F-2-7 Points-Based Residence Visa Guide (2026): Scoring Table & Application
The F-2-7 visa (points-based residence visa) allows qualified foreign nationals to obtain long-term residency in Korea through a merit-based scoring system. The passing threshold is 80 points out of 200, and a successful F-2-7 holder can eventually transition to F-5 permanent residency.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is the F-2-7 Visa?
- 2. Eligibility
- 3. Core Scoring Categories
- 4. Bonus Points (Up to +40)
- 5. Deductions (Up to -70)
- 6. How to Calculate Your Score
- 7. Application Process
- 8. Required Documents
- 9. From F-2-7 to F-5 Permanent Residency
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. Consultation
1. What Is the F-2-7 Visa? {#section-1}
F-2-7 is a subtype of the F-2 (Residency) visa, granted to high-value foreign nationals who pass a points-based evaluation by the Ministry of Justice.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-2 (Residency), subtype 7 |
| Passing score | 80 points or above (200 points total) |
| Initial stay | 1 year (renewable for 3 years) |
| Work rights | Unrestricted employment permitted |
| Family | Spouse and minor children may follow on F-3 visas |
2. Eligibility {#section-2}
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Current visa status | Must hold a valid Korean residence status |
| Legal stay | Must be lawfully present in Korea at time of application |
| Score requirement | Final score of 80 points or above |
| Disqualifying factors | No deportation order history; no imprisonment (or worse) for a criminal offense |
3. Core Scoring Categories {#section-3}
The core categories award up to 130 points out of the 200-point maximum.
Age (Max 25 points)
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 25–29 | 25 |
| 30–34 | 20 |
| 35–39 | 15 |
| 40–44 | 10 |
| 45–49 | 5 |
| 50+ | 0 |
Education (Max 25 points)
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| PhD from Korean university | 25 |
| Master's from Korean university | 20 |
| PhD from overseas university | 20 |
| Bachelor's from Korean university | 15 |
| Master's from overseas university | 15 |
| Bachelor's from overseas university | 10 |
| Associate's degree (domestic or overseas) | 5 |
Korean Language Proficiency (Max 20 points)
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| TOPIK Level 5–6 or KIIP Stage 5 | 20 |
| TOPIK Level 3–4 or KIIP Stage 4 | 15 |
| TOPIK Level 1–2 or KIIP Stage 2–3 | 10 |
Income or Assets (Max 60 points)
| Annual Income (Previous Year) | Points |
|---|---|
| ≥ 3× per-capita GNI | 60 |
| 2.5–3× per-capita GNI | 50 |
| 2–2.5× per-capita GNI | 40 |
| 1.5–2× per-capita GNI | 30 |
| 1–1.5× per-capita GNI | 20 |
| < 1× per-capita GNI, or assets ≥ KRW 300M | 10 |
Korea's per-capita GNI for 2026 is approximately KRW 42 million. Always verify the current year's figure.
4. Bonus Points (Up to +40) {#section-4}
| Bonus Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Graduated from a Korean university (bachelor's or above) | +5 |
| Completed KIIP program | +5 |
| Domestic employment (per year worked) | +1 per year (max +5) |
| Excellent domestic tax compliance record | +5 |
| Volunteer work (50+ hours per year) | +5 |
| Married to a Korean national or F-5 PR holder | +5 |
| Owns Korean real estate | +3 |
| Holds a recognized professional license | +3 |
| Duration of stay (per year of lawful residence) | +1 per year (max +5) |
5. Deductions (Up to -70) {#section-5}
| Deduction Reason | Points |
|---|---|
| Activity outside permitted status | -5 to -20 |
| Illegal employment | -20 to -40 |
| Tax arrears | -10 to -30 |
| History of departure ban | -10 |
| Unpaid traffic fines or administrative penalties | -3 to -10 |
6. How to Calculate Your Score {#section-6}
Final Score = Core Points + Bonus Points − Deductions ≥ 80
Sample Calculation (Age 30, Korean master's, TOPIK 4, Annual income KRW 60M)
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (30–34) | 20 |
| Education (Korean master's) | 20 |
| Korean (TOPIK Level 4) | 15 |
| Income (~1.4× GNI) | 20 |
| Bonus: 3 years domestic employment | +3 |
| Total | 78 |
This example falls 2 points short of the 80-point threshold. Achieving TOPIK Level 5 (20 pts) instead of Level 4 (15 pts) would push the total to 83.
7. Application Process {#section-7}
STEP 1: Pre-calculate your score
Estimate your score using the official scoring table. Have a professional administrative agent review it to avoid errors.
STEP 2: Prepare documents
Gather evidence for each scoring category.
STEP 3: Submit at your local immigration office
Bring your application form and all supporting documents to the immigration office in your jurisdiction.
STEP 4: Await the decision
The Ministry of Justice typically notifies applicants within 2–4 weeks.
STEP 5: Receive the F-2-7 status
If approved, your residency status is changed to F-2-7.
8. Required Documents {#section-8}
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (original) | Must be valid |
| Alien Registration Card | For those already registered |
| Passport-size photo | White background, taken within 6 months |
| Score evidence | Diploma, transcripts, TOPIK certificate, income proof, etc. |
| Bonus documents | Volunteer confirmation, tax compliance certificate, etc. |
| Application form | Available at immigration offices |
9. From F-2-7 to F-5 Permanent Residency {#section-9}
Holding the F-2-7 visa opens the path to F-5 permanent residency.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| F-2-7 residence duration | Minimum 3 continuous years |
| Legal stay | Uninterrupted lawful residence |
| Income/tax requirement | Stable income and clean tax record |
| Korean language | TOPIK Level 3+ or KIIP completion |
Once F-5 is granted, there is no need to renew your visa, and you can live in Korea indefinitely. It is also a stepping stone to naturalization.
10. Frequently Asked Questions {#section-10}
Q. Which scoring category is easiest to improve to reach 80 points? A. Income (max 60 pts) and Korean language (max 20 pts) carry the most weight. If your income is stable, earning TOPIK Level 5 or completing KIIP can add 15–20 points.
Q. Can I bring my family with an F-2-7 visa? A. Yes. Your spouse and minor children may join you on F-3 (accompanying family) visas.
Q. I currently hold an E-7 visa. Can I switch to F-2-7? A. Yes, if you meet the 80-point threshold. Income, education, and Korean language score will be the key drivers.
Q. What happens if I apply and don't reach 80 points? A. Your application will be denied. Your current visa status remains intact and you can reapply after improving your score.
Q. Do deductions make it impossible to pass? A. Not automatically — the final score just needs to total 80+. However, serious violations (illegal employment, deportation history) may constitute absolute disqualifying factors. Consult a professional before applying.
11. Consultation {#section-11}
Calculating your F-2-7 score accurately — and building a strategy to close any gaps — is best done with professional guidance. Mistaking your score or missing a deduction can result in an unexpected rejection.
Vision Administrative Office provides F-2-7 score calculation, document preparation, and full application support.
Free consultation: 02-363-2251
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