a foreigner registration number is assigned, and the fee for issuing a residence card is KRW 35,000.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 31(1), Article 38(1), subparagraph 1, and Article 38(2); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 40; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 72, subparagraph 10

Yes. Foreigners aged 17 or older staying in Korea must always carry their passport or residence card (including a mobile residence card) or a similar document. They must present it when an immigration officer or another authorized official requests it in the course of their duties. Violating this is punishable by a fine of up to KRW 1,000,000.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 27(1) and (2), Article 98, subparagraph 1

You become subject to criminal penalties. Failing to complete foreigner registration, which is due within 90 days from the date of entry, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to KRW 10,000,000, and failing to file the change-of-residence report, which is due within 15 days from the date of moving in, is punishable by a fine of up to KRW 1,000,000. Depending on the result of its investigation, the head of the competent immigration office may issue a notification disposition requiring payment of a penalty equivalent to the fine, and the Minister of Justice may exempt a person from the notification disposition in consideration of the motive and result of the violation, ability to pay, and other circumstances. If you realize you have missed the deadline, complete the registration or report right away.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Articles 31(1), 36(1), 95 subparagraph 7, 98 subparagraph 2, 102(1) and 103(2)

You can get it not only at the immigration office but also at the city, county or district office and the community service center (eup, myeon or dong). The registered foreigner and their legal representative, among others designated by Ministry of Justice ordinance, can apply. A certificate of entry and exit facts is issued by the immigration office, the city, county or district, the eup, myeon or dong, and overseas diplomatic missions.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 88(1) and (2)

Yes. The alien registration card issued to a person with permanent residence status (permanent residence card) is valid for 10 years, and it must be reissued before the validity period ends. Submit the reissuance application with your passport, proof of residence, the original permanent residence card and 1 photo to the immigration office with jurisdiction over your place of stay. If you do not get it reissued by the deadline, you may be fined up to 2,000,000 won.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 33(3)-(4) and Article 100(1)4; Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 42-2(1)

The residence card must be returned to the immigration office having jurisdiction over the place of residence. If the person became a Korean national, for example through naturalization, the person or a spouse, parent, or similar person returns it within 30 days from the date resident registration is completed. If the person died, a spouse, parent, or similar person returns it within 30 days from the date of learning of the death, together with a medical certificate, postmortem certificate, or other document proving the death. The immigration office that receives the card notifies the city/county/district and eup/myeon/dong office of the place of residence that the foreigner registration has been cancelled.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 37(2) and (3); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 46(2) and (3)

Yes. A registered foreigner who moves to a new place of residence must file a moving-in report within 15 days from the date of moving with the city/county/district office or the eup/myeon/dong office of the new place of residence, or with the immigration office having jurisdiction. Submit your residence card together with the report.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 36(1) and (2)

Yes. A registered foreigner whose passport number, date of issue, or expiry date changes must file a report of change in registration details within 15 days with the immigration office having jurisdiction over their place of residence. The same deadline applies if your name, sex, date of birth, or nationality changes.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 35, subparagraphs 1 and 2

Yes. For the statuses of stay specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, such as Study (D-2) and General Training (D-4) through Trade Management (D-9), you must file a report of change in registration details within 15 days when your affiliated institution or organization changes or is added, even if only its name changes. International students must also report a change in their enrollment status.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 35, subparagraph 3; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 49-2, subparagraphs 1 and 2

Yes. If you do not file a report of change in registration details, such as a change in your passport number or expiry date or a change of affiliated institution, within 15 days, or if you leave Korea for good without returning your residence card, you are subject to an administrative fine of up to KRW 1,000,000. The fine is imposed by the head of the immigration office having jurisdiction, and the Minister of Justice may waive it, taking into account the motive and consequences of the violation, the person's ability to pay, and other factors. If you realize you have missed the deadline, the priority is to complete the report right away.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 35, Article 37(1), Article 100(2), subparagraph 1, and Article 100(4) and (5)

Yes. A person registered as a foreign resident with job-seeking (D-10) status must file a report of change in alien registration details with the immigration office having jurisdiction over their place of stay within 15 days when they start training or their training institution changes (including a change of name only). Failure to file this report is subject to a fine for negligence of up to 1,000,000 won. If you intend to start a job rather than training, a report is not enough: you must obtain a change of status permission, such as to E-7, before you start working.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 24(1), Article 35, Item 3 and Article 100(2)1; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 49-2, Item 3

In principle, the foreign national who intends to enter Korea applies for the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance, but the person who intends to invite that foreign national may apply on their behalf. The company or family member in Korea files the documents in Korea, and the foreign national then uses the issued certificate to obtain a visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in their country.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 9(1) and (2)

The inviting person submits the application and documents to the immigration office having jurisdiction over the inviter's address. Once the certificate is issued after review by the Ministry of Justice, the inviter is notified of the visa issuance confirmation number, and the foreign national writes that number on the visa application form and applies for a visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in their country. The embassy or consulate issues the visa according to the confirmed details.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 17(2) and (5), Article 17-2(1) and (3)

The certificate is valid for 3 months and can be used to obtain a visa only once. The Minister of Justice may set a different validity period if deemed particularly necessary. Once the validity period expires, a visa can no longer be applied for with that certificate, so as soon as you are notified of issuance, you should promptly schedule the foreign national's visa application at the Korean embassy or consulate in their country.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 18

Yes. The Minister of Justice may decline to issue the certificate if the inviting person falls under certain grounds. Typical examples are: fewer than 3 years have passed (1 year for a fine under KRW 5,000,000) since the inviter was sentenced to imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment, or to a fine of KRW 5,000,000 or more, for violating the Immigration Act, such as through illegal employment or arranging employment; fewer than 3 years have passed since the inviter was sentenced to imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment for violating the Labor Standards Act; the inviter invited 10 or more people in the past year and more than half of them are staying illegally; or the inviter failed 2 or more times in the past month to fulfill reporting obligations such as those relating to employing foreigners. When the certificate is not issued, a notice of refusal stating the reasons may be sent to the applicant or the proxy applicant, and you may also visit the immigration office and request that the notice be handed to you.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 17-3(2), Article 17-4

With a single-entry visa, you must enter within 3 months from the date of issuance. This is because a single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, and a foreigner must hold a valid visa when entering Korea. The validity period of a multiple-entry visa differs by status of stay and by agreement: within 5 years for Work and Visit (H-2), and within 3 years for Diplomat (A-1) through Agreement (A-3). Once you receive a visa, check the validity period written on it first and plan your entry date accordingly.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 7(1); Enforcement Rule of the same Act, Article 12(1) and (2)

The Minister of Justice may require the guarantor to bear all or part of the costs of the foreign national's stay, protection and departure. If the guarantor fails to meet this obligation and the state bears the cost, the state may claim it back from the guarantor, and if necessary the guarantor may be required to deposit up to 3,000,000 won per foreign national in advance. The maximum guarantee period is 4 years, and the guarantor must have an address in Korea and show the ability to guarantee.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 90; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 77(2) and (7)

Yes, a job-seeking (D-10) visa can be applied for at a Korean diplomatic mission abroad. The Minister of Justice has delegated to heads of diplomatic missions the authority to issue single-entry D-10 visas with a period of stay of 6 months or less, and D-10 is also covered by the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance, which an inviting party in Korea can apply for on the applicant's behalf. However, the job-seeking must be aimed at employment in the fields covered by Professor (E-1) through Special Activities (E-7), and the applicant must also meet the separate standards, such as education and experience, set by the Minister of Justice for that status.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 9; Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Annex 1-2, No. 13; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 9(1)2, Article 9-2 and Article 17(1)2

Yes, if the Minister of Justice has designated them as subject to prior travel authorization. The law calls this prior travel authorization, and it may be required before entry for nationals of countries with a visa waiver agreement and for foreigners who may enter without a visa for tourism or transit. A foreigner who has received the authorization must carry the prior travel authorization when entering. The covered countries and any temporary exemptions may change under standards set by the Ministry of Justice, so check whether your nationality is covered before departure.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 7(2) and Article 7-3(1) to (3)

The Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance can be issued for the long-term statuses from Culture and Arts (D-1) through Marriage Migrant (F-6), as well as Working Visit (H-2), Miscellaneous (G-1), and Permanent Residence (F-5). Accompanying (F-3), Visiting and Joining Family (F-1), and Job Seeking (D-10) fall within this range, so the person inviting the foreigner can apply in Korea. Diplomatic (A-1) through Agreement (A-3), Working Holiday (H-1), and short-term statuses such as Short-term Visit (C-3) are not covered, but a certificate may still be issued for nationals of countries without diplomatic relations or specified countries, or where the Minister of Justice finds it particularly necessary. The application is filed with the immigration office having jurisdiction over the inviting person's address.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 17(1) and (2); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Annex 1-2

A person who was staying in Korea while married to a Korean national and can no longer maintain the marriage because the spouse died or went missing, or for other reasons for which they are not responsible, may qualify for Marriage Migrant (F-6) status if recognized by the Minister of Justice. It is therefore important to prepare materials showing how the marriage ended and that you were not responsible. A father or mother raising a child born of the marriage with a Korean national may also qualify for F-6 if recognized by the Minister of Justice.

Legal basis: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Annex 1-2, No. 27 (Marriage Migrant F-6), items (a) to (c)

Yes. If a foreign spouse of a Korean national applies for an extension of stay while a remedy procedure, such as a court trial or an investigation by an investigative agency, is under way on grounds of domestic violence, the Minister of Justice may grant an extension until the procedure ends. The same special rule applies to foreigners for whom a remedy procedure is under way as victims of sexual violence, child abuse, or human trafficking, and an extension may be granted even after the procedure ends if it is deemed necessary for recovery from the harm or similar purposes. When applying, you must also provide materials showing that the trial or investigation is under way.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 25-2(1) and (2)

The inviter's income and housing and the foreign spouse's Korean language ability, among other things, are reviewed. To assess whether the marriage is genuine and whether a normal married life is possible, the Korean embassy or consulate checks matters such as how the couple met and their intention to marry, whether the marriage was validly formed under the law of the other country, whether the inviter has invited another spouse within the last 5 years, the income requirement announced annually by the Minister of Justice, whether the invitee can communicate in Korean at a basic level or above, and whether the couple has secured a residence where they can live together. Goshiwon (small single-room lodgings), motels, and vinyl greenhouses are not regarded as a normal residence, and review of some requirements may be waived in cases covered by the announcement, such as when the couple has a child together. Where the requirements announced by the Minister of Justice apply, the inviter must attach a certificate of completion of the International Marriage Guidance Program or write the completion number on the letter of invitation.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 9-4(1) and (2), Article 9-5(1)

If visa issuance was not approved because the review requirements were not met, you can apply again once 6 months have passed from the date of refusal. However, if there are urgent circumstances requiring entry into Korea, such as childbirth, you may apply before 6 months have passed. When reapplying, you should also prepare materials that address the requirements behind the refusal (income, housing, Korean language ability, etc.).

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 9-5(1) and (3)

The invitation itself is not prohibited, but whether 3 years have passed since acquiring nationality or permanent residence is one of the screening items. When reviewing a marriage migrant visa, the Korean mission abroad checks whether 3 years have passed since the inviter naturalized through simplified naturalization based on marriage to a Korean national, or obtained permanent residence (F-5) as the spouse of a Korean national or similar. It also checks whether the inviter has invited another spouse within the last 5 years, so both periods should be calculated before inviting a new spouse after remarriage.

Legal basis: Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 9-5(1) subparagraphs 3 and 8; Nationality Act, Article 6(2) subparagraphs 1 and 2; Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Annex 1-3, Permanent Residence (F-5) item 2

Yes. A foreign national of Korean descent who entered Korea with Overseas Korean (F-4) status may file a domestic residence report with the immigration office that has jurisdiction over the place of residence, and filing it is treated as completing foreigner registration and a change-of-residence report under the Immigration Act. If you move from the reported residence, you must report the move within 14 days to the city/county/district office, the town/township/neighborhood community center, or the immigration office with jurisdiction over the new residence; failing to do so can lead to a fine of up to KRW 2 million. A domestic residence report card or a certificate of domestic residence report can replace a resident registration card or foreigner registration card where those are required in legal procedures and transactions.

Legal basis: Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans, Article 6(1) and (2), Article 9(1), Article 10(4), Article 17(1)

The period of stay for Overseas Korean (F-4) status is up to 3 years at a time, and to keep staying beyond that period you must obtain permission to extend your stay. An extension cannot be granted to a man who renounced or lost Korean nationality without completing or being exempted from military service, or where there is concern of harming Korea's interests such as national security or public order. An F-4 holder who has filed a domestic residence report does not need a re-entry permit when leaving and returning within the period of stay.

Legal basis: Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans, Article 5(2), Article 10(1) to (3)

You must return it when you acquire Korean nationality, lose Overseas Korean (F-4) status, die in Korea, or leave Korea with no plan to return. It must be returned to the immigration office with jurisdiction over the residence within 30 days from the date resident registration is completed (nationality acquired), from the date you learn of the loss of status (status lost), or from the date a spouse, parent or other family member learns of the death (death); if you leave with no intention of re-entering, you return it yourself to the immigration office at the port of departure. If you obtain permission to change from F-4 to another status, you return the card when that permission is granted, and failing to return it can lead to a fine of up to KRW 1 million.

Legal basis: Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans, Article 8, Article 17(2); Enforcement Decree of the same Act, Article 14(1)

As a rule, no. Overseas Korean (F-4) status is largely free of employment restrictions, but working in the simple labor occupations of the Korean Standard Classification of Occupations, and work contrary to good morals such as employment at gambling business premises or as an entertainment worker at an entertainment bar, are excluded. However, the simple labor restriction does not apply to a person recognized by the Minister of Justice who intends to live or work in a population decline area. The specific scope of the restrictions is set by Ministry of Justice notice, so check whether the occupation is restricted before hiring.

Legal basis: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 23(3) and (4); Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 27-2

As a rule, no. Overseas Korean status is not granted to a man who renounced or lost Korean nationality and became a foreign national without having completed active duty, regular reserve, supplementary or alternative service, being placed in the wartime labor service, or receiving a military service exemption. However, if the Minister of Justice deems it necessary, the status may be granted from January 1 of the year he turns 41. It is also not granted where there is a risk of harming national interests such as national security, public order, public welfare or foreign relations.

Legal basis: Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans, Article 5(2)

To change or add a workplace within the scope of their status of stay, they must obtain permission from the Minister of Justice in advance. In cases prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as persons with professional knowledge or skills, a report takes the place of permission. Employing a foreigner who has not obtained this permission, or arranging such employment, is prohibited.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 21(1) and (2)

Not under their current status of stay. Job Seeking (D-10) is not a status of stay that permits employment. To hire the person formally, they must first obtain permission to change to a status of stay suited to the job (e.g., E-7), and to engage in other activities while job seeking, they must obtain permission for activities outside their status of stay in advance. No one may employ a person who does not hold a status of stay that permits employment.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 18(1) and (3), Article 20, Article 24(1); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 23(1)

If the activity falls under a different status of stay, they must obtain permission for activities outside their status of stay in advance. For example, to engage in an activity belonging to another status of stay alongside the activities of their current status, they submit an application for permission for activities outside their status of stay, with the documents prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, to the immigration office having jurisdiction. Doing work of the same status of stay at another workplace is a matter of permission to add a workplace, so the two must be distinguished. Engaging in activities of another status of stay without permission is punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to KRW 30,000,000.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 20, Article 94, subparagraph 12; Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 25(1)

You may face criminal penalties and deportation. To engage in an activity that does not belong to your current status of stay, you must obtain permission for activities outside your status of stay in advance; doing another status's activity without it is punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30,000,000 won and is also a ground for deportation. An employer who hires a person without a status of stay that allows employment faces the same penalty, so get the permission before starting work.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 18(3), Article 20, Article 46(1)8 and Article 94 subparagraphs 9 and 12

Yes. A person holding Marriage Migrant (F-6) status is not subject to employment restrictions by status category and can work without a separate employment permit. Some sub-categories of Residence (F-2) status are treated the same way. However, when working in occupations closely related to people's daily lives, such as domestic helpers, designated by the Minister of Justice by notice, the person may be required to enter their nationality, name and occupation into an information network designated by the Minister of Justice.

Legal basis: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 23(2)3 and (6)

In most cases, you are exempt. For statuses of stay from Diplomat (A-1) through Dependent Family (F-3), and from Marriage Migrant (F-6) through Miscellaneous (G-1), no re-entry permit is required if you return within 1 year from the date of departure (or within your remaining period of stay, if that is shorter than 1 year). Permanent Residents (F-5) are exempt if they return within 2 years. If you plan to be away longer than that, or if your status of stay is outside this range (such as Overseas Korean F-4), check separately before you leave.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 30(1); Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 44-2(1)

When you leave Korea for good, you must return it to an immigration officer. You do not return it if you have a re-entry permit and plan to come back within the permitted period, or if you hold a multiple-entry visa or are exempt from the re-entry permit requirement and plan to come back within your period of stay.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 37(1)

Your permission may be revoked, and you may also face criminal punishment. Submitting forged or altered documents, or an application containing false information, when applying for permission such as a change or extension of status of stay, a change of workplace, or activities outside one's status of stay, as well as arranging or encouraging such conduct, is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to KRW 30,000,000. If it is found that permission was obtained by false or fraudulent means, the Minister of Justice may also revoke or change a visa or permission of stay already granted, and a person whose permission is revoked becomes subject to a departure order.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 26, Article 89(1), subparagraph 2, Article 68(1), subparagraph 3, Article 94, subparagraph 17-2

Not necessarily. Staying beyond your period of stay is punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to KRW 30,000,000, but if the violation is minor, the head of the immigration office having jurisdiction may issue a departure recommendation, in which case a departure deadline is set within 5 days from the date the recommendation is issued. If you do not follow the departure recommendation, you will receive a departure order, and if you do not leave by the deadline in the departure order, you will receive a deportation order. If you realize you have overstayed, do not delay; check the procedure with the immigration office having jurisdiction.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 17(1), Article 25, Article 67, Article 68(1), subparagraph 2, and Article 68(4), Article 94, subparagraphs 7 and 17

Yes. You must submit a written objection to the Minister of Justice, through the head of the regional immigration office having jurisdiction, within 7 days from the date you received the deportation order. If the Minister of Justice decides that the objection is well-founded, the head of the regional immigration office notifies you of this, and a person in detention is released immediately. If the objection is found to be without grounds, you are also notified of the result. Because the period is only 7 days, first check the date you received the order.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 60

You must pay within 15 days from the date the written notification is served. A notification disposition is a procedure in which the head of the competent immigration office, once a violation is confirmed by investigation, notifies the person in writing to pay an amount equivalent to a fine (the penalty); if you pay the penalty as notified, you are not punished again for the same case. If you do not pay within 15 days you become subject to an accusation being filed, but no accusation is filed if you pay before it is filed. The penalty may be reduced or increased within one half of the standard amount set by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, taking into account age and circumstances, the motive and result of the violation, ability to pay, the number of violations, and similar factors.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Articles 102(1), 105(1) and (2), and 106; Enforcement Rule of the same Act, Article 86(1) and (2)

A departure recommendation is the lighter measure. It is a recommendation to leave voluntarily, for example when the violation of the scope of status of stay or period of stay or of the rules on activities outside one's status is minor, and a departure deadline is set within 5 days from the date the departure recommendation is issued. A departure order is issued when a person falls under the grounds for deportation but wishes to leave at their own expense, does not comply with a departure recommendation, or has had a permit revoked, among other cases, and the person may be required to deposit a performance bond of up to 20,000,000 won. If the person does not leave by the deadline of the departure order, a deportation order is issued.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Articles 67(1) and (3), 68(1), (3) and (4)

Activities outside one's status of stay, changing or adding a workplace without permission, overstaying the period of stay, violating the alien registration obligation, and being released after a sentence of imprisonment without labor or heavier are among the grounds for deportation. Cases where grounds for entry prohibition are discovered or arise after entry are also included. A person with permanent residence (F-5) is in principle not deported, but becomes subject to it under statutory exceptions such as crimes of insurrection or foreign aggression or a sentence of imprisonment of 5 years or more.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 46(1) and (2)

Yes, departure can be suspended. A foreigner who falls under the grounds for prohibiting a national's departure is subject to departure suspension, including not paying a fine of 10,000,000 won or more or a surcharge of 20,000,000 won or more, or failing without justifiable reason to pay national taxes or customs duties of 50,000,000 won or more or local taxes of 30,000,000 won or more by the due date. Being on criminal trial, not having completed a sentence of imprisonment, or being needed for a criminal investigation are also grounds for departure suspension.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Articles 29(1), 4(1) and (2); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 1-3

No extension is needed if you leave within 10 days from the date the ban is lifted. A foreign national who could not leave within the permitted period of stay because of a departure ban may leave Korea within 10 days from the date the ban is lifted without separate procedures such as an extension of stay. This exception applies only for 10 days from the date the ban is lifted, so it is safest to set your departure schedule as soon as you are notified that the ban has been lifted.

Legal basis: Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 37

Yes, but permanent residence status can be cancelled only in the cases set by law. It must be cancelled if obtained by false or other fraudulent means, and it may be cancelled if a sentence of imprisonment of 2 years or more is finalized for a crime specified by Ministry of Justice ordinance, if the combined terms of imprisonment finalized within the last 5 years total 3 years or more, if a person who obtained permanent residence on a condition such as maintaining an investment violates that condition, or if the person acts against the national interest. Even if permanent residence is cancelled, a general status of stay may be granted on application if the need to remain is recognized and the requirements for a general status are met.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 89-2

Before the period ends, you must apply to the Korean diplomatic mission in the country where you are staying for permission to extend the re-entry permit period. This applies not only to people who received a re-entry permit but also to people exempted from it, if they cannot return within the period because no ship or aircraft is available, because of illness, or for another unavoidable reason. Attach documents explaining the reason to the extension application; the extension is set within 3 months from the expiry date of the re-entry period and cannot go beyond the period of stay already granted.

Legal basis: Immigration Act, Article 30(3) and (4); Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act, Article 38; Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Article 39-8

You can apply for simplified naturalization if you have had a continuous domicile in Korea for 2 years or more while married. If 3 years have passed since the marriage, a continuous domicile in Korea of 1 year or more while married is enough. If you can no longer continue the marriage for reasons that are not your fault, such as the spouse's death or disappearance, or if you are raising a minor child born of the marriage, you may be granted naturalization once you complete the remaining period and the Minister of Justice finds it appropriate.

Legal basis: Nationality Act, Article 6(2)

You must have had a continuous domicile in Korea for 5 years or more. You must also hold a status of stay that allows permanent residence and meet all the requirements on adult age under the Civil Act, good conduct, ability to support yourself, and Korean language ability and basic knowledge. People eligible for simplified naturalization, such as those whose parent was a Korean national, can apply after a continuous domicile of 3 years or more.

Legal basis: Nationality Act, Article 5 and Article 6(1)

No. After naturalization is approved, you acquire Korean nationality when you take the oath of nationality before the Minister of Justice and receive the naturalization certificate. The head of an immigration office may administer the oath and present the certificate on the Minister's behalf, and a person who cannot understand or express the meaning of the oath because of age or disability may be exempted. The 1-year deadline for renouncing foreign nationality also runs from this date of acquisition.

Legal basis: Nationality Act, Article 4(3)-(4), Article 10(1)

Yes. A registered foreigner who works at a covered workplace becomes an employee subscriber, and a foreigner who is not an employee subscriber becomes a regional subscriber if they have lived in Korea for 6 months or more (or have a reason to be expected to stay continuously) and hold a prescribed status of stay. Those who receive permanent residence (F-5), non-professional employment (E-9) or marriage migrant (F-6) status, or a study (D-2) or general training (D-4) status designated by public notice, become regional subscribers without waiting 6 months. If a foreign regional subscriber fails to pay premiums for the prescribed period or longer, insurance benefits are withheld until the unpaid premiums are paid in full.

Legal basis: National Health Insurance Act, Article 109(2), (3) and (10); Enforcement Rules of the National Health Insurance Act, Article 61-2(1) and (2)

A spouse and children under 19 (including the spouse's children) can apply as dependents regardless of how long they have lived in Korea, but parents and other family members must first meet the residence period requirement. Other family members must have lived in Korea for 6 months or more, or have a reason set by law, such as having received permanent residence (F-5) or marriage migrant (F-6) status. In every case, the family member must complete foreigner registration or domestic residence reporting, meet the relationship and dependent eligibility criteria, and apply to the National Health Insurance Service to become a dependent.

Legal basis: National Health Insurance Act, Article 109(2), (3) subparagraph 1 and (4); Enforcement Rule of the same Act, Article 61-2(1)