F-5-1 General Permanent Residency
Permanent residency for foreigners with 5+ years of residence in Korea
Overview
F-5-1 General Permanent Residency is available to foreigners who have legally resided in Korea for 5 or more years and meet certain income and conduct requirements. It is the most basic pathway to permanent residency, requiring stable income, Korean proficiency, and basic civic knowledge.
Target Applicants
- Foreigners who have stayed 5+ years on D-8, E-7, or other work/investment visas
- Foreigners seeking permanent residency after extended stay
- Long-term residents with stable income and intention to settle
Eligibility
- 15+ years of legal residence in Korea
- 2Legal adult under Korean Civil Act (19 years or older)
- 3Income of the applicant or cohabiting family at or above GNI
- 4Good conduct (no criminal record)
Required Documents
- Permanent residency application form
- Passport and alien registration card
- Photo (3.5x4.5cm)
- Residence period verification documents
- Income certificate (withholding tax statement, etc.)
- Tax payment certificate
- TOPIK score or KIIP completion certificate
- Criminal background check (home country and Korea)
- Medical examination certificate
Process
Processing Time: Approximately 2-6 months
1
Eligibility Check
Verify 5-year residence and income/conduct requirements
2
Korean/KIIP Preparation
Complete TOPIK or KIIP program
3
Document Preparation
Prepare income, tax, criminal background documents
4
PR Application
Apply for F-5-1 permanent residency at the immigration office
5
Review & Issuance
Permanent residency issued after review (approx. 2-6 months)
Important Notes
- •Even after obtaining permanent residency, leaving Korea for 1+ year without a re-entry permit may result in revocation.
- •Korean proficiency or KIIP completion is mandatory.
- •Income at or above GNI is a key review factor.